Go on a riverboat holiday with Seatravel Sailing a riverboat is easy - even for the novice. To navigate on a riverboat is a breeze and after the introduction on your arrival, you are ready to be the skipper!     No experience needed It does not require any experience to rent or operate a riverboat. Everyone in the whole family can join, regardless of previous sailing experience. Upon arrival, you will receive a thorough introduction in how to operate a riverboat so that you will be comfortable sailing the boat. Explore With over 10 countries across Europe and North America to choose from, you can embark on a riverboat adventure with Seatravel in a wide range of cultures and scenery. Many operators At Seatravel, we work with more than 6 different operators, to ensure that we can always find a boat that meets your exact needs.

Riverboat holidays in Europe For centuries, Europe’s waterways have constituted important trade routes that linked inner Europe with the coastal trading ports. Today, the historic canals and rivers still run through the countryside, but without the heavy trade traffic. This gives you the opportunity to have a unique holiday experience, where you can experience Europe’s nature and exciting cultures from the water – at your very own pace. Seatravel offers riverboat holidays across Europe – find the place you want to explore on your next riverboat holiday. Seatravel also offers riverboat holidays i: Canada {{block class="Magento\Cms\Block\Block" block_id="riverboat-countries-europe-fold-out-boxes"}}

Experience the historic waterways of France On a boating holiday in one of our 12 French areas, you’ll get a relaxing vacation with delicious gastronomy and beautiful surroundings. Welcome to France Enjoy a floating vacation with family and friends on the French waterways in your own quiet pace and learn about the French people, history and culture. The French waterways run through some of Europe's most beautiful and varied landscapes. Shop for a riverside picnic in one of the colorful marketplaces or enjoy a gourmet meal in one of the picturesque fortress towns. Another lovely way to spend a peaceful evening is in the salon on the boat with a glass of wine from one of the region's wineries. Sailing in France The difference in altitude between the mountainous country and the ocean is quite large in France. Thus, it is necessary to regulate the water level at different intervals using a well-running lock-system. The locks can be quite close to each other in mountainous regions and it is a very special experience to use the boat-elevator in the Alsace-region. About 800 years ago the French began to build the intricate canal systems, connecting the large French rivers. Often you´ll see the old barge trails running along the channels, where horses in ancient times laboriously had to pull loads of overcrowded boats against the current. The old waterways have lost their significance as industrial transportation lines but have been reopened with restored bridges and lock systems to the benefit for those of us who love boating holidays. 12 different regions Seatravel offers river and canal holidays in 12 different French regions. From Alsace with the beautiful half-timbered houses in Northern France to the fantastic Burgundy with prestigious wineries. Further south Camargue lures visitors with lakes full of oyster beds and pink flamingos. Idyllic Brittany has a breath of fresh air from the sea and there are famous Cognac areas along the Charente river. And let us not forget the sunny Aquitaine nor the famous Canal du Midi in Southern France near the Mediterranean.  

Welcome to Germany Enjoy Germany’s beautiful lakes in Mecklenburg or the Brandenburg/Potsdam area near Berlin. Mecklenburg Mecklenburg is to be found in the most northerneast parts of Germany – a truly magnificent patchwork of hundreds of lakes, rivers and canals spread over an idyllic countryside. Mecklenburg is a large recreational area with clean air and clear waters, and the region is an immensely popular sailing area for families as well as boating enthusiasts. The magnificent castles of Mirow, Rheinsberg and Fürstenberg are idyllically situated down the riverside, and Medieval villages with half-timbered houses and topped cobblestones makes the pretty scenery in the interesting landscape. Sails towards Müritzsee, Germany's largest lake. Here you will find lots of activity such as canoeing, local sailors, fishing and many other activities. In Mecklenburg you can do a riverboat holiday in a pleasant pace, only to be interrupted by a cold beer and a good meal at a café in one of the many charming and historic towns. For the angler, Müritzsee is a true paradise with more than 50 fish species, including walleye, perch and carp. You can also take the kids to Müritzeum Museum. Brandenburg Nearly one-third of this area is designated as nature reserves. You will find no less than 15 protected natural areas here! The National Park Spreewald is an eldorado of flora and fauna with large flocks of deer in the large forests. The bridges that you will see during your sailing trip make out the perfect stop for a picnic, hike or bike ride. Potsdam is an important and dynamic city with many impressive monuments. Walk around town and visit the churches and museums, the impressive and colorful Sanssouci Castle, or go shopping in the unique, Dutch neighborhood. Experience the amazing city of Berlin with its countless festivals and monuments such as the Reichstag Building and the Brandenburg Gate.  

Welcome to Venice and the Friuli region Experience the beautiful and lively lagoon of Venice or the calm life along the inner waterways of the Friuli region. The two Italian sailing areas of Venice and Friuli are like two beautiful but very different sisters. It’s impossible not to give in to their diverse charm. Venice is the cool big sister that is always busy. Here activity is bustling 24 hours a day. The Friuli region on the other hand is Venice’s calm counterpart. Here you’ll experience relaxed sailing to islands, canals and exciting cities that you can explore at your leisure. The romantic city of Venice is a one of the world’s finest holiday destinations and the most famous canal cities in Europe and is built on 118 small islands. There is hardly anything more romantic than to arrive in Venice from the lagoon. From the deck of your boat you’ll have an impressive view of the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs as well as the port with the historic buildings and the famous gondolas. Sail to Murano and experience the famous glassblowing workshops - or go to Burano where the finest lace is produced - and don´t forget Torcello with its impressive basilica. The resorts along the Lido offers swimming, and if you prefer more peace, then sail on the rivers Sile and Brenta to Padua, which is quite idyllic. The Friuli region to the north of Venice is the place where you can relax and enjoy life on the water. Sailing on the canals you’ll reach small islands with cozy towns and exciting museums. If you like to swim you should sail to the famous places such as Lido di Jesolo. Here you can also play a game of golf at the popular course of Grado.  

Experience the stunning countryside of England and Wales Sail in beautiful areas such as the historic river Thames near London or through the traditional landscape of central England and Wales. Look forward to a royal experience as you sail along the winding rivers and canals through England's beautiful and green countryside. Here you will feel the wings of history as you sail past beautiful, old towns and villages with cozy pubs and lovely English gardens with perfect lawns and trimmed hedges. A boat holiday in England and Wales will be a holiday full of contrasts due to the pleasant variation between a rural scenery and urban life. From your riverboat there is peace and time to experience England's and Wales’ evergreen valleys with grazing sheep flocks and quaint villages with thatched half-timbered houses. Try the English classic bangers and mash at the local pub or go on a daytrip to experience one of the larger cities in the area. In several places it is possible to moor the boat directly at famous castles and manors. Go on a boat holiday in England and experience The English Way of Life from the first parquet on the deck of your riverboat. In Wales you’ll get an exceptional experience among the welsh. Like in England you’ll find an amazing green landscape where the canals lead you right past historic castles and peaceful villages. Here you can try delicious national dishes such as Welsh rarebit or cawl.  

Charming Scotland Astonishing nature experiences, cosy pubs and excellent golf courses awaits you in Scotland Welcome to the magical Scottish Highlands where mountains, lochs and deep valleys surrounded by heathery hills and green expanses forms a marvellously beautiful setting for your boating holiday. Moor your boat next to exciting old buildings or by a cosy Scottish pub where locals and visitors meet in an enjoyable and warm atmosphere, and where a dram of local pure malt whisky warms the soul. Along the canals you’ll also find a lot of biking and hiking trails, perfect for a little exercise during your sailing trip. At Seatravel we offer boating holidays in 2 very different areas of Scotland. Caledonian Canal The Caledonian Canal runs across the many lakes of northern Scotland such as the famous Loch Ness. It also connects Scotland’s east coast at Inverness with Fort William on the west coast. Your trip begins from the base in Laggan in the western part of the Caledonian Canal. From here you are free to sail out into the dramatic and wild Highlands. A unique spot in world, The Highlands are filled with hilltops, high laying castles, idyllic towns along the water, pleasant pubs and melodic bagpipes. Falkirk Starting your trip in Falkirk about halfway between the Scottish metropolises of Edinburgh and Glasgow, you will sail in the classic narrowboats. Experience the extraordinary system of rotating locks known as The Falkirk Wheel. This connects the canals Forth & Clyde (towards Glasgow) and The Union Canal (towards Edinburgh). The Union Canal offers lock-free sailing and along both canals you’ll find peaceful villages and beautiful golf courses.  

Explore the beautiful Shannon River The Shannon River in Ireland is a wonderful place to sail. Here you have a wealth of exciting activities and places to explore. A boating holiday on the rivers and canals of Shannon and Erne rivers is a trip through Irelands eternally green and dramatic landscapes. As far as the eye goes, you’ll see the contour of faraway mountains, romantic valleys and Celtic medieval castles that towers over the lake sides. The area is also a paradise for anglers as they can catch both trout, salmon, perch and bream here. Charming villages such as Carrick, Leitrim and Killaloe with their cozy pubs and brightly colored houses is a testament to the joyous Irishmen. You’ll soon realize that the old Irish proverb ”a stranger is a friend you haven’t met yet” still assert itself in the Irish mentality. Irelands history, myths and legends spans over centuries and there are plenty of opportunity to dwell on the history for example at Portumna Castle. If you need a break from all the impressions, you can always enjoy a velvet black stout or an original Irish whiskey at one of the many pubs on your way. Here you’re guaranteed to enjoy evenings full of atmosphere while meeting the always warm and welcoming Irish people with their stories and folklore. Finally, there are few countries that have as many and as incredibly beautiful golf courses of international standard as Ireland. Many of them are close to the waterways and offers incredible view so why not combine your boating holiday with a couple of games on the courses.  

Heartwarming Belgium Flanders welcomes you with delicious chocolate, tasteful beers and many beautiful bridges. Taste the sweetness of the lively Flanders region; known for its delicate chocolate, the comic figure Tin Tin, upscale lace and gourmet kitchen. Flanders spans across the northern part of the country along the Dutch boarder and is rich in culture and natural beauty. Here you sail with scenic views of windmills, meadows, marsh, beaches and busy cities filled with architectural greatness. Everywhere you look you’ll see part of the historic Flanders as one grand castle replaces the next. The exciting history and cultural heritage of Flanders is also revealed in the many cathedrals and palaces. In Gent you can admire the St. Bavo cathedral and enjoy a fantastic view of the medieval city for the St. Michael bride. The dramatic museums for World War 1 in Ypres are also worth a visit. You should try ”Vlaamse stoofkarbonaden”, a popular casserole in Belgium made from beef, but with beer instead of red wine. Or maybe “Konijin i gueze”, rabbit cooked with beer. And don’t forget about the world famous Praliner chocolates. Belgium is a perfect destination for beer tasting and beer festivals. The country is for its beer including the special lambic type. The brewery Straffe Hendrik offers guided tours and beer tasting and at the Dulle Griet Bar in Ghent they have more than 500 different beers on the menu. You can also visit one of Belgium’s numerous beer festivals that almost runs at all times during the year. Despite the beer you can safely bring the children along on a boating vacation in Belgium. The Bellewaerde Park in Ypres offers both amusement park style rides and rare animals. A more relaxed alternative is the Brielmeersen Park in Deinze, which offers miniature golf and a bamboo labyrinth. Canals and rivers crisscross the beautiful low altitude coastal areas at our destination in Belgium. The nature here is a sanctuary for both seabirds and bathers. The waterways are such a huge part of the infrastructure of Flanders that you’ll find many bridges crossing in every city. In Ghent alone you’ll meet an astonishing number of more than 120 bridges.  

Boating holiday on the traditional rivers and canals of the Netherlands Look forward to sailing through the colourful tulip fields of the Dutch countryside where traditional windmills towers over the village rooftops. There is great tradition of sailing and living in riverboats in the Netherlands. Sail you own riverboat and get a true, Dutch experience! A riverboat holiday is one of the best ways to experience this beautiful country and befriend the friendly locals. Admire the traditional windmills, framing your sailing route, go on a biking trip or moor at the nice marinas with modern facilities or right next to the town square.  On a riverboat holiday in the Netherlands, you will be able to do the trip in your own pace, and get to pass by colorful tulip fields, charming villages and bigger, cosmopolitan cities. This is also the place to admire the masterpieces of the great, Dutch artists and the famous, Dutch cheeses. Here you will find activities for family members of all ages – and you get the opportunity to fish or taking a swim in the glittering lakes. The Friesland-Amsterdam region is filled with history and cultural heritage, especially Amsterdam and Utrecht. Visit the house of Anne Frank in Amsterdam, the royal palace and Dom Square. If going to the historical Utrecht you should not miss a trip to Stadskasteel Oudaen – a fortified house transformed into a brewery. Watersport activities: The lake district is famous all over Europe for being a great destination for watersport holidays. In Friesland sailing is not only a hobby – it is a lifestyle. Check out the watersport centers of Sneek and Grow, where you can rent kayaks, jet skis and dinghys. Cycling: The Netherlands is known for being a rather flat country, which makes it ideal for biking trips. Rent bikes for the boat, and bike past tulip fields and rustic, restored watermills, or make a stop in a village to enjoy a portion of oysters or steamed clams and watch the world pass you by. Fishing: A fishing holiday in the area is quite popular. In most waters you can catch carp, pike, bream, skull and perch. A network of canals, rivers and lakes makes out a pretty scenery, so why not give it a shot and try to catch tonight’s dinner yourself! The sleepy fishing villages in the Northern Friesland gives a lovely twist to the cosmopolitan Utrecht and the curved gables from the 15th to 16th century in the city of Amsterdam. Moor the boat just next to the town square in picturesque villages or by a restaurant near the water with a view to the busy life on the canals. On your sailing trip through the green landscapes of waterways, that has inspired so many, Flemish painters, you will see neatly kept marsh farms with thatched roofs, fisherman's houses with quirky duckling nests on the gable and traditional sailboats from a time, when the most common transport routes was via these waterways. Many old traditions have been kept, and remodeled riverboats with flower boxes, a garden bench and laundry hanging to dry on a string, are still a way of life and a living arrangement for a large part of the population.  

Sail in sunny Portugal Enjoy the peace and quiet of the Alentejo region while you sail on one of the largest manmade lakes in Western Europe, Grande Lago Alqueva. When the building of the Alqueva dam on the Guadiana river was finished in 2002 one of the results was the creation of the 250 km2 large lake Grande Lago Alqueva. Since then the lake has been an almost perfect destination for a boating holiday. Made for hydroelectric and irrigation purposes the lake offers 745 km of coast and more than 400 islands that used to be hilltops before the area was flooded. You can moor by these islands and explore their beautiful nature. Grande Lago Alqueva offers an unusual boating holiday on the clear waters of the lake, perfect for bathing, fishing, diving and other water activities as well as for nature lovers. You’ll find no locks here and you can moor where you want. It is a boating holiday that leaves you total freedom of choice in where you want to sail. If you’re into history the you’ll love the Alentejo region. Here you’ll encounter old customs and traditions that you can explore by stopping at one of the many villages along the lake. Be sure to stop at the new town of Luz, which replaced the old town of the same name, when the lake flooded the area.