Houseboat holidays | Slow Tours Europe

Whether your crew is a couple, family and/or group of friends, new to boating or experienced sailors, we are sure to have a boat and a destination packed with places to visit and activities to enjoy.

For families

A cruise is a great way to create special memories with your family. These unforgettable trips on the waterways are enjoyed by everyone no matter how old you are. Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a slower pace. Whether it is a short weekend break with your friends or a longer family holiday you are sure to love everything about boating holidays and life on the canals and rivers.

For couples

Enjoy a relaxing and romantic getaway by booking a boating holiday. A houseboat is a great idea for a romantic break. We have a choice of smaller boats perfect for a couple to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful escape.

For older crews

With a taste for discovery our older crews love the idea of a more unusual type of holiday and trying something completely new. Travelling by boat shows a region from a completely new perspective - all boats offer the best comfort and safety for peace of mind cruising. Start your adventure today!

With friends

Boating holidays are a great idea for a large group adventure. Simply hire a few boats and create a mini fleet for a fun and flexible break off the beaten track. Why not book for a birthday celebration or a get together with friends and family. Choose from a weekend trip, a short break or a longer holiday.

Navigation is easy

The boats you hire through Slow Tours are easy to operate with either just one inside steering position or a second rooftop position to navigate under the sun with a panoramic view. You will discover simple controls that are easy to use: the wheel, a gear lever and a few instruments on the dashboard. Don't worry if you have never been on a boat before - you will be shown eveything you need to know before you set off. You will be taken out on the water and given a hands on demonstration of everything from how to go through locks to tying up at the water's edge.

Canal or River?

Most of the waterways where we have boats available are generally wide and nontidal making them easy to navigate. Depending on your chosen departure base you may cruise both canals and rivers. Rivers, where natural, are more susceptible to the possibility of flooding compared to the manmade canals - especially in Spring and Autumn. Some navigation restrictions may occur as a result of this flooding and for your own safety, your departure base may be changed or cruising restricted to the canal sections only, rather than cancelling your cruise completely. Please make enquiries at our office about the state of the waterways before leaving on your cruise.

Where to stop

During your cruise you are free to stop wherever you like, being careful not to disrupt countryside and wildlife, or encroach on private property. Simply moor up and step ashore. Day-by-day you will discover new surroundings and sights as you travel at your own pace through beautiful countryside - a wonderful way to enjoy ever-changing scenery and the great outdoors.

If on the other hand you prefer the hustle and bustle of the towns and villages you pass on the way then take advantage of the purpose built ports and mooring sites. Some are free while others are available at a small charge. We estimate charges to be between 10 EUR and 50 EUR. These comfortable and serviced areas will provide easy access to the town.

Locks

Passage through locks is free. Most locks are automatic and operated by a lock-keeper who may ask you to help them, whilst others are manual. In the Charente the locks are all operated by you and your crew, thus you are not restricted to timetables. In general, lock keepers do not work on Bank Holidays: 1st May, 14th July, 1st November. For a list of regions concerned please contact our office.

Waterways guide

A comprehensive guide is vital for planning your cruise. It provides detailed information of the waterways on which you will navigate, highlighting useful information such as the location of locks, quays, water fill-up points, in addition to tourist information such as places to visit and their opening hours, market days, good restaurants and much more. We recommend you order your waterways guide at the same time as booking so that you receive it with the other cruise documentation you will be sent. This means you will have plenty of time to plan your journey in advance.

Bicycles

Bikes are available to hire and provide extra flexibility for exploring the area where you have moored, little villages, places of interest or simply going to buy your daily bread. (Helmets are mandatory, please bring your own)

Wifi

Whether it is your tablet, laptop or mobile phone, stay connnected during your cruise. Most of the bases offer a Wifi service that will allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously (network coverage may vary according to the region). For more information please contact our office.

Fishing

Your boat is a great vantage point for fishing. You can fish in the canals and rivers provided you hold a fishing licence. These can be purchased from local fishing tackle shops or on the web. As a guide, a 7-day licence will cost around 32 EUR in France.

Your luggage

Holdalls are recommended as they are easy to stow away. Suitcases do take up far more space on board. Take with you comfortable non slip shoes so that you can move on the deck without danger (tennis shoes, sneakers etc.)

Deck mattress

Enjoy additional onboard comfort by hiring deck mattresses. Foldable and easy to store, the mattress is great for relaxing on the roof terrace or front deck of your boat.

Barbecue

Hire all of the equipment you will need to enjoy a barbecue, then simply pick up your food fresh from the many mooring places your will find en route. Take it on board with you. Most bases even offer rental of gas bottles. As with all barbeques please be careful and familiarise yourself with all the equipment before departure.