A holiday is one of the most romantic things you can do with your partner; they are the perfect opportunity to escape your normal fast passed lives and become completely lost in your own loved-up world.
Sharing a romantic holiday allows you to share a completely unique experience together, and whether your intention is to re-kindle the love or just spend some quality time together, a holiday should be on every couple’s annual to-do list.
Unlike river or ocean cruising that tends to be impersonal and inflexible, self-drive canal cruising provides the perfect couple’s holiday mix of privacy, customisation, activity and adventure.
With an array of dreamy destinations and the flexibility to cruise European inland waterways at your pace, Le Boat has always been a great holiday option for a quiet break or romantic getaway. Now, with the addition of their new 2 man cruiser, Horizon, launching in 2016 Le Boat have the perfect boat for couples as well. This begs the question; now that we have the means, where are the best European destinations to embark on a romantic boating holiday? Well wonder no more – Here are the top 5 boating holiday’s for couples in Europe:
1.Belgium
Love is definitely in the air in Bruges, with so many indulgent Belgian delights. Explore the cities cobbled streets by horse drawn carriage and splurge on a romantic diner in a Michelin-starred restaurant. Purchase delicate laceworks for your loved one, be tempted by delicious Belgian chocolates and truffles and sample traditional Belgian beers at the Straffe Hendrik Brewery.
Be sure to visit the seaside city of Nieuwpoort; you can relax on the beaches, explore the Grote Mark, enjoy fresh seafood and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife.
Pay your respects to our fallen diggers in the Flanders Fields region – Steeped with World War I history, the poppy filled fields along the canals are a sight, and experience, to behold together. In Ypres, visit the In Flanders Fields Museum and be moved by the last post, performed by buglers, at 8pm daily at Menin Gate
We suggest the Chocolates and Lace Cruise
2. Italy
Elope to one of the most romantic cities in the world – Venice. This incredible part of Italy really was built to be explored from the water, so why explore it any other way? In Venice, enjoy great coffee or gelato as you explore St Mark’s Basillica, the Palazzo Ducale or the Grand Canal. Swap your cruiser for a gondola and have your Venitian Gondolier serenade you as float along the narrow canals. Sit in on a glass-blowing demonstration at Murano Island or a lace-making demonstration at Burano Island.
On your voyage further north, take a break and kick back at one of the many beach resorts along the Adriatic coast or stop in at Europe’s best water park, Aqualandia, at Jesolo Resort.
Take a step back in time when you reach the rural region of Fruili; with old fishing villages and fascinating villages rich with roman history.
Famous for its delightful wines and cuisines, be sure to tantalise your tastebuds in Italy as much as possible. Sample famous Italian wines like Lumbrusco or Pino Grigio, try fresh seafood along the coast and savour traditional pizzas and pastas, or even better yet, take a cooking class together and learn how to make your favourite meals the traditional Italian way… It’s Amore!
We suggest the Dolce Vida Long Break
3. Scotland
Head to Scotland and treat yourself to some deep Scottish love. The highlands set the most breathtaking scene for your Celtic canal adventure; keep your eyes peeled for Hairy Coo’s in the highlands and Nessie at Drumnadrochit – enough Scotch whisky from the Ben Nevis Distillery and you may actually see her.
Explore one of the many incredible castles and ruins along the Caledonian Canal; you’re sure to be enchanted by the folklore and legends associated with these medieval structures. From the comfort of your cruiser sundeck on Loch Ness, you can enjoy the most spectacular views of Urquhart Castle.
For the active couple out there, hike or cycle Ben Nevis and enjoy a romantic picnic at the top or saddle up for some horseback riding at Drumnadrochit. Get a little competitive and play 18 holes at Fort William or Fort Augustus Golf Course’s; the birth-place of the sport.
Travel first class on the west highland line train from Fort William and cross the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous for its Hogwarts Express feature in the Harry Potter movies.
We suggest the Great Highland Fling Cruise
4. Nivernais & Loire Valley, Burgundy, France
With its picture-postcard scenery and delightful vineyards and villages to visit, this region offers some of the most romantic waterways in Europe.
As you cruise, be enchanted by the Aqueducts, Château’s, Basilica’s and Cathedral’s adjoining the canals and immerse yourselves in the romance of quaint cities like Aurrexe; with bustling markets, shops, boutiques and patisseries to indulge.
Wine tasting is a must in Burgundy, with some of the best French wines coming from the Chablis and Tannay vineyards of Nivernais and Sancerre vineyards of Loire. If you are up for a different winery experience, opt for the wine caves in Bailly or Tannay; housed deep underground with hectares of underground galleries and tunnels.
We suggest the Great Wine and Castles Long Break
5. Holland
Experience the Dutch way of life – on bikes or boats. With an abundance of inland waterways and canals, many only accessible by smaller boats, Le Boat offers a great way to experience Holland. Biking is an institution in Holland, and it’s particularly evident in Amsterdam. So make sure you add some extra bikes on board and take a romantic ride along the canal banks and flat countryside towpaths.
Immerse yourself in the culture and bright lights of Amsterdam; there is so much to do here. Visit the impressive landmarks and museums, including the National Museum of Anne Frank, see a show that the Koninklijk Theater Carré or spend the evening at a Dutch wine bar or cafe.
Be charmed by the museums, medieval churches, restaurants and quirky shops in Utrecht. Cruise past and admire the flowered fields near Lisse and Leiden and taste the famous cheeses when you peruse the markets of Gouda, Edam and Alkmaar.
We suggest the Dutch Capitals Cruise
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Le Boat holidays allow you to drive your own boat through the waterways of Europe and do not require you to have any experience or licences. Le Boat’s new boat has been designed with couples in mind; combining space, comfort and hi-tech equipment; if you would like to pre-register your interest in le Boat’s new boat for 2016 please click here