Nicols go Dutch!

Fans of Nicols self-drive boating holidays will next month be able to captain a stylish canal boat on the waterways of Holland for the first time as a brand new base in Kerkdriel opens.

The Dutch waterways network is about 5046km long, which places the country third in Europe after France (8500km) and Germany (7300km). Bear in mind the size of the country though and you start to realise just how vast this canal network is and why Holland is nicknamed the "Country of Canals".

As a new destination to the Nicols programme, Holland offers something completely different to the other destinations on offer (France, Germany and Portugal) - think tulips, windmills and delicious cheeses but you’ll also find beautiful towns and villages, art and history museums and national parks packed with nature. Natural waters are perfect for watersports and of course we couldn’t talk about Holland without mentioning bikes!

Nicols have prepared some exciting boating holiday itineraries that include visits to famous towns and cities such as Amsterdam, Gouda and Maastrict as well as explore the quieter countryside that surrounds the waterways, including the flora and fauna of Biesbosch National Park.

Talking about the Kerdriel base opening, Nicols Marketing Manager Corinne Dufaud, said: “We’re really excited to be welcoming our first crews to Holland. The country is famous for its canals so when we were investigating new destinations it was a natural choice.”

“No previous experience is needed to drive our Nicols boats but even so, thanks to a predominently flat landscape, there are very few locks in Holland making it a great destination for beginners. Although there’s not so many locks we love finding the drawbridges – something that’s not seen in other countries and appears unique to Holland!”

New boats from the Nicols boatyard in France have been built specifically to operate from Kerdriel. The boats, all from the Estivale range, have the very latest in boat design and technology and can accommodate crews from couples up to larger groups of families and friends.

To find out more information on boating holidays in Holland visit www.boat-renting-nicols.co.uk or call 02392 401320.