Something to please everyone!

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.