Category On Special Cruises

Precenicco to Casale

230km / 4 locks / 7 Lifting Bridges / 25hrs of cruising
The enchanting Venetian Lagoon, the golden sands of the Adriatic Coast and the peaceful countryside of the Friuli region are yours to discover on this week-long boating holiday. A perfect route for first-time boaters who wish to experience the delights of the city. This itinerary steers you clear of the busy waterways around central Venice, directing you instead to neighbouring islands so you can use the speedy water-taxi service to get you to the thriving city centre.

[learn_more caption=”Itinerary – click here”]

• Day 1: Precenicco to Marano Lagunare
  15km / 0 locks / 0 Lifting Bridges / 1.5hrs of cruising
  Cruise down the peaceful River Stella and head across the Marano Lagoon to Marano Lagunare, an old fishing village full of character. The main square, dominated by the beautifully restored millenary tower, has an excellent choice of seafood restaurants. Buon appetito!
• Day 2: Marano Lagunare to Concordia Sagittaria
  40km / 1 lock / 1 Lifting Bridge / 4hrs of cruising
  Head back across the Lagoon to join the canal which runs along the sunny Adriatic Coast towards Venice. A detour north will bring you to Concordia Sagittaria and neighbouring Portogruaro, where a guided walk will reveal the fascinating Roman history of these two pretty towns.
• Day 3: Concordia Sagittaria to Caorle
  25km / 0 locks / 2 Lifting Bridges / 3hrs of cruising
  Your next stop is Caorle to admire the traditional coloured houses and explore the quirky shops and boutiques. Enjoy delicious ice cream in one of the many Gelateria and stroll to the beach for a dip in the Adriatic.
• Day 4: Caorle to Lido di Jesolo
  70km / 1 lock / 4 Lifting Bridges / 7.5hrs of cruising
  Spend a leisurely day cruising, enjoying the spectacular wildlife of the Friuli region – bound for the chic beach resort of Lido de Jesolo
• Day 5: Lido di Jesolo to Vignole (Venice)
  30km / 1 lock / 0 Lifting Bridges / 3hrs of cruising
  After a morning on the sand, cruise onward to the Venetian lagoon to moor in Vignole. A speedy Vaperetto ferry will take you into the heart of Venice. Marvel at St Mark’s Square and visit the famous St Mark’s Basilica, and tour the Doge’s Palace next door. Take the elevator to the top of the Campanile, the iconic bell-tower, for great views of the Square and beyond.
• Day 6: Vignole to Burano
  10km / 0 locks / 0 Lifting Bridges / 1hr of cruising
  Before departing Venice, wander around the famous Rialto market and the impressive Rialto Bridge next door. And don’t leave without taking an iconic Gondala ride! After lunch, take a vaporetto to the Island of Murano to visit one of the many glass factories to admire the master glass blowers at work.
• Day 7: Burano to Casier
  40km / 1 lock / 0 Lifting Bridges / 5hrs of cruising
  In Burano visit the lace-making museum and stroll around town admiring the multi-coloured houses. Don’t miss San Martino Church with its crooked bell tower. Your week ends with a leisurely cruise out of the lagoon and up the River Sile to Casier for a farewell dinner in the excellent Ristorante Trattoria al Sile.

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Notes

This itinerary is a suggestion only. All cruising distances and times are approximations and are subject to local navigation restrictions at the time you cruise, planned or otherwise. Please check advertised opening times of sights and attractions to avoid disappointment. Various tours or attractions may need to be booked in advance. All meals, entry fees and tour tariffs are payable at your own expense

Note: This itinerary can also be taken in the opposite direction

Trèbes to Narbonne

109.5km / 34 locks / 24.5 hrs of cruising
Combine the famous, tree-lined Canal du Midi, including legendary Carcassonne, with the splendour of the Canal de la Robine. This delightful canal meanders lazily through vast lakes and nature reserves towards the Mediterranean coast. This itinerary will deliver a boating holiday full or variety, which takes in popular, iconic sites as well as and lesser-known gems.

[learn_more caption=”Itinerary – click here”]

• Day 1: Arrive in Trèbes
  0km / 0 locks / 0hrs of cruising
  Arrive in pretty Trebes and, after settling into your boat, discover the beautiful oak beams and sculpted figures of the 13th century church nearby.
• Day 2: Trèbes to Puichéric
  17.5km / 11 locks / 5hrs of cruising
  Take a short taxi ride to the ancient Cathar stronghold of Carcassonne for a tour of the city walls and 12th Century Chateau. Enjoy lunch among the bustling cobbled streets within the city walls and then head back to your boat and begin you peaceful cruise eastwards.
• Day 3: Puichéric to Ventenac
  25km / 8 locks / 5hrs of cruising
  Explore the leafy trails of Le Redorte before lunch at the elegant Chateau. Then it’s time for a spot of wine-tasting at the Ventenac Minervois Cave Cooperative… and chance to stock up for the rest of your journey of course!
• Day 4: Ventenac to Le Somail
  5km / 0 locks / 1hrs of cruising
  In Le Somail, wander among the crammed bookshelves of Madam Gourgue’s Antiquarian Bookshop where you’ll find everything from cheap paperbacks to very rare editions. After lunch, head into the countryside for a tour around the Olive Groves of L’Oulibo.
• Day 5: Le Somail to Narbonne
  18km / 9 locks / 5.5 hrs of cruising
  Visit the fascinating Amphoralis gallo-roman potters’ Museum, the site of a 1st – 3rd century Roman Potter factory that has recently been uncovered. Spend the afternoon cruising along the pretty Canal de la Robine towards Narbonne
• Day 6: Narbonne to Port-la-Nouvelle
  22km / 3 locks / 4hrs of cruising
  A walk around Narbonne takes you through 2500 years of history, including the very grand Archbishop’s Palace and cloisters and the remarkable Gothic cathedral. In the afternoon, as you head south towards the Mediterranean coast, the scenery changes and the canal leads you among a vast network of lakes.
• Day 7: Port-la-Nouvelle
  22km / 3 locks / 4hrs of cruising
  Take a morning stroll around the bustling fishing port of Port-la-Nouvelle or along the vast sandy beaches nearby before heading back to Narbonne. On the way, stop for a walk around the Isle of Sainte-Lucie, a nature reserve of exceptional beauty. The day finishes back in Narbonne for a final farewell dinner – bon appétit!

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Notes

This itinerary is a suggestion only. All cruising distances and times are approximations and are subject to local navigation restrictions at the time you cruise, planned or otherwise. Please check advertised opening times of sights and attractions to avoid disappointment. Various tours or attractions may need to be booked in advance. All meals, entry fees and tour tariffs are payable at your own expense

Note: This itinerary can also be taken in the opposite direction

Vinkeveen return

92km / 6 locks / 28 Lifting Bridges / 17.5hrs of cruising
The serene and picturesque River Vecht will guide your boat on a journey through quintessential Dutch villages; past grand windmills, stunning landscapes and temptingly clear lakes. All complimented by two lively and characterful cities at each end, one being the nation’s trendy capital, Amsterdam.

[learn_more caption=”Itinerary – click here”]

• Day 1: Arrive in Vinkeveen
  0km / 0 locks / 0 Lifting Bridges / 0hrs of cruising
  Arrive in Vinkeveen and head out across Vinkeveen Plassen to eat in one of the many lake-side restaurants
• Day 2: Vinkeveen to Weesp (and Amsterdam)
  24km / 2 locks / 2 Lifting Bridges / 3hrs of cruising
  Cruise north to historic Weesp and take your bikes to the nearby Naardermeer Nature Reserve. Then, a quick 20 minute train ride will see you in the centre of Amsterdam, the lively and cosmopolitan capital of the Netherlands and famous for its its vibrant and diverse nightlife… and of course its World-renowned Red Light District?
• Day 3: Weesp (and Amsterdam) to Muiden
  4km / 0 locks / 3 Lifting Bridges / 1.5hrs of cruising
  Head back to Amsterdam to explore the Capital’s beautiful architecture, impressive landmarks, and several notable museums such as the National Museum and the Anne Frank Museum.
• Day 4: Muiden to Loenen
  23km / 0 locks / 7 Lifting Bridges / 4.5hrs of cruising
  In Muiden, visit the beautifully restored 13th century Muiderslot Castle a, UNESCO World Heritage site and now a museum which tells the castle’s fascinating history. In the afternoon, begin your journey south along the pretty and winding River Vecht.
• Day 5: Loenen to Maarssen
  10km / 0 locks / 4 Lifting Bridges / 2hrs of cruising
  Mosey around the attractive village of Loenen with its many stately homes and waterside gardens. Nearby, the huge expanse of Loosdrechtse Plassen is a popular place for watersports, including kayaking, and stunning walks around its perimeter. Then head onwards to moor overnight in Maarseen, home to many elegant manor houses and well-tended gardens. Visit the romantic old town with its quaint little church
• Day 6: Maarssen to Utrecht
  9km / 1 lock / 4 Lifting Bridges / 2hrs of cruising
  Explore the University city of Utrecht, one of Holland’s largest cities and home to a lively retail centre, countless restaurants, and many good museums. Climb the 465 steps of the Dom Tower for magnificent views as far as Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
• Day 7: Utrecht to Vinkeveen
  22km / 3 locks / 8 Lifting Bridges / 4.5hrs of cruising
  Head back to Vinkeveen and spend the afternoon cruising among the many islands of Vinkeveen Plassen, take a refreshing swim and enjoy the holiday atmosphere

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Notes: This itinerary is a suggestion only. All cruising distances and times are approximations and are subject to local navigation restrictions at the time you cruise, planned or otherwise. Please check advertised opening times of sights and attractions to avoid disappointment. Various tours or attractions may need to be booked in advance. All meals, entry fees and tour tariffs are payable at your own expense