Hiking and boating holidays
Our top boating recommendations for hiking
The waterways are home to some of Europe’s finest scenery, including many nature reserves, such the Caledonian Canal in Scotland or the Spreewald in Germany. Try and spot a flamingo in Camargue, or spot the herons before they spot you… Take some time to have a walk in one of the many parks you’ll encounter. Or enjoy the loveliest gardens along the waterways, like the botanical gardens in La Gacilly (Brittany), the Dendrological Gardens in Germany or the rose gardens of Saverne (Alsace)…
The best destinations for hiking and boating vacations
Rideau Canal, Canada
Discover an ancient landscape of wide open lakes and pristine wilderness in Canada. If you visit in autumn you’ll bear witness to the trees changing from a sea of green to riotous cacophony of red, orange, purple and yellow – one of earth’s great natural wonders!
Shannon and Erne, Ireland
Ireland is a beautiful country. It is a tasty mixture between nature and history. Come here to discover seizing natural landscapes, great windy grassland aside the banks, sometimes with vestiges of the past.
Burgundy: Franche-Comté, France
Burgundy does not only host great gastronomy and culture. You will also appreciate its numerous verdant forests around the canal all along your cruise. Stop around Fontenoy-le-Chateau and enjoy the various hiking paths.
Mecklenburg & Brandenburg, Germany
Between great cities like Berlin or Potsdam, you will find peaceful pretty places like Spreewald, a relaxing place known for its quiet verdant canal banks. Spreewald is a little village in harmony with nature that you will appreciate.
Alsace, France
Dive into Alsace’s peaceful and preserved landscapes. Sail along the verdant canal banks and appreciate the quietness of the place, before arriving to pretty floral towns like Saverne. Take time to observe the great sights over the Gondrexange Lake.
Caledonian Canal, Scotland
Scotland is known for its unbelievable preserved places, such as the great mountain Ben Nevis or its numerous lochs. Come here and enjoy the unique sight of a virgin territory, with the perfect silence for meditating, or just breathing
Lot, France
Welcome into the Lot, a unique, verdant and peaceful area in the shining southern France, where you will enjoy the beauty of the sights over the river. Here, you will appreciate the pretty typical villages, vineyards, nestled in great preserved landscapes.
Looking for more holiday inspiration?
Take a look at all our inspiration pages to see what else you could discover on your Emerald Star holiday.