Le Boat is expanding its range of holiday styles in 2016 to include flotilla options in Italy. Available to book now for the summer, the flotillas are a self-drive boating break with a twist, offering a new travel experience.

In keeping with Le Boat's mission to make Europe's waterways accessible to beginners and experienced boaters alike the new flotilla strikes a balance for those that enjoy both independent and social travel. It offers travellers the opportunity to “captain” their own cruiser with freedom and flexibility with the security and knowledge of a guide.

Guests will travel on their own boat and as part of a group of up to eight cruisers expertly led by a flotilla host. Each set of holidaymakers is free to choose the boat model that best suits their individual needs. There are 15 models available accommodating from two to twelve people; these include Horizon, the spacious new 5* class cruiser designed exclusively for Le Boat with couples and small families in mind.

Each flotilla has a lead boat and skipper to host and guide boaters through the waterways, give advice on how to make the most of the destinations visited and help arrange special group activities along the way. The skipper also remains on hand to assist those new to boating at every stage of their journey.

Cheryl Brown, Le Boat's Managing Director, said: “From our experience, travelling by boat is a particularly sociable way to see the world and we've seen many friendships forged over the years. The new flotilla option provides the opportunity and freedom for guests to explore the Venice waterways with the local knowledge and expertise of a guide. It's an ideal option for those that might be a little nervous about boating independently, those that want to explore and discover Italy's hidden waterside highlights and those that just want to relax and let someone else choose the route. Guests will be among other like-minded people and are free to get as involved as they like. ”

The Italy flotilla route is an eight-day cruise that island-hops from Casale via the Venetian lagoon to characterful Adriatic towns such as Chioggia and Jesolo. The new itinerary explores the Venetian waterways, starting in Casale, before visiting the ancient islands of Torcello, Burano, Pellestrina, and Sant'Erasmo. As well as the coastal towns of Lido di Jesolo, Chioggia, Casier, Treviso and, of course, Venice. Highlights include the Devil's Bridge, the brightly coloured houses and lace-making museum of Burano; Santa Caterina, a gothic church with the oldest bell in the lagoon; the beaches of Sottomarina; the Rialto market in Venice and a sunset group barbeque on the island of Sant'Erasmo.

Flotilla holiday departures are available between May and July with prices starting from £1,405 for a 2* Corvette boat sleeping up to 4 people. Price includes 1 week with a skipper/guide and a group BBQ for all participants but does not include flights, collision damage waiver or fuel. To book or for more information visit: www.leboat.co.uk or call: +44 (0)23 9222 2177.

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About Le Boat

Le Boat is the largest operator of self-drive boating holidays on the waterways of Europe, operating its own fleet of 900 self-drive cruisers from a network of over 39 different departure bases across nine European countries. Le Boat brings together over 40 years of expertise and experience of Crown Blue Line and Connoisseur in Europe and Emerald Star in Ireland. Visit: www.leboat.co.uk for more information.

Le Boat is part of TUI Group, a leading international leisure travel group which operates in approximately 180 countries worldwide and serves more than 30 million customers in over 25 source markets. The Marine division operates some of the world's leading marine recreation and yachting brands including The Moorings, Sunsail and Le Boat. Visit www.tuigroup.com for more information.