Emerald Star is offering a fantastic opportunity to book seven nights for the price of five on selected boating holidays departing in April, June and October 2024, when booked before 3 March 2024. Search for the perfect family holiday with Emerald Star and secure today.
Exploring the Thames, England: Unforgettable Family Escapes with Emerald Star
A self-drive Thames cruise allows holidaymakers to explore two sections of the river, the western and eastern end. Starting at Emerald Star’s Benson base, families can partake in an information trail around King Henry VIII’s home at Hampton Court, or visit Eton College, where 20 prime ministers were schooled, before settling at Michelin-starred pub, The Coach, in Marlow, which can entertain the most restless traveller. The dreaming spires and universities of Oxford are a six-hour cruise to the west of Benson, or head east and in six hours guests can be in Henley-on-Thames, the home of British rowing.
Heading down to Emerald Star’s Chertsey base, guests will arrive in historic Windsor in no time, where the whole family can explore Windsor Castle, take a family audio tour, and soak up the town’s royal atmosphere. Fancy some fun? Legoland Windsor Resort and Thorpe Park are both a stone’s throw away, with their fun rides and live shows. There are countless things for the kids to do along the river, making the Thames a holiday they’ll remember forever.
A seven-night self-catered cruise on the River Thames, departing on 20 April 2024, starting and ending at Emerald Star’s base at Benson, on board a Caprice sleeping up to six, is priced from €1,419 / €236.5 pp (saving €580). Transport to and from the base is not included.
Exploring the Canal du Midi and Camargue, France: Family Bonding with Emerald Star
Carcassone (Trèbes) serves as an excellent starting point for families with children, conveniently located just a 5km taxi ride away from Lake Cavayère, offering a plethora of outdoor activities. Visitors can embark on a 6.5-hour cruise to Emerald Star’s base in Homps, nestled next to the picturesque Lac de Jouarres featuring a delightful beach, ideal for a refreshing swim. The lake also provides an array of watersports that are sure to captivate children’s interests. Additionally, guests can enjoy onsite dining at a restaurant and snack bar. For families looking for adventure, kayaks and canoes are available for hire, offering a thrilling experience on the water after a leisurely cruise. For those seeking further action, a 12km bike ride from Homps to Minerve is an option. Minerve stands out as one of France’s most enchanting towns, boasting charming, cobbled streets, a labyrinth of narrow alleys, quaint residences, and a humble 12th-century church.
Guests can continue cruising to Port Cassafières, with the sandy beach of Portiragnes nearby, a perfect way to end the family holiday, and a 1hr cruise to the east awaits the fairgrounds, adventure golf and go-karts of Vias.
A seven-night self-catered stay on the Canal Du Midi, starting and ending at Emerald Star’s base at Carcassone, on board a Cirrus B, sleeping up to six, arriving 12 June 2024, is priced from €1,569 per boat / €261.50 pp (saving €580).
Exploring Southeastern Ontario: Cruise the Rideau Canal, Canada with Emerald Star
Boating on the Rideau Canal is the perfect way to see Southeastern Ontario and discover the beauty of the natural landscape. Starting at Emerald Star’s Smith Falls base, Families can head to Seeley’s Bay and visit the tepee in Centennial Park, a commemoration of the original tepee of ‘Granny Seely’, who traded with Aboriginals and European settlers during the 1800s. Before heading to Smiths Falls, families and friends should cruise to the historic town of Kingston which was Canada’s first capital city from 1841 to 1844. Since then, other cities have become the capital of Canada, but Kingston has certainly asserted itself as Canada’s culinary capital, with more restaurants per square capita than any other city in the country. Foodies will be spoiled for choice with fine dining experiences, public markets, food tours and world-class festivals.
The Rideau Canal has everything you need for the perfect family holiday. Make a splash with water sports on the Rideau, then discover all the adventure Canadian culture has to offer at the many towns and cities along the way.
A seven-night self-catered stay on the Rideau Canal, starting and ending at Emerald Star’s Smiths Falls base, on board a Horizon 2, sleeping up to six, arriving 4 October 2024, is priced from €1,947 / €324.5 pp (saving €210)
Subject to availability. Book by 3rd March 2024. Prices subject to change, visit www.emeraldstar.ie for full terms and conditions.