Nicols
Canal boat holidays
Don’t just dream about it. Instead round up a crew of family and/or friends and start exploring the beautiful canals and rivers of France, Portugal, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and Ireland. Stylish and fully-equipped boats mean you’ll enjoy and unforgettable journey in the greatest of comfort.
Don’t worry if you’ve never been on a boat before – no previous boating experience or licence is required. The waterways are easy to navigate and the Nicols base teams will introduce your boat and guide you through all aspects of cruising, mooring up and passing through locks.
One of the best things about a boating holiday is the ever-changing view as you pass towns, villages and spectacular countryside at a little over walking pace – all enjoyed from a completely new perspective on your floating home-from-home.
Why Travel with Nicols?
With Nicols, you can enjoy the perfect mix of tranquil travel with more energetic activities such as cycling (bikes can be hired and carried on board), swimming, fishing and hiking. Half of the fun is in driving the boat, tying up to explore a little, and passing through locks with the entire crew getting involved, be it steering the boat, holding the mooring ropes or operating the lock gates.
- Simplicity – all Nicols’ boats are easy to drive. Using a steering wheel and the forward and reverse lever is all that’s needed to manoeuvre them.
- Calm and serenity – far from the crowds, surrounded by nature (keep watch for kingfishers, otters and coypu), discover the freedom of taking your time.
- Heritage and gastronomy – cultural treasures abound. And don’t forget the vineyards!
Ask an advisor
Speak to a Nicols advisor for advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect holiday.
Destinations & Tours
Key Destinations
France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland.
Creature Comforts
Nicols’ boats have all the home comforts you’d want (but which not all boating companies provide), including a spacious lounge area, comfortable cabins, modern bathroom facilities including a shower with doors, not a plastic curtain.
All Mod Cons
Nicols boats also feature a well-equipped kitchen with a full-size fridge freezer as well as an oven and hob. Most also have an upper sundeck or rear sun terrace – perfect for sunbathing, enjoying the view and dining alfresco.
Open Air Adventure
Larger boats also have a ‘flying bridge’ steering position, which means you can drive the boat in the open air from an upper level – the perfect way to enjoy the sunshine and scenery. It’s like having the top down on a convertible car.
For Budgets Of All Sizes
The scale and diversity of the Nicols fleet means there is something to suit all budgets, especially when tied in with the year-round special offers for seniors, couples, families and groups.
France And Beyond
Nicols has 15 different bases in France, from the Canal du Midi in the South to Brittany and the Loire. Plus, bases in the Brandenbourg and Mecklenbourg lakeland regions of Germany, Portugal’s Grande Lago, Gelderland in Holland, the Tokaj wine region and on Lake Tisza in Hungary and picturesque Ireland.
Nicols look forward to welcoming you onboard!
Special Offers
Save 5% for over 65s
If your crew includes one or more people over the age of 65, then you can save 5% off boat hire prices.
This offer can also be combined with other special offers up to a maximum of 15%.
For more details on this offer, please call 0800 02392 401320 or
We regularly receive special offers and discounts from our travel partners.
For the latest offers and a bespoke quotation speak to a Nicols advisor on 02392 401320.
