Authentic Holland Tour Reviews — 1 to 30 of 61

The Hanseatic Town of Doesburg, Gelderland, the Netherlands. ©TO

Authentic Holland

8 days from €915

4.7 out of 5

Authentic Holland

Easy Bike + Boat Tour in Netherlands

This wonderful bike & boat tour showcases the best of the Netherlands as you travel through the central and Hanseatic regions. It cuts through the Rhine valley, including its very beautiful…

4.7 out of 5

 


Donna S.
2 months ago

Verified Reviewer

I recently completed the Authentic Holland trip aboard the Magnifique II. The vessel was well-maintained, staffed by an excellent team, and featured outstanding cuisine. I greatly appreciated the expertise of our guides, Erna and Niels, who provided valuable insights into the region. Our itinerary included cycling through wooded areas, along dykes, and through scenic towns and countryside. Each day, mid-morning, we sstopped for coffee and toured historic villages.
The only aspect that did not meet expectations was the absence of a visit to Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot. Although we stopped in Muiden for lunch and had time to explore, the tour description included a photograph of the castle, which led to the assumption that the site would be part of the program. Guests were permitted to visit independently, but time constraints made this challenging. Incorporating the castle’s entrance fee and allocating a dedicated visit period could enhance future experiences. Overall, I found the bike and boat tour to be highly rewarding.

Kathy A.
3 months ago

Verified Reviewer

Cycling in The Netherlands is wonderful and this trip took us to a great variety of settings. We cycled into small towns, past historic sites, through beautiful forests, across pretty meadows and felt comfortably safe the whole time. The route allowed for stops along the way while still feeling like we accomplished a good ride by the end of the day. The De Nassau was comfortable and accommodating. The crew and guide, Wilma, made us feel welcome and assisted us with any needs or questions we had. The bikes were well-maintained and comfortable. Thanks for a great trip!

Johann C.
3 months ago

Verified Reviewer

This was our first bicycle/barge trip and it was a fantastic experience from the beginning to the end.
The cycle routes were safe, beautiful and easy to follow. We really enjoyed each day - even when the weather wasn't perfect. Visiting the Hanseatic cities was also very interesting: I enjoyed the walking tours in the evening.
Overall, I loved the trip and wish it was two weeks long!

When did you take this tour?
June, 2025
How did the difficulty level compare to your expectations?
Cycling infrastructure in the Netherlands is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It is fantastic.
Do you recommend this tour?
Yes
  • Accommodations 4
  • Included meals 3
  • Bikes + equipment 5
  • Scenery 5
  • Ease of navigation 5
  • Pre-travel information 5
  • Routes 5
  • Difficulty 5

Shirlee S.
3 months ago

Verified Reviewer

The staff were delightful! Thank you. I loved the ride through the National forest.

Nancy F.
3 months ago

Verified Reviewer

I loved everything about this trip!
The Iris was fantastic. Loved the crew, accommodations and food. Our guides, Wim and Alice, were also excellent. They were both super kind and helpful. The route thru picturesque Dutch towns and lovely, green countryside was idyllic. I can’t imagine better hosts than everyone we encountered on this wonderful tour!

  • Riding over the dykes (photo by Nancy F.)
  • Dinner on the Iris (photo by Nancy F.)
  • A lovely town for a coffee stop (photo by Nancy F.)
When did you take this tour?
June, 2025
How did the difficulty level compare to your expectations?
Since I was on an e-bike the wind was not a problem but would have been (for me) on a regular bike. Trails were flat and well-maintained.
Do you recommend this tour?
Yes
  • Accommodations 5
  • Included meals 5
  • Bikes + equipment 5
  • Scenery 5
  • Ease of navigation 5
  • Pre-travel information 5
  • Routes 5
  • Difficulty 5

Marlene B.
4 months ago

Verified Reviewer

The crew were amazing! It was wonderful watching them as a well oiled team and they were always cheerful. Fabulous food, the ship was spotless and the guides were informative.

  •  (photo by Marlene B.)
  •  (photo by Marlene B.)
  •  (photo by Marlene B.)
  •  (photo by Marlene B.)

Michael E.
5 months ago

Verified Reviewer

It was a great way to see a lot of the country in a short period of time, without feeling stressed by schedules. Marcel was particularly excellent as a tour guide and information resource. The crew was friendly and accommodating. The food was good enough- I didn't expect 5-star meals , but there was lots of it, and most meals were quite tasty. The Hanseatic League map was great, and coupled with the Ride with GPS app, I never felt concerned that I was lost or stranded in a foreign country. The length of rides was appropriate, and when my bike began to squeak mid-trip, a new bike was immediately provided.
On the TripSite side of things, Carla was very helpful with scheduling

Michael E.
5 months ago

Verified Reviewer

It was a great way to see a lot of the country in a short period of time, without feeling stressed by schedules. Marcel was particularly excellent as a tour guide and information resource. The crew was friendly and accommodating. The food was good enough- I didn't expect 5-star meals , but there was lots of it, and most meals were quite tasty. The Hanseatic League map was great, and coupled with the Ride with GPS app, I never felt concerned that I was lost or stranded in a foreign country. The length of rides was appropriate, and when my bike began to squeak mid-trip, a new bike was immediately provided.

Mick H.
11 months ago

Verified Reviewer

The name says it all, it truly felt like an Authentic Holland experience. Riding into a new Dutch town everyday felt like uncovering a hidden gem each time. The Magnifique II provided a warm and cozy place we called home for the week, an absolutely beautiful ship with a top notch crew. I would do this tour again in a heartbeat!

Lee S.
11 months ago

Verified Reviewer

This tour truly gives an authentic dutch experience! After visiting Amsterdam, I really enjoyed biking through the countryside and exploring the beautiful historic towns along this route. The medieval architecture was a true highlight along with great town markets and friendly locals.
The dinners aboard the Magnifique II were excellent with a good variety throughout the week. The crew was always helpful and friendly and made our stay enjoyable!
Overall a wonderful trip, I look forward to returning to this area!

Annie
11 months ago

Verified Reviewer

I recently joined the Authentic Holland bike and boat tour aboard the Magnifique II, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. This tour beautifully balances activity with relaxation, making it ideal for anyone who wants to stay active yet unwind in a luxurious setting.
The Magnifique II felt like a luxury floating hotel—spotlessly clean, organised, and exceptionally comfortable. The crew went above and beyond to ensure our comfort, and the service was top-notch. A special mention goes to the chef, who amazed us each evening with delicious three-course dinners, highlighting local flavors and variety. The onboard bar was well-stocked, offering a range of drinks to enjoy as we relaxed after a day of cycling.
The bike routes were perfect, mostly flat and very scenic, providing a relaxing yet engaging ride through Holland’s landscapes. Our guides were knowledgeable and fluent in English, sharing fascinating historical insights and helping us connect with the places we visited on a deeper level. We explored a range of cities and each destination had its own charm, history, and natural beauty.
This tour is ideal for anyone looking for a truly memorable, active vacation. Every detail was meticulously organized, from the cycling paths to the boat arrangements. If you’re after a unique holiday that combines relaxation with exploration, I highly recommend this tour!

K. Rodriguez
11 months ago

Verified Reviewer

Having never been on a bike tour before, the Authentic Holland trip was a perfect first time experience! There were two routes provided each day, one for stronger cyclists and one for those like me who were more-so "along for the ride." This was perfect as it allowed everyone to enjoy their rides and get the most of what they wanted out of the trip. The way the cycling immersed us into the area was unbelievable. We rode through small towns, endless farmlands, lush forests, historic sites and even a bit into Amsterdam. The guides always made us feel safe and really took the time to get to know us and our interests, making the trip a more personal experience all around.

I cannot say enough about the Magnifique II or the crew, either! We felt right at home each time we returned to the boat, the staff always smiling and waiting to serve us refreshing drinks and a delicious dinner. Our chef was phenomenal and each meal was a unique spread! We certainly never went hungry! Our cabin was cozy and clean with a shower stocked with shampoo and body wash, as well as plenty of towel replacements throughout the week. This made our stay more comfortable and carefree. (We even had a towel warmer!)

Overall, I am beyond impressed with the trip and those who put it together. I will absolutely be taking another cycling tour someday and look forward to working with Tripsite again for that next adventure.

Jay B.
11 months ago

Verified Reviewer

The Authentic Holland tour on the Magnifique II was incredible! This bike and boat tour took us through charming Hanseatic towns, beautiful nature reserves, and scenic waterways, with easy cycling routes perfect for all levels. Each day was a new adventure, from exploring Amsterdam to riding along the picturesque Rhine and IJssel rivers.

The Magnifique II was top-notch, with amazing meals and a friendly crew who went above and beyond to make us feel at home. If you’re looking to explore the Netherlands in a unique and active way, this trip is perfect!

Maggie W.
11 months ago

Verified Reviewer

As a traveler I always keep my expectations low, because, well, you never know.... and in my experience the best things happen when you do not expect them. I can certainly say this tour far exceeded my expectations and left me with memories to last a lifetime. The cycling offers much variety and our guide Tom always made it more fun. The Magnifique II is perfect for getting a good nights sleep and also for lounging around enjoying the people and scenery around you. There wasn't a meal I didn't enjoy. Holland is beautiful and a perfect destination for a bike tour. To everyone involved in making this happen, WELL DONE!

Annie
11 months ago

Verified Reviewer

I recently experienced the Authentic Holland 8-Day Bike and Boat Tour aboard the Magnifique II, and it was truly a fantastic journey! From the moment I stepped on board, the boat crew made me feel well-cared-for, ensuring that all my needs were met. The Magnifique II, a Deluxe Class Boat, is essentially a floating luxury hotel, with incredibly clean, comfortable, and very nice cabins.
The dining experience on board was a highlight as well—the kitchen provided delicious meals, which made me look forward to each meal. As for the cycling, the tour was thoughtfully organized. I enjoyed the natural surroundings and felt fully immersed in the Dutch countryside.
The itinerary gave a well-rounded view of Holland’s charming towns and landscapes. The crew on board was friendly and welcoming, contributing greatly to the enjoyment of the trip. All in all, this tour offered a perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and Dutch culture. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxed yet immersive way to experience Holland!

sophie
11 months ago

Verified Reviewer

I recently had the pleasure of staying onboard the Magnifique II and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, the staff went above and beyond to ensure my comfort and satisfaction. The luxurious accommodation, coupled with exceptional service, made my stay truly memorable! Welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff made me feel right at home :)
Riding through the magnificent biking paths was another highlights of the entire adventure.
Food was also distinctive. I LOVED everything about the tour! Thanks to Tripsite for making this tour happen!

Peter B
11 months ago

Verified Reviewer

An amazing tour through historical towns, villages and countryside. I loved the wide open spaces but the forests were something else too - really magical at this time of year - and all on really well-maintained cycle paths. The places we visited were beautiful by day when exploring the history, but some of the towns we stopped at also came alive at night for those venturing out - there was definitely something for everyone.

We stayed on the Magnifique II which was definitely magnifique! The boat was very well laid out for socialising and dining with more than enough room to have time to yourself as well on the back deck or upper deck. The food was absolutely amazing and varied each day, and the team onboard were very friendly and helpful. All dietary requirements were catered for. The bikes were also well-serviced and easy to ride.

The cabins were cosy with very comfy beds and an en-suite which is all I needed at the end of a long day. Personally I spent more time in the dining/sitting area (and occasionally in the hot tub on the top deck!) than my cabin, but there were suites available too for those that want to book more space to themselves.

Our tour guides for the trip were very knowledgeable, friendly and fun to talk to. If I'm back in Europe on a trip I'd love to have guides like them again.

The other people I met onboard on this trip made it something really special too - thank you all for a wonderful experience.

claudia
11 months ago

Verified Reviewer

This was my first trip to the Netherlands, and it didn't disappoint. Our cycling route took us through scenic farmlands, forests, and quaint Hanseatic villages. The cycling paths were well maintained and the e-bike (the first time I have ridden one) made cycling even easier than anticipated. This tour, however, wouldn't have been the same without our fantastic cycling guides Tom and Hans. They were simply fantastic and made the tour so much fun. Together with the top-notch crew aboard the Magnifique II, the delicious and well-prepared meals, and the clean and welcoming cabins, the experience was one I will not forget. I would highly recommend this tour!

Nancy A.
12 months ago

Verified Reviewer

Amsterdam is always a great place to start and finish. The evening walking tour was very nice.

Ralph W.
September 5, 2024

Verified Reviewer

The vast and varied beauty of the rural areas and the trails through this landscape and the trees.

Valori B.
August 27, 2024

Verified Reviewer

We saw so much if Holland, every day was such a great adventure. We had ebikes and would recommend them to people even if they bike regularly.

David R.
August 23, 2024

Verified Reviewer

We loved the small ancient towns on the route. Walls and moats make for a most interesting experience. Ingrid was exceptional. We learned a ton about the country every time we were able to spend time with her.

Laurel J.
June 6, 2024

Verified Reviewer

We really liked exploring the old towns in the NL while biking but wished there was more time to do so as there were so many interesting things to see. Having some additional information on each was nice.
The staff were extremely helpful and friendly and we enjoyed their kindness and willingness to serve & make our trip comfortable & enjoyable. (Thanks to Jeremal, Christina, John, Stani and the other deck hands.) The beds and rooms were comfortable and the dining room/bar were well appointed. The food at dinner was excellent but the quantity was not enough for the ‘bigger’ eaters in our group.

We found the distance to bike on some days was more than we wanted and had hoped we could have options to go off or on the boat part way. (Though having the opportunity to change to an ebike helped…thank you John!.)
We were disappointed that we could not purchase any snacks in the evening and that the only ones provided during teatime were sweets. Then on the last evening we were reprimanded by the tour guide for buying fries from the street vendor and eating them at the dining table long after dinner was finished. He said it was like ‘bringing food into a restaurant’ but there was no where else for us to sit and socialize with our friends. Not very understanding or accommodating on his part which was evident when we asked for his expertise in bike routes as well. He would not be inclined to discuss things or give consideration to the queries.
We would also recommend that the lunches have more options for on the buns (ie Tuna, roast beef, Egg salad and or lettuce).
Mostly we will have fond memories of this trip with the DeNassau and crew and wish you a good season.

Marie W.
June 6, 2024

Verified Reviewer

Cycling through the farms and along the rivers and canals was beautiful. The villages were historic and lovely. More recommendations of sights along the way would have been helpful.

Barbara L.
June 4, 2024

Verified Reviewer

The entire trip was memorable in every way. There was really nothing that I could improve upon other than perhaps the weather, which is not controllable. The staff the boat and the itinerary were incredible. I particularly liked the Museum visit to the Kröller-Müller Museum which is otherwise not very accessible on the regular tourist itinerary.

Catherine C.
May 15, 2024

Verified Reviewer

Thé bike trails so well marked. Ride with GPS so helpful .Frans was skillled with all the languages he mastered or attempted. His. Ride descriptions were accurate and he showed up along the way to give encouragement.
On the De Nassau get blinds for the windows in the dining hall. My table was in the sun and uncomfortably hot every evening at dinner.

Eileen R.
April 17, 2024

Verified Reviewer

We had an amazing time! All biking levels will have a blast on this trip - the routes and system in the Netherlands are so user friendly - and each day is spent biking through countrysides and historic small towns - a dream! The guides, crew, and staff were all so kind and lovely. Highly recommend!

susan l.
October 18, 2023

Verified Reviewer

Wilma was the highlight. She was our daily update for travel on bike. Loved the barge and the room. Occasionally a diesel odor came into the cabin. We were nearest the engine top deck. But loved it all.

Cesar D.
October 18, 2023

Verified Reviewer

The program o the trips was excellent and the chief guide also.

Leslie T.
October 16, 2023

Verified Reviewer

Loved the biking through the many forests along our routes. Loved all of the biking, but especially the forests!