Castles · CANOES & KAYAKS
The shortlist you would send a friend who asked: 6 canoes & kayaks tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before the slot is booked.
You cruise the Elbe from Dresden beneath Brühl’s Terrace, passing Dresden’s skyline, four Elbe castles, Pillnitz Palace, Bastei near Rathen, and Königstein Fortress. Choose a round trip or one-way sailing. Commentary is provided in English and German by announcements or app. The 4.5 to 9.5 hour schedule needs careful checking.
Join Ledjon from OpenTour Albania for a half-day trip from Saranda to Lekursi Castle and the Blue Eye. You’ll paddle for about 80 minutes, enjoy free time to swim or take photos, then walk to the spring. Air-conditioned transport, kayak equipment, entry fee, and English guidance are included.
“The best part of the trip was the kayaking, hands down. That does not mean that the rest was boring or not good, but for me the kayaking is what makes this trip special. You get to enjoy the crystal clear, but cold waters which is particularly nice on a hot day. If I had just gone to Blue Eye for the spring, without the kayaking, I might have even been disappointed. Overall, this is a well-rounded tour. Ledjon as a guide knows exactly how much historical and political background information is needed, but can always provide more. As others have mentioned, parking near the starting point is difficult, so…”
Sea Kayak Nafplio takes you from Karathona Beach along the coast and beneath Bourtzi, Acronafplia, and Palamidi. Guides Alex, Olivier, Dante, and others combine easy paddling lessons with vivid stories about Greek battles and port defenses. Expect a swim and snorkel stop, homemade orange cake, fresh melon, photos, and a small group capped at 20.
“Alex was amazing. Our ship didn’t dock in time to be there exactly at 9am so he waited until we got there around 920. He was so nice. He was very careful to explain all the safety issues. Then his tour was fantastic and he was so knowledgeable and his explanations just brought everything to life. Antonia was wonderful. The little beach they brought us to was incredible and then they offered us fruit and homemade pound cake. The whole experience was awesome. I highly recommend this tour to everyone.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Porto Palermo Beach, learn the basics, then paddle a kayak or SUP for about 5 km around the bay. You’ll visit sea caves, swim and snorkel at secluded beaches, and get a clear sea-level view of Ali Pasha’s Castle. Small-group departures may be available.
“I had a great time kayaking in Porto Palermo. The guides were amazing. Very friendly and had a lot of knowledge about the area. The sights were beautiful!”
Starting in Mandalina, you’ll learn kayak basics, paddle through the WWII Hitler’s Eyes tunnel, stop for a swim beside the caves, and finish at St. Nicholas Fortress. English and Croatian guides lead the 150-minute outing. Bring water shoes, sunscreen, a towel, and a plan for getting back from the fortress.
“Excellent excursion, lovely guide! Learned a lot of local history and so interesting to see the sites from the water.”
Join Scottish Odyssey for a private or small-group day from Edinburgh into Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. You’ll hike a Highland peak, paddleboard, kayak, or canoe, meet three friendly Highland coos, and tour film-famous Doune Castle. Guide Poppy has also adapted plans when wind made kayaking unsafe.
“Poppy took us on an amazing adventure through lochs and highlands that turned out so much better than if we tried to sort it all out ourselves. With her stories, insights, and conversation, we felt like we had a local friend showing us around. Our seven-year-old mentioned several times out loud how much fun she was having—not something we are used to hearing on hikes. We would definitely do tours with Scottish Odyssey again!”
By the kind of castle day, rather than the country.
