Imagine a trip that allows you discover the beauty of Europe from a unique perspective, where rivers and canals become your roads and riverboats your temporary homes.
River tourism is a way of traveling that captivates those seeking unforgettable adventures and enriching experiences.
In this article we introduce you to a traveler, one of our most experienced clients who has, without a doubt, been captivated by this way of traveling.
We spoke with Miguel Moragues, a 71-year-old Majorcan who has made 19 river cruises of a week and has traveled many river routes.
He has been sailing since 2005, so his experience is unmatched and he has shared it with us in this interview.
Keep reading and discover what he has told us about destinations, tips and adventures of river tourism.
Miguel travels every year with a group of friends and they always do so in September.
Every year they sail to a different place. Until now they have not repeated river destination, except Ireland, where they have gone twice, but once to the north and the other to the south.
When we ask Miguel what initially attracted him to river tourism as a way of traveling and why he decided to try it for the first time, he tells us that it was because of a friend who knew some friends who had gone before.
This friend suggested it as a travel option for a vacation and that first year they went with four others to the Canal du Midi.
Wow! Miguel, 19 river trips.
Let's go with the interview.
You have made 19 river trips. What has hooked you the most about this form of tourism?
Tranquility and independence. Peace.
It is not a Benedictine monastery, but it is the closest thing. It is like those places of peace and tranquility in whose gardens only the birds can be heard.
Being in Full nature, surrounded by landscapes, constantly seeing different things...
Unconventional agricultural towns... places you can't reach if you travel by road.
The feeling of freedom is total. In addition, we always rent a car and leave it at the base. This allows us to organize excursions to more remote areas and make the most of the trip in each country.
Tell us about one of your favorite river trips. What made it special and memorable?
They have all been special, really. And we have always been varying. So far we have not repeated any.
In the last one, along the Sarthe River (Loire Valley), we went to Angers by car from Sablé-sur-Sarthe. the castle I loved.
These trips always allow us to learn a lot about history and geography. In fact, I discovered there that Angers Castle was built in the 13th century by Blanche of Castile, Infanta of Castile and Queen Consort of France.
Have you noticed any notable differences between the channels of different European countries in terms of beauty, culture or experience?
Each destination has its charm and they have all been great.
The first was the Canal du Midi and we lived a lot on the boat, we only disembarked in Carcassonne. But in the following ones we explored more and more.
Now we always prefer a river, and if we have to go through a canal, we go through it. But we like the river more.
Last year we did the Alsace and from there we drove to Luxembourg, we also liked it a lot.
When we did the Fürstenberg, Germany We organized an excursion to a Nazi concentration camp where women were held... It was very interesting for us to learn about this part of history. (Ravensbrück concentration camp).
Ireland, the northern part, is beautiful.
And the Thames I would tell you that it is the river destination that we all fell in love with the most. For many things, from the landscapes and the area to the kindness of its people and the gastronomy.
The attention of all the people was phenomenal… we visited Benson, Oxford and the universities.
About favorite destinations…
In 2006 we sailed through the Great Lake of Portugal and it was absolutely fantastic. We inaugurated the port, there was no base yet and the ship smelled new.
It is the largest artificial lake in Europe, the towns have remained as above but they are so friendly that those from the restaurants came down to pick us up by car or van.
Scotland, the north of Ireland and the Thames…
The Vltava is spectacular because you see Prague.
Traveling in groups is common in river tourism. What are the advantages for a traveler like you?
The price per traveler is reduced when you travel in a group. As the rental price for a river trip is per boat, you split the costs between everyone and this is one of the great advantages of traveling in a group.
On the other hand, to travel in a group you have to look for a conjunction of people who are independent each one on their own.
What works, in my opinion, is that everyone does their own thing a little at certain times of the day, regardless of the group, although then we all get together for moments like dinner.
Do you have any interesting anecdotes or experiences that you want to share with other travelers?
I remember in Saône River see in the distance a sea motorboat that happened to moor next to us later and they spent the night nearby.
They were a German couple traveling with their son and we chatted a lot with them.
His boat trip caught our attention: for a month traveling throughout the Mediterranean and entering the rivers wherever he could.
What advice would you give to a traveler considering this type of trip for the first time?
Enjoy it.
May you be willing to live a new experience... willing to be calm.
And do not travel with people who may cause you any type of stress.
Have you noticed changes or trends in river tourism over the years? Has it evolved in any way?
The boats have evolved a lot in terms of facilities and equipment.
Comfort for the traveler is increasing.
The ports have also been making improvements and now you have access to everything in each one: water, electricity and multiple services.
What has been your experience renting boats with Danfluvial? What has led you as a traveler to continue choosing us?
I came to Danfluvial after several years renting the river boat with another company, but that person retired and I looked for another option. That's how I found Danfluvial and I won't change anymore.
The treatment, kindness and totally personalized attention At all times it makes us choose Danfluvial again and again to navigate.
Some people may have questions or concerns about river tourism.
How would you address those fears and doubts?
I would tell them to be very attentive to the instructions they receive the day they arrive at the base.
Let them not take anything for granted, but on the contrary.
Everything is important and you should pay close attention.
You have to understand it to then know how to do it well.
It is very valuable information, they teach you everything from how to turn the boat to how to enter the locks. Oh, and the signs, pay attention to the differences between river and canal.
Fear, none! In addition, they will do a test with the operator.
What type of activities or places would you recommend as a river traveler?
Are there places that you never get tired of seeing?
Many fish or take bike rides.
We are more attracted to gastronomy and cultural visits, learning the history of each place.
In Jarnac (Charente) for example, we took an excursion to see how cognac is made.
In Germany, in addition to visiting the concentration camps, we also went to see Berlin (without the boat)
In Scotland to a whiskey cellar…
In Belgium we approach Brussels and in Venice to Torcello, Murano and Burano.
It's a matter of organizing it.
What tips do you have for planning and making the most of as a river traveler?
The first, choose the browsing region and the second, look at what's in the environment.
We... Well, we arrive in Nantes, then we see what's nearby. There is the Le Mans car circuit… well let's go see it. Paris is not far… let's go too…
Have you had interesting culinary experiences on your travels?
Any local food or drink not to be missed?
In all regions we had wonderful culinary experiences.
Gastronomy is, for us, a very important part of the trip.
We usually ask for indigenous, the local. The wine of the region, the typical dish of each town.
We like to test and discover!
Finally, what message would you give to a traveler who has not yet tried river tourism and is considering the idea?
I would advise let him try it, even if it's just for a weekend.
The bad thing could be that it falls short.
A week to start perhaps I see it too much if it is a traveler without previous experience. But try it for a few days, I'm sure you'll love it.
Thanks, Miguel! For having chosen us for your river cruises, for having granted us this interview and for having shared your experiences with us.
See you for cruise number 20. Where are you going?
