How an inland week is actually shaped
7 daysRather than a route — the network spans twelve countries and no single itinerary covers it — this is the pattern almost every inland week follows, wherever you take the boat.
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1
Handover and the briefing
Expect one to three hours on the boat, the signs, the engine and a first lock. In several countries this briefing is your licence.
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2
A short first leg
Two or three hours and one or two locks. The aim is to stop early and learn the boat, not to cover ground.
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3
The first full day
Four to six hours of cruising. Count the locks on the route and the last opening time before you leave.
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4
The turning point
Most crews reach their far point mid-week. Going further means a rushed return — on a river, against the current.
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5
A day ashore
Bicycles come with most inland boats for exactly this. A market town, a vineyard or a nature reserve on the bank.
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6
The return leg
Allow longer than the outbound: locks queue in the afternoon and rivers run against you one way.
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7
Back to base
Handover is usually morning. Finish the last lock the evening before rather than at dawn.
