Gold Trusted Service Award
Gold Trusted Service Award
Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Rosette
Boating expertise since 1969
With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
Compass
18 amazing destinations
Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
Boat
World’s largest fleet
We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
Buoy
No boat license required
That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Buoy
    No boat license required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
Vision in Burgundy

Historical holidays

Our top boating recommendations discover fascinating history & heritage

To cruise Europe’s waterways is to cruise back in time. Our routes are packed with both famous historical sites to see and lesser-known historical holiday spots to discover. There’s nothing like the sight of an ancient castle, a medieval chateau, or a gothic cathedral popping into view as you come around the bend in a river—except perhaps mooring and going ashore to examine Italian Renaissance art or view the Berlin Wall! Every one of our regions has historical sites to discover.

 

The best boating destinations for historical holidays

Canal du Midi, France

Beziers, Canal du Midi

Sail along the Canal du Midi to discover wonders of the past, such as the giant stronghold of the thirteenth century built in Carcassonne. Along your trip, discover typical French villages and dynamic cities full of history like Narbonne.

More about the Canal du Midi

Flanders, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium

Belgium hosts many important cities stamped into history. Visit magical Ghent, a wonder of Europe with its architecture, great museums and patrimony and don't miss Bruges with its numerous monuments and market places.

More about Flanders

Mecklenburg & Brandenburg, Germany

Berlin, Germany

Along your cruise you will encounter the mighty city of Berlin, one of the most beautiful in the world, and discover its many impressive sites like the Brandebourg Gate or the Berliner Dom; dive into the German culture and go to Potsdam and discover the unique architecture of the coloured Sanssouci Palace and its large verdant gardens.

More about Mecklenburg & Brandenburg

Thames, England

St Georges Chapel, Windsor

Soak up the stately and historic atmosphere of the Thames. Visit its many sites, like the magnificent royal Castle of Windsor and its impressive park, take time to visit Reading and sample its rich gastronomy and monuments. Plus, don't miss the chance to marvel at the stately Cliveden House.

More about the Thames

Alsace-Lorraine, France

Strasbourg, France

Enter the historic region of Alsace and observe magical cities like the dynamic Strasbourg, a tasty mixture between culture and heritage. Discover typical floral towns like Saverne, which are part of the local culture for their architecture and gastronomy.

More about Alsace-Lorraine

Shannon & Erne, Ireland

Portumna Castle, Ireland

Sail along the River Shannon and read Ireland’s history along the various cities you will cross. Discover the old Athlone, a fortified city rich of history; feel the charm of the country by seeing its numerous vestiges of the past, like Clonmacnoise. Come and enjoy the Irish culture and hospitality.

More about Shannon & Erne

Venice & Friuli, Italy

Saint Mark's Basilica, Venice

Italy is rich in history and culture. Come under the sun and discover unique cities like Venice, a jewel of architecture and culture who has to be visited; walk along the coloured pedestrian streets of Murano and have a break in one of its numerous restaurants, or discover the great history of the medieval Burano, a welcoming city with beautiful sights, especially in the squares.

More about Venice & Friuli

Looking for more holiday inspiration?

Take a look at all our inspiration pages to see what else you could discover on your Le Boat holiday.