Reviews

There are not enough stars! I think a ten is more like it. We traveled with Boat Bike tours to Provence a year ago and had such a wonderful experience with the guidance of Licia Arvada, that we came again. This time our experience traveling and biking to Venice Waterways was rich in every way. The boat is comfortable, welcoming and relaxed. The food cannot be described- just beyond all expectations. We es[ecialy appreciated being introduced to local foods at every stop- the local cookie (sbrisolona in Mantova), the local cheeses (Grana Padang in Bergntino), local pasta (bigly near Venice) and wines from local vineyards. Tour leaders Francesco and Elena were incredibly delightful guides, patient and well-informed, and proud to share their culture and history. We stopped at the Montovani distillery for a special tasting of grappa and more, and enjoyed the fifth generation distiller’s explanation the distilling process with an accompanying magnificent use of the hands to convey details. There was something special at every stop, carefully planned and clearly adding to the tapestry of history and culture. The entire crew, the captain, the technician and the chefs were a team with the tour leaders. Their warmth toward each other, and their generous willingness to do many different tasks that made the journey a smooth one was inspiring and heart-warming. Their camaraderie and team spirit really set the positive tone for the whole week. And the meals…it is barely possible to sing enough praises. We were introduced to Italy through the table…finely sliced baby zucchini with asprinkling of cheese, fennel and grapefruit, crostatas, fresh pasta, local fish in Chioggia, and beets that we grow in the states from the town of that name. There were local specialities every night and I for one tried everything because it was all divine. I have just reread the lovely cookbook full of recipes but also stories and background. We had Zuppa de Carote, feta e paprika last night. I am on my way soon to our farmer’s market to buy Borlotti (cranberry) beans to make the simple beans and red onion salad. Thank you for providing us with the cookbook to keep enjoying the adventure. This trip will be a hard act to follow, but we look forward to another boat/bike trip in the future. Grazie Mille!

We truly enjoyed our trip. And are planning another Boat & Bike for the future. The staff was wonderful. Everyone was professional, extremely helpful ane hard working. Cabin was clean. The bike routes were well planned. Belgium and Holland were beautiful. The food was good, dinners did seem to fall off a bit later in the week. The only negative was the system of paying for drinks was confusing.

I particularly disliked the very frequent breaking of traffic rules. There was a basic disregard for stop signs, red lights. Also, guides were somewhat disorganized and frequently uncertain about the routes and sites. Perhaps their first time for this particular tour??

Certainly the biking was excellent as were the usual great guides and staff but what made this trip so good was the Michelin quality of cook Frank. Each of our 12 dinners was not only different, excellent and varied but after many great trips this fare was beyond the expected. The extras include a special cheese tasting in France and of course a beer tasting in Belgium. The boat people and the guides not only liked us they liked each other and their roles. Not a negative Nellie in the bunch. I have no idea what it may take to keep Frank on your team but without question he is worth every penny of his compensation and more. L. Crockower

Hola!!!! Este fue mi 5 viaje con la empresa y de todos fue el más caro porque buscaba una experiencia premium Debo decir que me decepcionó totalmente El barco es viejo no tiene un living donde sentarse a descansar no tiene barra de tragos con personal que los prepare las habitaciones muy muy chicas y la limpieza de los dormitorios y baños una vez en toda la semana La parte superior en otros barcos tenían incluso Jacuzzi No me pareció tampoco muy buena la comida Con respecto a la parte de bicicleta es muy poco lo que se hace Rescato la amabilidad del capitán y todo el personal No lo recomendaría y no repetiría esta experiencia Ojalá me puedan recomendar algo de mejor nivel Les comento los viajes que he realizado Burdeos /burdeos Ámsterdam /brujas Ámsterdam/cochen Paris /epernay Y este recientemente Saludo atte

This trip was very fun but the biking was not beginner level. We rented the entire boat with friends and loved it. Our guide Michaela and the captain and the chefs were all amazing , attentive and very engaging. The bike tours were interesting and we covered a lot of territory.The food was delicious and there was lots of it! The 4/5 stars was due to some Bike repairs required and itineraries that needed to be changed due to canal work which slowed us down and made for long days. Otherwise 5star all the way.

The crew was excellent. The Magnifique III is a very comfortable boat. Food was terrific. Guides were knowledgeable and fun.

Extremely well organized and accommodations were comfortable and nice. The dinners were exceptional. The crew and tour guides were attentive, enthusiastic and pleasant. This was our 3rd trip with Boat Bike Tours and we were not disappointed.

Great guides, great food. Els, Michiel work very well together and were really helpful when one of our group had an accident and had to be hospitalised. We enjoyed Frank, the chef’s preview of our meals and the meals were very good.

The friendly captain inspired confidence in the way he talked about and handled the boat. The entire crew was pleasant, cheerful, and very hard-working. Public areas and our cabins were very well maintained. Chef made sure we had tasty and healthy food morning , lunch and dinner. Although would have appreciated some lunch variety. Even PBJ would have been welcome. The guides were knowledgeable and very good at describing sights and ride plans and guiding us safely during those rides. The rides took us through beautiful countryside that led to interesting sights and ride breaks. , Those who chose to stay on the Boat were made very welcome and had a great opportunity to see the gorgeous countryside that the boat sailed through We would definitely recommend such an adventure to other bicyclist.