Reviews

We joined a bike and barge trip with Boat Bike Tours in October 2018 from Amsterdam to Brugge. Everything about the trip was ideal: the ship, the room, the food, the crew, the infomation, the planning, and of of course the biking. We had only one issue, and that was with a few people on the tour who were not physically able to participate well, and they often became a burden for the group. My advice to you, if you plan to join a tour: please make sure you can bike 30 miles into a mild wind and can climb short hills. If you are not sure, simply reserve an e-bike. These bikes give you a nice power boost while peddling and can double your distance capability.

Great experience….over the top. Accommodations, service ,and food excellent.

I took this tour with my husband and two friends and we all had a great time. We met some wonderful people from around the world, of various ages and abilities. The crew and guides were friendly and accomodating. The food was delicious and varied with 4 courses each evening and the beds were very, very comfortable after a day of cycling. We took interesting walking tours most evenings of the various villages where we were docked. My only complaints were that the shorter routes were not always offered and we had to take the longer option. The second was that my bike frame seemed large for me (I’m just 5 ft tall) and it was difficult for me to mount and dismount and the handlebars were quite high. I managed but did not have the control I would have liked. Overall we had a wonderful time and I recommend it.

This exceeded my expectations in some areas. I thought the crew and tour leaders were very attentive to toe passengers needs throughout the week. The boat was quite nice, and we had a good mix of biking and time to mingle amongst the guest aboard. With this type of tour you always have to be ready to adjust to weather and passenger capabilities and needs. The Magnifique team was excellent in recognizing individual needs and preferences and adjusting as neede. There were a couple of area I could recommend improvements. With the bikes, I think lighter, more hybrid like designs with thinner higher pressure tires, water bottle holders on the sloped bars, and metal pedals with more aggressive profiles that reduce slippage when you have wet conditions. I would also like to have seen more variety for breakfasts. Everyday was the same fruit bowl and yogurt. Toaster would have been a nice extra. It was present one morning not not available other days. Most passengers were hot sleeping and somehow this needs to be reviewed.

This was such a fun and amazing trip to see parts of Netherlands and Belgium that you never would see if not done this way. On a boat! The crew, guides, food and new friendships were second to none! I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for some adventure.

What a fabulous holiday. Cycling through beautiful villages and countryside. Lots of fun, lovely people, perfect weather and fantastic food

This was the trip of a lifetime. The ship was lovely. The cabins were roomy with storage space necessary and bathrooms were large and very comfortable. We never ran out of hot water. The ship is clean and setup up well to accommodate the passengers and crew. The crew was top notch in every way and were customer service centered. The cycles were in perfect condition, no problems. E-Bikes worked well and the route and scenery were spectacular. This is the way to see Europe and truly get a taste for what life is like, not like a bus tour. We felt safe, secure and were well fed, a top notch chef on board. Outstanding, simply outstanding experience with wonderful people.

Everything was great, food, people, tours! We really had a great time with our guide Joppe, very nice staff on board and the food was amazing! Great experience.

The boat bike tour exceeded our expectations. The staff were extremely professional and yet friendly and very accommodating. Our cabin was small and surprisingly comfortable.The temperature of the cabin was individually controlled. The common areas were very nice. The meals were outstanding. We always felt very safe and secure with the sailing of the boat even in busy and tight waterways. The bikes were foreign to us yet worked well. Our cycling guides Hester and Nell were extremely professional yet personable. They made an effort to get to know everyone and supported and encouraged us. They also made it a lot of fun. An unexpected surprise was Hester’s oboe concert which was beautiful. We had difficulties with the pace of the cycling as our group of 40 were very fast and we were not. However Hester and Nell always made sure we arrived safely at our destinations.

What a wonderful week–full of adventure. I recommend Boat Bike Tours and The Magnifique.