Reviews

The Bruges to Paris trip on the Zwaantje is far and away the very best of the 10 or so tours we have taken with Boat Bike Tours. Two weeks, about 30 miles/day for 13 days. Every aspect was spectacular: first of all, the food was nearly Michelin quality. Really! Second, the boat and crew were the friendliest and most efficient ever. The boat itself immaculate, very comfortable and modern. The guides the best in the world: 3 languages, knowledge of local history, patient and good natured, and funny too. All in all, the Zwaantje and the 400 miles of great scenery, history, fun riding were the best, right down to the last riding day on Friday in a triumphant “Pelaton” of average say twenty, 65 year old bicyclists riding into Paris and under the Eiffel Tower and along the Seine.

With my wife I have just enjoyed a very pleasant 15 day trip from Bruges to Paris on the Zwaantje – all the crew and guides were very friendly and helpful. Both on the boat and during the rides and site visits – everything worked well on the boat. And when it did not the problem was quickly fixed. (Our preference for a twin vs a double cabin somehow didn’t get communicated to the boat. But it was able to be solved with the active help of the staff). – everything went well on the bikes. And when an occasional problem like a flat tyre occurred the ride guide was able to quickly fix the problem. And when some planned stops during the ride were unable to occur (eg a previously used brasserie was closed, a minor museum’s open days had changed) then the guides were able to find alternate stops – our special needs were meet very well during the entire trip. A special diet (gluten free) for my wife. Support for me bringing and using my own special bike (a recumbent trike: Greenspeed Magnum XL)

Boat/bike tours always give a lot of bang for your buck. They are well organized with caring leaders. Each daily ride not only delivers manageable distances, but includes interesting historical stops, local industry (cheese farm, local beer brewery, or quaint food stops). The onboard staff tend to our daily needs, a caring gourmet chef and space on board to mingle and enjoy our resting place each night always says, welcome!!! The use of bikes, either hybrids or e-bikes are well maintained and easy to ride. Included are bells and panhandlers to stow gear, clothing and food. This was my second trip with them and it did not disappoint. The knowledgeable guides make this a tour and one leaves with a level of fitness and understanding of the area. Can’t wait for signing up for a future trip.

I had a wonderful trip! Our guides were knowledgeable, friendly, professional, and just all-around fantastic. Our boats crew was just fantastic, from the friendly welcome to the heart felt good-bye these folks took exceptional care of us. Our boat, the Zwaantje was well cared for, maintained and a lovely home base to come home to each evening. Our chef was fantastic and accommodated my dietary restrictions despite the fact that that information had not gotten to him prior to our arrival. I highly reccomend the Bruge to Amsterdam trip, our guides and our boat!

We loved this tour and the people that ran it were so fun! We went from Bruges to Amsterdam and the trip was choreographed perfectly for us to experience the cities with a canal tour , an eclectic art gallery and cheese farm visit. The staff went beyond what you’d expect and the chef was the best! The entire week was a blast and would do it again , especially with this awesome crew!

The crew of the Zwantje were FANTASTIC! The captain runs a very smooth ship. The chef- Monsieur Frank was excellent! Attention to details and the needs of the crew are always a priority. Our guides, Tamera and Erna were really great! The only feedback I have for the boat is that the sheets and pillow cases need to be updated. But overall, it was an incredible experience!

The zwanje was a wonderful boat very clean with adequate space for all of our belongings. The crew were fabulous as were the guides. The bikes are heavy with good tires so they provide stability with good gearing for climbs. Champagne tasting gorgeous countryside charming towns WWI memorials made the rides interesting and fun. Our guides were knowledgeable about the history and sites that we visited. They also placed a priority on our safety. Did I mention how fabulous the food was? Beautiful presentation as well. Great trip.

One of the best trips ever! Great organization from start to finish. I booked directly with Boat bike tours online. No issues. The boat was wonderful, the guides superior, the chef exceptional and the captain/boat owner was a great navigator of the boat in all respects. I had a regular bike which, although somewhat industrial, was excellent. It was fitted to my needs and well maintained. The trip is hilly, so if you are not an experienced cyclist, the e-bike is a great option. If there is one very minor concern it would be, for some people, especially big eaters, the evening meals, although delicious, may not have been sufficient.

We had a fantastic time. Guides were great. Boat crew especially our chef Ian and hostess Olivia were outstanding. Loved the fresh baguettes and bread brought on board every morning by the first mate. The captain Martin was warm and friendly all the time. Regular bikes were custom made for the trip, the rental e-bikes could have been better, but worked well enough to make for an enjoyable trip along the canals.

The crew was fantastic and very patient with all of us riders. I didn’t ride one day and that was fantastic too. Food was excellent and bed was comfortable with space underneath to store luggage and other items. I definitely recommend this company and trip. Diana