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The time is past when traveling solo was something unusual and strange. These days, many travelers choose to travel solo, even when they are in a relationship or have a family. It may be a matter of convenience – I have time off while my partner doesn’t – or it may be a matter of choice – I prefer to be by myself. Either way, traveling solo can be a very sociable experience. You may prefer your own company, so being alone is fine for you. Otherwise, on a Boat…

The village of Kinderdijk, near Rotterdam, is home to perhaps the most famous windmills in the Netherlands. In the mid 1700s, 20 windmills were built to pump water out of nearby low-lying polders. In the following centuries, the 19 surviving windmills have become a symbol of Dutch water management and are now a major tourist attraction. Here are six lesser-known facts about Kinderdijk and its renowned windmills. 1. No one knows where “Kinderdijk” really got its name The most famous story behind the name Kinderdijk is from a legendary tale…

Valentine’s Day is coming up! When we’re going through such tough times, it’s more important than ever to create positive, hopeful feelings. What could be better than to be inspired – to dream! – about your next trip? Especially when you can actually make it happen! Whether you are part of a couple or a solo traveler, here are some “dreamstarters” for you! WHO do you dream of traveling with? You may be single and dream of traveling solo. You may NOT be single and still dream of traveling solo!…

While it’s certainly not guaranteed, occasionally people are lucky enough to find a special someone on a Boat Bike Tour. Tour leader Fred tells the story of meeting his wife on the Gandalf: On May 7, 2016, I started my work on the Gandalf to lead one of my favorite tours along the IJssel River in the east of the Netherlands: the Hansa Highlights Tour. Meeting Kris During the boarding procedures, I met Kristine. She came on board with a local Dutch friend of hers, who, as a kind of…

If you’re looking for a great way to get a small group together for a memorable experience, chartering a ship is a perfect solution! Chartering a ship for your group has lots of advantages over meeting halls and hotels. On a Boat Bike Tour barge, you can take in the scenery from the boat or on a bike ride together. Together, you can all enjoy the excellent meals served on board. As the organizer, you would have plenty of input into the planning of the trip. See The top six…

The Mandurah Over 55 Cycling Club comprises of 220 cyclists – both experienced and beginner – who love cycling around Western Australia together. In recent years, they’ve branched out to do boat and bike tours together all over Europe. We asked cycling club member Mike and his wife Barbara about their highlights from these journeys. When did you do your first tour with Boat Bike Tours? Our first trip was from Paris to Champagne and back again, with two barges and 40 club members. We’ve also done tours in Holland,…

John and Nola are members of the Over 55 Cycle Club in Perth, Western Australia. They’re so enthusiastic about biking and barging that they’ve organized multiple European tours for their cycle club in collaboration with Boat Bike Tours. During these trips some 70 or so club members have participated, with quite a few coming back for repeat trips, as they had such a great time. We chat to them about the most memorable moments from their tours so far. What inspired you to organize your first boat bike trip? Nola…

Do you know the feeling when you’ve been on vacation for a few days, but it actually feels like a week or more? The days are rich with new experiences and your mind is full of fresh memories and impressions. Small is beautiful too! That’s why, with our short tours, we make it easy for you to dive into a mini adventure of just a few days. Discover all our four- or five-night short trips here: A full dose of spring From ‘A’ for Amsterdam to ‘Z’ for Zaanse Schans:…

2020: the year in which “negative” was the most positive word. The year in which working from home and staying at home became the new normal for many of us. We had time to reflect, to put things into perspective, and to make new plans to do things differently or better next year. Perhaps you already have a number of resolutions for 2021. What we have learned most from the past year is that we must seize opportunities when they present themselves and that we must be kind to ourselves…

When it comes to immersing yourself in the wonder of Dutch tulip fields, we all know of the spectacular destination of Keukenhof. With seven million bulbs on display each spring, it’s one of the world’s largest flower gardens. But there are many other magical hidden hotspots that are often overlooked. In this blog we take a peek at four corners of the Netherlands where floral magic happens. 1. The living bulb archive Hortus Bulborum is a foundation that manages a unique collection of tulips, narcissus and hyacinths. Based in the…