Reviews

We spent 5 days on the MAGNIFIQUE II biking through the countryside in Holland. We cannot praise the captain, crew, staff, boat, or program enough. It has changed the way we will travel in the future. Just perfect. The biking, the boat (amazing) the food (gourmet quality and plentiful, just when you need it getting back from a bike trip). Thank you.

In June 2017 a couple of friends and I took a 7 day barge and bike tour though the Champayne region in France. We arranged our trip through Girolibero. The trip began in Epernay and travelled through Dormans, ChateauThierry, La Ferte-sous-jouarre-Meaux, Meaux-Lagny-sur-Marne and ended in Paris. Everything was just so well organised and absolutely above and beyond my expectations. And, better still, whilst the tour usually accommodates up to 24 persons we were fortunate enough to have had a small group of 6 people; four Australians, and a couple from the US. It was a fun group to be with and being so small it felt very private and exclusive. The bikes were great. Very comfortable to ride, with high handlebars, fenders, and all had the option of a pannier. There was also an option to use an E-bike. All were good touring bikes and well maintained. A typical day began with breakfast at 7.30am. We would then make our lunches and be on our bikes by 8.30am. We would cycle till about 12ish and then have lunch. Following lunch we would cycle on and meet with the boat further down the river usually around 4.30ish. We would have morning and afternoon tea breaks and stop to see historic or local sites along the way. Dinner was at 6:30pm. We rode about 40kms a day and for the most part it was easy cycling. The route took us through vineyard countryside, small towns, and along canals. Some in the group could cycle faster and longer, but our tour guide, Marianne kept the pace moderate and everyone stayed together. As a result everyone was able to look around and enjoy the country as we pedalled. Our boat was the MS Zwaantje, a 40 meters barge that can accommodate 24 passengers. It was very comfortable, clean and well crewed. I loved it and one of the best features of this tour was at the end of a day’s ride our rooms were ready and waiting for us on the boat. No packing or unpacking each day. Fantastic! I thought the food was great. Our cook prepared enjoyable and generous freshly home cooked meals each evening. She came out every night before dinner was served and announced what she had prepared together with a history of how it related to the local area. I thought that was a real nice touch. Our guide was a lovely lady named Mijntje Janssen Steenberg (better known to us as Marianne). She was awesome. She travelled with us each day and was very knowledgeable, helpful, charming and (amongst other languages) spoke excellent English. Any crises’ along the way she was able to resolve with minimal disruption to the daily program. She knew the route like the back of her hand and was well versed in the history of the sights we saw along the way. In the evenings she recapped the day’s travel and briefed us on the next day’s itinerary and weather. She would then (for those amongst us who were keen enough) take walk tours of the town we were moored in. I would highly recommend her. I really enjoyed her company and we all agreed she made us feel secure and safe throughout the tour. I/we had a great time on the barge/bike tour. I guess the best recommendation I could give is that that I’d love to do it again.

superb, wonderful, awsome, fun etc. is what i can say. late fall chancy weather didnt even interfere with the experience. best trip i’ve had!

Boat was okay and staff very good but biking was not the best. Bikes were in very poor repair, e.g. Brakes always on, brakes not working, handlebars on crooked, etc. but very poor. If you do not purchase the guided portion then good luck. Route books are poor, GPS tracks not always up to date, explanation okay but you will be lost at times. Also, in Bordeaux, do not expect to do much wine tasting unless you keep asking and asking and then only maybe some. The restaurant and bar staff worked hard and did a good job.

Everything was so well organized and absolutely above and beyond my expectations. Viktor was a fabulous guide for the guided tour and Sebastian was so helpful for all of our needs. Boat, food, accommodations – all 5 star.

We had a great time on this trip. The Patria Captain and his staff were friendly and helpful (especially David). We thoroughly enjoyed the food and the variety. Our cabin, as expected, was small but very clean and comfortable. The shower water pressure was always good and consistent. One small quibble, we were in a lower cabin in the far end of the ship (no windows open) and despite noting numerous air fresheners there was a definite “bilge” smell most days. This is a small issue but might direct people to the more expensive upper decks. Our bike was a special order tandem which we appreciated. It was fine but I think it could have used a bit of maintenance/tuning. The optional side trip excursions are all payable in cash only so budget your cash needs accordingly.

We had a great week on the Fluvius. The ship was very comfortable and a good size, not too big, so everyone got to know each other. The food was marvellous as were the crew. The bike guides, Tom and Mariana were very helpful and attentive. Would recommend this to anyone.

It was a wonderful experience

Our week aboard the Fluvius was what we expected and much more. We saw some great scenery, architecture and history as we pedalled through the countryside at a fairly easy pace. Our guide Guus was very competent, conscientious of everyone’s needs and abilities, humorous and seemed to really enjoy sharing his knowledge with the group. Our bikes were well maintained and ready for us at the beginning of each day. Food aboard was simple and well prepared. The Fluvius’ décor is dated and tired however that did not take away from our experience. Would recommend this type of holiday to all.

Our trip on the Sarah could not have been better. Lovely bike paths, great bikes, comfortable boat, great food, considerate staff attending to many details. Everyone seems quite intent on you having a great time. Margo folds a different napkin design every night just to brighten the day. Love the menus. Food is prepared with great skill and served with flair. Dealing with the reservation and documents could not be more professional. The agents answer any question very quickly and are accurate with their answers.