Our tour leaders 

Francien van der Lee

I have been an avid cyclist for as long as I can remember. I use my city bike almost every day, but I enjoy mountain bike rides the most. Even on holiday, I always take the bike along. How nice is it to be able to cycle for work!
With a background in Public Relations and Tourism, I have been working as a tour guide for cycling holidays for over 20 years now. I think cycling and boating are a wonderful combination that appeals to both young and old: being active during the day and exploring a region by bike or boat. There are many fun aspects to my job as a tour leader for Boat Bike Tours. Meeting cyclists from other countries with whom I can enjoy all the beautiful sights along the way is never boring. Hope to see you on board soon!

Gijsbert Valstar

My whole life has been about travel by bike. As a child I grew up camping and biking on vacations. That inspiration led me to study transportation engineering and after that to my working life as an organizer of bicycle vacation all over the world. I’ve stayed loyal to the Netherlands: an ideal place for discoveries by bike, for a short ride or a weekend away. In my free time I keep busy with improving the bicycling conditions were I live, I enjoy gardening and I help with maintenance of the landscape (hedge laying). Of course, I also bicycle and walk a lot, close to home or abroad. My guests gain an insight along the way into the historie and customs of the country and the region where we cycle. Relaxing with a snack and a drink along the way. The bike is the best mode of transportation to discover a place, and I love to share that enthusiasm with others.
At Boat Bike Tours since 2015.

Hans Spithoven

Travel is wonderful. In 2000 I left the Netherlands and went to Australia. After a nice time down under I backpacked around and visited many places in the world that I had dreamed of. Traveling has been my job for years now and I like to bicycle. It is the best way to explore a place. It’s great to go out with a group of guests every day and show them the most beautiful places in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
My hobbies: Besides traveling I also like camping, often in nature in combination with a nice walk. Every now and then I play tennis and as a music lover I regularly attend concerts or festivals.
The best thing about my job: The variety and the adventure: every trip is a new experience. I am happy to give our guests a fantastic time. That makes me feel good. I couldn’t ask for a better job!
At BBT since 2018

Hester van Vliet

Boating and cycling: they’re both in my DNA and I can’t decide which I like best. My many bicycle tours through Europe gave me “bicycling legs” and sailing in Friesland gave me sea legs. The link is that they’re both about traveling, the freedom and the movement. The rhythm of the day is determined by circumstances as they happen. It’s always fascinating how natural and good it feels to just go with the flow. The best part of my work at Boat Bike Tours is that I can take the guests along in this feeling and can share so many of Holland’s fantastic bicycle routes with them. After riding the route, we see the ship moored in the distance. We pedal the last kilometers and then we can enjoy the other part – the good life on board. Tired but satisfied, we take our place on the top deck with a snack and a drink, and everyone has a story to tell. Since 2016 I’ve worked for BBT. In my free time I make music and you can also find me in my stained-glass workshop, where I make windows to order.

Hilde Beijer

Every week is a party when I’m on the road with Boat Bike Tours. Enjoying new experiences together with the guests. The dynamics of the water, the farms, church towers, villages, beautiful cities and the endless views. An intense experience that I try to make even more special with stories and anecdotes. The atmosphere and the conviviality on the boat also contribute to this unique way of spending a vacation. The best thing about my work: giving the guests an unforgettable week. Relaxation, surprise and pleasant company are the keys.
My hobbies: travelling, photography, tennis and skiing.
At BBT since 2017

Ilse Janneman

Riding a bike makes me feel good. There is no better way to see, feel and get to know a country then by bike. What I like even more is to share these experiences with other people. For already 15 years I work as a tour guide for several companies and for Eurosail I have guided many bike & barge trips in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. I would love to show you the special places our trips have to offer and give you the chance to meet local people and learn about their culture.

I hope to welcome you soon!

Margreet Klijn

I was born and raised as the daughter of a rose farmer in the Green Heart of the Netherlands. After completing my degree in tourism, I worked for the travel bureau of the Dutch rail system and brought up a son and a daughter. They are now 23 and 25 years old and live in Utrecht and Amsterdam. Three years ago I moved to a tiny village in Zeeland, on the sea behind a hig dike. I bought a big house and I’m happy there. My hobbies are walking, biking, gardening and reading, which I can do endlessly! I still work for the railway, but now ownly parttime as a conductor. I’ve worked for Boat Bike Tours since 2018, mostly as a tour leader on semi-guided trips. What I find most inspiring about this work is the contact with people from all over the world and also from the Netherlands: the fun conversations that arise when our guests marvel about what they’ve seen and experienced on the day’s route. I love when everyone is getting what they want from the trip and seeing them enjoy themselves. I’m happy to contribute, and also to help if there are emergencies. The wonderful bike routes through our green, watery and varied landscape and the mooring places of the ships in inspiring locations are bonuses that I happily sign up for every summer season.

Michiel van der Ark

What started as a year of backpacking through North America turned into a lifelong passion for travel and tour guiding. For many years I was lucky enough to show my compatriots the most beautiful places in the world. A few years ago it was time to show others what beautiful places the Low Countries have to offer.
My hobbies: I still like to visit the most remote and unknown places on earth.
The best thing about my job: Traveling in my own country forces me to see things I never really thought about through different eyes. My guests always ask new, interesting questions, from which I learn a lot myself.
At Boat Bike Tours since 2018

Nel den Boer

I’m Nel den Boer. I grew up in the Alblasserwaar, a gorgeous old Dutch landscape with beautiful windmills. After wandering the world, working in various countries in Africa and Asia as a development worker, I have made Houten my home. Championing the cause of vulnerable mothers and children is my passion. That is also my background: offering preventive healthcare in emergency situations as well as setting up development projects. My international work experience in cross-cultural contexts gives me the tools needed to lead group trips. Travel is in my blood, and I always enjoy hitting the road with travel companions. Because every trip is different and always inspiring, there’s so much to enjoy about them. That’s what makes the job of travel leader so special.
My hobbies: Traveling, sailing, biking, and photography are the things I like to do. That’s why the unique formula of boating and cycling tours fits me so well.
The best thing about my work: I always find it fascinating and inspiring to spend time with a group of international guests, to bicycle together, to show you the wonder of nature, and to offer new knowledge about the history and interesting facts along the route. For me, the trip is successful if the guests are satisfied and full of new impressions and inspiration when they depart.

Wilma Wassenaar

I am an adventurous globetrotter; without a challenge there is no life. Born in Santpoort, raised in IJmuiden, via Haarlem I ended up in Amsterdam, my home port. After my studies in social work, after some time I felt pulled in another direction … I rolled into the adventurous-active-distant-alien-travel world in the late 1980s as a tour guide. The vacationers were pioneers, the tour guide was also a pioneer 😉; it was a joy. Did this for many years. Long story short, after doing some development work in a refugee camp in Kenya, I eventually returned to the Netherlands, to a new career as a civil servant. I lost the job in a time of crisis and started my own company as a coach. Contacts with the travel world resumed, one thing led to another, and that’s how I came to Boat Bike Tours.
My hobbies: The great outdoors! I love all sports activities that I can do there. Walking, cycling, skating, swimming, running. Lately I’ve caught the triathlon virus… In addition, (research) journalism, other cultures, the arts, history. I am a glutton.
The best thing about my job: My job is my hobby, my hobby is my job. That says everything! It’s the nicest job I know. It combines three of my passions: leading/guiding/coaching travel, cycling, and giving people a fantastic experience.
With Boat Bike Tours since: 2018

Peter Verstraten

Before being a tour leader for Boat Bike Tours I was a city guide in Dordrecht for many years. Traveling to me, means being on the road. I feel at home everywhere. There is nothing more pleasurable, than to show my country to guests from all over the world: the beauty of the water and the Dutch cities. Explaining how we do things, seeing the fun in everything along the way, going to the nicest spots, and trying the most delicious specialties is what I will try to offer on each tour. Welcome aboard!

Tamara Veenendaal

Hi! I’m Tamara, also known as Tamy. I’ve been a travel leader since 2006 and it’s the best job ever! Every day on the road in the fresh air, so enjoyable to discover new places on the bike, the beautiful towns we pass, magnificent nature, good food, and every week you make new friends on board. The combination of biking and sailing is truly fantastic! You always have the same room so you never have to move, but still you sleep every night in a different town. It’s ideal! My hobbies are making and listening to music (I play guitar and sing, including on the ships.). The best thing about my work is being outdoors, meeting new people and discovering new places. At Boat Bike Tours since 2017.

Thomas Wuts

I started as a tour guide in 1998, fascinated by what I consider the ideal travel concept for “learning and enjoyment.” From all corners of the world travelers with the most diverse backgrounds come together at our barge/boats and share their interests together to explore with cycling, cities and the country Holland. It is a beautiful, honorable task to be the tour guide and also give this adventure to the people who are interested in Holland and cycling.

I hope I will meet you at one of my trips.

Tom Stout

It is fun to see a new group of travelers of all ages and nationalities arrive on board on the first day and after a week see them leave as friends. For me the biking and sailing is the perfect mix: being active on the bike and relaxing onboard, in towns and villages. Apart from the landscape and beautiful bike paths, there are of course also great coffee breaks, lunch breaks, afternoon breaks… And then there are the ships, dinners, guided walks and many more surprises on the way. I’m always happy to hear that together with the ships’ crew we make your trip exceed expectations.

Patrick van t Hooft

After my studies in tourism, completed in 1976, I have always worked in the tourism sector. In my career of more than 45 years guiding groups and organizing incentive trips and conferences, I have seen the whole world. I also worked as a city guide in my home city of Antwerp and was a Tourism Flanders-recognized guide. I retired in 2019. Then I bought a VIP minibus to show my beautiful home country of Belgium to foreign guests as a guide/driver. I got to know the unique concept of Boat Bike Tours in 2018. Since then, I can’t wait for the new season each year to give foreign guests an unforgettable week. So far I am the only Belgian tour guide at BBT and therefore I prefer to accompany the Amsterdam-Bruges tours. My “Belgian Beer & Chocolate Tasting” evenings on board are appreciated.
My hobbies: Everything that has to do with the history, interesting facts and regional products of my country. In normal times, at least twice a year I travel with my girlfriend Dorine. I also like to make time for my children Stijn, Jens and Stefanie and my grandchildren Lore, Jenne, Mia and another one on the way.
The most enjoyable part of my job: Welcoming the guests on board and seeing them go home happy a week later. Meeting so many nationalities and personalities. And of course the fantastic cooperation with the other tour leaders and the ships’ crews.
With Boat Bike Tours since: 2018

Peter Van Avermaet

After my studies in tourism, completed in 1976, I have always worked in the tourism sector. In my career of more than 45 years guiding groups and organizing incentive trips and conferences, I have seen the whole world. I also worked as a city guide in my home city of Antwerp and was a Tourism Flanders-recognized guide. I retired in 2019. Then I bought a VIP minibus to show my beautiful home country of Belgium to foreign guests as a guide/driver. I got to know the unique concept of Boat Bike Tours in 2018. Since then, I can’t wait for the new season each year to give foreign guests an unforgettable week. So far I am the only Belgian tour guide at BBT and therefore I prefer to accompany the Amsterdam-Bruges tours. My “Belgian Beer & Chocolate Tasting” evenings on board are appreciated.
My hobbies: Everything that has to do with the history, interesting facts and regional products of my country. In normal times, at least twice a year I travel with my girlfriend Dorine. I also like to make time for my children Stijn, Jens and Stefanie and my grandchildren Lore, Jenne, Mia and another one on the way.
The most enjoyable part of my job: Welcoming the guests on board and seeing them go home happy a week later. Meeting so many nationalities and personalities. And of course the fantastic cooperation with the other tour leaders and the ships’ crews.
With Boat Bike Tours since: 2018

José Klein Hesselink-Sluis

I was born and raised in the beautiful Achterhoek and live with my husband and dog in Doetinchem. In 2016 I changed course; it was time for something new and I said goodbye to my company after 30 years. I followed a tourism training and was allowed to call myself ANVR Tour Manager. I never regretted it for a moment!
My hobbies: I am a real outdoors person, rain or shine. Working in the garden, taking walks on the Veluwe with my dog, Amy. Cycling, great for exploring new routes and discovering beautiful places.
The best part of my job: Having contact with guests from all over the world. Everyone has their own story and that makes it so varied. Especially the enthusiasm and positivity of the guests after a week of sailing and cycling makes me very happy. It has ensured that I got to know my own country even better and saw it through different eyes.
BBT: I have been working for BBT since 2017.

Anneke Frankenberg

A life without a bicycle seems unthinkable to me. It’s not only a super-practical means of transport, but the best way to discover an area: you see everything, you can stop anywhere and still cover a lot of kilometers. As a guide, I also discover new things every trip, and it’s great to share that with my guests. The combination of beautiful nature and interesting cities continues to fascinate, and that in combination with the fresh air and exercise is an ideal holiday.

Ingrid van de Grint

My name is Ingrid van de Grint and I have been working in tourism since I was 27, first as a diving instructor in Latin America and then in Barcelona as a representative of Expedition Cruises in Patagonia. When I returned to Amsterdam, I worked for a number of years at the ANWB emergency center where I supported travelers with problems abroad. This work gave me a lot of satisfaction, but I missed traveling, which is why I started with guiding. I have been working as a guide and tour leader at home and abroad for several years now. I would never want to do anything else because this job combines my greatest hobbies: travelling, culture and history. What could be more fun than being outside all day and learning more about the area you are cycling/sailing through?

Fred van Leeuwen

2022 is my tenth year working as a tour guide on a bicycle! Before this career I worked in the commercial sector in home furnishings and kitchen design. The switch to the travel world was a relief for me! No stress and lots of adventure. I have lived most of my life in North Holland; I know that province like the back of my hand. The Northern route is so varied and full of natural beauty, with a round of Texel as a bonus – I highly recommend it. But I also know my way around France and Belgium, and I lead my guests to the most beautiful places and castles. Paris – Bruges is very important to me because of the relaxed program and the time we share together as a group. A two-week tour gives people the opportunity to deepen their acquaintance. Beautiful conversations in the evening sun with a good glass of wine! Traveling is my passion and my life, and on Facebook I often post photos during the trip. Going out with a group, sharing my knowledge and inspiring and connecting the group is fantastic! It’s new challenge every week. I can say without hesitation that I now have the best job of my life. I am looking forward to creating unforgettable experiences together with my colleagues and the crew members on board in the new season.

Esther Nouse

I was born in the heart of Zeeland where I had a very happy childhood. I went to study tourism and after my internship in Spain I stayed there for a few years and worked a lot in the travel industry. I also guided bike tours through the center of Barcelona for a number of years which was a really fun way to explore the city.
I have been living in the Netherlands for many years now and I always enjoy exploring cities as well as nature in the Netherlands by bike. Last year I graduated as a tour guide and the owner of Boat Bike Tours was one of the examiners. After earning my diploma, I could apply immediately and I am now very much looking forward to my first Boat Bike Tour through the Netherlands and Belgium.
Hobbies: Besides discovering beautiful places at home and abroad, I also like running in nature.
What I like most about this job: What could be more beautiful than being able to tell travelers the hidden stories of the Netherlands, so that the journey they make through the Netherlands really comes to life?