The Riverside Journals - Festivals Issue 38 - FULL | Page 25

Canal boat tour in the UK Images of the children’s TV show ‘Rosie and Jim’ might spring to mind when we think of narrow-boats. But now is the perfect time to holiday on one. The inland waterways around the UK are better than they’ve ever been, and with over two thousand miles of canals to choose from there’s plenty of choice to suit you. Pick: Away4awhile is a company that specializes in hotelboat cruises around the UK. They offer mid-week, weekend and week-long breaks that embark from various places, including Birmingham, Worcester, Stratford upon Avon, Warwick and Banbury. For more information, tel: [phone] or visit www.away4awhile.co.uk A fjord excursion in Norway No trip to Norway would be complete without a glimpse of the magnificent fjords. Norway is famous for these scenic water inlets and many are renowned for their accessibility. A range of activities is available, from hiking and glacier walking to fishing and swimming, making this an outdoor enthusiast’s dream destination. Pick: Norway in a Nutshell provides comprehensive routes around Norway’s spectacular scenery, both on land and sea. The tour starts with a picturesque train ride from Oslo to Bergen which whizzes past glaciers, deep forests and lakes. In the village of Flåm on Sognefjord, you can take a 90-minute boat tour to see Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. For more information, tel: [phone] or visit www.norwaynutshell.com Houseboat holiday home in Amsterdam Floating holiday homes that have a permanent mooring have become increasingly popular over the years as they’re often cheaper than staying in a hotel. There’s a romantic element that also appeals, especially to couples. Europe in particular has a number of beautiful places to take a break on a houseboat. Pick: De Dageraad is a houseboat located near the former harbour of Amsterdam. It consists of two luxury ensuite bedrooms and a guest kitchen. A delicious breakfast is served by owners Sylvie and Theo every morning, and rental bikes are provided to ride around the canal ring and other sights of the city. For more information, tel: + 31 6 39143000, email [email protected] or visit www.bedb &V