Reviews

Booked a tour a year out in advance. I had to cancel with the trip still being 9 months away. I was refused a refund of my deposit. The cancellation policy is deceptive and the wording is in poor customer service to the consumer. I will not recommend Boat Bike to anyone.

Great tour. We went to multiple islands, and each had their unique setting. Great vistas, Vera, the guide was terrific – she communicated well, shared fun facts for each stop, and was fun. The boat was a Turkish Kate boat and the captain and first mate were conscientious and lovely with local knowledge. He watched the weather and guided us to multiple islands with great weather in September. We went to Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli (excellent active volcano we did a hike at 7:00pm and wore headlights it was a highlight. The captain then sailed around the island afterward so we could see it from the water too) and Panarea (upscale very pretty island). Each stop was active and great. The Sundial cabins are very small but manageable. We swam off the back of the boat. Each had its own bathroom and AC. However, if you are a very tall person.. you may want to check before you go. The food was excellent!

Guides and all the Staff was fabulous. The actual experience lived up to the description very well. Food was delicious. I loved the biking portions, and the bikes provided were first class and powerful bikes. I can totally recommend this companies tours.

Cochem to Metz, the last trip of the season. The trip routes were scenic and enjoyable. Distances to be covered were reasonable for relaxed touring with well-spaced comfort stops. Both tour guides were excellent: knowledgeable and enthusiastic and always willing to help. The ‘extra’ experiences were very enjoyable. The food was overall high quality. However, the breakfasts lacked the hot food selection of past trips. This made the choices for breakfast and lunch almost the same for the entire trip. Cheese and cold cuts sandwiches every day. Overall, the experience of the trip was still very positive. Every staff member was friendly and helpful. We always felt well cared for. The Magnifique I was not as spacious as the Magnifique III. The cabin lacked the shelving along the walls and the closet was too small for the clothes hangers. The deck wasn’t as spacious and lacked the lounging area around the stern.

Unfortunately the Danube was flooded, and that is nobody’s fault. However, the lack of communication, transparency, honesty, alternative activities and ultimately compensation was very frustrating. Ensure you read the fine print! Boat Bike Tours arranged for our transport pick up at Munich airport. But the driver had no idea where he needed to take us to meet the boat, and with the lack of language skills, we had no way of instructing him. In fact, we had no idea where we need to go anyway, as because of the floods the boat could not get to the original departure point……but the Boat Bike Tours had neglected to contact us to inform us of this rather critical piece of information. After many phone calls, pitstops along the way, and driving around various places, we finally found our way to the boat. The next few days were filled with confusion, contradiction, misinformation and major disappointment. We got the impression that management really had no idea of what to do and their main focus was giving us just enough ‘hope’ that things would improve so that there would not be a full revolt and to stop the passengers demanding some sort of compensation. Finally, after 3 extremely disappointing days and nights, with no clarity of planning or what to expect next or where the boat would actually be able to reach in the flooded waters, we decided to abandon ship and make our own way to Budapest. I’m glad we did, becuase that was so much more enjoyable than any experience we were having on a dreary, boring, stationery, boat. During out 3 days with the boat, we had exactly 1 hour of biking, several uninspiring meals stuck in the dark corner of the dining room, and nil enjoyment. Worst holiday experience of our life. Never again will we take a boat cruise. I realise that nobody can control the weather and rising water levels…..but it’s simply not worth the risk if there is no contingency plan or any chance of any recourse.

Enjoyable guided rides through scenic and serene bike paths and country roads coupled with great food and a friendly crew made this a terrific barge and boat tour. Only drawback was the October rainy weather, and the inability to enjoy barge travel on a flooding river, though cruise into Venice spectacular.

The #1 reason for a five star rating is the staff/crew. Every single person who I interacted with, everyone who had any role at all in creating this experience was not just good at their job, they were also always warm, friendly, ready to help, at the same time efficient and talented! From morning to night, each and every one was a day brightener! They went above and beyond my expectations. The cabins were comfortable and cared for. Housekeeping was excellent-The food? Absolutely 5 star and beyond! ( Seriously, I have never eaten so well, day after day!) The bikes were great, as was the process of getting the bike to head out and returning after the ride. The crew took care of everything! The routes we rode were beautiful and easy to navigate, except for one route that took us on a busy highway without a designated bike lane. Ideally that would never be part of a route; stressful and dangerous. I am sharing this amazing experience with anyone who asks; I wholeheartedly recommend it. Thanks and kudos to each and every person who created this amazing adventure!!

Wonderful trip! Chilly but great!

The camaraderie of my fellow riders made the tour special. Each night the seatings for dinner happened to vary. Every one made me feel welcome. The travelers were from all over – Brazil, Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Maine, Alaska, California, Florida and New York. Everyone seemed to enjoy the experience.

We had the best time! The crew and guides were great. We enjoyed all the excursions and tours. The fact that the crew was able to change our itinerary to ensure the best weather made our trip so much more enjoyable. We (over) enjoyed the food. Luko was able to make amazing dishes in his small galley kitchen. The boat was very comfortable with lots of gathering areas. The only thing we would change is to eliminate the captain’s night. Our captain did not speak English so it made his time at our table quite uncomfortable for everyone. We will definitely book another trip!