Reviews

We had a great week on the MV Amsterdam. Everything exceeded our expectations. There was a choice of shorter or longer bike trips every day and they went through some places a tourist would not normally see. It was a great way to see Holland. The 2 tour guides Nico and Janneke were fantastic at their Job and went out of there way to make sure everyone was happy. Would go again. Darren and Doro. New Zealand.

Interesting form to cycling. You don’t have to think anything, overall after cycling, when you are tired. The ship was nice, clean. The food was in the average. The wine was not so good. Better beer.

We had a great time last week on the Southern Holland tour. The de Amsterdam barge was very nice and comfortable, the food was delicious and the staff was great. Most importantly, the cycling was great, too. Our guides provided good, clear information and the routes took us to cities, historical sites and tranquil countryside. Not only would we recommend Boat Bike Tours to our friends, but we are recommending your tours to our friends. Thank you for a great week!

Great holiday! Well organized, great food. Good country to bike in!

The cicling experience has been great and all the routes very well prepared and very interesting so we can enjoy Holland a lot

Great tour with very helpful and attentive staff. Bikes were well maintained and great support for any needs. Food and service on the boat was very well done. We will be back in the future for another tour.

Just finished a weeks trip in south Holland on de Amsterdam. The barge was very comfortable and well presented. The food was delicious – plenty of food at breakfast to prepare lunch including a piece of fruit and water. The bikes were of a good quality and the bike staff were very helpful. The only thing that spoilt my experience was because of the large number of Germans on board the English speakers felt like second class citizens. For eg On the second last day after ordering a drink in the bar I was told to move because there was not enough space for the Germans to have there briefing. As the sun deck was closed because of low bridges I had to go to my room to have my drink. Also the only English channels on the TV were US stock market shows.

Four of us travelled on the Southern loop bike tour. Oh, what to say – it was just great. It was an absolute highlight of our European adventure. Peter and Paulette were knowledgeable and welcoming hosts, and every effort was made to stop us getting lost. All the staff were friendly and efficient. The food on board was great and the option to make our lunches each day was helpful. We loved the visits to local farms and shops, and especially appreciated the coffee stop recommendations. I agree with the suggestions made by the Two Happy Bikers below, and can’t stress enough how useful the GPS was. We also got to meet and chat with other tourists but were able to ride during the day without being in a huge group of people. We learnt lots about the Netherlands, and saw many different environments. The bikes themselves were excellent, our experience with hired bikes elsewhere wasn’t so good. My only negative comment is that there is a big difference in riding levels between the dutch and aussies. I still remember Paulette telling us that it was “Just a little ride…not even quite 50k” . So I’d suggest that unless you are a very regular rider that you get an ebike, and a gel seat cover to go with it. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who can ride a bike, and I would love to do it again.

The boat bike tour itinerary done by the company was reviewed in our national press so from the onset there was no issue with trustworthiness. From the point of booking online to the end of the tour at the pier in Amsterdam, things were highly organised and efficiently run. All meals were adequate, and the daily dinner 3-course menu was well-thought out with variety (though for a sea facing country with lots of water, seafood and fish were not found more on the menu). Although the weather was cloudy & chilly at times with some rain, I must admit that gives the 6 day ride an added dimension of fun and adventure. Day 5 in the nature park & bison country (unfortunately they were a bit shy and no where to be seen) with the strong winds & hills to Bloemendahl aan see & Zoondvoort was the most interesting & challenging and became one of my favorite rides. Peter & Pauletta tried their best in the English briefings but guess no matter what, there will be some things lost in translation. It was ensuring to see them on some routes and rides also. Here are a few things which Bike Boat Tours may wish to look into to improve their services: 1. The information sent out upon full payment could be improved: a, the meeting place on Day 1 was not clear on the map, b.the daily 100 Mb internet provision is probably unlimited(?) c. do encourage people to check in as early at 2 pm for bike fitting etc as it was vague that there was some of these activities. 2. The daily briefing could include info’ sheets (rather than vaguely saying this is interesting) about the places en route, and suggested time that is required to explore the things in a particular area. 3. Quite a few times, there were some anxiety to come back not too late or worse making the wrong turns. Thus, the last 10 km should have more details on the route. 4. Some of the arranged visits e.g. to the chess farm was excellent. Could perhaps also include to some Dutch cattle, vegetable, flower farms and other Dutch cottage industry so that we can experience even more of the more rural, agricultural part of the Dutch life e.g. we saw a pig farm on the last day and we thought it would be useful to see a modern farm. 5. The Ride with GPS is the best and it’s use should be strongly encouraged Inevitably without the GPS we got into wrong turns. 6. Found it strange that the bath soap bottles were never replenished throughout the 7 days? 7. The ‘boat’ part of the tour was not particularly highlighted e.g. going through the locks were fascinating and perhaps some running commentary would be useful and educational. Also the history and developments of some canals, bridges and the important roles they are in the Netherlands.

Comfortable tasteful vessel. Spacious, really roomy, well appointed cabin. Competent, professional, friendly guides. Helpful friendly crew. Good basic food. Excellent drink packages. Well designed cycling routes with good options for short and longer rides. Well documented navigation aides and effective phone app. Bikes well maintained. Always ran to schedule. Lucked out with compatible table guests and enjoyed the social interaction. In all “De Amsterdam” was a wonderful way of exploring a very beautiful, bike friendly country.