New to booking
a boating vacation? 

Did you know you can offer a canal boat vacation in eight countries across Europe? 

Our sister company, Le Boat, is now bookable through Europe Express! Travelers who want to be the captain of their own adventure can explore the grand canals of Venice, the charming Celtic waterways of Ireland and Scotland, or simply dock in the heart of Holland.

If you've never booked a self-drive boating vacation before - the concept is simple, and 50% of our clients have never driven a boat before. Renting a boat is very similar to renting an RV, except your clients are exploring a region by the waterway versus a highway. Planning and booking a boating vacation is easy with the assistance of Europe Express.

  • Urquhart Castle on Lake Loch Ness, Scotland
    Loch Ness, Scotland
  • Venice, Italy
    Venice, Italy
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
    Amsterdam, Netherlands

Introducing Le Boat

Curious to learn more about our boating vacations, who is a good fit for this type of travel, and how to book? Play our brief training video to learn the who, where, and how of a self-driven boating vacation with Europe Express and our partner, Le Boat.

Destinations

England

The non-tidal part of the River Thames between Oxford and Kingston-on-Thames provides a magical combination of lush green countryside, historic castles, and royal palaces like Hampton Court.

Countless attractions across London keep the most restless of travelers entertained. The Thames is the perfect destination for first timers and families with young children. 

Iffley Lock on the River Thames, Oxfordshire

 

Scotland

Steeped in Celtic mystery, myth, and legend of the Loch Ness monster, explore hilltop castles, quiet waterside towns, lake resorts, cozy pubs, and listen out for the haunting sound of bagpipes along the Caledonian Canal.

Plus, this breath-taking region has the majestic mountains of the Scottish Highlands for a backdrop. Stunning!

 

Ireland

The River Shannon gives central Ireland it's unique character. Discover castle ruins and Celtic monuments, surrounded by verdant green countryside.

Go fishing, play a round of golf, or just relax while experiencing the genuine warmth and hospitality of the Irish. 

Petit Venice, Colmar, France.

 

France

From Burgundy to Brittany, the Alsace to Aquitaine, whichever region you choose, you'll be certain to find fine wine, gourmet cuisine, beautiful countryside, and historical points of interest. 

 

Netherlands

Boating is a way of life here. From the traditional and laid-back way of life in the beautiful Friesland region, to lively and cosmopolitan Holland region. From our base in Vinkeveen, you can reach the bright lights of Amsterdam easily! 

Italy

The enchanting city of Venice and the nearby colourful islands of the Venetian lagoon offer a thrilling boating vacation. Plus, the quieter, unspoiled landscapes of the Friuli region and the golden beaches of the Adriatic coasts are all here to be explored by boat as well. 

Germany

The beautiful network of crystal-clear lakes and rivers form an idyllic cruising area -a mecca for lovers of watersports and swimming.  Medieval timber-framed villages and grand baroque castles border the waterways. And Berlin is not far away! 

Belgium

Famous for its chocolates and lace, the Flanders region of coastal Belgium is rich in culture and natural beauty — windmills, meadows, marshes, sandy beaches, and bustling cities replete with Gothic architectural grandeur.

The canals weave their way through this tiny country's historic landscapes, past peaceful countryside and ancient towns such as Bruges and Ghent. 

Rozenhoedkaai Canal and Belfort Tower, Bruges, Belgium

 

The Boats

We award our premier category only to the very newest boats in our fleet – our Horizon range. These were designed exclusively for our guests, and boast an impressively spacious top deck area, with barbecue hotplate and cool box as standard. The saloon and kitchen areas are light and spacious with over-sized windows and both front and rear thrusters make mooring and maneuvering a breeze.

Horizon 1

  • Le Boat Horizon 1
  • Le Boat Horizon 1 Bathroom
  • Le Boat Horizon 1 Sundeck

Horizon 2

  • Le Boat Horizon 2
  • Le Boat Horizon 2 Saloon
  • Le Boat Horizon 2

Horizon 3

  • Le Boat Horizon 3
  • Le Boat Horizon 3 Kitchen
  • Le Boat Horizon 3

Horizon 4

  • Le Boat Horizon 4
  • Le Boat Horizon 4 Cabin
  • Le Boat Horizon 4 Saloon

Horizon 5

  • Le Boat Horizon 5 Saloon
  • Le Boat Horizon 5
  • Le Boat Horizon 5 Front Cabin

What's on board?

  • Comfortable beds with pillows, duvets and linen.

  • Fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, oven, stove, dishes, pots and utensils.

  • Towels and tea towels (not beach towels).

  • Bathroom facilities with hot showers and toilets.

  • Cruising maps, boat user manual and tourist information.

  • Safety equipment: life ring, life jackets, boat hook and fenders, basic first aid kit.

  • Warm air heating and fans.

  • Deck equipment - mooring pegs, mallet, mop, bucket, ropes.

  • Radio / audio equipment.

  • 12v power and 220v when cruising. 

Choose Extras: BBQ grills, bike rentals, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and more!

Learn How

Once booked and it’s time for your clients to travel, they will pick up the boat from one of our many bases, situated along the canals and waterways. Information on how to get to the base will be provided at the time of booking.

When guests arrive at the base, our team will provide them with an in-depth training on boat safety; how to operate it, navigation, and trip planning, as well as taking them for a test drive through their first lock. Clients will also be provided with a 24/7 base contact number, in case they have any questions while traveling.