Reviews

This small, intimate experience of riding and tulip viewing was a memorable experience for all. We had a great crew and excellent food. Keukenhof was amazing. Bike riding gave everyone a chance to soak in the views of tulip fields and wonderful atmosphere.

My wife and I, along with another couple, booked this tour hoping to see Holland and its essence; tulips, windmills, and canals. This tour delivered all of our hopes but surprised us even further. The boat, staff, accomodations, food, and the planning were all above our expectations. There was a well thought out itnerary everyday that was presented the night before each day in order to plan accordingly. Our guides spoke German, English, Dutch, Flemish, and French which made the experience even more appealing since our group consisted of people from those nations. We are from the U.S. and we have traveled Europe before but the company does a wonderful job outlining optional biking routes so that you may tailor your experience to your skill level. (One couple even ventured from the group and did their own tour with the help of the tour guides planning their route) Every detail was thought of and I really appreciate the crew’s attention to detail and trying to accomadate all of our group’s hopes including pub and cafe stops along the way.

Took the 8-day tulip tour on Zwaantje boat. Food was fantastic! Crew was very nice and accommodating. Guides Hans and Hilde were great, nice, instructive, helpful. They did all they could to make the journey pleasant for everyone regardless of skill. I would highly recommend. Not for Children.

Unsere Tour war vom 02.04. bis 09.04. auf der Leafde fan Fryslan. Wir möchten uns noch einmal sehr herzlich für diese tolle Woche mit Radfahren, Segeln und nicht zuletzt tollem Essen bedanken. Die Kommunikation mit der Crew war perfekt (Deutsch und Englisch), unser Radguide war auch für uns (wir sind individuell gefahren) eine große Hilfe. Die Stadtrundgänge mit ihm waren sehr interessant. Alle Crewmitglieder waren immer ansprechbar und ausgesprochen freundlich. Besonderes Highlight war der Segeltag. Dies war unsere 2. Tour mit Boat Bike Tours (die 1. war letztes Jahr mit der Fluvius, ebenfalls ein tolles Erlebnis) und vielleicht wird es auch nicht die letzte sein. Frank Böhme

Let’s be honest, if you are here to read reviews you have already decided to do a barge tour and you are trying to decide which one. So, I am not going to describe in great detail the boat, the bikes or the routes other than to say Zwaantje is absolutely spotless and one of the largest barges still capable of navigating smaller canals and locks. Larger boats are restricted on where they can travel and smaller boats don’t have the space and amenities of Zwaantje. This vessel is the perfect size for France. The bikes are decent quality, well maintained and current models. I am sure there are plenty of other boats similar in size and condition with adequate bikes. So, why cruise on Zwaantje? Three factors will determine if you have a good experience and those same factors make this ship stand out: The Crew, the Chef and the Guides! Zwaantje is owned and captained by Martijn. He has been in the business for 20+ years and the pride he takes in his ship and his operation are immediately evident. Martijn was personable, professional and just a fun guy to be around. Martijn ensured everyone had a great time and had everything they needed to fully enjoy the experience. As a fellow boater, it was great learning about river and canal navigation and talking about his experiences and life on the water. If you ask nicely, he may even let you steer the boat! Next is Karen, I’m not sure what her official title is but she is absolutely wonderful. Karen managed all affairs of the boat as they relate to guest services. She served meals, tended bar, cleaned the cabins, assisted us in any way needed. While this may sound like expected services, Karen went above and beyond with little touches from origami art and candies left in our cabins to providing entertainment at night. She made every one of us feel valued as guests on Zwaantje. Our chef was Frank. He is absolutely hysterical with his mannerisms (you will love his personality) but more importantly you will love his cooking. He is a professional chef and a master in his field. The variety of meals was great, the quality excellent and the portions were huge. Three courses are served for every meal. Martijn’s first mate was also excellent. He made sure all the bikes were in good order each day and quickly loaded and unloaded them for each excursion. A very helpful and efficient member of the crew. While the crew and chef are hired by the boat owner/captain, the guides are actually coordinated through Boat Bike Tours so you may not have our guides (Frank and Thomas). However, these guys were great. They were professional, knowledgeable and prioritized safety. Their senses of humor made for a fun time. While you may not have the same guides it does seem Boat Bike Tours do a fine job of screening and hiring experienced guides. This team made for an exceptional and memorable trip. You will not be disappointed booking on Zwaantje!

We had a fabulous week cycling the Croatia islands. Guides were fantastic. Loved the cycling as we were at the end of the season so islands were quite. Food on board was excellent and the two lovely chefs went out of there way to keep everyone happy regarding dietary needs.Only 2 little complaints we thought tea and coffee should be complimentary anytime and the bath towel and pillows seemed a bit tired.

I enjoyed the cycling, and the dinners were terrific. But the rooms weren‘t clean, and apart from leading the biking, the guide didn‘t offer much by way of introducing us to the region or specific towns. It was rather perfunctory.

So many thoughts and good feels I’ll try to sum up here. Our lovely neighbors recommended BoatBikeTours and we immediately booked our trip. 8 days Brugge to Amsterdam October 2022. Aside from a couple rainy rides, the weather was spectacular. Even in the sprinkles, the temps were wonderful. Magnifique lll staff was top notch and amenities were pure luxury. Every single detail was exquisite: breakfast lunch dinner expertly designed, bar offerings and service, room layout and amenities w/ spectacular daily refresh, glorious outdoor spaces and best boat cruise vibes. The ship was simply the best and we wouldn’t change a thing. Special hug and scritch to Sammie our canine companion. Our BBT biking guides were almost beyond words. We appreciated that they were always in sync with our crew at the perfect speed and perfect itinerary, with bikes ready!, and so much knowledge every step of the way. Peter, Jens, and Margaret are the coolest, funniest, sweetest, most skilled biker guides you’ll find. My husband had a special bond with Peter the Belgian, and Jens the Frieslandian was my jam. IN TUNE with each of us the entire time. Beer, local history and cuisine, routes and detours, biking safety and traffic navigation, overall awesomeness and killer vibes. The three of them played extremely well off each other and each one of our 25person group! DREAM TEAM. The BoatBikeTour is expertly coordinated and an extraordinary way to experience the land and culture plus get a little exercise! I highly recommend these tours and look forward to our next one. Croatia?!

I have taken friends on 7 or 8 bike/barge tours with Jossie at Euro Sail Travel (eurosailtravel.com) Excellent experience every time. Mary a/k/a Mary’s Mariachi group

Very professionally run tour. Enjoyed all daily bike rides including Points of interest, coffee shops & museums visited. Night-time guided walks through cities where we were docked were lovely & informative. Accommodation on board was excellent. Meals & service exemplary.