According to a study by TUI Musement, more than 85% of travellers planning a getaway in Europe are interested in experiencing a boat tour in their chosen destinations. The main motivations are the desire to relax, coupled with the desire to explore new places.
Therefore, given the growing demand, especially during the summer, TUI Musement has compiled a ranking of the most popular European cities for this type of experience, based on Google search volume.
This list highlights 12 destinations where rivers and canals provide a new perspective on iconic monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben.
This list, with Amsterdam at the top, also includes the Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, but also includes Bruges, Paris, London, Copenhagen, Budapest, Berlin, Stockholm, Venice, and Prague.
Regarding Lisbon, TUI Musement highlights that the Tagus River reveals another side of the Portuguese capital, known as the "City of 7 Hills." With a privileged view of the city, these boat tours are ideal for admiring iconic sites such as Praça do Comércio, the Belém Tower, São Jorge Castle, and the Christ the King statue. And it is at sunset that Lisbon reveals its full charm.
As for Porto, sailing the Douro, especially aboard a traditional rabelo, once used to transport the famous Port wine, is a typical and ideal way to discover this northern city. During this tour, you can see the Ribeira River, the wine cellars in Gaia, and the six bridges connecting the banks. A recommended experience is a cruise along the six bridges of the Douro River.