Self-drive boats in Europe

European Boating Holidays (86 Averyville Lane, Lake Placid, NY, 12946; 866/606-5278, www.europeanboatingholidays.co.uk or call a travel agent) offers self-drive boating vacations in the waterways of France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy and Poland. No experience necessary — training is provided. All boats have fully equipped kitchens and entertainment systems.

Prices range from $50 to $100 per person per day, depending on the boat selected and the group size (two to 12). Example — a week-long rental for up to six people on Ireland’s Shannon River in spring or fall costs about $2,500 plus the cost of fuel.

Bicycles can be rented for $10 per day and stored on board.