Historical Vacations Take advantage of our low deposits and secure your boating vacation today with just a 25% deposit. 2nd payment (up to 50%) is due by December 31st, 2024. Balance due 90 days before departure. 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 With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water. Boat 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. Life buoy 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
Find your perfect boating vacation
Rideau Canal, Canada Trent-Severn, Canada Canal du Midi, France Nivernais & Loire, France Lot, France Franche Comté, France Aquitaine, France Shannon and Erne, Ireland Alsace-Lorraine, France Camargue, France Venice and Friuli, Italy Holland, Amsterdam and Friesland, Netherlands The River Thames, England Flanders, Belgium Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal, Scotland Brittany, France Charente, France Mecklenburg, Brandenburg and Berlin, Germany See all Availability

Your recent searches:

Historical vacation spots

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 vacation 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 historial vacations

Canal du Midi, France

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

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

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 Brandenburg Gate or the Berliner Dom; dive into the German culture and go to Potsdam and discover the unique architecture of the colored Sanssouci Palace and its large verdant gardens.

More about Mecklenburg & Brandenburg

Thames, England

Soak up the stately and historic atmosphere of the Thames. Visit its many sites, like the magnificent royal Windsor Castle 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

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

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

Italy is rich in history and culture. Under the warm summer sun discover the unique city of Venice, a jewel of Renaissance architecture and culture. Other gems include Murano, a town famous for its glassmaking and its brightly colored pedestrian streets, and medieval Burano, a welcoming town with beautiful brightly painted houses and relaxed restaurants.

More about Venice & Friuli

Looking for more vacation inspiration?

Take a look at all our houseboat rental vacation activities to see what else you could discover on your Le Boat vacation.