Gold Trusted Service Award
Gold Trusted Service Award
Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Rosette
Boating expertise since 1969
With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
Compass
18 amazing destinations
Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
Boat
World’s largest fleet
We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
Buoy
No boat licence required
That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Buoy
    No boat licence required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.
  • Gold Trusted Service Award
    Gold Trusted Service Award
    Awarded by Feefo, which independently collects reviews from our customers, the award recognizes businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
  • Rosette
    Boating expertise since 1969
    With over 50 years of experience and expertise, we're passionate about providing unbeatable vacations on the water.
  • Compass
    18 amazing destinations
    Our extensive network of bases across 9 countries means you can enjoy a return-trip or choose from a wide selection of one-way routes.
  • Boat
    World’s largest fleet
    We have more river and canal boats available than any other operator, available to hire between April and October. Our wide range of boats sleeps between 2-12 people.
  • Buoy
    No boat licence required
    That's right! You can rent and captain your own boat for a short break (3 nights minimum), a week or longer. We'll show you everything you need to know before you set off.

Boating holidays & boat hire in Italy

70 reviews

Come boating in Italy to explore vibrant cities and tranquil countryside

Our boat hire in Italy offers two completely different experiences. The enchanting city of Venice, its surrounding islands and classic Italian countryside and beaches are yours to discover and enjoy from the superb vantage position of your own sundeck. Head towards Trieste and discover the old traditions, quieter lifestyle and unspoiled landscape of the Friuli region. To the south of the Venetian lagoon, the protected nature reserve of the Po Delta and the nearby colourful villages will delight the nature lovers among you. We also invite you to leave the tranquillity of the canal to experience private italian cooking classes. 

Venice has a much darker history than many choose to believe. Originally a place of refuge for those fleeing from the Barbarians who conquered Italy as the Roman Empire fell, today, traditions and festivals continue throughout the year to mark events. A river cruise through Venice, the Queen of the Sea, is truly like nothing else. 

Its counterpart, Friuli is often overlooked when hiring a boat in Italy. The victim of a power scramble after World War II, its future today is much more secure even if some movements still call for an independent region.

Boat hire in Italy is great for

  • Romantic & historic Venice
  • Beaches & sunbathing
  • Traditional fishing-villages
  • Seafood restaurants
  • Art, history & iconic sightseeing
  • Craft - glass blowing, lace-making

Regions in Italy

Extend your vacation in Italy and explore beyond the waters...

Our canal boats will allow you to reach the outskirts of Venice, from there you can take a vaporetto into the bustling heart of one of the most romatic cities in the world. However, as there is so much to see, many choose to extend their boating vacation in Italy by adding a few hotel nights there as well, after their cruise and before they return home. 

 

Alternatively, you could team up your canal boat vacation in Italy with an extended stay in one of Italy's other attractive destinations. Here's a few suggestions:

Lake Garda

At the end of your italian river cruise jump in a car and find yourself in a very special part of Italy. At Italy's largest lake, you're welcomed to crystal clear waters and mighty fortresses. Take a cable car to the top of Monte Baldo, ride through Movieland studios, and taste the freshest italian wines in a land fit for Kings. Lake Garda is a 2.5 hour drive from our base in Casale-sul-Sile.

Rome 

If time is on your side and thirst for more history is on your mind, why not plan a twin stay by teaming your boat rental in Italy with a weekend in Rome. Cast your mind back to the power of the Romans by walking through the Colosseum, throw a coin in Trevi Fountain for good luck, and watch the Pope address hundreds in the Vatican. Rome is a trip every adventurer must make at least once in his or her life. Trains from Venice to Rome are frequent and certainly worth the four hour journey. You can then fly home from Rome instead of returning to Venice.

Trieste

Just over an hour's drive away from our canal boat base in Precenicco, is the richly historic and diverse seaport of Trieste. Sandwiched on the coast between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia, its wide range of impressive monuments and even a gigantic cave, make it uniquely seperate from the rest of Italy. Whatever trip you have lined up, whether that is to snap some stunning photographs from the views at Carso Triestino, visit the chilling Risiera di San Sabba, or take a tour through the WWII tunnels, Trieste has activities for everyone. 

 

Review of cruising in Italy

"Wow, what a magical nine days holiday sailing in Italy! Our boat was just right, I would highly recommend. Our family were so impressed that we are seriously considering booking next years holiday already!"

Thomas Wood, Minuetto 6+