Our tour leaders 

Alita van Wanrooij

My name is Alita van Wanrooij. For more than 8 years I have been leading trips at home and abroad with great pleasure: showing foreign guests the Netherlands or helping Dutch guests to experience the beauty of other countries. I love experiencing the beautiful outdoors on a bicycle with Boat Bike Tours: enjoying nature and visiting charming towns. The hotel travels with us, and together with the crew of the ship we give the guests an unforgettable vacation. Every trip is unique, because every person is unique. That’s what makes leading the trips so special.
My hobbies are biking, winter sports, being creative and, of course, having fun with my grandchildren.
Working for Boat Bike Tours since 2018.

André Buimer

I am Andre Buimer, 65 years young, and I live with my family in the Northeastern part of the Netherlands, a rural area. In my past job, I was able to travel and live in different parts of the world. Since my early retirement 8 years ago, I have been leading travel groups on a range of tours, but what I most enjoy is being a cycling tour leader.
I have bicycled with groups in many different countries in Western Europe. Cycling not only keeps you in good shape, but is also a good way to explore the country at a comfortable speed.
I’m very interested in history and I also like to do lots of sports, such as football (soccer), running and, of course, cycling.
I’m looking forward to showing you the beautiful landscape and telling you about the interesting places along our route.

Angela Charnock

If, like me, you grew up traveling, but then as an adult you’ve lived in one place for years, what do you do? Right: make travel your profession!
After years of working in the airline industry, I have now been working as a tour leader for several years.
Of course, being a tour leader does not have to mean that you only go abroad with Dutch guests. Holland has so much beauty to offer and the best way to discover it is by bike and from the water. This makes a trip with Boat Bike Tours the ideal combination. Sharing the experience with guests who come from all over the world, with the corresponding diversity of languages and cultures, is just fantastic to me. And to see the guests enjoying themselves every day is the icing on the cake!

Anneke Frankenberg

A life without a bicycle seems unthinkable to me. It’s not only a super-practical means of transport, but the best way to discover an area: you see everything, you can stop anywhere and still cover a lot of kilometers. As a tour leader, I keep discovering new things every trip, and it’s great to share that with my guests. The combination of beautiful nature and interesting cities continues to fascinate me, and that, in combination with the fresh air and exercise, is an ideal holiday.

Arendina Borreman

I love to have adventures and to travel and be outdoors and I enjoy the beauty of nature immensely. I love the combination of biking and boating. On a bicycle you get to know, feel and see a country in a very beautiful and unique way. I am proud that I can share this experience with other people. As an enthusiastic connector of people I like to give fellow travellers an unforgettable trip, among other things by showing the special places that our trips offer.
In addition to my work as a tour leader, I work as a photographer and artist.

Arnold Thurkow

Like many Dutch people, I was born on a bicycle. For those who can cycle, the world is at their feet. From the age of 14, I cycled independently in Europe. I earned my first money on a bicycle when I was 17. That should have been a signal to make cycling my profession. Yet it took another 40 years for me to realize that.
My 33-year career in the Department of Defense made me primarily an active, athletic outdoorsman. The many and distant business and private trips taught me to appreciate the world and, in particular, culture and nature.
In 2015 I completely changed course in order to turn my passions – sports, outdoor life and cultural-historical knowledge – into my work.
I would love to take you on a journey, enthusiastically and proudly sharing my knowledge about the part of the world I grew up in. With infinite energy, I strive to give my guests a fantastic travel adventure, “Nil Nobis Absurdum” (Nothing is too crazy for us).

Esther Nouse

I was born in the heart of Zeeland where I had a very happy childhood. I went to study tourism and after my internship in Spain I stayed there for a few years and worked a lot in the travel industry. I also guided bike tours through the center of Barcelona for a number of years which was a really fun way to explore the city.
I have been living in the Netherlands for many years now and I always enjoy exploring cities as well as nature in the Netherlands by bike. Last year I graduated as a tour guide and the owner of Boat Bike Tours was one of the examiners. After earning my diploma, I could apply immediately and I am now very much looking forward to my first Boat Bike Tour through the Netherlands and Belgium.
Hobbies: Besides discovering beautiful places at home and abroad, I also like running in nature.
What I like most about this job: What could be more beautiful than being able to tell travelers the hidden stories of the Netherlands, so that the journey they make through the Netherlands really comes to life?

Francien van der Lee

I have been an avid cyclist for as long as I can remember. I use my city bike almost every day, but I enjoy mountain bike rides the most. Even on holiday, I always take the bike along. How nice is it to be able to cycle for work!
With a background in Public Relations and Tourism, I have been working as a tour guide for cycling holidays for over 20 years now. I think cycling and boating are a wonderful combination that appeals to both young and old: being active during the day and exploring a region by bike or boat. There are many fun aspects to my job as a tour leader for Boat Bike Tours. Meeting cyclists from other countries with whom I can enjoy all the beautiful sights along the way is never boring. Hope to see you on board soon!

Frans Witkamp

I’m Frans Witkamp, and I’ve actually been a host in a lot of different (working) environments ever since my student years, when I studied Cultural Anthropology. You could say that I was practically born on a bicycle, and I have done many cycling vacations in Europe. As an entrepreneur, I’ve owned an outdoor sports organization and a ski school, among other things. In winter I’ve been a ski guide with Dutch groups in the Dolomites for many years. For the last couple of years I’ve been a tour leader at Boat Bike Tours and this is for me the best work I have ever done. Every trip, ship and group makes me happy again. There is space for all my interests in history, development, encounters and even making music.
I hope and expect to lead many more trips in the years to come.

Fred van Leeuwen

2022 is my tenth year working as a tour guide on a bicycle! Before this career I worked in the commercial sector in home furnishings and kitchen design. The switch to the travel world was a relief for me! No stress and lots of adventure. I have lived most of my life in North Holland; I know that province like the back of my hand. The Northern route is so varied and full of natural beauty, with a round of Texel as a bonus – I highly recommend it. But I also know my way around France and Belgium, and I lead my guests to the most beautiful places and castles. Paris – Bruges is very important to me because of the relaxed program and the time we share together as a group. A two-week tour gives people the opportunity to deepen their acquaintance. Beautiful conversations in the evening sun with a good glass of wine! Traveling is my passion and my life, and on Facebook I often post photos during the trip. Going out with a group, sharing my knowledge and inspiring and connecting the group is fantastic! It’s new challenge every week. I can say without hesitation that I now have the best job of my life. I am looking forward to creating unforgettable experiences together with my colleagues and the crew members on board in the new season.

Gijsbert Valstar

My whole life has been about travel by bike. As a child I grew up camping and biking on vacations. That inspiration led me to study transportation engineering and after that to my working life as an organizer of bicycle vacation all over the world. I’ve stayed loyal to the Netherlands: an ideal place for discoveries by bike, for a short ride or a weekend away. In my free time I keep busy with improving the bicycling conditions were I live, I enjoy gardening and I help with maintenance of the landscape (hedge laying). Of course, I also bicycle and walk a lot, close to home or abroad. My guests gain an insight along the way into the historie and customs of the country and the region where we cycle. Relaxing with a snack and a drink along the way. The bike is the best mode of transportation to discover a place, and I love to share that enthusiasm with others.
At Boat Bike Tours since 2015.

Hans Kamstra

For the last 8 years I have been a tour guide for a large travel organization, where I got to explore Europe, the Middle East and Suriname with groups of Dutch tourists. It was great to do this and to try to give the guests an unforgettable vacation. Fortunately, this always succeeded. Besides traveling, cycling is also a great passion of mine. I have cycled in large parts of Europe, including the Alps, the Dolomites and the Pyrenees.
This is how I came in contact with Boat Bike Tours, and, yes, they’ve got everything sorted: traveling and cycling, plus a top organization.
With this background, I try to give the guests a wonderful boat and bike tour in co-operation with the full crew of the ship,
discovering each country’s regions and the history of the respective countries by bike and barge. In addition to these “discovery tours”, being together while enjoying a snack and drink is also a very important part of the experience.
Thus, my goal as a tour leader for Boat Bike Tours is: together we’ll make the guests’ experience a wonderful journey.

Hans Spithoven

Travelling is one of the most exciting experiences you can have. In 2000, I left the Netherlands for Australia to spend a wonderful time down under. I took my backpack, followed my dream and explored many places around the world.
For many years now, traveling has been my job. I love being on the road on my bike with a group. There is no better way to explore an area. It’s a great way to show guests the best places in Holland, Belgium and Germany.
When I’m not travelling, I love to go camping and hike in the countryside, play tennis with my mates or enjoy music at concerts and festivals.
What I love most about my job? The adventure and the variety. No trip is ever the same, there is never a dull moment, and there are always new experiences.
It is a great feeling to know our guests are having a good time. And I really enjoy being part of it. I can’t imagine a better job!
Working for BBT since 2018

Hester van Vliet

Boating and cycling: they’re both in my DNA and I can’t decide which I like best. My many bicycle tours through Europe gave me “bicycling legs” and sailing in Friesland gave me sea legs. The link is that they’re both about traveling: the freedom and the movement. The rhythm of the day is determined by circumstances as they happen. It’s always fascinating how natural and good it feels to just go with the flow. The best part of my work at Boat Bike Tours is that I can take the guests along in this feeling and can share so many of Holland’s fantastic bicycle routes with them. After riding the route, we see the ship moored in the distance. We pedal the last kilometers and then we can enjoy the other part – the good life on board. Tired but satisfied, we take our place on the top deck with a snack and a drink, and everyone has a story to tell. Since 2016 I’ve worked for BBT. In my free time I make music and you can also find me in my stained-glass workshop, where I make windows to order.

Hetty van Lemmen

You only live once, so in 2015 I changed the course of my life. And now I get to do the very best job! After many years as a financial advisor with the government, and after some wanderings, I have been a tour leader since the beginning of 2022. The small groups of guests, being active on the bike, and the fine ships are an especially great combination, in my opinion.
Even when I am “only” going out with a group for a week I like to get to know our guests well. Not only because that makes the work so much fun, but also to be able to give as many as possible a personal and unforgettable experience.
I further get joy from picking the nicest places, biking in often beautiful environments and working with the ship’s crew and fellow trip leaders.
I guide about 12-14 trips per season. I also like to spend time with my family; otherwise I would join the trips more often. I haven’t regretted that decision in 2015 for even a second!

Hilde Beijer

Every week is a party when I’m on the road with Boat Bike Tours. Enjoying new experiences together with the guests. The dynamics of the water, the farms, church towers, villages, beautiful cities and the endless views. An intense experience that I try to make even more special with stories and anecdotes. The atmosphere and the conviviality on the boat also contribute to this unique way of spending a vacation. The best thing about my work: giving the guests an unforgettable week. Relaxation, surprise and pleasant company are the keys.
My hobbies: travelling, photography, tennis and skiing.
At BBT since 2017

Ilse Janneman

Riding a bike makes me feel good. There’s no better way to see, feel and get to know a country than by bike. What I like even more is to share these experiences with other people. For 15 years I’ve worked as a tour guide for several companies and for Boat Bike Tours I’ve led many bike & barge trips in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and France. I would love to show you the special places our trips have to offer and give you the chance to meet local people and learn about their culture.
I hope to welcome you soon!

Ingrid van de Grint

My name is Ingrid van de Grint and I have been working in tourism since I was 27, first as a diving instructor in Latin America and then in Barcelona as a representative of Expedition Cruises in Patagonia. When I returned to Amsterdam, I worked for a number of years at the ANWB emergency center where I supported travelers with problems abroad. This work gave me a lot of satisfaction, but I missed traveling, which is why I started with guiding. I have been working as a guide and tour leader at home and abroad for several years now. I would never want to do anything else because this job combines my greatest hobbies: travelling, culture and history. What could be more fun than being outside all day and learning more about the area you are cycling/sailing through?

Johannes Jensma

As a child, I was on and around the water almost every weekend, and every year during my childhood, around 25,000 participants of the cycling “Elfstedentocht” passed by our house in one day. So without knowing it, the ingredients for being a cycling tour leader were already baked into my DNA. I have been a tour leader for five years and hope to continue doing so for a very long time. the five years before that, I was a crew member on the ships where our guests stay when they are not cycling. This means that, in addition to English and German, I also mastered nautical jargon for consultation with the crew on board. In addition to the familiar highlights along our scenic cycling routes, there are numerous fascinating stories to tell, which I certainly don’t omit. But even more fun are some hidden treasures, such as the wol varkentjes (wooly pigs) near Willemstad. I would be happy to tell you about them should we ever meet!

Marie-José Thurkow-de Veer

My motto is: Live a life you’ll remember!
After studying Business Economics, I had a nice (corporate) career in retail. In 1992 I made my first trip outside Europe to Asia, followed by many (distant) travels. Soon I discovered that I was infected with the travel virus, especially to destinations off the beaten track. Travel and photography became a healthy addiction and after two sabbaticals it was time to start working in the travel industry. In 2016, I followed my heart and definitively made the switch from retail to tourism.
It makes me happy to be able to share my passion for nature and culture with travelers, and I love to make sure guests will have an unforgettable trip.
Opening yourself up to different foods, new customs, beautiful people, extraordinary architecture and nature, what more could you wish for? What I like about being a tour leader is creating great memories, whether or not they are captured in special photos. In addition, the many encounters with people from the most diverse backgrounds, from all over the world, make it exciting, educational and varied. Especially going out together actively – cycling, walking, sailing – makes you experience a country and culture up close.
Life is short and the world is big, so come explore with me!
“They call it the world… I call it home!”

Marije Dijkstra

Hello, my name is Marije and for as long as I can remember I’ve loved to travel. Alone, together, with a backpack, with a tent, in a hostel or in a hotel: I love it. I’ve seen a lot of the world! But, let’s be honest: the Netherlands is also beautiful and special; especially from a bike and a boat!
Discovering new places by bike is the best thing there is. You get to see historical cities and beautiful nature but also get some relaxation and cosiness, of course. It is so much fun to tell the guests about what we see along the way and to make sure they have a great trip, because in the end that’s what we do it for!
My other hobbies are: hiking, reading, running, music (concerts) and winter sports.

Michiel van der Ark

What started as a year of backpacking through North America turned into a lifelong passion for travel and tour guiding. For many years I was lucky enough to show my compatriots the most beautiful places in the world. A few years ago it was time to show others what beautiful places the Low Countries have to offer.
My hobbies: I still like to visit the most remote and unknown places on earth.
The best thing about my job: Traveling in my own country forces me to see things I never really thought about through different eyes. My guests always ask new, interesting questions, from which I learn a lot myself.
At Boat Bike Tours since 2018

Nel den Boer

I’m Nel den Boer. I grew up in the Alblasserwaar, a gorgeous old Dutch landscape with beautiful windmills. After wandering the world, working in various countries in Africa and Asia as a development worker, I have made Houten my home. Championing the cause of vulnerable mothers and children is my passion. That is also my background: offering preventive healthcare in emergency situations as well as setting up development projects. My international work experience in cross-cultural contexts gives me the tools needed to lead group trips. Travel is in my blood, and I always enjoy hitting the road with travel companions. Because every trip is different and always inspiring, there’s so much to enjoy about them. That’s what makes the job of travel leader so special.
My hobbies: Traveling, sailing, biking, and photography are the things I like to do. That’s why the unique formula of boating and cycling tours fits me so well.
The best thing about my work: I always find it fascinating and inspiring to spend time with a group of international guests, to bicycle together, to show you the wonder of nature, and to offer new knowledge about the history and interesting facts along the route. For me, the trip is successful if the guests are satisfied and full of new impressions and inspiration when they depart.

Nico van Es

I’m the most senior of the tour leaders at Boat Bike Tours, but I still enjoy leading guests on the bike during their vacations in the Netherlands. For the last few years I have mainly worked on the Southern Tour and usually on board the ship De Amsterdam.

Niels de Jong

Biking is, to me, the best way to explore a country. The speed is perfect for taking in your surroundings and at the same time cover a good distance. And as a bicyclist it’s easy to come in contact with locals. I love biking all over Europe and as a tour leader at Boat Bike Tours I want our guests to love it too. As a tour leader I try every day to make sure our guests see a lot, have fun and end the day safely at the ship to enjoy their delicious dinner.

Patrick van t Hooft

After my studies in tourism, completed in 1976, I have always worked in the tourism sector. In my career of more than 45 years guiding groups and organizing incentive trips and conferences, I have seen the whole world. I also worked as a city guide in my home city of Antwerp and was a Tourism Flanders-recognized guide. I retired in 2019. Then I bought a VIP minibus to show my beautiful home country of Belgium to foreign guests as a guide/driver. I got to know the unique concept of Boat Bike Tours in 2018. Since then, I can’t wait for the new season each year to give foreign guests an unforgettable week. So far I am the only Belgian tour guide at BBT and therefore I prefer to accompany the Amsterdam-Bruges tours. My “Belgian Beer & Chocolate Tasting” evenings on board are appreciated.
My hobbies: Everything that has to do with the history, interesting facts and regional products of my country. In normal times, at least twice a year I travel with my girlfriend Dorine. I also like to make time for my children Stijn, Jens and Stefanie and my grandchildren Lore, Jenne, Mia and another one on the way.
The most enjoyable part of my job: Welcoming the guests on board and seeing them go home happy a week later. Meeting so many nationalities and personalities. And of course the fantastic cooperation with the other tour leaders and the ships’ crews.
With Boat Bike Tours since: 2018

Peter Van Avermaet

Since my bachelor studies in Tourism in 1976, I’ve worked in the tourism sector. In my career of more than 45 years in guiding groups and organizing incentive trips and conferences, I’ve seen the whole world. Today I’m a city guide in my home city of Antwerp and I also guide in other Belgian cities. (I am a Tourism Flanders licensed guide).

I learned about the unique concept of Boat Bike Tours in 2017 and since then I can’t wait for each new season to give foreign guests an unforgettable week. My “Belgian Beer & Chocolate Tasting” evenings on board are much appreciated.

My hobbies: Everything that has to do with the history, interesting facts and regional products of my country. Most years I travel with my friend Dorine at least twice a year. And I also like to make time for my three children and five grandchildren.

The best thing about my job: Welcoming the guests on board and seeing them happily leave home a week later. Meeting so many nationalities and personalities. And of course the fantastic cooperation with the other tour leaders and the ships’ crews.

Peter Verstraten

Before being a tour leader for Boat Bike Tours, I was a city guide in Dordrecht for many years. To me, traveling means being on the road. I feel at home everywhere. There is nothing more enjoyable than to show my country to guests from all over the world: the beauty of the water and the Dutch cities. Explaining how we do things, seeing the fun in everything along the way, going to the nicest spots, and trying the most delicious specialties is what I try to offer on each tour. Welcome aboard!
My hobbies: golf, biking, history
The best part of the job: Making sure our guests have a great vacation.
At Boat Bike Tours since 2017.

Rianne Hendricks

I’ve seen a lot of the world. But there’s nothing I like beter than showing off the beauty of my home. Boating and biking is the ideal combination. The tempo is relaxed. Both on the bike and on the ship, enjoying our beautiful surroundings – it gives me a good feeling to be part of our guests’ pleasant vacation experience. Boating and biking is a perfect concept: you cycle all day and the ship is ready for you at your next destination.

Stella Kuper

I enjoy leading trips for Boat Bike Tours. The great thing about my work as a tour leader is that I contribute to an unforgettable vacation for guests who come from all over the world. It’s great to see guests enjoying the surroundings while cycling. I also tell them about the sights along the route. Every trip and every group is different and that makes my work as a tour leader so interesting and inspiring. The nice thing is that I can combine two of my hobbies – cycling and traveling – with my work as a tour leader. In addition to guiding trips, I work as an HR advisor at various organizations. I hope to meet you on one of my trips!

Tamara Veenendaal

Hi! I’m Tamara, also known as Tamy. I’ve been a travel leader since 2006 and it’s the best job ever! Every day on the road in the fresh air, so enjoyable to discover new places on the bike, the beautiful towns we pass, magnificent nature, good food, and every week you make new friends on board. The combination of biking and sailing is truly fantastic! You always have the same room so you never have to move, but still you sleep every night in a different town. It’s ideal! My hobbies are making and listening to music (I play guitar and sing, including on the ships.). The best thing about my work is being outdoors, meeting new people and discovering new places. At Boat Bike Tours since 2017.

Thomas Wuts

I started as a tour guide in 1998, fascinated by what I consider the ideal travel concept for “learning and enjoyment.” From all corners of the world travelers with the most diverse backgrounds come together at our barge/boats and share their interests together to explore with cycling, cities and the country Holland. It is a beautiful, honorable task to be the tour guide and also give this adventure to the people who are interested in Holland and cycling.

I hope I will meet you at one of my trips.

Tom Stout

It is fun to see a new group of travelers of all ages and nationalities arrive on board on the first day and, after a week, to see them leave as friends. For me, biking and sailing is the perfect mix: being active on the bike and relaxing onboard, in towns and villages. Apart from the landscape and beautiful bike paths, there are, of course, also great coffee breaks, lunch breaks, afternoon breaks… And then there are the ships, dinners, guided walks and many more surprises on the way. I’m always happy to hear that, together with the ships’ crew, we make your trip exceed expectations.

Wilma Wassenaar

I am an adventurous globetrotter; without a challenge there is no life. Born in Santpoort, raised in IJmuiden, via Haarlem I ended up in Amsterdam, my home port. After my studies in social work, after some time I felt pulled in another direction … I rolled into the adventurous-active-distant-alien-travel world in the late 1980s as a tour guide. The vacationers were pioneers, the tour guide was also a pioneer ?; it was a joy. Did this for many years. Long story short, after doing some development work in a refugee camp in Kenya, I eventually returned to the Netherlands, to a new career as a civil servant. I lost the job in a time of crisis and started my own company as a coach. Contacts with the travel world resumed, one thing led to another, and that’s how I came to Boat Bike Tours.
My hobbies: The great outdoors! I love all sports activities that I can do there. Walking, cycling, skating, swimming, running. Lately I’ve caught the triathlon virus… In addition, (research) journalism, other cultures, the arts, history. I am a glutton.
The best thing about my job: My job is my hobby, my hobby is my job. That says everything! It’s the nicest job I know. It combines three of my passions: leading/guiding/coaching travel, cycling, and giving people a fantastic experience.
With Boat Bike Tours since: 2018