Boating holidays in Holland

Holland offers peaceful cruising from tulip time through to autumn. Boating on the Dutch waterways is one of the best ways to discover the real Holland. You can see serene sailing boats, traditional Dutch windmills, waterside cycle routes, neatly kept marinas, and nature parks.

The moorings are free, and usually close to the many canal-side bars and cafes offering good food and traditional Dutch hospitality in a country where boating is a way of life.

The south-west of the Friesian region glistens with hundreds of lakes. Cruising is very relaxed, with the locks left open throughout the summer months, and the occasional lift bridge a good place to meet fellow travellers.

You can visit coastal towns, enjoy watersports, with the option of a one-way route south from our Friesland base of Sneek.

You can pass through numerous typical little villages, such as Giethoorn, "the Little Venice", Elburg, Spakenburg or Muiden - traditional fishing villages.

Just a few kilometres north of our Loosdrecht barge holidays base you can reach Amsterdam and explore this exciting cosmopolitan city. see Old Masters at the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh exhibition.

In Amsterdam you can moor in the marina just across the ship canal by ferry from the central station.

It is possible to cruise your Penichette through the Amsterdam canals (care needed, plus permit purchase). Many say the best way to see the city is from the water.