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
Steel motor yachts and city moorings
Jachthaven Marnemoende in IJsselstein is the home of this luxury yacht charter, which uses steel Linssen motor yachts to cruise the rivers and canals of the north of the Netherlands. Amsterdam and Utrecht are among the highlights, and the operator also suggests visiting the Keukenhof.
Amsterdam, a city full of museums, has plenty of interesting moorings close to the centre. Sailing along the Kostverlorenvaart takes you into the heart of the city. The operator also strongly recommends the River Amstel and the Vecht. The Vecht is known for its many old country houses and tea gardens. Haarlem and Katwijk aan Zee can be visited too.
Lakes, mills and villages
If you want more nature, peace and quiet, and space, the lakes are the place to go. They include the Loosdrechtse plassen, the Spiegelpolderplas and the Kagerplassen, which has old mills and picturesque villages. Many of the lakes have marinas, terraces and restaurants, and you can swim there.
Mooring in Utrecht
Utrecht is well worth a visit by motor yacht. The Catharijnesingel and the Weerdsluis have good moorings with all the facilities you need. From there you can walk straight into the historic old centre, with its wharf cellars, terraces and museums.
Booked through Linssen Boating Holidays
Delos Yachtcharter 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 two closest canal holidays on Mooch, both in Netherlands. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
