Forget planes, trains and automobiles – take to the rivers, canals, lakes and seas of Europe to really get to know this awesome part of the world. It’s bound to be an adventure to remember!

1. Sail in Greece

Beginners and seasoned sailors alike love flotilla holidays – and not just for the chance to sail their own yachts. Flotillas also give you the chance to kick back and have a rollicking good time with some like-minded seafarers. You and your crew (family or friends) skipper one of about 10 yachts and make your way through the Greek islands with the help of a lead yacht guiding the way. Having such a yacht in charge provides peace of mind that if you encounter any difficulties, there are experts on hand to save the day. Stops for swimming and island visits are woven in, and there are plenty of parties and other social events to make the trip a barrel of fun.

2. Barge through France

The narrow waterways of France (and Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands) are made for barge holidays. With three of four double cabins on a barge, and room on deck for hanging out, you’ll feel part of the scenery as you glide lazily along the canals through villages, poppy fields and farmland. Take over the whole barge with people you know or make new friends on a trip with strangers. Most barge holidays are booked through a tour company, have predetermined itineraries, and meals are provided. It’s also possible to self-drive and self-cater your own barge, but we like the idea of handing over all the hard stuff to people in the know. Isn’t that what holidays are all about?

3. Cruise the Med

The Mediterranean Sea is a dream for cruisers looking for sun-filled days, great food and good times. Start by choosing which countries you want to visit, how big a ship you want to call home, and who you want to travel with (some cruise lines are geared towards under-30s, others have a broader age range on board). The beauty of cruising is how easy it is – unpack once and wake up in a different destination each day. Before you know it, you’ve sunbaked in Santorini, picked up a rug in the markets of Istanbul, and explored the ruins of Rome… and had a rip-roaring time doing it.

4. Kayak Lake Como

There’s a reason George Clooney (and countless other celebs) buy holiday homes on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como – it’s a peaceful and utterly picturesque part of Italy. You might not have the funds to snap up a 15-bedroom mansion like George, but you can admire the villas of the rich and famous from the water. A two-hour self-guided canoe trip is one way to do Lake Como, or why not sign up for a 10-day guided kayak tour? You’ll stay in quaint hotels, feast on local food, and take a deep dive into the region (celebrity goss and all).

5. Ride the rivers

River cruising is more popular than ever in Europe, and there’s one to suit every interest. If you’re into wine, take a river cruise through the wine regions of France and Germany. You’ll drink champagne in chateaus and taste all the wine you could want at cellar doors and wineries, without having to worry about driving home. If good food or history is more your thing, you’ll devour plenty of both on a cruise through Europe. River cruises range from lavish affairs to comfortable and affordable – there’s one to suit every budget. The views from your cabin when you’re on the move will be gobsmacking, and you’ll have the time and freedom to explore the ship’s ports of call at your own pace.

Travel Insurance

Planning a trip to Europe? We want you to explore the world and return home safely. But when the unexpected happens, Travel Insurance Direct policies are designed to help get you back to the fun stuff.

When travelling to any EU country, you will have access to several benefits with TID travel insurance. It all depends on which level of cover is best suited for your Euro trip. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Cover for overseas medical expenses
• Medical repatriation and evacuation
• Cover for lost or damaged valuables
• Cover for lost, stolen or delayed baggage
• Cover for cancellation or trip delay
• Cover for some Coronavirus-related events

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. Read the PDS before purchasing.