Holland  Bike Tour Reviews (page 3)

  • Holland Bike & Boat Southern Tour
    (4/5) Terrell May 17, 2019

    The Best Way I can Think Of to See Holland!

    · · Holland by Bike and Boat, Southern Tour

    This tour lived up to my expectations. Holland was beautiful. The boat accommodations and staff were great! The bike tour guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and very personable. The miles per day on the bike was not for the faint of heart. Do your research and get a e-bike (electric bike) for anyone who is not used to biking. If you are an American, bring your GPS.

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 27 to May 4, 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    one, including this one
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Holland
    • 3/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Amsterdam to Bruges
    (4/5) JJ47 July 13, 2019

    Wonderful Trip!

    · · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Princesse Royal

    Our first trip to Europe! It was a beautiful journey through the towns and countryside of North Belgium and Southern Netherlands. Our Guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. The accommodations on the boat were spectacular and all of the staff were friendly and welcoming.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 27- July 6
    How many tours have you completed?
    1
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    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?
    Belgium, Holland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Amsterdam to Bruges
    (4/5) Stew August 29, 2017

    Perfect way to see Holland

    · · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Fluvius (and reverse)

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 12 to 19
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Belgium, Holland
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Amsterdam to Bruges
    (4/5) Kokapelli May 12, 2019

    Great bycycling trip by boat

    · · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Fluvius (and reverse)

    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    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?
    Belgium, Holland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Amsterdam to Bruges
    (4/5) Tom Hawkins September 19, 2023

    Trip postponed

    · · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Fluvius (and reverse)

    We were unable to do this fantastic trip due to an injury. We are how every very excited about doing it next year. It sounds like a fantastic experience!

    Countries included in this tour?
    Belgium, Holland
  • (4/5) Virginia Snider 10 months ago

    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 .

    What was the date of your tour?
    June
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was the first
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Belgium, Holland
    • 3/5 Value
    • 2/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Amsterdam to Bruges on Magnifique II
    (4/5) Kathryn Francis 10 months ago

    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.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 13/24
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    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?
    Belgium, Holland
    • 4/5 Value
    • 2/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 4/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Amsterdam to Bruges on Magnifique II
    (4/5) Virginia Snider 10 months ago

    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 .

    What was the date of your tour?
    June
    How many tours have you completed?
    This was the first
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Belgium, Holland
    • 3/5 Value
    • 2/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (4/5) Cheryl King 10 months ago

    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
    • Watching our barge as we cruised past on our bikes (photo by Cheryl King)
    • 3/5 Value
    • 1/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Amsterdam to Bruges
    (4/5) J Matthew Schley 7 months ago

    Beautiful fun

    · · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Fluvius (and reverse)

    Really good deal ship was very nice ,great group of people. Saw many beautiful sites. Some tough weather in October.

    What was the date of your tour?
    October 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 4/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Holland’s Southern Relax Tulip Tour
    (4/5) Shari April 27, 2017

    Tulip Tour... beautiful

    · · Holland’s Southern Relax Tulip Tour

    Beautiful scenery. Great guide. Good food. Nice sturdy bikes. Great crew.
    I wish the coffee was better, and croissants in the morning would be nice.

    What was the date of your tour?
    15 April to 22 April
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    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?
    Holland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Best of Holland South
    (4/5) Casual Cruisers October 27, 2016

    Pedaling in the Polders

    · Best of Holland South: Canals, Windmills & Historic Towns

    Peter of Tulip Cycling met us on the morning of our first cycling day. He was on time, the bikes were well prepared and Peter, a very personable host, was very patient and thorough in explaining everything to us.
    Cycling was as described: flat, mostly trails or roads that see very little if any vehicle traffic.
    Hotels were mostly fine. The Mastrichter Dom in Gouda was a disappointment: the room was clean and the attendant friendly enough but the room was small, awkward and noisy. Peter explained later that there have not been any appealing in-town hotels in Gouda but that the situation was being remedied with the opening of a new hotel presently.
    The Hotel de Plataan in Delft was charmingly decorated and nicely equipped but the elevator didn’t go to the top floor (You’ve heard if such things?) and our rooms were on the top floor. Emergency egress wasn’t up to US standards but we otherwise enjoyed the stay.
    The use of GPS for route tracking was nearly a winner. Peter has carefully prepared the GPS routes with many waypoints so that it’s generally very easy to know where to go. A couple practical limitations with the GPS displays caused some consternation: the displays are small and not bright enough for the brightest daylight conditions. We often had trouble discriminating between the colored line for the travelled route and those for streets in general. This necessitated frequent stops to peer at the display while shading it or stooping to get close to it.
    As a route tracking strategy I think it is a great innovation (I have done half a dozen trips following the map and narrative system). With a better display this would be an obvious choice.
    The cycling is not strenuous. The paths, roads and terrain were friendly. By the fourth day we had seen enough of the polders! They are charming and scenic enough but a bit repetitive after a while! The towns and cities were very interesting. We wished we had had more time to spend exploring those.
    Our last day did not go according to plan as Tulip Cycling required the return of the bikes at 4:00 PM. We asked for an extension but it was not allowed. We could not complete the route in the available time so we hopped on a train for the last several miles. This was not a major disappointment for us but it certainly might be for some travelers. This detail should be clear at booking time.

    What was the date of your tour?
    late Sept. 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    6
    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?
    Holland
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Amsterdam to Bruges
    (4/5) JustBob October 30, 2017

    Great Way to See The Countryside

    · · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Princesse Royal

    The Magnifique and its crew met all of our expectations -- comfortable and friendly. The pace of the cycling was leisurely -- slower than I might usually ride but then who needs to finish the day`s ride by noon. Would recommend this ride to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the countryside.

    What was the date of your tour?
    16 Sept 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    4
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Belgium, Holland
    • Classic Dutch Windmills (photo by JustBob)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Amsterdam to Bruges on Magnifique II
    (4/5) Thomas Kruse August 4, 2022

    Wonderful boat and great memories

    · · Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique II (and reverse)

    The boat and crew were terrific. The rides were really fun. We did not ride with the guides bu t the Ride with GPS worked really well. We thought the food was somewhat disappointing. Pretty unexciting. That's why 4 stars

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    8
    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
    • 4/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • Best of Holland South
    (4/5) Megan15 July 4, 2019

    Fantastic Experience

    · Best of Holland South: Canals, Windmills & Historic Towns

    We wanted to experience The Netherlands without the hustle and bustle of big cities, transport hassles, and finding hotels. For the four days of riding we followed our GPS map and rode through farming areas, alongside canals, and into beautiful historic towns where the courier had already delivered our bags to lovely small hotels. We did find some days a bit hard riding due to the 'Dutch headwind' and if we were to do another tour we would look for less kilometres per day to give us time to explore the towns along the way, and at the destination town and find coffee spots!. E-Bikes might have made this easier.

    What was the date of your tour?
    17-21 July 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    None
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Holland
    • 4/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • (4/5) Kenneth Gresham 12 months ago

    Great time but tulips were gone.

    · Best of Holland South: Canals, Windmills & Historic Towns

    Love cycling a country. It is the best were to see the countryside and interact with the locals. Holland was wonderful, but missed the peak tulips by about 2-3 weeks. Museums in Amsterdam are a must.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Holland
    •  (photo by Kenneth Gresham)
    •  (photo by Kenneth Gresham)
    •  (photo by Kenneth Gresham)
    •  (photo by Kenneth Gresham)
  • (4/5) Elizabeth Levine September 25, 2023

    Seeing the Netherlands on 2 wheels

    · Best of Holland South: Canals, Windmills & Historic Towns

    The Netherlands are a cyclist’s dream- bike lanes and biking infrastructure everywhere- in villages as well as cities. This was amazing to experience- and to hop on 2 wheels and join in! The bicycles provided by Tulip cycling were top notch Dutch bicycles with automatic lights that turn on while pedaling. It was great to have our luggage shuttled to each hotel every day, so our bags were waiting for us when we arrived at each hotel ready for a hot shower and a change of clothes. Most of the hotels were 4- star and all had great breakfasts and all were walkable to the historic city centers with the market square, restaurants, cafes etc.
    Unfortunately the weather was poor during our cycling trip- very high winds and frequent heavy rain almost every day of our mid- September journey- this made the cycling much more difficult than we anticipated with the need to frequently stop to pull on rain gear- and the GPS device did not work well during storms so the navigation was also more difficult than expected. Several of the locals told us that frequent high winds and rain are typical in autumn and that the best months for cycling are May, June and July.
    Despite the bad weather we enjoyed the countryside, the lovely hotels, the friendly locals , the delicious food and the pace of life on the bicycle tour.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2023
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Holland
    •  (photo by Elizabeth Levine)
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 3/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
  • Best of Holland South
    (4/5) Marion Van Kirk 12 months ago

    Beautiful Holland

    · Best of Holland South: Canals, Windmills & Historic Towns

    We enjoyed the trip. The weather was perfect and the towns very nice. The hotels were good, and the people were helpful. All breakfasts were good. Our tour administrator (Pieter) was very nice and accommodating. We were self guided. The only disappointment was Keukenhof Gardens which had peaked earlier than expected due to warmer April weather. The tulips were fading and the crowds excessive. Traveling by train from Amsterdam to Utrecht and Leiden to Amsterdam was very easy.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    12
    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
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Highlights of Flanders
    (5/5) Roberta King September 25, 2022

    A Splendid Ride

    · Highlights of Flanders: Belgium’s History, Art, Nature & Cuisine

    This was a great, straightforward ride across Belgium.
    We arrived in Brugge a day early to enjoy the town and met with Peter to get our bikes and gear for the ride.

    The navigation tool (a GPS) proved to be problematic, it was quite small and for us to read as we ride and was hard to follow and the paper map provided was not detailed enough to use for navigation.

    We picked up a local bike map in Ghent and then a map book in Antwerp. With the map book we ditched the GPS and designed our own route on Belgium’s super amazing cycling network.

    The bike network in Belgium is fantastic and we ride on dedicated roads, two tracks and canals to the Netherlands.

    The bikes were great, belt drives instead of chains, which took some getting used to, but were comfortable and easy to use.

    The hotels were super charming , unique and for the most part easy to find with help from google maps. Breakfasts were excellent on all stops.

    Memorable moment is taking our bikes down and up two escalators to ride the river tunnel into Antwerp, slightly terrifying as we’d never done that before (and hope to not repeat).

    The terrain was mostly flat with a few hills on the last day. The towns are lovely and we had fun exploring them.

    Highly recommend this adventure, but secure the maps or books before you go.

    What was the date of your tour?
    August 2022
    How many tours have you completed?
    Five
    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?
    Belgium, Holland
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 1/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 3/5 Route selection
  • Holland Bike & Boat Northern Tour
    (5/5) Marie DeBell October 12, 2023

    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
    • Snacks during the evening presentation (photo by Marie DeBell)