Reviews

We thoroughly enjoyed our Tour! The food was excellent, the cabin was comfortable, and the bikes were great. We enjoyed our tour leaders, and especially appreciated their introduction to the biking rules of the road before starting out. The problems we encountered were relatively minor, but I offer my observations in the hopes of being constructive: 1. The breakfast service was challenging because the space was small and everyone wanted breakfast at the last possible moment. I found that the ship staff didn’t monitor the food very well, and most days some people went without because of the crush of people. 2. One day when I was riding, I developed problems with my bicycle. The tour leader did not appear to be in a position to assist me. Her advice was to keep riding, and maybe somebody could help me at the boat. That day we rode 43 km, under difficult wind conditions, and the issue came up prior to the mid-point of the day, so this was a disappointing response. Fortunately one of the members of the group was able to help me. I am not sure that the company has a procedure for when someone cannot finish the day of biking, unless they have a serious accident (for example), which one of our tour members did. (She was in a different group from me, so I cannot comment on the procedure.) 3. There was a lack of clarity about the optional canal tour in Amsterdam. In other tours I have done, there has clearly been free time when someone could take advantage of this, either by themselves or in a group. So I bought it (along with paying for the other tour costs), but when I arrived at the boat, there was no time in the schedule when it was really convenient to do the tour. Had I known that, I wouldn’t have bothered. 4. There was little to no creation of a temporary community on-board ship. On the first evening, when the leaders and the crew were being introduced, it might have been appropriate to have each participant also introduce themselves quickly.

This is exactly the tour for people who just want a quick burst of tulips and canals and cycling in the land of the bicycle. The tour guides were organized and the bikes were always ready to go and in good shape. Unfortunately no hot water for the last day or so on the boat. Also given the way people are, the guides probably should have emphasized the need for people NOT TO BUNCH UP when riding, particularly on crowded busy streets. Accidents can happen when you are too close together.

“This was a fantastic trip. I loved being on the barge and having the “”moving hotel”” experience. It was also so cool looking out of my window and the water was 4 inches below that. The crew and staff were very helpful and accommodating. The ebikes were perfect. The food was good and diverse. Because of being on the barge, I was able to meet the other guests and really get to know them. It’s a great way to see the sights and your fellow travelers. It’s very personal. All the biking was clear to follow and a really enjoyable ride. The excursions were well planned. I would have liked a little extra time in a couple of place but that gives me an incentive to go back soon. I would highly recommend this and am even looking into their other trips.”

The Fluvius was a good ship and the grand finale of our trip, which was sailing through the heart of Amsterdam on a 200+ foot boat was quite memorable! We rented the E bikes and they were great, but what really made our trip special was the tour guides Michel and Terese, they were great! Food was good and the daily cycle expeditions were well chosen and interesting.

Nice plan, good guiding and a comfortable stay

We were aboard the Fluvius April 3 -7. It is a warm, comfortable, intimate environment compared to the other , bigger, newer boats. We were not a completely full house which made it better to speak to almost everyone. The bikes were in good working order and pleasant to ride. The guides were nice and told us some info along the routes. The food was a very nice three course dinner everyday. Breakfast buffet area is a bit cramped but has good food options and you make your lunch to take for biking. We had an upper double room (104) which is obviously small but very comfortable. Only slight negative would be that the person on the other side has to crawl over the other to-get up to go to the bathroom at night. Mattress was very comfortable and the bathroom was larger than I expected it would be. I wish our tour was longer, I didn t want to leave!

We had a wonderful time on this trip. The staff is very friendly, helpful and courteous. The two tour guides are so nice, they made us feel like we have known them for a long time. The food was delicious and the boat was very comfortable.

My husband and I loved the Tulip Tour Bike and Barge trip. The barge was beautiful, clean and comfortable. We enjoyed the wonderful meals, and we looked forward to the chef s announcement each evening of the dinner we were about to be served! The two leaders, Andre and Arie, were outstanding! Each day was well organized, with the perfect combination of biking and sightseeing. The biking routes were scenic, with rest stops along the way at quaint cafes and villages. Safety was paramount, and I appreciated that the longer bike route was not offered when the weather turned rainy and windy. A daily briefing was held each night after dinner, and the following day s activities were explained so there were no surprises. The rental bikes were in good working order and very comfortable for a day of riding. My husband and I were celebrating our 40th anniversary, and what a special way to celebrate! Thank you for a trip we will always remember!

“Sadly, whilst we enjoyed much of this tour there were several issues that need to be addressed. On the positive side the restaurant staff were exceptional and the food served each night was very good indeed. The boat Fluvius was very comfortable too, so no complaints there. However the timetable we were given was not adherred to. We were not allowed to board day one at the time advised and had to wait an hour or more before doing so. Also we departed from Amsterdam too late to arrive at Zaandam to explore by bike. Team leaders took off at times leaving some behind to catch up, and were not particularly understanding of the guests needs to appreciate aspects of the ride. It has to be stated that the boat’s captain liked a “”tipple”” every night, and considered to be excessive for a person in charge of moving the vessel on the next day! It was pointed out by the tour leaders to the group on many occassions that this was the first tour this season and mistakes have been made, but improvements would be made in future! HOWEVER, this is unacceptable. Every aspect of the tour should have been handled in a professional accomplished manner!!”

Cycling along murky canals, through fields of tulip colour blocks and backstreets of elegant towns and timeless villages – Boat Bike Tours is just a wonderful way to experience a fascinating country. Well done and thank you to the great team that you are. I look forward to the next trip I can take with you!

Food was very good & with good variety. The breakfast & lunch making area very congested. Biking good. Would have appreciated more opportunity for impromptu breaks for picture taking, etc.

Enjoyed very much but had hoped for more cycling. The first day of the 5 day trip we boarded the boat at lunch and then sailed and there wasn t time for a ride. On the 5th day our last day , the trip ended after breakfast so no riding available that day. So not quite the 5 days as I imagined.