Reviews

We had a trip we will remember for a long time to come for many different reasons: the amazing experience of being on a large sailing boat; the Dutch countryside is just stunning & very easy to cycle through; the quality of food was excellent; everything was very well organised and it great to meet other like-minded cyclists from many different countries. Our cabin was good but you will need to accept that they are not very spacious! Sitting on deck is very relaxing. There is a good choice of the level activity & there is time to explore towns as well.

The staff were outstanding, friendly, and interesting. The ship was beautiful, elegant and very comfortable. The chef and all the meals were fantastic. The biking equipment was first rate. I highly recommend this trip.

This was an excellent trip. The staff were always positive, efficient and helpful; the magnificent ship was comfortable; the food was plentiful and tasty; and both short and longer cycling routes, provided on Ride GPS, were very good.

I was looking forward to this adventure from the day I made the reservation. We gave ourselves an extra day to wander the streets of the picturesque village of Enkhuizen. Finding the ship was easy and when we boarded were delighted to find new friends just waiting to be met. The boat was comfortable, food was exceptional and crew courteous and welcoming. Cycling was through varied landscapes of beautiful farm fields stunning coastal seascapes and cool clean forests on bicycle paths and low traffic roads. It was a pleasure taking a break in small villages for coffee, a snack and time to chat with new found friends from different countries. A truly delightful trip.

The crew in this boat-bike tour made all the difference. Positive attitude, competent, accommodating and helpful are the qualities that first come to mind. Facilities are adequate with old-fashioned charm, and the equipment (bicycles) very functional for the trip length. I’m very happy with the experience.

Tom and rest of the crew made the trip very enjoyable

This is a great option to the barge. The crew and tour guide on Mare fan Frysland (sailing vessel) were both friendly and efficient, which is not a common combination. Great food! Roomy and beautiful restored boat, and the basic cabin was plenty roomy for 2 who know how to pack. (The hot tub was a bonus!) Wonderful biking tours. Our guide was very informative as well as pleasant. I’ve done more vigorous, more “cushy,” and more expensive European biking tour with VBT and consider this a better value. I could have used a faster riding pace, maybe more independence, and more sailing, but I believe the bike tours and sail-raising were set for the common-denominator (“weakest-link,” etc) and that was the correct approach for a varied group. We were the 1st group of the season and the boat was not full, which added to the pleasant experience. We were concerned that we were going too early to see flowers and might fight cold weather, but it all turned out well…so I recommend you consider an early booking if you dislike crowds. Be aware that biking in North Holland can mean winds. It added to the challenge in a way that I liked, but not everybody felt that way. (That’s what the E-bike option is for.)

Absolutely great holiday on board a very comfortable sailing vessel with daily cycle rides through the Frisian landscape, visiting villages and small towns. Great mix of cycling and boat travel, where possible under sail, and culture with opportunities to visit museums and galleries. Comfortable accommodation and good meals provided on board. Highly recommended.

Just returned from a fabulous trip on the Mare fan Frieslan. Lovely cycling on the islands of Texel and Terschelling, swimming in the beautiful sea and following smooth tracks through sunlit woods. Great crew – always went the extra mile. Fabulous food – good as any 3 star restaurant. Thanks to Petr, Jorik, Tiemu, Marvin and Mathys for making our holiday so very good.

Very friendly and courteous service. Excellent food and clean rooms