Reviews

Loved every minute. More e-bikes would have been nice.

Loved it. Would/will happily do it again I’d just prefer to bring my own bike next time. The step through bikes are a bit of a tank. Can understand why they are used but as an avid cyclist would prefer a lighter more traditional bike with a cross bar. The 5KM stretch at the end in Bratislava was a bit unnerving. Cars going 80KM/hr 15 cm from you. Would be nice if a suitable alternative could be found there. Got lost on that route too. Apparently the bridge we were supposed to turn left on in the farmer’s field had been removed for repairs. Then again I thrive on those things as it becomes one more story to tell. Those using Garmin Edge 520’s had no problem but 10 of us had become separated from that pack and didn’t see where they turned. Oh, well, we all survived!!!! The announcement was made that there had only ever been 1 flat tire in 10 years.I’m proud to say it’s 2 now! I’ve changed a lot of flat tires in my life but never on the back tire of an internal hub drive. Managed to do it with the help of a friend but only had low gear after that. Felt like a gerbil on a treadmill for the final 5KM! ;-) (Another story to tell). Thank you to Jann, the cruise director, for the large beer in honour of the episode. Shared it with my friend. Being from Canada my phone didn’t have European roaming so couldn’t call for help. Maybe I’ll buy a “burner” next time. Was surprised at just how good the evening meals were and “Pirate Night” was outstanding. Crew were fabulous. So many names I didn’t know but noted were Tomas, Michal and Dominika. Entertainment fun and social (Thanks Bob and Api). It was a great experience and I’m sure the 6 of us will be talking about it for a long time. Thank you

The trip was amazing. Exceptional staff, great food, service over all was top of the line. One concern is that the Carrissimia boat struggled all week with a sewage odor that permeated the lobby and large gathering room. It was very strong at times. This should not be a difficult problem to solve and needs to be addressed.

This was our first biking and boat tour. It was amazing. We went with a big group of 10 nurses and 10 spouses. Biking was not difficult. It felt good biking around in France. We saw many things that we wouldn’t if we were driving. We are thankful for that. The guide Carlos and the crew Filippo, Josef, Marco and Nadia were friendly, positiv, helpful, nice and service minded. Made us feel like home. Trusted os for the boat, bar and the wine. We bounded good and they came part of our wonderful group. We are for sure going on this kind of trip again very soon. Best regards from Hilda and Binni ” the fast and the furious”

A great experience: comfortable boat, very friendly staff, great food, and great landscape for biking!

A really good holiday in beautiful countryside. All the staff on the boat worked very hard and there was a friendly atmosphere on board. Guests were from a wide variety of countries which was interesting. There was a good selection of food for breakfast and lunch. Dinners were tasty but lacking in vegetables and choice. Bikes were great and well maintained. Hadn’t realised that we were going to be cycling on some busy roads which was rather daunting. Quiet roads through the vineyards were lovely and a great opportunity to see rural France.

Our trip on the grande old Magnifique was really first rate all the way. The food was deliciously prepared and served. The guides were thoughtful, kind and knowledgeable. The route was diverse and interesting. The side tours in Antwerp, Dordrect, and Ghent and the smaller towns were well guided with humor, history and cultural side notes. Our captain Bert was informative and respectful. Our cook, Russell was outstanding and yet very humble considering his expertise. Our guide Bert was approachable and fun, and lead guide Corrie, a former university history professor, was a wealth of information and incredibly forthcoming, warm and personable. This crew was “the dream team!” This was a 65th birthday gift for my wife and it exceeded our expectations by a country mile. (BTW the e-bikes were a treat, and we will probably buy two when we return home!). Well done Boat Bike Tours!!

The Lena Maria was a very comfortable barge with roomy cabins, comfortable bunks and plenty of storage. Helpful and very friendly staff and an especially wonderful chef who provided excellent meals. Good dining and lounge areas. Group numbers for riding on “The Green Heart” tour need to be kept smaller than our 22 members for riding through cities. It was too difficult and dangerous all trying to negotiate intersections and traffic and keep up with only one guide.

The Ship Theodore Korner is 50 years old and is showing its age. While the staff was tremendous and the food was very good, the ship is outdated. The air conditioning barely worked and it was hot when we were there. The electric outlets were few, the wifi even when you bought it barely worked, the crew and some of the guests smoked like crazy in the smoking areas but the smoke was hard to avoid if you sat outside. When we entered out room, there was no toilet seat or cover, just the naked bowl, no clothes hangers in the tiny closet and the lip at the edge of the shower stall was sharp bare stainless steel that cut my foot. My friend also cut her foot in a different room. All was fixed after we complained, but poor maintenance was evident. My husband’s bike malfunctioned and was uncomfortable. My e-bike was ok. The cycling instructions were very confusing. Maps insufficient. Despite detailed briefings, it was easy to get lost, Just not what we expected. Won’t go with this company again.

Bikes great, people awesome, excursions need some attention, food okay. Sending emails that we had not payed needs to be resolved. Boat accommodation excellent upper renovated suites are great. Thanks Karla Ingbritson