Merlijn

  Merlijn Berlin to Wolfsburg
Alemania

Our Tripsite bike and barge tour with the Merlijn was absolutely fantastic!!! We now have such wonderful memories of the crew, food, our cycling guide, and the new friends we shared this adventure with. We can’t wait to go on another trip!!

  Merlijn Berlin to Wolfsburg
Alemania

The people on the trip and the staff were all memorable. The scenic trails and the system of rivers and canals. Visiting the towns and villages on our own.

  Merlijn Berlin to Wolfsburg
Alemania

Our Merlijn adventure was a magical package- from the cozy cabins, fabulous food, smooth! charming bike paths, and superior guide -to congenial fellow bikers. And the ebike made it possible for my elderly knees. The scenic rides were away from the hustle and bustle of large cities. Idyllic, highly recommend.

  Merlijn Berlín a Malchin
Alemania, Polonia

Boat and Crew was absolutely Fantastic. Lia our Bike Guide was Amazing.

  Merlijn Berlin to Wolfsburg
Alemania

The boat/barge Merlijn. We have done more than a dozen bike barge boats and the Merlijn is by far the premier of the lot. The service and cuisine on board was superb as well.

  Merlijn Berlin to Wolfsburg
Alemania

The way the trip was arranged was very interesting. The cities were educational and the trails were easy to navigate.

  Merlijn Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 days
Holanda, Bélgica

We have done many biking trips in Europe, most self guided. We did find the pace a little slow, but got into the groove with the group on the very good hybrid bikes-thanks Coene. Cristina's hospitality and food was wonderful and both her and Coene are very good hosts. Their staff were also extremely good.
The boat was very comfortable, cabins big enough to not feel claustrophobic, beds comfy, appreciated the heated towel rail to dry washing.
For us the best part of a trip is seeing the countryside, smelling the roses and taking time to look at the scenery.

  Merlijn Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 days
Holanda, Bélgica

Our bicycle tours led us through beautiful countryside, small seaside towns, farm land, medieval fortified towns, and city centers, all on designated bicycle paths. I loved the custom, belt-driven bikes, the cultural tours, the scenery, and back on the boat, the food was amazing! Co-captain and chef extraordinaire Christina fed us a wide variety of gourmet dinners, complete with a reasonably-sized, fabulous dessert. People with birthdays received whole, hand-made cakes to share. I felt thoroughly well-taken care of at all times. Also, the new bathrooms were quite nice— and the entire ship was cleaned to a fastidious degree every day!

  Merlijn Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 days
Holanda, Bélgica

Loved the Merlijn boat , Coen & Cristina were wonderful hosts , Cristina was a fabulous cook & hostess, so accomodating. Coen very knowledgeable & helpful.
Might be helpful to have 2 cycling guides as we found the pace very slow at times , even though we were on the hybrid bikes. Francine did let us go ahead at times. Bedrooms were very comfortable, heated towel rails great for drying biking shorts overnight.
We would consider going again but probably a week trip.

  Merlijn Tour de tulipanes – 7 días
Holanda

Outstanding ship, and the tour guide was nothing short of fantastic.

  Merlijn Tour de tulipanes – 7 días
Holanda

Every day was a new adventure along winding canals from pastures, to fruit groves, windmills, cheese farms, little towns, and past back yards with sheep, chickens and goats.

  Merlijn Tour de tulipanes – 7 días
Holanda

We got the feel of our trip from the start, when we were met at the dock by the captain, who took our luggage up to the deck. And his wife, Christina, who prepared the most delicious meals every evening explaining what we were about to feast on!!
And one of our most memorable experiences was our incredibly knowledgeable , organized and fun tour guide Japke!! The trip was amazing and the Merlijn and staff were wonderful.

  Merlijn Tour de tulipanes – 7 días
Holanda

Amazing bike and barge trip! The ship was luxurious, extremely clean and well organized. The food was delicious,and the cook was very accommodating. The bed were very comfortable and the crew so friendly. Our guide was outstanding. We biked for 5 days in various gorgeous areas and learned so much about the Netherlands, the people, the history, the tulips business, the cheese and the windmills. We had time to explore on our own and to relax on a terrace or on the deck of the ship.

  Merlijn Tour de tulipanes – 7 días
Holanda

Every day was a great day and a new memory. One day it was windmills, another tulip fields and farm, and another a cheese farm and beautiful countryside. One tip would be that if you get an ebike to make sure you can handle the weight of the bike.

  Merlijn Tour de tulipanes – 7 días
Holanda

The biking was the best part of the trip for me. Our guide was so knowledgeable and took us through small towns so we could get a real feel for life in Amsterdam. She was great!

  Merlijn Tour de tulipanes – 7 días
Holanda

Most memorable part were the tulips. Visually, they were spectacular, but is was also interesting learning about growing them

  Merlijn Tour de tulipanes – 7 días
Holanda

The Merlijn boat has been beautifully redone for hosting passengers. The main salon is attractive and comfortable and the cabins are well appointed. The food was delicious and the menu was varied. All of the bikes (we rode e-bikes) were like brand new and in excellent working order. The provided helmets had a microphone system built in that allowed all 24 of us to hear everything our guide had to say! The biking tour was also excellent with extensive details and observations provided by our wonderful guide, Tamy! Last, but not least, I thought our breaks and bathroom stops were well timed. Thank you to the Captain and crew!

  Merlijn Tour de tulipanes – 7 días
Holanda

Seeing the Netherlands up close from the bike was fantastic. Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable.

  Merlijn Tour de tulipanes – 7 días
Holanda

Biking under the excellent leadership of Tammy. The equipment was excellent. The pace of the trip perfect for retirement aged people

  Merlijn Tour de tulipanes – 7 días
Holanda

Barge and crew were great. Plentiful and tasty food. Our guide was superior

  Merlijn Merzig a Mainz
Alemania

It is hard to decide on just one memorable part of the trip. Sailing along the Rhine with a drink, seeing castle after castle along the beautiful hills, drinking “fresh wine” at the lunch stop during one of our rides along the Mosel, riding through charming town after charming town, each was highly memorable. This was my dream vacation.

The only thing I would change is that I should have ridden an e-bike. Had I not been recovering from a recent illness, it would not have been necessary, but as one can never predict one’s future health at time of booking, I would consider an e-bike an insurance policy in case one is not 100%. It would have made some days more enjoyable.

  Merlijn Merzig a Mainz
Alemania

My Second B&B trip on Merlijn. After my wife & I had such a great experience in Belgium & The Netherlands on the Merlijn, I pledged That I would try to reserve the entire barge and recruit 22 of our friends to join us on another trip. We did just that. We just finished our second trip - This time Mainz to Merzig in Germany.
Safe to say we all had a great experience that we will long remember.

  Merlijn Merzig a Mainz
Alemania

Loved having our “hotel” come along for the ride. That’s all.

  Merlijn Mainz to Würzburg
Alemania

Excellent itinerary with great paths and trails. Love the Merlijn and all that it has to offer. Coen and Christina along with the crew are 5star! Thomas was a terrific guide and fun to travel with.

  Merlijn Würzburg to Nuremberg
Alemania

The crew and owners Coen and Christina are just so friendly and they make you feel like family. The ship is so clean and very luxurious. I did 4 weeks straight on the Merlijn and had 2 different guides. llse and Thomas were just a joy to be with. They are both exceptionally good at guiding! There are not enough words to say about this fantastic journey.

  Merlijn Nuremberg to Passau
Alemania

Everything about the trip was wonderful, the food on the Merlijn was spectacular. Our guide on the bike trip, Ilsa, was well prepared and did an outstanding job leading us. The Merlijn was well managed, clean and organized. Overall it was my best trip ever.

  Merlijn Würzburg to Nuremberg
Alemania

One of the guests arrived on the barge not well. Instead of isolating himself in his cabin until he was better and or testing himself for covid he carried on. Within a few days a number of guests came down with covid.Even though the captain suggested covid is just like having a cold a number of guests were very sick , were unable to cycle, and obviously had a horrible time.

  Merlijn Nuremberg to Passau
Alemania

Our trip began in Passau which is a beautiful, scenic town in Bavaria. We were greeted on the Merlijn by the owners, Coen and Christina and our guide, Ilsa. They offered to take our suitcases to our cabins for us. I was immediately impressed. The food was excellent, and Christina made delicious sack lunches for us each day for the ride. I can’t emphasize enough how gracious they were and how well they took care of us. Additionally, the rides were through scenic towns and the quiet countryside, where Ilsa gave us brief descriptions of the towns and the areas of interest in each place. She was a terrific guide. I felt reluctant to get off the ship in Nuremberg because I enjoyed this trip so much that I would do it again in an instant. I highly recommend this trip.

  Merlijn Nuremberg to Passau
Alemania

I really liked the bicycle riding. The scenery was beautiful and it's a great way to see the German countryside. Our guide Ilsa was fantastic and the crew of the Merlijn was first rate. The chef on the boat prepared tasty cuisine for us every night.

  Merlijn Nuremberg to Passau
Alemania

I really liked the bicycle riding. The scenery was beautiful and it's a great way to see the German countryside. Our guide Ilsa was fantastic and the crew of the Merlijn was first rate. The chef on the boat prepared tasty cuisine for us every night.

  Merlijn Nuremberg to Passau
Alemania

This tour was fantastic! To start off, you are on the most beautiful ship out there - the Merlijn. This ship is pure luxury! Also, the crew and owners are the best out there. Ilse, the guide was just awesome. She is full of energy and so much knowledge. I learned so much from her about the area we were biking in and sailing in. Don’t hesitate, book now for 2024 on the Merlijn. You won’t be sorry.

  Merlijn Por el Danubio – Passau a Viena
Austria, Alemania

The scenery along the Danube River was just spectacular. The little villages along the way were so beautiful to photograph. Traveling on the Merlijn is like being in a 5 star hotel. The ship is just beautiful and the food is downright amazing and delicious. The crew members are like your family. Love the Merlijn!

  Merlijn Por el Danubio – Passau a Viena
Austria, Alemania

Biking thru the small villages of Austria, enjoying their beautiful, clean lifestyle and the magnificent Danube was memorable. Our guide was quite capable and knowledgeable adding to the experience. Would recommend this trip highly!

  Merlijn Por el Danubio – Passau a Viena
Austria, Alemania

The crew and our guide were very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great time biking through beautiful countryside and learned alot about local culture and history. The food was great.

  Merlijn Berlin to Wolfsburg
Alemania

The Berlin to Wolfsburg was an amazing experience. This was my second trip on the wonderful boat, Merlijn and it won't be my last. We already have one booked for next year! The pedaling was fun and easy and the historical sites fascinating with a great guide. I highly recommend this trip!

  Merlijn Saarburg to Mainz
Alemania

  Merlijn Cologne to Saarburg
Alemania

The Merlijn is a fantastic ship. Great to be escorted by the owners themselves. Cabins were perfect and the small size ideal.

  Merlijn Berlin to Wolfsburg
Alemania

This was my second trip with the Merlijn and I will travel with them again in the future. The staff made our our living conditions on board very comfortable, the food is always amazing and the biking was outstanding. We had a family emergency which they handled professionally and efficiently. The friendly relaxed atmosphere that this boat/barge provides in a small group setting is exactly what we look for.

  Merlijn Berlin to Wolfsburg
Alemania

Lovely biking holiday! So enjoyed the bits of history as we biked through German villages and towns. The The boat was delightful, food delicious, and the hosts went out of their way to ensure a wonderful time.

  Merlijn Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 day
Holanda, Bélgica

Walking through the Keukenhof Gardens and seeing the blooming fields of tulips, and smelling the fragrant fields of hyacinths as we were riding was amazing, especially as the pouring rain held off until almost the end of the day! But walking around Ghent, and Bruges were equally delightful, if for a different reason. Of course the fabulous meals Christina prepared for us on the Merlijn were memorable. For future riders on this trip, know that the tulip experience is only one day of the entire trip so that you aren’t terribly disappointed, and be sure to have rain gear at that time of year!!

  Merlijn Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 day
Holanda, Bélgica

  Merlijn Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 day
Holanda, Bélgica

enjoying the beautiful countryside on bikes with friends .

  Merlijn Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 day
Holanda, Bélgica

I cannot say enough great things about our trip from Brugge to Amsterdam! The Captain and Crew of the Merlijn were awesome, and our intrepid tour guide, Francien was great!
What a wonderful way to experience Belgium and the Nederlands; riding through the countryside, towns, polders, and along the canals on every manner of bike path.
We were spoiled by the food provided by Christina; a delicious breakfast buffet, tasty sandwiches in our packed lunches for the ride, and gourmet meals for dinner with a little bit of history about the dishes.
Our cabin was comfortable and cozy, and the dining room and lounge were always adorned with fresh flowers.
If you want to experience travel in a unique way, then this is the way to go:)

  Merlijn Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 day
Holanda, Bélgica

The cycling was the highlight of the trip for us, we thoroughly enjoyed the pace and travel through small towns and villages along the way. Of course the tulips fields are also quite a sight! Although the weather did not always cooperate - we like the motto “there is no bad weather - only poor clothing choices”. Be prepared.

  Merlijn Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 day
Holanda, Bélgica

It was all perfect, a great experience and the Captain along with his wife and crew were superb

  Merlijn Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 day
Holanda, Bélgica

The Keukenhof gardens were spectacular. The food was also far above expectations.

  Merlijn Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 day
Holanda, Bélgica

Seeing fields of tulips and hyacinths in full bloom and in full fragrance was amazing as was the Keukenhof Gardens. Disappointingly, however, was that tulips were only one day of the entire trip. Ghent and Bruges were also definite highlights. The cuisine presented by Christina each evening on board the Merlijn was gourmet and delicious. Our guide was excellent and very knowledgeable. We were very pleased to have many layers of clothing as we had days of rain, wind, and or cold temps. A few mornings it was only 4C when we started out but did get up to 10C. Although the countryside is flat for easy riding, there were many bridges to cross requiring some decent hill climbing to get up and over! Belgium however was all flat and the much easier portion of the trip. Another tip to keep in mind is that the third week in the Netherlands is a school holiday as it is the King’s birthday. The KG was packed with people.

  Merlijn Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 day
Holanda, Bélgica

Coan & Christina own and operate the 50 meter 1930 converted cargo ship Merlijn along with a crew of 3 and a bike guide. The attention to detail , ,new equipment and bikes. The difference is other tour vessels are owned by larger companies and hire a captain a crew with older bikes.
Our guide Francien was very good, had 20 years experience and took us places that you would not see on a self guided tour. In the evenings after our on board gourmet dinner she would take who wanted to go on a tour of the city or town.
The scenery was amazing and a boat canal side tour in Gent was arranged. Our groups average was between 55 and 73 and everyone was able able to keep up a good pass on regular and e bikes.
We will be taking another tour they offer in Germany next year