Ámsterdam a Brujas

Comentarios del tour

• Richard R. 4 days ago     Verified Reviewer

  The most memorable part was getting to see the countries from a bicycle. The weather was not good and the tour guide did an excellent job of juggling the personalities with varying degrees of athletic fitness. At 53-58, there were people on the boat that were over 20 years older than my wife and I, and as a result, some rides were cut short somewhat - this was a bit disappointing as my wife and I had hoped to ride at least the distances advertised. One additional constructive comment - some of the bikes were not in good shape. The bike set aside for me had its front brakes permanently rubbing and the solution was for me to ride a women's small bike for the week. Disappointing. The trip was excellent overall and we will do a bike and barge tour again.

  Boat: Sailing Home

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• Shelley O. 1 week ago     Verified Reviewer

  Everything was memorable! The crew were amazing, always attentive and happy! Our guides were great - every ride had the perfect stops along the way, meeting some of the locals!
  Chef Michel created great meals for us and our group was great!
  The bikes were easy to ride, and the daily rides didn’t seem as long as they are!
  I’ve never done anything like this before, and it exceeded all expectations!

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• marilyn L. 4 weeks ago     Verified Reviewer

  Thoroughly enjoyed the trip, everything from the biking, accommodation and the food.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Dane G. 1 month ago     Verified Reviewer

  Did the Amsterdam to Bruges bike & barge tour on the Tijdgeest. My wife & I had a great experience. Arje was a great guide & the entire boat crew made it a fantastic trip. The riding was quite easy & the evening city tours fun & informative. Would recommend to anyone
  Thanks All
  Dane & Kim

  Boat: Tijdgeest

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• Raymond C. 1 month ago     Verified Reviewer

  The self-guided cycling was, for us, the best item of a great trip. We were provided with an excellent, hard-wearing map which had the daily routes clearly marked. The bike paths were accurately sign posted with numbers corresponding to those on the map. Self-guiding meant we could go at our own pace and it also means that stronger riders can be accommodated, eg, if they wish to ride faster or to do more than the scheduled distances. The bikes were heavy but comfortable, quiet and well maintained. The ride leaders were always willing to provide guidance.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Michael B. S. 1 month ago     Verified Reviewer

  Wonderful experience on the Magnifiquell. Everything about the trip was great. The staff including the ship crew and guides were fantastic. This was a well organized and efficient trip.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• John B. 2 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  The food was terrific always (one of us is a chef, so that’s a big compliment). The guides (Corrie and Nel) are both amazing—really perfect at what they do. Their patience and positive attitudes and exuberance overcame little quibbles and challenges that were occasionally encountered (weather, construction). The bicycle routes were always interesting and the trip from Brugge to De Haan was especially memorable. The crew were always friendly and helpful, especially Sigrid.

  If we changed anything, it would be to NOT bring our helmets; the helmets on board seemed more than adequate.

  Boat: Magnifique III

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• Diane S. 2 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  I thought the most memorable part of the trip was going to be the scenery and the bike riding, but most of my memories are of the people I met and the connections we have made sharing our stories with each other. The trip was very well organized and our guide Arie did his best to make sure each day had the best bicycling experiences. The accommodations aboard the Magnifique were wonderful and the staff exceptional. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in exploring and learning about the area between Amsterdam and Bruges and having some easy physical activity along the way. Each day had new things to see and learn.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• James J. 2 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Staff and guides Comfort of boat, the daily tours and the scenic bike paths

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Kathy C. 2 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  The food on the barge was amazing! We had strong winds for the bike but our leader made modifications to give people options for shorter routes. Amazing trip!!

  Boat: Sailing Home

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• Amanda H. 2 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  What a great holiday, wonderful way to see the country. Equipment and resources were perfect. A friendly, helpful and conscientious crew on board made our stay truly luxurious. Tamy and Carla were fantastic tour guides. Would thoroughly recommend this trip - holiday of a lifetime for me!

  Boat: Magnifique III

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• Donna A. 2 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  The staff on board made this trip a vacation of a lifetime. The boat was more like a 4 star hotel than a ‘barge’. The food on board was delicious and nutritious. Served with flair and by happy, considerate waitstaff. The only improvement in the dining would be a better selection of wines for purchase to go along with the evening dinners. The scenery on this trip was gorgeous! Everything from beautiful rural pastures, to stunning historic villages. The cycling was relatively easy and most of it was on cycle paths. Unlike Florida, cyclists are respected and given the right of way. Our tour guides were helpful and just downright fun!! Even joining in for singalongs in the evening.

  Boat: Magnifique III

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• Susan P. 2 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Gosh! There were so many! It is truly the best and most immersive way to experience the Netherlands and Belgium .... cyling along canals ... seeing beautiful gardens and flowers ...sheep, cows and horses ... beautiful architecture, and of course windmills. It was like a fairytale! Having different levels/lengths of cycle each day was good ... We liked the evening walks to see more of the town we were moored at. The staff on the boat were amazing ... all so kind and attentive. Special thanks to Marnik - so sweet and great with the guests (including my 20 year old son and step daughter). Congrats to Marnik who I believe will be captain soon - he deserves it! Let us know when he is captain so we can do his trip! Our cycling tour guides - Tom and Wilmie - were superb! They were knowledgable and handled the different levels of cycling ability well. The food on the barge was spectacular! The Chef was so sweet and talented - she even got me some gluten free bread and bars for my lunch.
  Read more… >Honestly, this is one of the best trips I have done! I liked being active and seeing different things, but do not like to have to worry about food. This trip satisfied all my needs, and the cabins were clean and comfortable.
  I am a travel advisor/planner/designer and I will definitely promote (have started already) your trips! It is easy to promote something you believe in. Thank you for an amazing experience!!

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Ron B. 2 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  There were many memerable parts of this trip. The guides, the food, the carefully selected itinerary, and the comfort of our bedroom made for an excellent adventure.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Terri Z. 3 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  The guides Japke and Carla were great and very helpful. The rest of the crew were also great. The boat was better than expected, the bikes were very good and the routes were fun and beautiful. Only my second trip with tripsite but it definitely won’t be my last.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Denise V. 3 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  The scenery was breathtaking...

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Diane L. 3 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Best Part? Spending my first trip to Europe with awesome people!

  Boat: Fluvius

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• David T. 3 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  What a fantastic way to see The Netherlands and some of Belgium. The availability of an e-bike gave me the opportunity to continue to do the rides every day without the fatigue I was expecting in the last few days. Great scenery, guides, bikes and people! Hope to try Germany next !

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Janice H. 3 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  The scenery and the cities we road through were amazing. Our Guide Arie and Marcel and the staff on the boat. All who were so very helpful and always pleasant. Food was great. Tips - we went at the end of May - it was cool - our light down jackets were used daily. The Dress on the boat was pretty casual no need for heels or fancy clothes. Biking gloves or waterproof gloves came in very handy as did a buff.

  Boat: Magnifique III

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• Bob T. 3 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Biking through the countryside of the Netherlands and Belgium at a pace that allowed us to learn about both cultures and their histories was an opportunity not to be missed.

  Boat: Anna Antal

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• Janet W. 3 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Biking through the countrysides of the Netherlands and Belgium and seeing the life of the locals as it was, from their yards! Our Guides made us feel quite at home in their countries...it was a fabulous experience.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Janet W. 3 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Biking through the countrysides of the Netherlands and Belgium and seeing the life of the locals as it was, from their yards! Our Guides made us feel quite at home in their countries...it was a fabulous experience.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Tim B. 3 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  E-bikes, great to know I can bike for about another 20 because of these.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Kathleen U. 3 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  The quality of the e-bikes on the Fluvius were beyond excellent!! Goos the guide was a "10"!!! Best bike/boat trip ever.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Anne H. 9 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  We’ve had so much fun on our previous two trips we’re going on third with fourteen of best friends.

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• Sharon F. 9 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  This trip surprised me! We were engaged and inspired by our fellow travelers. So many different nationalities and backgrounds. We enjoyed our time, both cycling, and socializing on the barge. Beautiful scenery and topography. Comfortable accommodations. Excellent group.

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• Richard P. 9 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Best Part? Sitting on the deck at dusk as we traveled through the Port of Antwerp

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Peter W. 9 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  There were 32 people on the barge. 26 of us socialized and got along famously. Meeting new people form other parts of the world is always memorable and fun.
  My one complaint about the trip is the dinner meal. There seemed to be an attempt to be gourmet and it failed. Portions were too small. Plain everyday meals would have been better. Breakfast & lunch were very good.

  Boat: Magnifique

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  • Steve 7 months ago    

    Hi,
    Thanks for sharing Peter. Did you find any teenagers on board (18 to 19 year old)? I'm taking my twin daughters on 3 years. Thanks
    sw

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• Denise V. 9 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  It was amazing, from beginning to end.the your guide was great. The staff was also excellent, good food..loved this trip..I am hooked.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Monica U. 9 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Most Memorable Part? The beautiful Dutch towns and the incredible bike lanes.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Dean W. 9 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Best Parts? Windmills, great bikes, great guide, excellent food.

  Boat: Anna Antal

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• Sandra F. 9 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  The amount of info our tour guide had and how awesome our accommodations were! I mean I had the trip of a lifetime
  That is why I am back! Virtually one year later.

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  • Kathleen Keller 6 months ago    

    Hi Sandra,
    Sounds like a great trip! I’m considering but am not able to get any of my friends to join me. We’re ther single travelers on the trip? And would you recommend for a single woman? Thanks, Kathy

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• Michael W. 9 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  My wife and I travelled onboard the Fluvius from Amsterdam to Brugge in August 2017 and enjoyed the trip immensely. Neither of us are regular cyclists but found the bike riding through the beautiful Dutch and Belgian countryside a relatively easy proposition. The barge, crew (including Gus) - and food all exceeded our expectations. A great way to travel - would highly recommend. Also, Tripsite booking was an uncomplicated process and would happily book through them again.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Lynn Y. 10 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Most Memorable Part? Cycling into Amsterdam

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• Art D. 10 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  We did not expect the boat to be that nice. The staff, captain, and our guides were exceptional. The food and service was super. Tom is an exceptional guide. We had gone as a group, all of the group considered this trip to be one of their best.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Jennie G. 10 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Best Part? Feeling a sense of Awe as we traveled through spectacular scenery on a bike then stopping at the little villages for coffee and a chat with our fellow riders.
  Just the best.

  Boat: Gandalf

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• John G. 10 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  The staff on our Amsterdam trip were a big part of the enjoyment factor. They listened so well and quickly learned about you and made you feel like we were all friends enjoying the trip together.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Margaret W. 10 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Best part of trip traveling with friends old and new. Beautiful scenery. Great food. A great challenge. Looking forward to my next trip

  Boat: Sailing Home

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• Gina F. 10 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Amsterdam to Bruges . The most memorable part of the cruise was our singalong. After a full day of cycling and a fabulous dinner by our cook Ayelt, we returned to the Anna Antal to find a surprise: our Captain Arnaud was also a guitarist and singer! So we gathered round, local wine in hand and took turns choosing from his songbooks our favorite tunes and singing along. It was a bonding experience that you could only find on a small tour where we all cycled together and learned about the customs of the countries we explored away from the touristy crowds.

  Boat: Anna Antal

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• Denis E. 11 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Most memorable part? Scenery and food and small group size

  Boat: Sailing Home

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• Catherine S. 11 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Our trip on the Sailing Home Amsterdam to Brugge was far more than we expected. The cabins are spacious enough for 2 people and the bathroom was well equipped and plenty enough space. The outside deck area was very social and the best way to finish the day with sundowners and your fellow cyclists. Loved this trip and would highly recommend.

  Boat: Sailing Home

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• Katherine T. 11 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Everyone should take this trip! A truly wonderful experience.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Barbara G. 11 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  The bike and barge trip from Amsterdam aboard the Magnifique II greatly exceeded our expectations. The camaraderie among the passengers developed quickly. The staff was friendly and professional. This was our first such trip and We are anxious to book the next.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Diane F. 12 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Bike riding in Europe has been on my 'Bucket List' for many years and experiencing the Bike and Barge Tour on the Magnifique from Amsterdam to Bruges was perfect. The itinerary was varied and picturesque; things you never see when you go on typical tours of European countries. The bikes were comfortable and the rides offered the right amount of challenge for my first experience riding in Europe. The Barge was like a 5 star accommodation in your cabins and the common areas were perfect for relaxing and mingling with fellow travelers. The crew and guides Fred and Corrie were friendly, sincerely interested in you as a person, knowledgeable and very hard working. The food was delicious. I still marvel at how the chef prepared such high class meals in a small space and it was served to 30 passengers hot so we could all eat at the same time. I would recommend a Bike and Barge tour to anyone who wants to see Europe in a personal way. If I was to give a tip to people looking Read more… to ride a bike in Europe it would be not to be apprehensive about whether you can manage the rides as they are paced with the right amount of breaks. Practice riding at home so you are comfortable on a bike and ride safely. I am already looking to book another tour through Tripsite on a Bike and Barge. Thanks for a spectacular time.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Janet J. 12 months ago     Verified Reviewer

  Number of people was just right. Excellent choice for routes each day and enjoyed the end of day walks into the beautiful cities.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Roger S. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  We truly enjoyed our barge, tour guides, barge staff and biking tour through the Netherlands and Belgium. The best way to see a country is through the back roads and trails. We will be back for another bike and barge trip!

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Steve S. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  The scenery - Bruges was like a storybook. The food - The chef on our barge went out of her way to accommodate my family’s vegan requirements, and she did it with style.

  Boat: Sailing Home

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• Sue J. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  The cycling, the food, and the crew were all amazing!!

  Boat: Zwaantje

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• Dylan Y. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Wow, such an amazing experience! Our tour was aboard the Zwaantje, traveling from Amsterdam to Bruges. I can not say enough about how fabulous the crew (Sam, Heather) and captain (Martijn) were. We also had an incredible chef (Frank), who spoiled us each day with amazing meals. We travelled with a barge full of friends and shared so many laughs a long the way. Our guide (Wieger) was very knowledgeable about every town we travelled through and was a pleasure to bike with each day. Such a wonderful way to see the countryside and experience the local charms of each city we visited. Loved our trip and we hope to experience another bike trip in the future. Zwaantje Bike and Barge Tour exceeded our expectations in every way.

  Boat: Zwaantje

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• Martin T. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Since we returned from our trip, a few of us have been discussing another bike and barge trip but sadly we are not sure we would go again simply because it could never be as good as the one we just took. The captain and crew of the Zwaantje were amazing, the food was a ten out of ten and our bike guide was fantastic. There is no way this trip could be improved upon.

  Boat: Zwaantje

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• Mark E. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  We were lucky to be on board the beautiful boat Zwaantje. The Captain, Martin, our bike guide Weiger, 1st mate Sam, hostess Heather and cook extraordinaire Frank were absolutely the best you will ever get on a bike and barge trip. This small review does not do justice to the exceptional staff and food that was on this trip. All I can say is if you want a fantastic 5 star excursion of this kind, this is the boat to have it on. Again THANK-YOU to Captain Martin, bike guide Wieger, Heather, Sam, and the best cook in Europe, Frank for a once in a life time trip that my wife and I, along with the other 11 couples that we were with, will never forget. Trip of a life time!!

  Boat: Zwaantje

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• Neil V. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Martin and the crew of the Zwaantje made our trip unforgettable, the food and service far exceeded our expectations. Weigier, our guide was informative and made the rides a lot of fun. Highly recommend the Amsterdam to Bruges tour, especially on the Zwaantje. Look forward to trying one of your other tours.

  Boat: Zwaantje

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• Herbert C. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  The quality of life in both Holland and Belgium, what a difference from Spain!!!

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Joyce H. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Recommendation...do the riding prior to your trip that they suggest. I did not and had an uncomfortable bum for a few days, lol.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Pam B. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Enjoyed the accommodations, crew was great, and cycling was easy . Looking at another Bike & Barge adventure!

  Boat: Sailing Home

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• Howard H. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  The Magnifique II was fine and the food was good. One thing I found odd was the staff joined us at the bar at night. The bar had limited seating and they took up the stools while passengers stood. Not cool. I found the biking boring. There were no interesting stops other than the cities. Amsterdam, Ghent and Bruges were very nice. The Netherlands were rather dull. On other tours we stopped at wineries, Chateaus or interesting landmarks. Here the guides just stopped and said there is coffee or a church you can visit. Not very organized. Their goal seemed to be to keep us out long enough to reach the boat. I would not recommend this tour.

  Boat: Magnifique III

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• Kathy B. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  This was my first bike and barge trip and it won't be my last. The barge, staff and food were all excellent. The trail system in the Netherlands and Belgium was easy to follow and the countryside was beautiful. I'm ready to book my next trip.

  Boat: Magnifique III

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• Carol D. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Absolutely stress free opportunity to experience real heart of Netherlands and Belgium. Really enjoyed meeting new like-minded tripping companions.

  Boat: Zwaantje

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• Ron H. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  The staff on our Amsterdam to Bruges trip were all fantastic. Our cabin was a wonderful retreat at the end of the day. The cycling was easy even for someone who does not cycle. The one area where I could see some improvement was in the breakfast and lunch offerings. There was very little variety from day to day. Would have been nice to have some other options.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Suzanne D. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Amsterdam to Bruges July 2018. We loved the whole aspect of cycling to meet our barge (our floating hotel) at the end of each day. The accommodations on the Sailing Home were great and the barge is a handsome one. Staff were friendly and relaxed but attentive and personable. Our cycling guide Karline was very competent and kindly took us into almost every town each night for a walking tour. Her historical knowledge of the areas in the Netherlends and Belgium we visited were an unexpected bonus. The food was great on board and most enjoyable. I will definitely recommend this trip to others.

  Boat: Sailing Home

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• Donna E. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Really enjoyed the dedicated bike paths, the small villages/towns we stopped in for breaks. My only concern was the sometimes intermittent contact with the ship (cell service) and contingency plan should a participant become ill or injured or if the bike broke down.

  Boat: Magnifique

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  • Jehiel from Tripsite 1 year ago     Staff

    Hi Donna!
    Just wanted to address the concerns you mentioned...
    We provide an emergency number and the number for the boat before the start of your trip.
    In addition, there is a tour leader (for bigger groups 2) that can also assist you.
    Rest assured you would be cared for of in the event of an emergency! :)

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• Gail W. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Although this was a bike-barge trip, I did not bike; rather, I stayed on the barge each day as it progressed along the rivers and canals. It was very pleasant and relaxing watching the scenery. Each day I was able to disembark at least once prior to arrival at the destination for the night to walk around nearby towns or along paths. The crew was extremely gracious and accommodating to my presence on the barge.

  Boat: Magnifique III

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• Peter M. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  It would be difficult to pick one specific memory as the most significant. I loved the companionship of my fellow riders. I recall one beautiful afternoon as we rode through countryside reminiscent of a Van Gogh painting. I was impressed by the open friendly manner of the local people in the small towns through which we rode.

  Boat: Magnifique III

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• Ray C. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Most Memorable Part? The travel through the countryside and villages. The trip exceeded our expectations. The two guides, Tom and Hillo knew their stuff and created a culture of camaraderie for the bikers. This trip provided an opportunity to witness life in the countries of Holland and Belgium.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Linda P. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  The bike and barge from Amsterdam to Bruges on the Magnifique was extraordinary! Whether you were aboard the boat or the bike there was never "a bad view". The route was a great mix of small villages, farmland and cities - our guides were fun and knowledgeable about the history of each region. Thanks to the fantastic staff of the Magnifique, the entire trip was memorable. Our fellow guests were a wonderful mix of folks from many countries and it was fun getting to know them. Thank you Tripsite for making the booking of this trip so easy - I would highly recommend your company to anyone considering this type of trip.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Michael W. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Most Memorable Part: Biking thru the countryside of Netherlands and Belgium

  Boat: Anna Antal

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• Joe V. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Most memorable part: We stopped at a small bar and had a fabulous time dancing and singing!

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Susan L. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  A fantastic tour, with knowledgeable guides that led us through Holland and Belgium. Everything aboard the Magnifique III was top notch and any concerns we had (our room was a little musty) were dealt with immediately and to our satisfaction. The biking was very enjoyable, primarily on bike paths and even when on roads the cars are very respectful of bicyclists. The routes at 50km lengths sound daunting but were the perfect length to fill the day along with frequent breaks for pictures and beer! I do recommend saddle time prior to the trip and bike shorts! The bikes were in excellent condition too. Overall one of the best vacations we’ve ever had. Highly recommend. If you are more adventurous you can download the maps on your phone and go self-guided. Many in our group did that and had no issues.

  Boat: Magnifique III

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• Jeanie R. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  CycleTours gave us a unique and thoroughly enjoyable way to see a country that was new to us. We cycled through farms and villages where there were no tourists -- met local folks and saw how they lived. Our delightful and knowledgeable guide made sure that the pace of each day's cycling was do-able by people of different abilities -- often we'd cycle for an hour or two, stop for coffee; cycle for an hour or so, eat lunch. Cycle for an hour and stop for refreshment; cycle an hour and we're "home", where bowls of nuts, cookies, and tea/coffee/juice welcomed us.

  Boat: Zwaan

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• Julie R. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Overall, it was a great trip - boat and crew, bikes, guide, fellow passengers. Where this trip fell short of a previous bike boat trip that I did, was that this trip lacked interesting stops along our cycle route. It felt more like getting from point A to point B with a brief coffee or lunch stop - no tours along the way. From my understanding in talking with the boat owner/captain, the cycling routes and stops are planned by Bike Boat Tours.

  Boat: Zwaan

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  • Jehiel from Tripsite 1 year ago     Staff

    Hi Julie!
    Thanks for sharing this feedback. You are correct, the itinerary is designed by our local partner. Some tours depending on the particular region, group size/ability, length of tour, and logistics surrounding boat travel have more time in the itinerary for excursions and stops along the way. You can find more information about daily cycling routes and planned stops under the "day-to-day itinerary" section on all of our tour pages. Hope this helps when planning your next trip!

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• Karina M. 1 year ago     Verified Reviewer

  Most Memorable Part: Riding through the tulip fields and the Kuekenhoff gardens on the same day is a memory that will stay with me forever.

  Boat: Quo Vadis

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• Nancy V. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  I was surprised at how great everything was.

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• Rebecca K. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The bike trip, the guide, the staff were all memorable. I'm not easily pleased. The trip was beyond my expectations. Loved riding through the countryside. Our guide was terrific while very responsible he was also fun and made everyone feel at ease. Although I was a solo guest he always made me feel comfortable. They staff was outstanding. Hard working and sooo nice. Again very friendly and just wanted everyone to be happy. Have shared my positive experience with so many friends, etc. I am happily considering another trip this summer. I'm an American and a somewhat simple/picky eater... at times I didn't care for what was served. Suggestion...Possibly more variety for lunch. It was the same everyday. Some type of luncheon meats and cheese.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Amy M. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Most Memorable Part: We went outside at sunset and saw a flock of geese heading overhead as the sun turned the sky to pinks and blues and cotton candy clouds.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Sandy W. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Everything about the trip was fantastic....5*.
  It was over and above our expectations.
  First, we were totally surprised with the beautiful barge.
  The staff was incredible, meeting our every need.
  The chef never ceased to amaze us with delicious food.
  Definitely will do bike and barge again.
  We have recommended it to many people and actually some are already booked for May.
  Keep up the good work.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Sandra B. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  This was our second Bike &Barge trip through Tripsite. Although both trips were different, both were amazing! Accommodations, food, staff, bike routes, guides....all top notch! Even the guests were terrific - a mix from several continents. Tripsite's online reps are knowledgeable, friendly, and personable. These trips offer an opportunity to experience the true flavor of other countries and cultures, without depending on bus tours or renting a car. Pedaling through villages, dining at back-roads cafes, chatting with locals at pubs... you're mingling with the locals, escaping from the crowded tourist spots.
  Planning a 3rd trip. Can't wait!

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Robert R. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Most Memorable Part: The stops along the way in the small German towns.

  Boat: Merlijn

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• Lisa G. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  This was our first trip and we weren't sure what to expect. We had a phenomenal time. It was just the right level of difficulty in riding and a perfect amount of time to explore the area. The barge was a good, clean place to stay and the staff did an excellent job keeping it clean and keeping us well fed. We would highly recommend to our friends.

  Boat: Sailing Home

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• Michael W. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Great scenery, easy riding - a very enjoyable week aboard the Fluvius.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Bob T. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The on board accommodation exceeded our expectations, the boat exceeded our expectations, the staff were very accommodating, the tour route was excellent and our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Great trip!!

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Susan H. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The chef we had on our barge made the meals memorable. This was an outstanding experience in every way except perhaps a few longer-than-expected bike days. However, we were the oldest and least prepared on the boat, so others likely found the distances just right.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• John L. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Most Memorable Part: Experiencing the people and landscape of Holland and Belgium. The staff were top notch. But, the June heat wave left us in stifling heat with the ventilation turned off at night. Everyone of our fourteen people missed a day of riding to get some rest, as we couldn’t sleep at night.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Lindsay B. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Riding our bikes through the towns and the countryside really get to see everything smell everything meeting new people it was a lot of fun. Been telling everybody about it would love to do it again.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Debbie H. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Always have two guides. I can’t imagine having only one for such a diverse level of skills. We had one guide who lacked interpersonal skills. She lost her temper several times at several clients. I was one of those on the receiving end.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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  • Jehiel from Tripsite 2 years ago     Staff

    Hi Debbie,
    Thanks for sharing this feedback. We agree that two guides are needed for bigger groups, so for 2018 there will be two tour guides. This will allow the guides to care for the needs of smaller subgroups and will hopefully make the biking experience stress-free for everyone!
    We hope to help you plan your next trip! Thanks again :)

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• Rob & Anne H. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Toured with Merlijn on the Nekar and Rhine Rivers to Koblenz. I'd have to say that peddling thru the beautiful forest then entering the awesome vineyards had to of been the best memories of the trip! We were up to speed on the bicycling requirements, I'd suggest that the requirements and maybe a suggestion for pre training be spelled out in better detail for people planning a trip. We enjoyed the trip enough to book our third trip!

  Boat: Merlijn

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• Neal P. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  It was so wonderful to cycle through 2 beautiful countries taking in the scenery and ambiance.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Norval G. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Barge food excellent quality, diverse selections and plentiful.

  Boat: Zwaan

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• David F. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  This was our second bike and barge trip. Lenny and her crew were fantastic hosts, making us feel at home on their boat.

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• Joanne R. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  We were thrilled with our Bike & Barge from Amsterdam to Brugge! Everything was 5 star! Highly recommend

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Suki G. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Book from Brugge to Amsterdam to avoid headwinds. Expect riding in country with nothing special to see.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Kathi T. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The entire trip was fantastic. I personally could have benefited with a few less km per day but that is my fault for not training as much as I should have. The chef and the guide, Leroy and Alfonse were amazing. The boat was comfortable and elegant. First rate all around!

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Peter W. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The trip wasn't exactly as I understood it would be. The staff were absolutely great, couldn't be any better. The guide was also very good, knowledgeable and patient. However, it seems to me that the objective of each day's ride was to get from point A to point B; we didn't stop enough to enjoy & explore the sites along the way. Also, I wonder about riding thru farmers' fields. Perhaps that was the only way to reach certain destinations. We needed better introductions in the first meeting. We should have introduced ourselves at that meeting. We were 32 strangers together for 8 days, let's start with introductions.
  The food was pretty average. Breakfast was fine; once in a while there was hot food served but you had to be aggressive to get any, there wasn't enough to go around. Food available for lunch was fine, no complaints. Dinners were disappointing. We didn't need gourmet dinners, we needed substantial meals. The best meal was the Read more… BBQ, there was enough food. Other meals were inadequate. Dinner on the last night was abysmal and the dessert was a joke, 1/2 a glass of liquid. I would like to see bar prices posted and a statement produced on the last day. I have no idea if I was charged the correct amount or not; not that I don't trust the staff, as I said they were great. In spite of sounding like a chronic complainer, my wife and I are talking about doing another Bike & Barge trip, we really enjoyed this one. Don't take my comments as negative criticism, take them as suggestions for improvement, no one is perfect.

  Boat: Magnifique

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  • Jehiel 2 years ago     Staff

    Hi Peter!
    Thanks for submitting such thorough feedback. I am sorry the trip wasn't exactly as you expected but I'm glad you still had a great time. We will use your comments to improve this tour and better educate travelers.
    Just to clear, you can always request a receipt for your bar tab. In the future, if you have any questions regarding the food, bar, or logistics pertaining to the trip, our knowledgable staff is here to help.
    Be sure to let us know your preferences before you book your next trip and we will do our very best to help you find a tour that fits your needs.
    Thanks again!

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• Kathleen H. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  I loved every minute of it! :) Thank you so much for a great adventure!

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Diane B. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Every part of this excursion exceeded my expectations. The Magnifique II is a fabulous boat, with very comfortable accommodations. The staff was excellent, all worked very hard and the teamwork was amazing. Cycling routes were fabulous and Thomas was absolutely an excellent guide. The food was first rate, LeRoy did a great job. It was a fabulous trip.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Susan H. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Everything about the trip exceeded my expectations. In particular, the dinners were truly gourmet. Keep that chef (Leroy)!

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Marcia B. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Highlights: Seeing these countries via bike paths. Going through small towns and villages with an excellent guide to highlight the history and out of the way places.
  Tip: get in shape! You will enjoy it more if you are fit to bike these distances.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Kurt W. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  This was our first bike and barge trip, and we loved every aspect of it. Yes, the weather was a challenge, but even that was rewarding in retrospect. The guide and crew were great, the food was wonderful, and the boat was very comfortable (and a good size). We got to know all our fellow passengers and that was the icing on the cake. Now I'm spending way too much time, probably, reading about where to take our next trip!

  Boat: Tijdgeest

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• Timothy S. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Our guide was very knowledgeable and engaging. A suggestion for others would be to prepare for wind if going during that time of year. The route may be very flat but the possibility of a constant headwind can make it feel uphill. Knowing this, some guests may opt for using an eBike.

  Boat: Tijdgeest

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• Kathy B. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  I really enjoyed everything about the trip: the scenery, towns and villages, camaraderie, guide, food , music evening. All was wonderful!

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Sue N. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The most memorable part of our trip was people we met, we made some fantastic new friends. The Dutch countryside was especially beautiful, just like out of a fairy tale. Lots of other great countryside and small villages as well, quaint and old European.
  The rooms on the Fluvius were poorly ventilated, and the A/C was extremely noisy. The dining room, lounge, bar and upper deck were great.
  One of our rides included having to take a short ferry ride. We were all asked to pay .70 cents for this. Many of us felt that was being extremely cheap, and should have been included. Really...70 cents!!!!
  For each day of cycling we were only given 1-500ml bottle of water. This is not even close to daily requirements, especially given that on several days we were riding in 30 degrees C. It should have been at least 2L/person/day.
  Our guide lacked enthusiasm. He told us to fill our empty water bottles in the bathrooms, he talked about bathroom breaks in the pre-ride briefing but Read more… despite being told (during the ride) that we'd need a break, he just kept going. Rarely did he stop for photos; there was some beautiful countryside that many of us would liked to have captured. For the most part, the only time he stopped was for coffee and lunch. He did not seem overly concerned about safety; when there was a car coming from behind the riders would shout "CAR" and that kept getting shouted up the line. One time I was behind the guide, so we both heard it at the same time...the guide then very flippantly said "Good for the car". Crossing major intersections was dicey; many times he would cross despite the traffic, while the group would then wait on the other side until it was CLEARLY safe to go. This seemed to frustrate him.
  My bike was great, but it would have been nice to have a water bottle holder mounted on the frame, and include a cycling water bottle for it, which people could then take home. Not all bikes were the same; some had 2 hand brakes, while others had a hand brake and a foot brake, which took some getting used to for those that were assigned that type of bike. There was no option to swap.
  The Fluvius crew were amazing. Very, very hard working, yet personable and great senses of humor! Shout outs to Alex, Nadia, Marianna, David & Captain Arno!!! (PS, we hope everything is okay with Nadia's mom).
  Despite the negatives, we had a great time, met some amazing people, saw stunningly beautiful countryside, had lots of fun & laughter. And, we would go again!!

  Boat: Fluvius

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  • DM 2 years ago    

    This is a very informative review for a potential traveler with Tripsite. The behaviours you have outlined of the guide are very alarming and I would hope that, should we decide to take this trip, we would not be subjected to such negativity and little regard for safety. It would be most interesting and of great value to hear how this review ihas been addressed with the company.

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• Lynda R. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  We had a wonderful time. The accommodation was above expectations, very clean and more roomy than expected. The food was excellent, plentiful, diverse and attractively presented. The staff was welcoming, helpful and made the trip extremely enjoyable. There were extras above what we expected...guided trips into the various cities in the evening and even entertainment with Music and dancing. We stayed with the guide every day and appreciated his expertise at choosing routes that were scenic and avoiding as much of the traffic when we did have to go through the cities.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Mik L. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Most Memorable Part: Amsterdam and a week of perfect weather

  Boat: Sailing Home

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• Darryl White 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  My wife and two other couples did this trip in August 2017. The crew was great the boat is very well appointed, the rooms are small but function well. The evening meals were great, breakfast was limited most days to bread cheese and cereal.
  Now the bad part:
  The crew turns off the air conditioning at 10:30 at night and does not come back on until the morning. So one would wake up in the middle of the night sweating and not be able to go back to sleep, The bedding, our clothes and all other items in the room would get moist and moldy from condensation.
  The Bicycles were not the best, they were quite used and most of the seats were loose and could not be tightened which made for long days of riding...

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• Karen K. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Most memorable Part: The crew on the boat, dinners and the tour on canals throughout the Netherlands and Belgium. The cheese shop was the best and also the small cafe's.

  Boat: Liza Marleen

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• Joan H. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Riding through the Dutch countryside on dedicated bicycle paths was most enjoyable. The system of numbered paths is ingenious! Keeping up with the front of the group was a challenge, not always a welcome one. It's best to be a strong rider even on the "easy" tours.

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• Neal P. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Certainly it was a wonderful trip and I would recommend it to anyone HOWEVER our chef was fired on the 3rd day (the regular chef was on vacation), our stressed out guide was less than patient with passengers and we had 3 kids, 8 years old and younger who were poorly behaved and due to the insensitivity of their parents interfered greatly with the enjoyment of our trip. This created unnecessary tension for the the guide, captain and for the passengers. This family caused great delay in the itinerary starting on the very first day. I think in future children under the age of 16 should be prohibited from these biking trips. These kids, even their parents, were incapable of riding a bike for the distances required in the itinerary. All that aside we would book a bike and barge trip again but would be certain to inquire about age requirements. Thank you.

  Boat: Magnifique

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  • Carla 2 years ago     Staff

    Hi Neal,
    I'm really happy you were still able to enjoy your trip despite some negative circumstances. We're really sorry this family became such a stressful part of the trip. Please do feel free to inquire about age requirements on your next trip.
    Happy Cycling! ~ Carla

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• Patrick S. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The meals onboard were great! Sander was an expert chef, Eric a well informed and pleasant captain, and Nico was a constant source of entertainment. The general attitude of the he crew was above and beyond.

  Boat: Elodie

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• Colin O. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Bike / barge trip was great. However, there was a family on board with 3 children under age of 6. This affected our daily bike trips and the atmosphere on the barge. Children under the age of 12 should not be accommodated on these trips- especially when the parents, let alone the children have had little biking experience- especially considering the distances we needed to travel.

  Boat: Magnifique

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  • Carla 2 years ago     Staff

    Hi Colin,
    We're really sorry this family created such a stressful atmosphere on board. I do wish we had a better way to screen one's cycling abilities! Please feel free to inquire about children on your next bike & barge.
    Nonetheless, we're so glad you still enjoyed your holiday! Cheers ~ Carla

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• Carol H. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Barge: in our premium room neither the bed lights, the TV or the hairdryer worked. The Jacuzzi was cold. Clearly the barge had electrical issues.
  Routes: the trip description said we could follow the routes and bike on our own, stop for photos, etc. This was not possible as the routes changed, the stops were prescriptive by the guide, and were for coffee/beer/bathroom breaks, rather than impromptu photo breaks
  Routes: we would have liked to have spent more time in the Netherlands, less time in Antwerp. The "photo op" on the top of the museum in Antwerp was a waste of time.
  Group dynamics: we lucked out; group dynamics were great!

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Donald K. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The most memorable part: The people who we met and biked with.....a fun, engaging group of folks.

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• Sandy W. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  It was the most amazing trip we have ever done‼️
  Everything was 5 star. The barge, food and crew were awesome.
  There were 14 of us and we all agree it was the best.
  Would recommend this trip.
  Already looking at our next adventure with Tripsite.
  Thank-you for such a memorable trip.
  -Sandy Wallace and friends

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• Rebecca K. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Having never taken a bike and barge trip I didn't know what to expect. Wow....it exceeded my expectations. Boat was luxurious for a barge, what friendly, hard working staff. Tom our tour leader was terrific. Other than the fact that the single cabins are really small everything else outstanding.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Steven U. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The most memorable part was riding bikes to quaint small towns and Bruges.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Laura G. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  It was all very memorable. Wish the bikes had a water bottle holder and a map clip or holder on the handle bars. The tour info from Tripsite was not completely accurate as we rode a lot more than we anticipated every day. The barge was 'Magnifique'!

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Elizabeth L. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The staff was outstanding, everything on the barge was spotlessly clean, the food was delicious, the bikes were great! My husband and I had a terrific experience. We loved being able to bike with a guide or by ourselves. The guide was knowledgable and supportive. I would sign up for this bike and barge trip in a heartbeat, but at 72, I might get an electric bike. Wonderful balance of biking along canals in the country and through towns to see the sights. Hooray!!

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Bob T. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  This is a great way to see Europe.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Marie-Claude R. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The most memorable parts were the scenery, the cute villages, the windmills and the dunes with great people and staff.

  Boat: Sailing Home

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• Norval G. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Dutch and Belgium rural scenery and bike paths were beautiful, well marked and saw lots of wildlife.

  Boat: Zwaan

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• John Miller 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The trip provided both the opportunity to see the countryside in an up-close and invigorating manner, but it also allowed for memorable time to get to know and enjoy our fellow travelers.

  Boat: Fleur

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• Lai C. 2 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The most memorable part was fellow cyclists and our very helpful and knowledgeable guide.

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• Jim M. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  This was our 2nd trip this year. We signed up for a 3rd already. Barge and bike is wonderful.

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• Gerald R. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  A great trip. The area was great loved the villages we rode through.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Bruce Reynolds 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Just got off the Magnifique II a couple of weeks ago and my wife and I along with three other couples in our group had a fabulous time. Captain Paul, first mate Kevin, Chef Leroy, and Tesa went up and beyond duty helping and serving all of us. With temperatures above normal and the lost of one additional crew member they never missed a beat. The meals were excellent,Tesa always had a smile on her face while pouring us a glass of wine,Kevin could be found helping dock the boat, getting a beer for someone,adjusting the height of a bike seat and many,many more duties. Capt. Paul not only guided the ship throughout our trip,but jumped right in to clear dinner dishes ,tend bar and always willing to answer questions we might have about the Netherlands and Belgium. Marcel our guide did just that,telling us about certain structures we passed by, folklore and tours on foot through some of the towns we stayed in at night. A great trip

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Claudette S. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The food was exceptional! The Chef put a lot of effort to please.
  Presentation was amazing.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• Lynda C. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The the scenery was very very enjoyable as were the other guests on board the boat. The major problem or I should say the major dissatisfaction came from the fact that the bikes were too big and too heavy. I am an experienced bike rider and usually feel comfortable on most bikes but these truly were very very uncomfortable for me and I know for some of the other smaller women on the trip, dangerous. My only other comment would be about the guide..... I felt his attitude was very condescending in the first few days he was barely a guide his aim was to get from point A to point B in whatever amount of time he deemed necessary without any consideration for the inexperienced bikers on the trip. The slower bikers trailed way behind perhaps in some cases almost a quarter of a mile behind him and he barely looked back to see if they were there or for that matter even struggling. I volunteered to sweep and finally in frustration stopped him and told him he must go as slow as the slowest Read more… biker. I thought it was rather interesting too that he made a point constantly of telling us that if we either went on our own or staggered behind and became lost that he would make no accommodation to look for us. He repeated on several occasions that we were to read the map, read the map! We laughed when we realized that he had actually gotten us lost because his GPS had run low on batteries and he missed a turn. Now this was a man who told us he had done this exact trip 16 times this year! Yes you can see that I was very unhappy with his attitude towards his guests, the people who were his bread and butter.

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  • Carla 3 years ago     Staff

    Hi Lynda,
    Thanks so much for your feedback.
    I'm sorry you had a hard time with the bikes aboard the Fluvius.
    Regarding the tour guide, we encourage all of our guests to speak up when something is not going right so we can do our best to remedy the situation immediately. We agree, during your tour that the guide was not on his best behavior and have since had to consider a replacement for him.
    There has been some confusion aboard the Fluvius about the role of your tour guide. Because there are 30+ bikers aboard the Fluvius, he cannot be counted on to lead and look after all riders at all times. The guide's role is not to lead the group, but to be sure all riders get from point A to point B safely. If one rider has a flat tire or another becomes lost, it is the guide's job to "rescue" the rider.
    For most boats under 30 passengers, the guide will lead and look after the bikers for the day's route. But for some bigger boats, Read more… i.e. 30+ passengers, the guide's role is a bit different. You can read on the "What's Included / What's Not Included" section of the tour page the difference between the guide's role.

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• Nancy W. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  A wonderful experience as my first bike tour. Enjoyed most everything about the trip, even with the boat breaking down and a new bike route added for the day. However, my first hour was stressful as I had been given the wrong pier to meet the boat. Fortunately, the sister boat was able to give me directions. Two other guest had the wrong directions to pier also.

  Boat: Tijdgeest

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  • Carla 3 years ago     Staff

    Nancy - I'm so glad you hear you had a great experience on your first bike tour.
    We're SO sorry you could not find the boat upon arrival. We always give an emergency phone number in these kinds of situations so don't be afraid to call us right away, the next time around! :-)

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• Brenda B. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Food and scenery fantastic! Jack, bike tour guide was rude at times. Also expected everyone to keep up with his ebike. Several women spoke to him and he got a little better and used a sweep and someone to wait at turns. I expected something a little more leisurely so could take pictures along the way. I did not expect a road race even though I could keep up. However, inspite of this, I have recommended the trip to friends as it is a wonderful experience. I do hope you retrain your bike guides to be kind.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Roberta S. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The bikes were not in excellent condition. Some needed work on them.
  A guide better versed in local traditions and history would have been nice.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Lise B. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  I thought there weren't enough safety precautions: riding too close, no warning of slowing or stopping. Would have liked more stops along the way for photos.

  Loved the Magnifique II! The food was spectacular! Variety of routes/terrains.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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  • Jehiel 3 years ago     Staff

    Hello Lise,
    I can tell you that your safety is ours, as well as our local partners first priority. When you are on a tour we encourage you to express your concerns with your guide or others on the trip, this goes for safety as well you desire to stop for photos. Thanks for sharing this feedback!

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• David K. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The food was excellent. We also enjoyed the guided tours in the evenings.

  Boat: Fiep

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• Norma P. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The routing was great, food excellent, barge lovely and the staff was outstanding: Nico, Eric, Jan, Martin, - would love to have them lead my next bike and barge trip. Yay for the Elodie, my favorite barge. Thanks Nico for all the help; The crew made this trip one of a kind. I'll be back.

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• Glen W. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Boat and crew were first class as was the bicycles. Lots of fun and enjoyed the evening company. Beautiful scenery and city visits. Most memorable was the 50 km day trip my 86 year old father-in-law did with 7 other family members.

  Boat: Zwaantje

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• Bob O. 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Truly a wonderful experience. I was the tour organizer for a group of 12 tandem cyclists. Hennie and her staff at TripSite and the Captain and crew of the Quo Vadis were truly above and beyond expectations. This was a life bucket trip for all involved and all were very satisfied with the entire experience!

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  • Gwen 2 years ago    

    Hi Bob O.
    My husband and I are Tandem bikers for 25+ years. Would love to know where you rented the tandems or did you bring your own. Being from US thought we would rent one. Would also like to know of your future tandem trips planned please...

     Responder

    • Bob 2 years ago    

      Hello,
      We all brought our personal tandems. This was a custom tour for a group of friends where we reserved the whole boat for 2 weeks. The Quo Vadis had a tandem in their fleet of bikes though. I highly recommend touring in the Netherlands it was great!

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• Debra Hendry 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Our first bike barge holiday and we loved it. Good mix of nationalities as guests. The Magnifique truly was glorious.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• L. Barker 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Had so much fun. Looking forward to doing it again. Been telling everyone they need to try it. Just riding your bike through the towns over cobble stone or brick. Just a great way to see a country.

  Boat: Magnifique II

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• T. Rodgers 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The trip could have stopped at interesting waypoints more frequently. The stop at the art studio was silly. I would have liked to learn more about Holland's and Belgium's history and current culture. A portable DVD player with a travel related DVD would have useful after dinner treat!

  Boat: Sarah

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• T. Rodgers 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The trip could have stopped at interesting waypoints more frequently. The stop at the art studio was silly. I would have liked to learn more about Holland's and Belgium's history and current culture. A portable DVD player with a travel related DVD would have useful after dinner treat!

  Boat: Sarah

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• W. Nurcombe 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The regular bikes are great but we rented an E-bike for our disabled son which did not work and there was no replacement. Riding a malfunctioning E-bike is extremely heavy and I was stuck with it for two days. Once we accepted normal bikes we all managed much better and my son amazed me. Tripsite was excellent in refunding us for the E-bike. This trip is a wonderful experience.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• P. Bryce 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Best week of food ever. Great bikes. Super helpful guides. Would like access to more detailed maps to know better where we were. Really enjoyed the bike barge combination.

  Boat: Fiep

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• D. Christianson 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  It would be good for the guides to have a bike calculator (a little device on the bike that shows distance and speed). The guides varied the speeds more than was necessary. It wasn't bad, but at times faster than "advertised" for the slow group and slower and faster than advertised for the faster group. This is not a big deal, but would be an improvement. Also we often biked a little longer than was in the route descriptions, so those could be looked at. Other than that, the trip was great. And less rain of course :-)

  Boat: Fiep

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• L. Gluck 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  1) the description of the mileage per day on the itinerary was not the same as the reality. There were two days where it was listed that there would be a choice of riding 42 km or over 50. When we questioned our guide he said there would be no choice and that they keep asking for the itinerary to be changed but it hasn't happened. There were quite a number of people found the over 50 km too long.
  2) one guide for 36 people was too big a group. Also the same people rode up front with the guide everyday and they had the benefit of some really interesting information that the rest of us were not.
  3) we were assigned tables for dining and they did not change. With such a small number we would have liked the opportunity To move about and sit with different people at meals as we got to know people very well.
  4) all in all, we loved the trip and it was a great experience.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• K. Teerlink 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The Bike and Barge was one of the Highlights of our tour of Holland. The boat is comfortable and the food is great! Yes the room are small but that is no worry since there is so much to do. You can sit on the bow of the barge in comfortable chairs after a day of biking. Everything is planned out well. The meals, bike tours, city walks etc all start on time like clockwork. The guides are informed and you learn bits of history as you pedal. Really a great way to see and learn about a country. I would highly recommend this trip to the bike enthusiast.

  Boat: Fleur

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• M. Ford 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The boat, the crew, the bikes, the food....all great. The bike guide was on her first tour and on several occasions, we had to stop, wait while guide asked for directions. In her defense, route markers were often confusing or hard to locate, making it difficult to take off on our own, or to pause along the way without group consensus. As the farewell meeting on the boat, the entire group voiced positive comments and satisfaction with the experience.

  Boat: Zwaantje

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• J. Proller 3 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  I would have appreciated written directions each day of the turns so that we could do a self guided trip. Also, it would help to have a staff as a sweeper to make sure the group urging in the correct direction .

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Patsy Duggan 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  My sister and I loved the trip and have told many people to book the barg trip. One of the best trips I have had.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Mary Netto 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  This trip surpassed my expectations! I would consider additional trips with this tour group in the future. Our chef was excellent and very accommodating of my food allergy.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Derek Gee 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Both my wife and I were very happy with the overall experience. The crew, barge, daily itinerary and especially the food were all top notch. It was more then we could reasonably expect. We would and have recommended the experience to others. We hope to return soon on another bike and barge trip.

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• Brenda Major 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  We have taken two bike and barge trips through Tripsite and both have been excellent. It is by far the best value for your buck and everything was perfect. One of the best reasons we love Tripsite is that we were able to call and ask questions during our planning stages, and SOMEONE ANSWERED THE PHONE...no automated system. We love you guys!

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Craig Attkisson 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  We think about this trip daily as it was an amazing experience. It seemed to good to be true when we signed up but it was better then we even thought after we did it. Thank you for your help.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Lisa Smoak 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  We truly enjoy the bike and barge trips; we prefer the smaller barges with 22 or less people. We were on the Danube trip (MS My Story) a couple years ago with 80+ passengers; we did not care for that large of a group. The cabins on MS My Story were not pleasing. We visit your website often.

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• Craig McGowan 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  All good on our bike and barge trip from Amsterdam to Bruges - especially the fantastic boat crew (I got to spend a rainy afternoon on the bridge with the boat captain).

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Noel Williams 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Trip was up to high standard and very enjoyable. Great staff and very friendly atmosphere.

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• Charlene James 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  In Ghent, too far from city centre to explore after biking unless take a taxi into the city. Antwerp museum was closed, as it was a Sunday. Very disappointing. Breakfast and lunch meals were almost always the same, got too uninteresting.

  Boat: Gandalf

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• Donna Ogilvie 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  This was an excellent trip. We were well taken care of on The Merjlin. The cabin was set up well, their attention to detail, everything was designed to ensure we had the best vacation experience -right down to fresh flowers on board. I have recommended The Merjlin to everyone who asks about my trip.

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• Denise Hansen 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Our Amsterdam to Bruges 7 days bike and barge was the highlight of our 90 day trip! Loved it all, and many people have viewed my travelpod and also our coffee table book of photos. It is a long way to come from NZ but I have been drooling over the Croatia bike and barge trips for 2016.....

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• Ted Hansen 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Thought I'd find it hard, not really being a biker, and I got a sore backside on occasion, especially when we got lost and pedalled a few extra kms, but just loved the whole experience. (even piked out on the last rainy day and motored into Bruges, felt I earned it!)

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• Helen Newcombe 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The bikes and scenery were great. The guide was terrible. He was not nice to the American travelers.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Lidia Oosthuizen 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Tom Stout, the tour guide on the Magnifique is absolutely fantastic at his job. I would go on the same exact same trip again if Tom is the guide :)

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Anne Hays 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  We had such a great time we are planning another one and bringing another couple along! Jantein and Henke were the best hosts!

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• Anne Moessner 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Fantabulous! Will be back and do another trip. Am a Tripsite ambassador!

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Gloria Telegan 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Exceeded our expectations.

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• William Reed 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Evening walking tours of towns by tour guide were a nice extra.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Bob Connor 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  The bikes provided were crap. You could still see the cobwebs. What was particularly egregious was the lack of a decent bicycle pump to bring our tires up to pressure on a daily basis.

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• Gary Lofland 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Could not have asked for a better experience. From the start the help and communication was excellent, the staff at Tripsite was superb. The trip itself was great. The staff helpful, the guide did an excellent job.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Fred Tomlin 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Absolute top quality from stepping aboard the barge through to saying goodbye at the end! We were made to feel special and they sure delivered.

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• Richard Krenn 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Was disappointed that there seemed to be less cycling per day that expected from the website description.

  Boat: Gandalf

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• Heather Boardman 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  With 30 participants cycling I feel it would have been safer and more enjoyable to ride in 2 guided groups. We were initially hesitant to book this, our first group tour
  but my husband and i loved the trip. Accommodation and catering on the Magnifique were excellent. The crew and our guide Tom were encouraging and established a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It was great to meet and cycle with other like minded travellers from USA, Denmark, Germany, Canada and even some other Australians :) We enjoyed cycling on the wonderful cyclepaths in The Netherlands and Belgium. The after dinner town walks gave a great insight into the local areas. We have already recommended this tour to friends and look forward to further adventures! Thank you.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Tom Giuliano 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Overall very satisfied. Felt the food quantity could have been increased but very good.

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• Bill Bellamy 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Amsterdam to Bruges was a great first bike trip. Although we averaged 50km/day the pacing allowed much time to soak in the culture and scenery .

  Boat: Gandalf

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• Muriel Clayton 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  I already have, but warned them about the wind! Which I personally found made the cycling very difficult. I will opt for an electric bike next time.

  Boat: Magnifique

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• Alan Searle 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  We had a great time and plan on another bike-and-barge trip sometime. We loved the mix of passengers from different countries. Some of the other passengers, using other tour companies, had a few more details of the ports of call, and this would have been helpful for us, and may be a useful selling point for Tripsite.

  Boat: Zwaantje

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• Sanra Turner 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  I loved everything about this trip from the boat, the staff, the bikes and, of course, the scenery. I highly recommend this trip for anyone who likes to take a trip up close and personal.

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Beth McGinnis 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  We were overall extremely pleased with our trip! The only downsound was the infestation of bedbugs... The staff had bites and my husband I had bites as well. The staff took this very seriously and called a Pest Control Company ...they had their rooms treated and ended up treating our room as well. We ended up having to treat our luggage and all personal items upon our return home to Canada.. To make sure we didn't bring any into our home.....Which was quite a chore and inconvenience.

  Other than this, it was an awesome time.

  Boat: Wending

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• Mayita 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  I traveled aboard the Fiep from Amsterdam to Bruges* in July of 2013, and it was a wonderful way to see this part of the world. (*It looks like the itinerary has changed slightly, but on our trip the boat stopped in Ghent and we had to take a train back and forth to Bruges, which was a disappointment I didn't discover until after booking.) I traveled solo but was matched with a wonderful roommate. The accommodations were fine - I believe they've added air conditioning now, which will be a great improvement! - and the crew and chef were terrific. Our tour guide was adequate, and we all agreed that with a large group of 26 she probably should have had some assistance with wrangling everyone, but there were only minor glitches and no disasters. :-) I can happily recommend both the Fiep and TripSite if you're looking for a unique travel experience!

  Boat: Fiep

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• Lisa Smoak 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  We just returned from our bike trip; Amsterdam to Bruges aboard "Sailing Home" (June 13- 20). This is our third Bike-n-Barge tour and we will do it again. I thoroughly enjoy being able to exercise everyday and have someone make me dinner in the evening. We also prefer the smaller barges.
  Bill and Lisa Smoak - Melbourne, Florida

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• Bill and Candy Flink 4 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  We just returned from our trip aboard the Sailing Home going from Bruges to Amsterdam. The trip was outstanding! Our guide, Hugo, was fantastic. He took time to explain a lot about the country, its people, and culture. We appreciated the walks he took us on in the evenings into town to learn more and explore. The boat was exceptional. the cabins were very comfortable and we enjoyed every delicious meal. The crew was always helpful, positive, and welcoming. We would go on another trip like this next week if we could. We will be back again as soon as we can. Thanks for preparing such an enjoyable cycling experience. Bill and Candy Flink Sacramento, California

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• Jean Stock 5 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  I had always wanted to take a bike and barge trip in Europe for many years and finally did as my retirement celebration. Everything about the tour exceeded my expectations! The bicycling through the country, villages and cities was pleasant; our tour guide Sjac (Jack) aboard the FLUVIUS was friendly, helpful, indefatigable and could speak 4 languages; the camaraderie with the other cyclists and staff was outstanding; the food was excellent; the cabins were clean and actually bigger than I expected for a barge; and we lucked out and had perfect bicycling weather day after day. The folks at tripsite always responded quickly and were very helpful when I emailed or called them with questions. I would highly recommend this mode of travel as a way to get exercise and see Europe close up!

  Boat: Fluvius

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• Marti G. 6 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  I had a fantastic time onboard the IRIS on the Amsterdam to Bruges tour 8/3/13. The IRIS is a great vessel for this kind of tour. Our air-conditioned cabin was spacious with plenty of cabinets and closet space and we easily stored our luggage underneath the bunks. The private bathroom also had well thought-out storage space and towel racks.

  On this tour, I was able to put my worries and my wristwatch away and simply enjoy myself. Our guide, Wouter, took good care of us and was knowledgeable about each town and village we visited with him. The food was superb! Our chef, Clive, prepared inspired three-course dinners for us, including some local dishes, like Flemish stew. All in all, it was one of the best vacations I’ve ever had.

  Thanks to the folks at Tripsite for booking this tour and providing really detailed information to me prior to the trip. I would like to mention two additional points that would have been useful to know. First, as to the meeting Read more… place of the boat, it would have been really helpful to know the boat would be moored near the very prominent and visable NEMO museum. Secondly, I appreciated that the e-mailed instructions gave us guidance on the customary amount to tip the crew. I just happened to ask one of the crew if the tip included the Guide as well as the Crew, and found out that it did not! Luckily, I learned this in time to (1) withdraw more money from an ATM, and (2) spread the word to as many guests as possible. Please tell Wouter that if someone forgot to tip him, it was probably because we were led to believe the tip included his services as well. I hope to sail with Eurosail again soon! Thanks for a great vaction!

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• Jette Vang-Ahlgren 6 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  We will do it Again. A perfect way too reelax and see new Things every day. Meet new pepeole from other continents. good groupe size on the Iris and the crew made us feel very comfortabel and "hyggeligt" (cousy). New city every night with out packing our stuff. We are on in a new route when posibel.

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• William Guthrie 6 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Our recent (June 1-8) trip from Amsterdam to Bruges aboard the IRIS was outstanding.

  The food was excellent every single day and the cabins are much larger than the website indicates. The cycling was wonderful and our guide Hugo added so much to the overall experience. This is a five star vacation!

  Linda and Bill Guthrie - Ottawa, Canada

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• craig machado & dick hasbany 7 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Dick and I had a marvelous trip on June 16-23 with the Zwaan. The crew was outstanding. We had a unique opportunity to see the lovely country of Holland (and a bit of Belgium) through professional eyes. Piet, Bas, Ilya and Moraije were the best. We are looking forward to another trip with you soon! Thanks again for preparing such wonderful experiences.

  July 2, 2012

  Boat: Zwaan

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• Christiane Dufour 7 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Our experience on board the Magnifique from Amsterdam to Bruges was all that was promised and more. The ship is beautiful, well managed, clean and comfortable. The bicycles were of German design, 7 speed, sturdy , comfortable and well maintained. Yan, our guide, was so competent and knowledgeable that we chose to follow the group rather than hit off on our own. Everything went smoothly every step of the way thanks to the work of the entire staff. More sun would have made it absolutely perfect, but they had no control over that, or I'm sure they would have provided it for us! We’re hooked and we'll try other tours with you for sure!

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• Barbara Reed 8 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  A glorious week of biking, eating, and comrade ride. All details were perfect. Just booked my third trip with your company!

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• Penny Keys 8 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Probably one of the best vacations of my life so far. The crew of the Zwaan and our guide Albert were wonderful. I have recommended this trip to friends. And I will definately book another vacation with this company.

  Boat: Zwaan

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• Alyson Miller 8 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  My daughter and I biked this tour, and it was glorious ~ Marcel, our guide, was an expert in local flora & fauna as well as extremely kind. Our crew made us feel like family, and the trip itself took us thorugh breathtaking scenery at a comfortable pace. I'd definitely book again!

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• Arthur L. Popp 8 years ago     Verified Reviewer

  Was one of the best vacations for my wife and I. Can't think of how it could have been much better! The crew, including our guide, Ena, were fabulous. We are looking forward to another vacation with this company.

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