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Behind the scenes on the De Willemstad What makes a Boat Bike Tour truly special? Beyond the scenic bike paths and charming towns, it’s the people at the helm. In this episode of our podcast, host Ennie meets with skipper Michael van den Heuvel, the man guiding the De Willemstad through Dutch waters. Michael shares stories from 26 years of sailing and gives us a peek into the everyday magic (and occasional mishaps!) that happen on board. A floating hotel – with personality For Michael, being a skipper is much…

There’s a secret side of France – places that doesn’t make the postcards or tourist brochures. It lingers on canal banks beneath rows of whispering trees, in villages where the boulanger knows your name after one visit, and in hilltop towns where church bells still mark the rhythm of the day. Most travelers never find these places. They whiz by on highways or hop between cities on high-speed trains, missing the quiet heart of the country. But when you travel by boat and bike, the landscape opens up to you…

This spring, I had the chance to join one of our Sail & Bike Tulip Tours through Holland. As someone who had recently moved to the Netherlands, it was the perfect way to discover the country and experience firsthand what makes a boat and bike tour so special. In early April, the time had come: I set off on my Sail & Bike Tulip Tour. Our 8-day trip was full of highlights, and while tulips were a key feature, there was so much more to explore. On the trip we sailed across the Dutch Wadden Sea on our ship Leafde fan Fryslân, cycled past numerous tulip fields, and spent a day at the famous Keukenhof. Hop on and follow me through the highlights of this truly beautiful tour. Sit back and picture yourself experiencing the unexpected moments I had along the way! A little spolier: For me it was all about the people.

Behind the scenes with Esther and Jossie What makes a Boat Bike Tour truly unforgettable? It’s not just the stunning landscapes, the smooth sailing, or the carefully-planned routes. It’s the people. In this episode of our podcast, host Ennie sits down with two remarkable team members: Esther Nouse, a dedicated tour leader, and Jossie Verkerk, a pioneer in sustainability and a long-time part of the Boat Bike Tours family. Together, they share what it’s really like to guide guests through Europe by bike and aboard a ship, and how every…

It starts with a warm welcome What happens before you even step on board a Boat Bike Tour? As Romy Gietelink explains it in the podcast, it starts long before the ship sets sail. Having started as an intern at Boat Bike Tours when she was 18, Romy now manages group charters and quality control—ensuring that every guest, especially international ones, knows what to expect and feels prepared for their journey. Group charters, often booked a year or more in advance, come with plenty of questions: What’s the food like…

Imagine travelling through the heart of Europe — from the historic canals of Amsterdam to the medieval elegance of Bruges, and on to the romantic allure of Paris — all as part of one seamless, deluxe experience. In 2026, Boat Bike Tours redefines travel with its most elegant adventure yet: a brand-new flagship tour that combines luxury cruising, scenic cycling, and a comfortable coach connection to the City of Light. And that’s just the beginning. Alongside this premier journey, we’re unveiling more deluxe experiences, expanded routes, and stronger commitments to…

Amsterdam is celebrating a very special birthday—the Dutch capital turns 750 years old! And in true Amsterdam style, this vibrant, creative city isn’t throwing just a one-night party. Instead, the celebration lasts an entire year—filled with events, festivals, exhibitions, and countless surprises. For anyone joining one of our Boat and Bike Tours, it’s a perfect opportunity to discover Amsterdam in a whole new way, either before or after your trip. Why 2025 is the Perfect Time to Visit Many of our tours start or end in Amsterdam. And honestly, there’s…

Summers in the Netherlands can be a real celebration. The days are long and sunny, yet not too hot. And the period between mid-June and the end of August is just perfect for an active outdoor holiday. Here are our five favorite reasons to love the Dutch summers.   It’s perfect cycling weather Pleasant temperatures of  62 to 71 degrees, plenty of sunshine and maybe a fresh sea breeze: that’s a typical summer day in the Netherlands. These are ideal conditions for getting out and exploring your surroundings on a…

Salty breezes, steep cliffs, and the chirping of cicadas in fragrant pine forests—traveling through Croatia means discovering new facets of a land where history and nature intertwine in the most captivating way. Croatia’s unique combination of turquoise bays, charming island landscapes, and centuries-old ruins makes a bike and boat tour a true adventure. If you’re curious to experience the authentic Croatia beyond mass tourism, exploring regions like the Krka or Kornati National Parks is a must. And for those who want to immerse themselves even deeper into the country’s untamed…

Imagine cycling through Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes, exploring charming villages, and then returning to your comfortable floating hotel at the end of the day. Boat Bike Tours offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation—and that’s exactly what our experienced tour leader Tammy shares in a recent episode of the Active Travel Adventures podcast.   Why choose a Boat Bike Tour? Tammy highlights some of the key reasons travellers love these tours: Unpack once, explore endlessly – Because your ship moves with you, there’s no hassle with having to pack…