Europe

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

France

Seatravel offers riverboat holidays in 12 different French regions - there's something for everyone. Travel on the charming canals and rivers of France; the waterways run through some of Europe's most beautiful areas. Riverboat holidays in France offer cultural and culinary delights, majestic landscapes, colourful villages and much, much more. Whichever destination you choose, you'll be sure to have unforgettable experiences – here are activities for all ages.

Highlights in France:

The famous Canal du Midi
Beach holidays and pink flamingos in Camargue
Wine Castles in Burgundy
Truffles and mountain villages in the sunny Aquitaine
The majestic cliff walls of the Lot River
The Cognac areas along France's most charming river, Charente
Brittany's fresh sea puffs and Celtic charm

Germany

Seatravel can arrange riverboat holidays in two sailing areas in the north-eastern part of Germany; the Mecklenburg and Brandenburg area near Berlin (NB: The Brandenburg area requires a sailing license). In the German countryside, you will travel on a network of crystal clear lakes and rivers, which form the setting for the idyllic sailing area. Discover medieval timber-framed houses, unique castles and beautiful nature reserves. On riverboat holidays in Germany, the beautiful landscape is combined with the German high culture.

Highlights in Germany:

The medieval towns of Mirow, Rechlin, Röbel and Brandenburg
Great animal and birdlife in the Spreewald nature reserve
Water sports activities in Müritz See
The Botanical Garden of Mirow
Vibrant city life in Berlin
The fairytale castles of Rheinsberg and Fürstenberg
The modern Aquarium in Waren
The Sanssouci Palace at Potsdam
The beaches at Werder

Italy

On riverboat vacation in Italy you can experience two very different areas – both very child-friendly destinations. In the boat area bordering Europe's most famous canal town, there is plenty to do. Here is the framework for your holiday both romantic and unique - hear the gondola drivers sing carelessly as the sun sets behind the rooftops, all while enjoying a glass of wine onboard. The Friuli region gives rise to island hopping between the quaint islands and delicious bathing spots, framed by an exciting bird and animal life.

Highlights in Italy:

Venice's renaissance art and culture
Italian cuisine and popular red wines from Veneto
Tradition-rich crafts on the islands
Great sandy beaches at Lido di Jesolo
Unique birdlife in the National Park of Po Delta
The fish market in Chioggia
Delicious Italian ice cream on every street corner

England & Wales

Go on a royal riverboat ride on the Thames, where the variety between land and city makes up perfect og interesting sailing conditions or experience the life on an old-fashioned narrowboat in Central England. If you want to travel with a cruiser, make your way to the famous River Thames, winding through rolling landscapes, past historic towns and traditional English pubs. If you want to travel on a narrowboat in the middle of England, there are plenty of bases to choose from on the crooked narrow canals, which can lead you to everything from the complex networks of adorable canals near Birmingham, the tranquil rural surroundings of Coventry or the metropolis of Manchester. Whichever area in England you choose, you'll experience the English channels side by side with local boat enthusiasts.

Highlights in England & Wales:

Travel on the historic River Thames
Feel the wings of history in Oxford
British pub culture and Fish 'n' Chips
Charming villages in a genuine Barnaby style
Grazing cows and local fishermen along the waterways
The mighty Windsor Castle and the vibrant London
Stroll in the Royal Parks

Scotland

In Scotland you can choose between two unique sailing areas; Falkirk in the Lowlands and Caledonian Canal in the Highlands. From Falkirk, you can enjoy easy boating and a classic canal holiday to Glasgow and Edinburgh. If you want to be challenged, you can choose a boat travel in the distinctive and dramatic Scottish Highlands on the Caledonian Canal. A riverboat holiday in Scotland offers both impressive landscapes and characterful cities.

Highlights in Scotland:

Tranquil lakes and dramatic nature in the Scottish Highlands
Whisky distilleries
Classic canal boating at Glasgow and Edinburg
Loch Ness monster, if you're lucky
Falkirk Wheel
Cycling and hiking

Ireland

Crystal clear rivers, Celtic monuments and Guinness are some of the keywords for a riverboat holiday in Ireland. Around Ireland's rivers Shannon and Erne, you will find a large network of lakes. Navigating on these rivers and lakes is easy, making Ireland a popular destination for riverboat holidays. The Irish landscape is made up of rolling, green hills, where you'll sporadically meet small, quaint villages. The water quality in Ireland is impressive and some of the cleanest of its kind in Europe.

Highlights in Ireland:

Ruins of Clonmacnoise Monastery
The walled gardens of Portumna Castle
World-class golf courses
Traditional Irish pubs
Delicate porcelain in Belleek
Horseback riding in Banagher
Lough Key Forest Park
The Dock - Center for art in Carrick
Fishing – Salmon, pike, bream, roach

Belgium

Discover Belgian chocolate and beer brewed by Belgian monks on a riverboat holiday in Belgium. Enjoy relaxing boating on the Belgian waterways, where you will be warmly welcomed by the inhabitants, ancient and charming towns and peaceful landscapes. Quaint villages and picturesque landscapes are connected by the pretty Flemish waterways that wind through this small, historic country.

Highlights in Belgium:

The UNESCO-protected tower of Diksmuide
Traditional Belgian handicrafts
Belgian chocolate art and the classic Moules Frites
Bakery Museum in Veurne
Cathedral of historic Gents
Endless and fine sandy beaches at Nieuwpoort
The promenade in Oostende
Flemish city rush in Bruges

The Netherlands

Enjoy the Dutch idyll on a riverboat holiday in the Netherlands, the homeland of tulips. Travel along waterways surrounded by many windmills of this country, cycling on one of the cycling routes along the riverbank or lay to berth in the beautiful, new marinas. On your riverboat holiday in the Netherlands, you’ll be able to enjoy lush green landscapes that spread out and form an amazing sight in common with the colourful tulip fields. Also, travel past Amsterdam and discover the beautiful capital city from the riverside.

Highlights in the Netherlands:

Brightly coloured tulip fields during Spring
Gouda cheese and Dutch pancakes
A dense network of lakes and canals in picturesque landscapes
The Cosmopolitan lifestyle of Amsterdam and its many art galleries
The flower garden in Keukenhof
The great lock in Muiden
Giethoorn - the Netherlands' little Venice
Great biking paths

Portugal

Soak up the rays of the sun on a riverboat holiday on Grande Lago in Portugal. Grande Lago is the largest lake in Portugal and has an impressive coastline of about 745 kilometres. The lake's clear and clean water is ideal for swimming, fishing and diving. The lake, close to the Spanish border, is surrounded by beautiful nature. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, a riverboat holiday in Portugal is not only reserved for the summer months.

Highlights in Portugal:

Relaxed atmosphere in the sunny Alentejo region
The huge Alqueva Dam
Fishing, waterskiing, kayaking, ATV riding
Portuguese regional cuisine, including black-pig ham
Fishing and swimming

Hungary

Try something new and different – go on a riverboat holiday in the hidden paradise of Hungary. Travel through Hungary's rural areas, which will give you tranquil boating in scenic surroundings. This is a destination for nature and bird enthusiasts and the wine-lovers.

Highlights in Hungary: