Reviews

The whole ambience on board MPS Gandalf on our Hanseatic Tour was about providing something for everyone. Our food was beautifully cooked and in abundant supply to fuel hungry cyclists from morning to night, with freshly baked muffins, cakes or biscuits available with tea and coffee each afternoon. The crew on board The Gandalf could not have been more willing or able to ensure our holiday was enjoyable, even down to organising emergency dental appointments, checking bikes over each day and replacing ones that had a problem; accommodation too was compact but very comfortable. Our cycling guide was Fred, who, together with Hans, the Skipper organised the cycling options along with the places the boat would berth each evening. After dinner we were provided with a map of the routes with fresh notes for next day showing the cycle network numbered junctions. Each day there was a short and a long cycling route option so our group of eighteen usually split according to their ability or energy, always arriving back pleased with their choice, having spent time in museums or interesting towns for coffee and a chance to explore. Every day someone stayed on board for one reason or another so that was always available. Fred put absolutely everything into ensuring accuracy of the notes and routes, not just for our group but for those following, by checking on the location of rest stops or route signs. As for the cycling itself, I found myself gaining in confidence to take the longer route after day one. I’m 68, cycle short distances mostly around town, and walk a dog every day and was unsure about my fitness to keep up to the speed of the group, but found that my fellow boat-bikers had similar reservations, all of which were allayed by Fred’s genial attitude and well timed guiding each day. And then there was the weather – we were lucky enough to have chosen the week when Holland was the hottest place in Europe, with temperatures reaching 29C! There was welcome shade through forests and sometimes less welcome head winds to cycle against on the coast but the sunshine was a huge bonus. I can’t recommend this holiday enough and Gandalf in particular. Will certainly be planning a return visit next year.

we enjoyed our trip. the boat and staff were wonderful. The group was fairly large so we rode by ourselves and the directions were not always co pleSe or the signs missing so we were lost a lot. the itinerary was excellent as was the food. we would have liked a cabin with two beds together but were never offered this option.

This is a great trip for people who are in at least moderate shape. The boat is wonderful and the staff was super friendly. The food was exceptional. The cycling was moderate but at fairly high speed and not geared to slower cyclists, would definitely recommend reserving an e-bike for slower folks. The guide was not always able to keep people together especially in tricky city situations. Maps were easy to follow in the country but not in the cities. we saw a lot of beautiful countryside and sights. There was also time to relax. Fellow trip members were great!

The Northern Tour was an awesome barge/bike experience for my wife and I. The stateroom was adequate- some might say “Too small!”. Supplies for breakfast and lunch were great and the sit-down supper was exceptional. The lounge and dining area were very functional, attractive and clean. The kitchen staff was efficient, the crew was very helpful, especially with the bikes, and the tour leader was a gem as she guided the bike tours and evening walks in a friendly and professional manner. We felt that free coffee and tea should be available at all times and if flags were used to indicate nations represented by those on board that care should be taken to indicate all nationalities present.

Our tour was very well organized, the food was plentiful, the beds comfortable, and the staff were fantastic. We had a most enjoyable holiday seeing the real Holland. Canals, green fields, windmills, fresh air, and friendly people.

This company delivers what they advertize. We were on the Southern Holland trip last week and thoroughly enjoyed the boating and biking. Great job!

I highly recommend this tour. Well oranised, heaps of healthy fresh food, daily route plan briefing with maps. We were able to rude at our own pace, stop as often as we wanted to explore, or choose a guided tour. Evenings were fun with fellow travellers, with some evening tours of the towns where we stayed. We had a great time, thanks

The Magnifique 11 is a lovely new boat, comfortable and tastefully done. We had a great trip around the tulip fields and were looked after very well by the excellent staff. This was our second trip with Boat Bike Tours and we would highly recommend this holiday.

Stunning trip! First sightseeing bike trip I’ve ever taken. Very organized, happy staff, nice boat, great bike, food delightful and delicious. The best way to see Holland, I think, given that the bicycle is so widely used there. Inspiring! All ages on this trip, skewed toward middle aged and older. The pace was leisurely but not slow. I would book another cycle tour with them without hesitation.

Such an amazing tripI I would recommend this excursion to anyone and everyone. The boat and the bikes were just excellent. The cook, Raymond, did an amazing job with each meal. We had delicious and plenteous offerings of food of all types of. The rooms in the boat were clean, stylish and functional. And the staff, they were personable and knowledgeable. Thanks for making our vacation so special!