Suggested boating itineraries – by the experts

Canal du Midi – Southern France
7nt Castelnaudary RETURN

80km | 48 locks | 21 hrs of cruising

Combine the tranquil and quieter end of the Canal du Midi with the famous, fortified citadel at Carcassonne, a UNESCO heritage site and a ‘must-see’ for anyone visiting this region.

Canal du Midi – Southern France
7nt Port Cassafières to Homps ONEWAY

113km | 37 locks | 22 hrs of cruising

Towards the western end of the Canal du Midi, the Embranchment de la Nouvelle branches off and leads you south to the attractive city of Narbonne with its wonderful Spanish influences.

Canal du Midi – Southern France
3nt Homps RETURN via Argeliers

54km | 10 locks | 9 hrs of cruising

Set off from Homps on a relaxed return cruise via Argeliers along the Canal du Midi, winding past medieval villages, leafy towpaths, and sunlit vineyards.

Camargue – Southern France
7nt Port Cassafières to St. Gilles

135.9km | 2 locks | 18 hrs of cruising

Cruise across the open waters of the Etang de Thau, have fun on the beach, stroll around the ancient walled city of Aigues-Mortes, tour the salt-flats and enjoy an evening on a cattle ranch.

River Lot – Southern France
7nt Douelle RETURN

78.9km | 26 locks | 22 hrs of cruising

Start by exploring the bustling and ancient city of Cahors and end up in the beautiful village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, perched high upon the craggy clifftops overlooking the majestic river.

Brittany – Northern France
7nt Messac RETURN

177km | 16 locks | 25 hrs of cruising

Experience the region’s famous château at Josselin, the Benedictine abbey in Redon, active adventures at l’Île aux Pies and the characterful artisan village of La Gacilly.

Brittany – Northern France
3nt Messac RETURN via La Gacilly

125km | 2 locks | 16.5 hrs of cruising

With more cruising hours than most of our other short breaks, this itinerary is ideal for those who prefer to spend more time on the water and less ashore. Explore the colourful artisan streets and Yves Rocher Museum in La Gacilly, and soak up the dramatic riverside setting of l’Île-aux-Pies.

Charente – Western France
7nt Jarnac RETURN

139.8km | 10 locks | 22 hrs of cruising

Pass the famous distillery town of Cognac and the historic city of Saintes, before reaching St-Savinien and taking a train to the coastal town of Rochefort to sample its amazing seafood.

Alsace-Lorraine – Eastern France
7nt Hesse to Boofzheim

105.80km | 46 locks | 25 hrs of cruising

Three of the ‘must-do’ highlights of this region: the impressive boat lift at Arzviller, the magnificant Château des Rohan in Saverne and the bustling UNESCO city of Strasbourg.

Alsace-Lorraine – Eastern France
7nt Hesse RETURN

58.5km | 28 locks | 16.5 hrs of cruising

This leisurely one-week cruise takes you deep into the heart of Alsace-Lorraine. Marvel at the boat lift at Arzviller, wander Lutzelbourg’s castle ruins, stroll through Saverne’s château and rose gardens, and take a train into Strasbourg to see its soaring cathedral.

Alsace-Lorraine – Eastern France
3nt Hesse RETURN

38km | 8 locks | 9 hrs of cruising

Discover a short but unforgettable escape on the canals of Alsace. This return cruise takes you through peaceful stretches of countryside, remarkable engineering feats like the Arzviller boat lift, and charming villages such as Lutzelbourg.

Burgundy Franche Comté – Eastern France
7nt St-Jean-De-Losne RETURN

117.80km | 4 locks | 16 hrs of cruising

Embark on a boating adventure along these historic canals, discovering the charm of French villages such as Chalon-sur-Saône. Enhance your journey by tastnig world-class wines of Nuits-Saint-Georges and Chagny.

Burgundy Nivernais & Loire – Eastern France
7nt Migennes to Tannay ONEWAY

104km | 46 locks | 27 hrs of cruising

Embark on an unforgettable journey through legendary vineyards, captivating nature, and awe-inspiring architecture, all set amidst a lush green landscape.

River Thames – England
7nt Benson RETURN

148km | 35 locks | 26 hrs of cruising

Travel as far as royal Windsor, with the opportunity to explore several iconic English villages and sights along the way, including Henley-on-Thames, Marlow and Cliveden House.

Shannon and Erne – Ireland
7nt Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN

150km | 38 locks | 32 hrs of cruising

A truly a unique experience as you cruise through lush green countryside along the majestic River Shannon; the small towns along the way replete with history as well as quaint natural beauty.

Shannon and Erne – Ireland
3nt Carrick-on-Shannon RETURN

75km | 0 locks | 8.5 hrs of cruising

Set out on a relaxed three night return from Carrick-on-Shannon that blends easy cruising with time to explore riverside life. With short cruising times and no locks on the route, this is an ideal break for first timers and anyone who wants to slow the pace.

Shannon and Erne – Ireland
7nt Portumna RETURN

107km | 0 locks | 12.5 hrs of cruising

Set off from Portumna on a round-trip cruise across Lough Derg and the gentle River Shannon. Moor at welcoming harbours from Terryglass to Garrykennedy and Dromineer, wander the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina, and from Mountshannon join a boat to Inis Cealtra, a sixth century monastic island.

Shannon and Erne – Ireland
3nt Portumna RETURN

86km | 2 locks | 12 hrs of cruising

Set off from Portumna on a relaxed return cruise along the River Shannon, drifting through wide waters and gentle countryside to the welcoming towns of Banagher and Shannonbridge, and onward to Clonmacnoise, one of Ireland’s most important early Christian sites.

Scotland – Caledonian Canal
7nt Laggan RETURN

186km | 10 locks | 26.5 hrs of cruising

Set off on a legendary round-trip cruise from Laggan and discover the wild beauty, timeless legends, and Highland charm of the Caledonian Canal. This scenic waterway stretches from Inverness to Fort William, passing through a chain of lochs including Loch Ness, Loch Oich, and Loch Lochy.

Scotland – Caledonian Canal
3nt Laggan RETURN

34km | 8 locks | 7.5 hrs of cruising

Set off on a scenic round-trip from Laggan, drifting through the Caledonian Canal’s most captivating landscapes. Pause in Invergarry for a memorable evening, explore the charm of Fort Augustus and its flight of five locks, and cruise the wide waters of Loch Lochy before returning to Laggan.

Mecklenburg – Germany
7nt Marina Wolfsbruch RETURN

194.70km | 8 locks | 17 hrs of cruising

Cruise across Lake Müritz, exploring its lakeside towns – tasting freshly caught fish and great local cuisine as you go. You’ll travel as far as the popular summer resort of Malchow.

Mecklenburg – Germany
3nt Marina Wolfsbruch RETURN

75km | 6 locks | 11 hrs of cruising

Set off from Marina Wolfsbruch on a relaxed 3-night cruise through the tranquil waterways of Mecklenburg and Brandenburg. Along the way, visit the fairytale town of Mirow, the cultural charm of Rheinsberg, and the peaceful retreat of Flecken Zechlin.

Flanders – Belgium
7nt Nieuwpoort RETURN

197km | 5 locks | 28.5 hrs of cruising

Set off on a leisurely round-trip cruise from Nieuwpoort through the heart of Flanders, where charming cities, scenic rivers, and local flavours await at every turn.

Flanders – Belgium
3nt Nieuwpoort RETURN

80km | 4 locks | 12 hrs of cruising

Set off on a gentle round-trip cruise from Nieuwpoort and discover the timeless charm of Flanders by boat. Your journey takes you inland to the enchanting city of Bruges, where winding canals, medieval architecture, and cosy cafés create a picture-perfect escape.

Holland – Netherlands
7nt Vinkeveen RETURN

155.5km | 5 locks | 27.5 hrs of cruising

Set sail on an unforgettable journey through the Netherlands’ scenic waterways, starting in Vinkeveen and winding through iconic cities and charming villages.

Holland – Netherlands
3nt Vinkeveen RETURN along the Vecht

83.5km | 5 locks | 13.5 hrs of cruising

Set off on a relaxing three-night cruise, exploring the elegant Vecht River and its historic towns. This round-trip journey takes you through charming spots like Maarssen, Weesp, and Muiden.

Rideau Canal – Canada
7nt Smiths Falls RETURN
144km | 12 locks | 17 hrs of cruising

Discover the Rideau Canal’s florishing landscapes, the grandiosity of its open water and experience the laid-back and welcoming towns of Smiths Falls, Perth and Wesport.