20 unforgettable experiences on a houseboat holiday

A houseboat vacation is not just about sailing. It’s a way of traveling that brings you closer to hidden landscapes, authentic traditions and small moments of pure wonder. Whether you have a passion for adventure, nature or good food, you’ll find endless opportunities to experience something special. Here are just 20 that, in our opinion, capture the spirit of river tourism perfectly.

1. SUP among the reeds

Paddle on a SUP board among the lagoon reeds, immersed in the silence and vastness of nature.

2. Dinner with a view of the water

Savour seafood dishes on a terrace overlooking the water, accompanied by a glass of sparkling prosecco.

3. A post-nap dip

Wake up from your nap in the shade of the awning and dive directly into the water with a still-sleepy smile.

4. Vineyards and unknown islands

Get off the boat and explore an unknown island, finding yourself among rows of brackish vines.

5. Pedal over the water

Cycle along a path suspended over the river, cross a river park and see your own reflection in the water.

6. Wrecks and mysteries

Discover a cemetery of abandoned boats and the ancient, forgotten stories they can tell.

7. Horses running free

Spot a herd of wild white horses galloping freely across sandbanks and reed beds.

8. Roman ports

Visit an over 2000 year-old Roman port with a rich history that’s now located far from the sea.

9. Byzantine mosaics

Let yourself be enchanted by a Byzantine basilica completely covered in golden mosaics.

10. On-board barbecue

Use local products for an on-board barbecue, laughing and enjoying the delicious BBQ scent with your travel companions.

11. Wine and lagoon

Be surprised by the unique flavour of a wine produced using vines that sink their roots into the brackish water.

12. Cormorants and silence

Observe a cormorant patiently drying its wings, in a fascinating, seemingly nonsensical pose.

13. Pink flamingos

Try to count the pink flamingos resting on one leg in the peace and quiet of the lagoon.

14. Drop-net fishing

Fish with a large square net together with a local fisherman who will welcome you to his house on stilts.

15. Canoeing in the shallows

Explore the shallows of the lagoon by canoe, discovering spots that are otherwise unreachable.

16. Sleep on the water

Be rocked to sleep by the gentle hum of the engine and the slow rolling of the boat, in a watery embrace.

17. Lunch on the deck

Share a light lunch on the upper deck, with simple, fresh dishes that taste of summer.

18. Artisan chocolate

Discover a small, artisanal chocolate factory hidden in a timeless river village.

19. Locks and water rituals

Cross a river lock, waiting for the Da Vinci doors to open in a ritual that’s remained unchanged over hundreds of years.

20. Historic clocks

Visit the world’s oldest clock tower and feel time pass differently - more slowly, at your pace.

A houseboat holiday really can bring together the emotions of many different holidays into a single trip. Experience them day by day, directly on the water.