Bike and Boat Tour Reviews page 14
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★★★★★ Brenda Brown Wright
Biking across the Danube
Danube Delights: Biking through Four Countries
It was a great experience, Leslie and Barbara plus the guides did an outstanding job. We were
Lucky to be able to explore some
Of the area, during flooding. Or near flooding .
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★★★★★ Kathy
Nice trip! We had a really good time.
Danube Discovery: Pedaling from Germany to Austria
We've done numerous bike trips around Europe but wanted to try a bike and boat this time. It's not a deluxe trip, but exceeded our expectations. The Prinzessin Katharina is older, but very well maintained, with traditional style decor. We had stayed in Passau the night prior and the taxi ride to the harbor was quick and easy. We had an upper level cabin, which was compact but had space to move around and decent storage. I peaked into the main deck cabins as well, which were laid out a little differently but seemed about the same size, with maybe a little less closet space. Don't excpect many outlets for charging your devices, as there are only a couple in the cabin. There is also a restaurant and a lounge with a bar on the upper deck. The sun deck is spacious, with lots of loungers, tables and chairs, and some covered space for shade.
There is assigned seating in the dining room for the whole trip. Most of the passengers were German speaking, but they made a good effort to put English speaking guests at the same table. Breakfast was a pretty standard buffet, with breads, pastries, fruits and juices, as well as a few warm dishes with eggs, sausage, bacon. They also let you pack a lunch from the buffet choices. The dinner menu had 3 or 4 entree choices each night, along with a couple of starters and a couple of desserts. The food, while not gourmet, was very good. No beverages were included, so you had to pay even to have water with your dinner. There is a good selection of wine and cocktails available from the bar. Coffee and tea were provided at breakfast.
The daily meetings to provide info on the next day's route were useful, with separate meetings provided for German and English. As expected, the bike routes kept mostly to dedicated bike paths or segregated bike lanes along roads. You rarely have to deal with much traffic, and the route is generally very easy to follow. The rental bikes provided were quite good, and comfortable.
We only did one of their optional tours, going up to Schloss Greinburg in Grein. On a day when the schloss is normally closed, the tour company was able to arrange this tour, and we enjoyed it.
What really made the trip so good was the crew and all of their efforts. The dining room and bar servers, housekeeping, the front desk staff, and the deck crew responsible for loading and unloading all the bikes were all outstanding, friendly and helpful. Our cruise director Monica did a great job keeping eveything running smoothly.
We enjoyed our trip despite some unseasonably cold, rainy and windy weather part of the time. We're looking forward to planning another bike and boat trip.
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★★★★★ Gay and Snuffy
Best Bike and Boat hosts ever!
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Princesse Royal
Zwaantje Boat, Bruges to Amsterdam..fantastic hosts Marjorie & Martene, Trudie & Matthew, guide Felix, all welcoming, friendly with superb meals (especially arriving from the rain and cool temperatures, hot soup, drinks and home made baking). Great group of people on the tour and can highly recommend this relaxed and lovely bike ride experience. Well done Marjorie and Martene....best wishes for many more successful seasons!
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★★★★★ barbara 427
Another great bike tour
South Dalmatia Bike/E-bike and Boat
It was a great way to see the southern Croatian islands. The guides were a lot of fun. The boat, the melody was beautiful, the crew was great. And the captain was so nice. The E-bikes are the way to go. It made the tour so much more pleasurable. I've done hills with a regular bike and it was rough But with the EBike it makes the tour fun and still allows you to get a great work out. The islands are so beautiful, and the people were so nice. I'm thinking about doing the northern islands next year.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 16-22
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia
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★★★★★ Barbara Lightizer
Well organized, very enjoyable trip
Danube Discovery: Pedaling from Germany to Austria
The bike routes were very well marked. Additionally, we were provided with excellent maps and an excellent gps route guidance tool. We were initially given e-bikes which we had not requested but they were immediately switched out to regular bikes. The crew were all very helpful and nice. The ship was quite comfortable. Food was very good.
All around a very nice experience.
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★★★★★ Dee Knight
Extremely Fun, Knowledgeable Host/Lead
Paris Evening Bike & Boat Tour
This was an excellent start to my trip, and I suggest it as a beginning to any trip here. Our tour guide was knowledgeable, fun, and kind! Just a joy to be around and learn from. We got to see the major landmarks and hear of such rich history. The Louvre, Eiffel, Notre Dame, Seine, just packed with so much awe! 10/10 recommend! Also, I'm a bigger girl, don't really exercise much aside from swimming, and I was able to keep up with the group, just slowed a bit on the last leg because I thought we were done at the boat trip, but it is very doable for I think almost ANY level of fitness. Walked the bike up two hilled areas and was still able to keep up with the whole group at the time.
- What was the date of your tour?
- November 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0 before this one.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Daniela Veludo
Unforgettable Danube
Danube Delights: Cycling and Cruising in the Footsteps of Royalty
Perfect way to see Bavaria and Austria, exercising safely with the bike and enjoying a very comfortable motor boat. Very good organization.
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★★★★★ Daniele
A must-have trip for those who love cycling and travel!
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique II (and reverse)
We were able to explore the countryside of Belgium and the Netherlands in ways that a car trip would not have allowed us, plus staying on a very comfortable boat, with great food and the possibility of making good friends! It is an easy track for those who are not very athletic but are used to biking.
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★★★★★ DarTer56
Exceeded many of our expectations
Provence by Bike and Boat
When we first booked this trip we could not find any actual traveller reviews on the Bike Tours website so we were unsure of what to expect. However, from the very start we were made to feel comfortable and the staff of the tour company were amazing. A special shout out to the Soleo crew. Our tour guide was very familiar with the area and always looked out for the comfort and safety of the cyclists. There was quite a difference in the ages and abilities of the cyclists, but he took care to meet the overall needs of the group.The bikes were in every good condition, well maintained and comfortable to ride. The accommodations were comfortable and we never had a problem going to sleep at the end of the day! This type of travel is a great way to experience the country and to meet new people. This is the type of vacation we would definitely do again.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 4-11/16
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Darryl
Summer 2015 Baotin' and bikin'
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Princesse Royal
My wif, son and I had a great time going from Amsterdam to Bruges. Gerat guide and fellow bike riders. all ages lots of fun good equipment and excellent guide, Tom. Lots of fun and food stops along the way,=. very relaxed ride and boat. Highly recommend. Darryl, Chandler, Arizona
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★★★★★ David and Cherie
Highlight of our European trip
Mosel & Saar by Bike & Boat
What a fantastic experience. Exceeded all our expectations. Cycling on an e-bike was almost effortless (although after a couple of days we were glad we brought our padded gel seats). The cycling was mostly flat and mostly on dedicated cycle paths. Very rarely wrre you on the road with the cars.
The food was a class above what we were expecting. Breakfast was plentiful and dinner was delicious and well presented.
We received a discount for our room (#227) as it was at the rear of the boat and was affected by engine noise. To be honest the noise when moored was no worse than most aircon units. Our room was also 1 sq metre larger than most others which meant we had a double bed (as opposed to two singles) and had plenty of room for our clothing and luggage in the twin wardrobes and drawers.
Julia, the cruise director, was fantastic at explaining the ins and outs of each up,-coming day and organising the additional shore excursions.
Being the first week of May there were many shops, cafes and restaurants along the way that weren't open but we always found somewhere to stop and rest. It also meant the roads and cycleways were not so busy, as the would be in the holiday season.
Overall a great blend of history, scenery and relaxation. Looking forward to our next trip.- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2025
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
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★★★★★ GatorDavid
Fantastic Way to Tour Netherlands and Belgium!
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Princesse Royal
We had never been on a barge trip, and did not know what to expect. The boat was very well maintained, the food was great, the cabin was clean, comfortable, and adequately sized so that we could sit in the cabin when we didn't want to be in the common spaces. The crew, staff, and guide were friendly, approachable, accommodating .... they really went out of their way to make guests comfortable. The bar was well stocked, and very reasonably priced. The guide (Paul) was knowledgeable, patient, and was fine if we rode with his group or out on our own (which we did most days). Overall, this bike tour was a great value considering the accommodations, service, food and quality of food, bikes, guide services.
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★★★★★ David Gunther
Great Tour and Great Guides!
The Istrian Peninsula by Electric Bike
I had a great time on this bike tour, and Tony and Dominic (Dominik) made it truly special. Both of them were so friendly, and we spoke for hours, exchanging stories and having a great time together. I can’t imagine doing the tour without them!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia
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★★★★★ Smeglegs
A very memorable experience with a group of friends who love to bike in Europe
Provence by Bike and Boat
Provencce by bike and boat was a great time, full of doable challenges and many laughs
with friends. The staff was extremely helpful and courteous. The food was prepared by Joseph the Chef with delicious surprises every evening. Our guide, Claudia, spoke multiple languages and was a cultural expert regarding the sites along the Rhone River.
My wife and I experienced our best biking tour in the Provence along the Rhone River.- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/20/2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- France
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★★★★★ Dawn Richardson
Unique Vacation Experience
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique III (and reverse)
We had a great time on our first Boat Bike Tour and enjoyed the new traveling experience. I've never been on a cruise and was slightly intimidated by the prospect, but the small boat/barge and biking all day was a great way to see from a new perspective. I enjoyed the guided biking all day and the food on the boat was exceptional. The whole crew was great and it was fun being with folks from all over the world. Definitely considering another tour in the future! We had to postpone twice with the pandemic and were thankful to be able to go and feel safe a couple of years later. Thank you!
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★★★★★ Deb1505
Bucket list tour
Holland’s Southern Relax Tulip Tour
A delightful way to experience the Netherlands and see beautiful flowers along the way. We learned some of the history, architecture, and customs of the Dutch and enjoyed meeting the people. We visited a windmill that has been steadily making paper since the 17th century! Our barge crew was terrific! Great food and friendly conversations. The bikes were in great condition and had been carefully fitted to our measurements before we arrived so we could get right to the riding.
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 27- May 4, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was my first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
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★★★★★ Don Paine
A one of a kind boat bike tour!
Greek Island Adventure by Bike and Sail
I am fairly new to organized tours and of course to boat and bike tours. This trip has introduced me to a great way to see the world combined with my favorite sport-activity - biking and way to travel - by boat.... better still - sailing. The boat? 'Running on Waves' as was evident in the tour photos, is 1st class machine and piece of art and way to travel from port to port. a joy to spend a week on! The Crew? Since arriving at the check in and greeted by Leena and her energy - I've felt like the crew had one focus the entire tour. The guests. They all know their role and made us feel welcome the entire week..... with a smile and true interest in their work. The food? Fueling a troop of hungry bikers 3 times a day is no task for the faint hearted. An extensive buffet and varied meal was always waiting for us. And as for the guided bike rides every day of the tour? Its Greece - and yes - lots of hills. I am a fairly serious road biker - but you may want to go electric. There's a lot to see in Greece above 400 m. Alex is a master at herding biking cats and keeping them happy safe and somewhat educated. He knows the terrain as well as local culture. Its not all biking - stops included an olive press location, Monastery, and Vineyard. From the options I've seen out there - this is a one of a kind tour you might not want to pass up.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Greece
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★★★★★ Debbi
Tulips--Bike and Barge
Holland’s Southern Relax Tulip Tour
We had a fabulous time. Great food, scenery, guide and fellow travelers. The only complaint was weather related--COLD! Not the fault of anyone but the weather gods.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 4/15/17
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
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★★★★★ Debby Schlesinger
First and most certainly NOT the LAST Bike and Boat trip.
Danube Delights: Cycling and Cruising in the Footsteps of Royalty
Food: Excellent with varied choices each evening. Sack lunch items provided for along the ride.
Routes: Being my 1st Bike/Boat trip, I signed up for "Easy" rating. Very manageable. Appreciate electric assist. bikes. Route review each evening prior to next day's ride much appreciated. Beautiful routes through scenic areas.
Accomodations: Small rooms, (as stated), but adequate. Appreciated a variety of areas to relax, besides room. (Top deck, "Open Air" Spa pool on top deck, Lounge).
Convenience/Service: Excellent. Assistance with bikes: loading/unloading, set up, fine tuning. Tour director (George) ALWAYS available for questions. Servers were excellent, friendly, & considerate. Bikes/equipment available were of excellent quality.
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★★★★★ Debby Schlesinger
1st bike/boat tour.....best time ever.
Danube Delights: Cycling and Cruising in the Footsteps of Royalty
Touring by bike with support from boat was a wonderful way to see the countryside, experience local culture, and sightsee without having to do HOURS & DAYS of research on routes, sites worth stopping at, and logistics of lodging, and biking. The tour was a great value too. It was a wonderful way to have an active vacation....so much better than a cruise or bus tour. Really appreciated the route reviews, maps, and suggestions for the next day's route each evening. It was apparent that the routes chosen offered scenic value, as well as ease of access, and worthwhile sights to see. The crew were very helpful at getting the bikes set up for rider proportions, comfort and preferences. There were even opportunities to meet with local experts and experience a more "in depth" tour with history and background. The food was absolutely sumptuous!! Meals were expertly prepared, featured local cuisine at dinners, as well as "American" favorites at breakfast in addition to "Continental" breakfast foods. The "Picnic" lunches provided for were a bonus too. Cabin accomodations were comfortable, adequate, and served our needs well; albeit the small space. (We had a "lower deck" cabin... the most economical). That being said, there wasn't much time spent in the cabin other than sleeping, and preparing for the next day's ride. Really enjoyed the spa on the top deck to ease sore muscles & relax. Altogether, a wonderful vacation in a beautiful location.
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