Belgium Bike Tour Reviews (page 3)
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★★★★★ Monica Lindemann July 16, 2024Glorious cycling through the Netherlands
· Amsterdam to Bruges: Cycling through South Holland and Zeeland
We, husband and I took the 7 day cycle from Amsterdam (Weesp) to Bruges with Tulip Cycling in May 2024. We are from Australia and this is the 3rd trip we've booked through the Biketours.com website. We loved this cycling trip. The Netherlands is the perfect country for a cycling holiday - flat and for the most part we rode on dedicated cycleways. Brilliant! Pieter from Tulip Cycling met us on day 1 in Weesp for our briefing. The GPS, maps and information was all in order and we had no problem navigating our way to Bruges. All the accommodation was great - very comfortable, some quirky elements and great breakfast buffets. We particularly enjoyed our stay in the old water tower, Villa Augustus, in Dortrecht. Make sure you book dinner there! My tips for the trip: take your swimmers and micro towel for a swim on days 4 or 5 in the Holland Delta or North Sea. Take binoculars for all the fabulous bird life. The ferry stop to Willemstad is a little non-descript and tricky to find, but it is there at the end of a dirt road near an old fort. A young couple run both the ferry and the little cafe at the fort. It's free to wander the fort while waiting for the ferry. Pack picnic lunches and snacks. Be aware that public toilets generally don't exist - even in parks or picnic areas. Order mussels for lunch in Sluis. Pack rain gear - including pants. Dutch ice cream, cheese and beer are all top notch :-) Highly recommend this tour. Lots to see, great accommodation, flat, safe cycleways and very well organised.
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★★★★★ Mary Juno July 15, 2024
Beyond All Expectations
· Amsterdam to Bruges: Cycling through South Holland and Zeeland
This trip was SO MUCH FUN. My partner and I are not experienced cyclers (just recreational cyclers), and this was our first long distance bike trip. It had sounded like a brilliant idea months earlier, but when the day came we were a bit nervous and wondered what we'd gotten ourselves into. When we met our local contact, Pieter, in Abcoude, he put us right at ease. He kindly explained the GPS, maps, and bikes to us and assured us we could contact him if needed. He was funny and charming and we liked him very much. We set off through Holland and were so charmed by the beautiful countryside, medieval towns, delicious food, and friendly people. And we were thrilled with the hotel choices -- each one was stylish and comfortable (especially Villa Augustus in Dordrecht) with great restaurants either in the hotel or very nearby, and our luggage was always waiting for us in our room when we arrived after the day's ride. Holland is a great place to bike as a) it's flat, and b) the bike paths are (almost always) separate from the roads, making it safe and easy to navigate. Arriving in Bruges at the end of our trip felt like a dream.
Overall we were very impressed with biketours. They thought of everything and made it easy for us to just show up and ride! We will definitely do another trip with biketours.com
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was the first.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Holland
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BikeTours.com staff reply from jan July 15, 2024
Reviews like this make our day. Truly! Giving people memories of a lifetime never gets old. Have a great rest of your summer!
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★★★★★ Donnan Sharp July 7, 2024Fun!!!
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique III (and reverse)
We biked on our own so probably missed some highlights, but GPS helped us follow same routes. Local bikers very fast so needed to pay strict attention!! But in all, totally awesome.
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★★★★★ Vicki Vinton July 7, 2024
We had a great team from stern to bow. Super weather
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique III (and reverse)
The ship was beautifully equipped, our room was comfortable, quiet and perfectly attended to every day
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★★★★★ Thomas Albrecht July 3, 2024Well designed route
· Highlights of Flanders: Belgium’s History, Art, Nature & Cuisine
Really enjoyed these great cities of Flanders, which I had not visited before. The route was complicated, but the combination of the printed maps and the Garmin kept us confidently on track. Had a few pretty hot days, but I believe that should be fairly rare for this route. Hotels were interesting and nice, with good variety. Overall, having taken several tours now with Bike Tours, I think I prefer more rural routes with smaller towns and villages, although I’m sure many others are very happy with the bigger cities. Much of the route was on bike trails, but in the bigger cities, bike trails along major streets have tons of bike traffic, so vigilance is a constant necessity. Quality of bikes was excellent, with no problems. Overall, a good trip!
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★★★★★ Virginia Snider June 28, 2024First time bike trip
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique II (and reverse)
Wasnt sure what to expect as a first for this experience but was impressed with the comfort and cleanliness of the boat accommodations. Crew and guides were awesome, always helpful.
Compliments to the chef for his presentation on the food, no lack of portions, although the dinners werent always what I was used to eating, I did try some things, great choices for breakfast, Bread was awesome. It was nice to have the appetizers on our return. Would have been nice ,a couple of days ,to take time at a cafe stop to order a lunch rather than take the same sandwich each day . -
★★★★★ Virginia Snider June 28, 2024
First time bike trip
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique II (and reverse)
Wasnt sure what to expect as a first for this experience but was impressed with the comfort and cleanliness of the boat accommodations. Crew and guides were awesome, always helpful.
Compliments to the chef for his presentation on the food, no lack of portions, although the dinners werent always what I was used to eating, I did try some things, great choices for breakfast, Bread was awesome. It was nice to have the appetizers on our return. Would have been nice ,a couple of days ,to take time at a cafe stop to order a lunch rather than take the same sandwich each day . -
★★★★★ Kathryn Francis June 25, 2024
Bike and barge experience
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique II (and reverse)
I thoroughly enjoyed the bike and barge experience. The boat accommodations were great. Staff and guides were very professional, knowledgeable and accommodating. Had to switch bikes on 2nd day to e-bike as head winds and distance made riding difficult. E-bikes should be highly recommended. Meals were fair. Should have a menu and at least 1 other option at each meal. No variety in lunch. Tour should arrange schedule so that guests have option of eating sandwich or lunch at a restaurant. Need stronger hair dryer.
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★★★★★ Brenda Gabitous June 24, 2024
Loved tn3 trip
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique II (and reverse)
Our guides were excellent .
The only drawback was the menus . The food was good but you did not know until 5 minutes before dinner what the menu was .
I found there was so much food at dinner it was a waste . -
★★★★★ Cheryl King June 24, 2024
Enjoyable
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique II (and reverse)
Personally, I really disliked the food. Few fish/seafood dishes on our group, plus an entire Indonesian meal. May be fine for some, but definitely was not for me or for some others which sucks because there’s no other options other than what is served. If I had known that I would be limited to what was served. And you got no notice until the meal was being served, I would’ve packed some protein bars and some additional snacks to bring a board. The rooms are great, cozy with a fantastic shower. The staff are fantastic. The bicycles were top rate and our guides were wonderful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2024
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Holland
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★★★★★ Pedro Carlisle June 23, 2024
Beginner trip
· Amsterdam to Bruges: Cycling through South Holland and Zeeland
Great bikes and support from Tulip cycling, excellent routes and sightseeing. Hotels were all fine save for Martins in Bruges which I would not recommend, and out of character with rest. All in all a great trip
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★★★★★ Pedro Carlisle June 22, 2024
Beginner trip
· Amsterdam to Bruges: Cycling through South Holland and Zeeland
Great bikes and support from Tulip cycling, excellent routes and sightseeing. Hotels were all fine save for Martins in Bruges which I would not recommend, and out of character with rest. All in all a great trip
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★★★★★ Anne MacInnis June 6, 2024Wonderful Bike and Barge Experience!
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique IV (and reverse)
I participated in the Bruge to Amsterdam Bike and Barge Tour and it exceeded my expectations in every way. The ship was lovely and I was impressed by the room and the lovely ensuite bathroom. The bikes were great and when I asked if it would be possible to switch to an electric bike - there was no problem. The guides - Anna and Hairy were knowledgeable, friendly, and kind. The staff on board the ship were polite, professional, and always willing to help in any way. The chef was extraordinary - lovely dinners each night beautifully presented. I loved the flavoured water and snacks available at the end of each ride. The stops we made along the way were interesting and often historic. I really appreciated the stop at the graveyard where so many young Canadian soldiers were buried - it was very touching. The stop at the dairy farm where they make Gouda was amazing. I think we were exposed to a great deal of the countryside and culture of the countries we visited. A thoroughly satisfying and wonderful trip.
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★★★★★ Paula Mckenzie June 1, 2024
Exceptional trip
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique II (and reverse)
This is a wonderful way to see a country. The boat exceeded expectations, the staff were fantastic and went above and beyond. Our chef made lovely gourmet meals. I would definitely go with this company again.
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★★★★★ Tracie Bodnar June 1, 2024Ride around Bruges
· Bruges to Dutch Border Bike Tour
This was my first E bike tour and our tour guide. Kim, was exceptional, both knowledgeable and made plenty of stops for pictures and water breaks. She is very personable and fun to be with his part of our group. Kim, took the time to explain every part of the E bike to make me feel comfortable before we started our adventure
- What was the date of your tour?
- 5/29/2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- None
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Janna Poll June 1, 2024
Great crew, great boat
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique III (and reverse)
We are on the continent for six weeks and agreed this is the best week of the six. Great flexible, wonderful food, fun guides, and lot of experiences.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 9
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Holland
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★★★★★ Cathy Fagsn May 31, 2024
My wonderful bike ride Thursday, May 30th. with Kim.
· Bruges to Dutch Border Bike Tour
She was fantastic. She was funny, very informative, and efficient. I would highly recommend Bike Tours and especially Kim.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 30th
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Barbara Kirkham May 27, 2024
Amazing Adventure!
· · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique IV (and reverse)
What a great biking experience, from the moment we were welcomed onboard. We were always greeted with a smile, and were well informed about next steps: the staff team were awesome! Because the tourist group is small, there was time to find friendship with like minded people from around the world.
The barge is beautiful, and the cabins very efficient. We enjoyed gourmet meals daily, and my food allergies were never a problem thanks to the very creative and talented Chef Jules.
I had never experienced ‘rush hour’ on bicycles, and was in awe that bicycles often get the right of way: so different in Canada! The busy cities gave way to daily rides through true countryside farms and water systems, with interesting stops. A great combination of riding.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- My second bike tour - very relaxed tempo
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Holland
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★★★★★ Wendy Geiger May 22, 2024
Lovely Tour of South Holland and Bruges
· Amsterdam to Bruges: Cycling through South Holland and Zeeland
This was my first supported bike travel vacation and it was lovely. Although the GPS stopped working on day 4, we were able to use the previously downloaded Maps on Ride with GPS. Luckily I brought my phone holder so it was convenient. There were some routes that were a bit more complex than necessary with the route going off on a tangent and then coming back to the original roadway- most likely to provide more scenic byways or to add mileage. We were often able to stop along the way at a cafe to have a drink or dessert or even lunch. I recommend using the ebikes for Holland due to the wind. We had great weather in early/mid- May but missed the blooming tulips. Next time we'll go in April to see the tulips (although the weather might offer more rain). We had beautiful weather with sun and 70 degree days (one into the 80s) with only 1-1/2 days with rain. Loved that someone took our bags on to the hotels for us and the charming B&Bs were luxury. Loved, loved, loved the last B&B (De Zomere) in Bruges. It was quite unique and my sister and her hubby were jealous of the accommodations as they were placed in the non-descript Martin's hotel along with half of Bruges' tourists! I would recommend for future bike tours that you list bringing along some anti-chafing "butter" for your derriere. The upright position of the bikes is a different sensation for those of us used to Road bikes and it made for a few uncomfortable days in the saddle. Overall, a wonderful way to spend part of a vacation.
