About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Under the Charles Bridge and upstream
Your holiday starts in Prague aboard a steel Linssen motor yacht. Heading upstream on the Vltava, you pass under the Charles Bridge, built by Charles IV, German Emperor and King of Bohemia. Prague Castle (Hradčany) and the Lesser Town (Malá Strana) are on the starboard side, with the Old Town and its many excursion boats to port.
A leisurely two-day trip takes you through impressive natural surroundings as far as the dam at Slapy, which motor yachts can't yet pass. On the way back you spend a peaceful night aboard at the new marina in Davle, then return to Prague the next day.
Downriver to Melnik and the Elbe
After another day in Prague, perhaps with a city tour, you head downriver through varied landscapes and past interesting places to Melnik, where the Vltava flows into the Elbe. This part makes a relaxed and entertaining three-day tour.
From Melnik you can cruise upstream on the Elbe for about 110 km to Přelouč-Hrčáky, or downstream for about 65 river kilometres to Střekov. With stops and visits to sights in this historic region, the full Vltava and Elbe tour takes two weeks.
Locks, moorings and planning
The locks are on average an hour's cruising apart. Allow about half an hour for each one, and it's still best to book your passage by telephone. The operator's tour descriptions suggest sights, history and other things to see along the way. The tablet on board lists the locks and every mooring, with information and photos, and includes a map. The Czech waterways authority, Ředitelství vodních cest (ŘVC), built five new piers in 2023 and plans to invest more in the waterways.
Booked through Linssen Boating Holidays
Bohemia Yacht Charter is one of the charter firms in the Linssen Boating Holidays network. Its page there has the booking and availability links.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The closest canal holidays on Mooch, by trail, then region, then country. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
