First-Timers Bike Tour Reviews page 26
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★★★★★ like2bike
Outstanding Tour Operator, Lovely trip in the Netherlands
Cycling the Dutch Countryside from Zaandam to Kampen
We have been on around 8 bike trips and speaking from experience, Tulip Cycling is top notch/one of the best, if not the best. Peter provided all that was needed for an excellent adventure. Peter was friendly, positive, and he was meticulous in ensuring that the cyclists have a positive experience. He takes care of each group of cyclists, on an individual basis, so that each group gets the attention that they need to operate the Garmin device.
Positives:
* GPS/Garmin navigation, so you can simply rely on the Garmin to direct you. This is very useful, since there are so many opportunities to turn the wrong way in the Netherlands. Using a Garmin made a huge difference.* Detailed maps in case you get lost (we didn't).
* Ability to contact tour operator any time. Individualized service, including an interview at the end of the trip.
* Bikes were excellent, well maintained, locks worked well, breakdown assistance was available.
* We got really bad colds/bronchitis on day 3 of the trip, and we couldn't bike for the rest of the trip. But the trip wasn't over--we took buses and trains to get to each hotel, which worked out well. Peter brought our bikes to each hotel, in case we might want to use them. Incredible extra service!
* Hotels were excellent, and they were at or near the town centers. This is an important point--many other tour operators book top notch hotels outside of town. Being at the center of town, you can easily explore the town and select a suitable place for dinner. Also, most of the hotels had charm/grandeur and many were high end establishments. They were each unique and were not mainstream establishments.
* This tour is excellent. The tour takes you to small charming villages/cities in the Netherlands, heading north of Amsterdam. This is an excellent tour if you want to avoid large cities and traffic. The charming towns and villages were each unique and there was much to see and explore. A lovely trip, we would highly recommend this tour. The route was flat and landscapes were nice. The route was designed well to avoid traffic.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June
- How many tours have you completed?
- 8
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- 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
-
★★★★★ kellyandvicky
Well-planned tour that showed the best of Holland!
Cycling the Dutch Countryside from Zaandam to Kampen
We had a wonderful trip through the northern coastal areas of Holland; the route was perfect and the hotels were excellent. More specific to our situation: our children (3 and 5) got a little bored after too much time on the bike, but that is not a fault of the tour operators. I suspect that we are in the minority in terms of age range?
Having said that, we had a wonderful time and experienced so many things that we know our children (and us!) will remember throughout our lives. Beautiful scenery, friendly people, comfortable accommodations, and the amazing cycling experience that is Holland. I would recommend doing this tour in combination with 1-2 full days in the larger cities so that you get the experience of the smaller towns (and daily life in Holland) in combination with the excitement and sights of the metropolitan areas.
Specific to cycling: the itinerary and cycling routes were perfect; the tour operators have clearly researched the best paths to take through the country. Coming from the chaotic mess of cycling in America, we were very happy to ride with our children along the suggested routes.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ MMDJ
The BEST of Holland
Cycling the Dutch Countryside from Zaandam to Kampen
From the moment we met Peter, we knew that our tour would be wonderful. Everything from the bikes to the GPS to the planning was top-notch. Both two 50-somethings and two teenagers had a tremendous time being outside during the day (taking scenic routes) and in wonderful towns and hotels at night. Truly a great trip! Note that the cycling is a little bit strenuous...not bad, but not nothing, either!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 8/18/19
- How many tours have you completed?
- A couple
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Ozzie
A great trip!
Holland by Bike and Boat, Northern Tour
A well organised tour that we thoroughly enjoyed. The crew of De Holland and the tour leader Sandra did a great job..always very helpful and went out of the way to ensure everything ran smoothly. Would be happy to do another bike boat trip.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 23/6/2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- 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?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Stephen Graham
Beautiful area and bike infrastructure
Holland by Bike and Boat, Northern Tour
Fun for experienced riders but also easy for novices to learn the fun of bike touring in such a lovely and historically interesting area. Flat and easy to ride, only a bit of wind & rain sometimes, with great bike lanes everywhere, plus little to carry as the hotel followed us around by water! Only drawback was we would have liked to have dinner in towns and meet locals on some nights, since restaurants were often within steps of the boat, rather than be locked into nightly three-course meals on board as if isolated on the high seas...
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- 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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Marie DeBell
The landscape is stunning! And the trip loads of fun
Holland by Bike and Boat, Northern Tour
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with bike tours. The boat was small enough to get to know our fellow passengers and big enough to have lots of amenities. The bikes were sturdy and trustworthy. Lots of distance options and great support from our trip guides. Good food and comfortable beds. What more could we ask for? Perhaps less head winds but it is Holland!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Marie DeBell
The landscape is stunning! And the trip loads of fun
Holland by Bike and Boat, Northern Tour
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip with bike tours. The boat was small enough to get to know our fellow passengers and big enough to have lots of amenities. The bikes were sturdy and trustworthy. Lots of distance options and great support from our trip guides. Good food and comfortable beds. What more could we ask for? Perhaps less head winds but it is Holland!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Marie DeBell
Holland by bike was a delight!
Holland by Bike and Boat, Northern Tour
The perfect way to see northern Holland! The boat was small enough to socialize but big enough to have all the amenities for comfort.
Our guides were Dutch and really knowledgeable about the routes , the history and the sights. The boat staff were friendly and helpful. Solid bikes. Next time I’ll choose Anne-bike because the wind is equal to hills!- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Donald Adler
Smooth
Holland by Bike and Boat, Northern Tour
Well organized, quality people, cycling, scenery.
The boat was clean, comfortable and an ideal way to see other parts of this region- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Jeff H
Bucket list experience!
Holland by Bike and Boat, Northern Tour
The staff and crew were top notch and our guides were superb. The bikes were comfortable and we were well-prepared each day for our semi self-guided rides. The guides were always available along the route to help with directions or point out must-see sites. What a great way to see the Netherlands in an intimate way. We experienced the beauty of Holland in a way that could not happen in a car. I will be back to the Netherlands and I will also use boat/bike format for other tour destinations in the future.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- First time
- 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?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Doug Z.
Polder Farms & Towns Up Close
Holland by Bike and Boat, Northern Tour
The trip was very well organized, and the bikes were high quality. Great cycling through the polders of Holland.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- this was my first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ akvis
Celebrating 60
Holland by Bike and Boat, Southern Tour
I looked forward to this trip for a long time and I was not disappointed. The tour guide was helpful; the meals had added touches; the staff serving were great; the bikes were well maintained.
We enjoyed the areas we biked through, seeing a variety of different sights and places.- What was the date of your tour?
- July 8-15, 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- one
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Team Wuss
Lowlands Adventure
Holland by Bike and Boat, Southern Tour
Fantastic trip. Incredible tour in a beautiful country on an extensive bicycle infrastructure. In fact there are so many bike routes that navigation was sometimes a challenge. The download navigation option would have been helpful. The planned routes through the countryside were excellent. The bike/ boat approach is a great way to travel avoiding the daily packing. The accommodations were very nice, the staff was excellent, and the bicycles were well maintained. The dinners were good though basic with small portion size (a common observation in Europe). Breakfast was a very good buffet with fixings to make a sandwich for lunch. Definitely recommend this tour.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 9,2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- 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
-
★★★★★ Joe Eberly
Great biking adventure
Holland by Bike and Boat, Southern Tour
Holland is a beautiful country and there is no better way to see it and experience it than on a bike. We have never been on bike paths like they have, whether in a city or the middle of nowhere. We had great food at our lunch stops and everyone we met, passengers, crew and the locals were friendly. The boat was really nice as were the bikes. We plan to do another trip with BikeTours.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Cindy
Great place for bike lovers
Holland by Bike and Boat, Southern Tour
The biking was outstanding. The bike paths in the cities were crowded with some aggressive riders. I’n most places motor scooters are allowed on the bike paths. Bring a side/rear view mirror. Although not luxurious, the ship was clean and comfortable. The crew was friendly and helpful, especially the three biking guides. The breakfast buffet was plentiful but it was not set up efficiently so the lines were long. We asked for a carafe of hot water to be placed on our table at breakfast because there were 5 tea drinkers at our table. We were told this was not possible but there were carafes of hot water when tea and coffee was served in the afternoon. When the cookies and cakes in the afternoon were eaten, they were not replaced even though there was often another hour left to this snack time. We did not care for the dinners but most people at our table did like the dinners.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Ollie S
Dutch Delight
Holland by Bike and Boat, Southern Tour
Amazing tour and incredible way to discover this amazing country. Our guides Bart and Andreas were excellent hosts and did a great job making sure everything went smoothly. The De Amsterdam boat was clean, crew was excellent and meals were very good. The bikes all seemed quite new and functioned very well. The daily routines were well organized for scenic rides with perfect amount of time and distance to enjoy many stops along the way. I would easily recommend this tour to anyone looking for a relaxing week of sightseeing and moderate cycling. Looking forward to more adventures in the future with bikeboat tours!
- What was the date of your tour?
- April 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- 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?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Pedalann
Beautiful, green Holland
Best of Holland North: Dutch Villages, Landscapes & the Keukenhof
We combined this tour with Ancient and Medieval Cities of Holland, South and rode this tour in reverse, Leiden to Amersfoort. We were impressed with the route as we skirted the Amsterdam sprawl. Instead we spent our days cycling through small villages, lovely nature areas, past polders and along scenic canals as we rode from Leiden to Haarlem, Eden, Weesp and finished in Amersfoort. The tour information, equipment and the GPS were perfect and the hotels, especially those in Edam, Weesp and Amersfoort were especially lovely. We were constantly impressed by the fact that bicycles were the major form of transportation.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 22 - 27, 2016
- How many tours have you completed?
- More than 15 of this type
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ DebM
Beautiful ride through Dutch countryside
Best of Holland North: Dutch Villages, Landscapes & the Keukenhof
The local tour company designed a beautiful and varied route through nature preserves, parks, farmland, and old and picturesque towns. Each inn was delightful in its own way. I rated this harder than expected only because we had extremely windy weather.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Late June
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2 on our own, 30+ years ago
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
-
★★★★★ Gretchen
Wonderful trip!
Best of Holland North: Dutch Villages, Landscapes & the Keukenhof
A great way to see the Netherlands -- 40-50k per day was very doable, landscape and towns lovely, and the hotels were all very cozy and comfortable. Would highly recommend it, and will be doing another one for sure!
- What was the date of your tour?
- end of July
- How many tours have you completed?
- only this once
- 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
-
★★★★★ Jan53
Biking through North Holland
Best of Holland North: Dutch Villages, Landscapes & the Keukenhof
This trip exceeded my expectations! Since most people own and ride bikes, the bike paths in cities and rural areas are extremely well marked and maintained. That, along with the flat topography, made this self-guided trip a really enjoyable experience! The training we received when the bikes were delivered to our hotel was thorough and all of our questions were answered. Since we had both a Garmin and printed maps, we managed to find our way most of the time. It was slightly difficult finding the correct route when we started out in the mornings, but people on the street were more than happy to point us in the right direction. The distance covered each day was reasonable and the only difficulty came from the wind. One day we seemed to be riding into the wind no matter which direction we turned!
The cities chosen for this tour were interesting and beautiful. The hotels were excellent, each with helpful staff present. There was always a convenient location for locking our bikes up at night either inside or near the hotel in a safe area. The breakfasts were amazing!!
Loved everything about this trip!!
- What was the date of your tour?
- 4/18/19
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- 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
