Belgium Bike Tour Reviews — 1 to 30 of 54
Eric P.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
Excelente cicloviagem, paisagens muito bonitas, vias super seguras e uma ótima organização pela tripsite!
Tahnee R.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
A few of the positives and suggestions...
Pros
Great bikes. High quality, both the regular and e-bikes.
Friendly, responsive and helpful staff. When a few of our group asked to exchange for e-bikes after a first very windy day, the local company (Dutch Bike Tours) was very friendly and drove them to us within a couple of hours (for a cost but that was expected).
The Netherlands is amazing for biking. Flat, accessed by a huge network of bike paths (seemingly every roadway), very well signed, drivers unexpectedly respectful to cyclists (compared to the U.S.), and so scenic.
Some lovely towns: we especially loved Gouda, Willemstadt, Zierikzee, Middleburg and Bruge.
Suggestions
Information: While we had contact with the local Read More company in our first trip (Lake Constance), we had no initial contact with the company and had to figure things out more on our own. Information that would have been helpful:
1) It would have been helpful to have some basic instructions on how to use an e-bike (we had to search for instructional videos on the web).
2) how the Dutch bike path system works and is signed was only briefly mentioned in the printed material. More detailed explanation would have been helpful.
Maps: The printed maps provided are not very helpful. They are too big for the plastic window on the bike, the font is tiny and can’t be read while biking, and the print quality is low so even harder to read the maps. We ended up using Google Maps to map out the cycle route the next destination each day. This worked but was not ideal because there is no place to put the phone securely (e-bikes don’t have the front bag) and the route missed the customized route suggested by the tour company. We would recommend anyone to get the GPS option (even just one person in a group having this would be helpful). Or even better, why don’t you just include a GPS unit, or, a Google MyMap link for each day so we can get easier access to the customized route. I think this should be provided without extra cost since the printed maps simply don’t work.
Hotel/Locations: While some of the hotels were quaint, locally owned, and in or very close to the center of town, others felt like chain hotels in the suburbs. Perhaps ask people to select not only if they want a slightly nicer hotel but how important it is to be in/close to the historic center of the towns. For us, this would have been more important than better amenities in the hotels. This was probably the most disappointing part of the trip, especially Pappendrecht, a newer town seemingly without a historic area when we could have easily gone a few extra miles to Dordrecht.
Silvia Susana D.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
The bike trip from Amsterdam to Brujas was excellent! The fisrt day was a little bit difficult to follow the maps and GPS but we made it :), the gps was very usefull , and the maps that they gave us too, using both things was perfect not to get loss. It is only a matter to get use to the signs and maps and GPS, but if you could I suggest to pay a litlle extra money and ask for the gps.
The hotels were beautifull and confortable, the only one I would take out of the route is the one in Papendrecht, not because of the hotel, the hotel was very nice, but the area is not really nice. I suggest that night to stay at a hotel in Dordretch. Dordretch is beautiful :).
The routes were so nice, I really enjoyed the tour, we didn´t have any problems with the bikes. Our luggage was always on time in our next hotel. so everything was perfect!
elke k.
6 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
We are from Mexico and this is our second time with tripsite. And definitely looking forward to do it again.
Amsterdam to Brugge is magic!!
The sites, the routes, the lodges and great food!!
We decided to do it on ebike and was an excellent choice.this way we could enjoy the road with the right effort.
The bikes were excelent and all the experience with tripsite is the best!
Looking for for our next trip!
Andrew M.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Offer a less congested route out of Amsterdam. The route we were given took us through the areas with the most traffic and a lot of confusing turns. An alternative route could easily be offered and would have made the first day's ride a lot less stressful.
2. Several of our bikes had problems with shifting and other things. My bike often would shift down and up with no input from me other than pedaling. Two other bikes in our group of four had shifting issues. Also, my seat kept tilting forward on the seat post, despite the fact that I had a multi-tool and would crank the Allen bolt as tight as I could. Unbelievably, there was no interest from Dutch Bike Tours in identifying which bikes had problems.
3. Although most hotels were nice (we had the upgraded package), a few were very disappointing. In particular, the Woerten Best Western and the Vlissingen Hotel Piccard were quite bad and depressing, with tiny rooms and no charm at all. These were unacceptable.
4. The ride was scenic and very pleasant-- the bikes themselves and a few bad hotels were the only bummers.
anna • 8 months ago Tripsite Staff
Andrew thank you so much for this feedback, your comments are very helpful and will allow us to make improvements to this tour. On a bike tour one would naturally expect that the bikes are in top condition, this will be brought up with our partners on the ground and rectified for future travelers. In regards to the hotels, while they are mostly chosen based on what is available and ease of accessibility, we will do our best to use only the highest quality accommodations.
Norman F.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
The trip was excellent begging to end overall. We made it a day longer as offered. If I was offering suggestions to the tour operator it would be as follows. Have somebody explain how the electric bike works, including the locking system, locks, and battery removal. We had the aid of the hotel employee who came down and helped us out. I would also highly recommend the GPS as many signs or markers are missing, especially getting in or out of Amsterdam and some of the towns along the way. All hotels were great except Vlissingen (that one was a huge let down). The breakfasts at all the hotels were good as were the staff in all of them including V. I would pay more if the all hotels were like the Zierikee location, hotel names are alluding me. The tracks chosen were excellent and we did the long route each time. Some great little towns for a beer or lunch along the way. The rides are extremely easy and relaxing. Never a busy trail. Will be booking another one ( take the better hotels if offered). The whole trip was memorable.
Vinícius G.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Three Country
Netherlands, Belgium, Germany
Wonderful tour ! Amazing views that changes from the flat cycle paths in Netherlands passing trough the Cousy villages in Belgium and reach the mountains in Germany! It was my first experience with TRIPSITE and I would recommend for others!
One suggestion to make this tour more incredible would be to spend a night in Monschau. That city was the most of the trip!
Cecilia s.
11 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Bruges to Amsterdam Bike Tour
Belgium, Netherlands
Loved how beautiful and open and green the landscape we biked thru was. Picturesque towns, lovely houses farms and gardens.
The most polite people when it comes to cycling and everyone in the Netherlands does it!
Lawrence F.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
The trip From Amsterdam to Bruges is a wonderful cycling experience - lovely scenery, charming towns full of history, great, fresh food, and easy cycling over the flat lowland terrain that defines the Netherlands. One has to accept the wind and rain as part of the experience, but we were certainly lucky this time with the weather - mostly sunny or lightly overcast days, with occasional drizzles and gusts of wind, particularly near the coastal areas. A highly recommended tour that provides a great introduction to the region.
The only concerns/suggestions I would offer are these: a) would prefer hotels located in/close to the town center, not in the suburbs; would also prefer locally owned hotels rather than chains,2) the maps were
Generally unhelpful - they are virtually microscopic, and certainly difficult to follow on a bike - suggest getting the GPS option, or just using the GPS on your phone, and 3) if wind/rain/distances are a concern, would suggest opting for the excellent and very efficient ebikes that are so common here in the Netherlands.
Don H.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
The accommodations were perfect. All of the lodgings were comfortable, clean, and well appointed. They were located in the heart of the community. Our luggage was transferred from place to place in a timely manner. The bikes were comfortable and the bags easily fit everything we needed on the route.
Kim F.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
Every day was an adventure. The bike paths were lovely to follow and every town was beautiful. We enjoyed riding all day and walking the towns at night before selecting a restaurant for dinner. The history was endless and the daily map book provided good advise for sightseeing in each town. Generally the ride was easy until we got to the coast where the wind presented a challenge. Amsterdam and Brugges proved to be the perfect bookends for the smaller towns we visited in between.
Guilherme G.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
Maps must be improved.
We got lost more than one time.
The signs are very poor in many places.
Local people are not used to the signs used in the bike route used in the maps. So they could not help us.
The first day of the trip is too long. It would be better to do it in two days.
The normal package hotels are not good. For few cities we payed for upgrade hotels. This ones were very nice.
Debora Z.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Bruges to Amsterdam Bike Tour
Belgium, Netherlands
This was a great trip even though we had a far amount of rain. We enjoyed the challenge. So many memories. Going thru the Dutch country side and how clean and neat all the houses looked. Out in the middle of nowhere in a field a cow was giving birth to two calf's. My husband and I were self guided and we had fun finding all the little water crossing. Riding into Amsterdam on our last day was intense but now I feel I can ride anywhere. All our accommodations were unique and wonderful. This was our second trip with Trip site. Thank you.
Carol C.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
I loved riding through all of the farm land and villages. All of the hotels we stayed in were great. They all had fantastic breakfasts. Only down fall was the GPS device, it would just stop working so we would have to rely on street signs or local people to send us in the right direction. My bike was great, but another person in the party had to put up with a seat that was falling.
Jehiel from Tripsite • 3 years ago Tripsite Staff
Hi Carol,
Thanks so much for sharing this feedback.
As mentioned in your travel information, our local partners are a call away to help assist with GPS. They would have happily replaced the device for you. Perhaps the asking locals made the trip a bit more exciting and immersive? ;)
Glad you had a great trip and we look forward to helping you plan your next!
Zachary S.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Bruges to Amsterdam Bike Tour
Belgium, Netherlands
Most memorable is simply the experience of riding through beautiful countryside and getting a feel for the landscape, towns, farms, etc. One suggestion for others/the trip planners - we loved all of it but would have enjoyed a layover day now and then to really explore a particular city or area (like Gouda). Overall, fantastic trip and well organized.
Cindy S.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
London to Amsterdam
England, France, Belgium, Netherlands
London to Amsterdam was a great trip. Beautiful scenery especially along the North Sea and canals and farmland of Holland.hotels were unique but comfortable. Breakfast was always good. Dinners were good but more variety needed in menu choices. Loved the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk and all the small towns we rode through. There were 12 of us plus 6 others on the self- guided which made for a lively and interesting, diverse group.
What was disappointing and could be improved was communication from the guide. Very little information was given ahead of time as to what was next and no information about the towns history, culture and facts regarding where we were. This would have made the trip more enjoyable and interesting.
Ed Carroll
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
London to Amsterdam
England, France, Belgium, Netherlands
We weren't given a map or App of the biking route as promised. We rode through many villages, resorts and towns from Dunkirk to Amsterdam but were not told the names of the towns, or the history of the towns - and we stopped only for "coffee breaks". When we asked what town we were in for the coffee breaks the guide was unable to tell us. We either used google maps or asked strangers where we were. Also, we biked past notable places of interest like the beach in Dunkirk where British troops were rescued during WWII - and the Dover Castle - but never stopped - even to take pictures. It was all about getting to the next hotel in time for dinner.
We weren't told the hotel we were staying in until we arrived at the hotel. We usually arrived at the hotel around 6pm and had little time to turn in our bikes for the night, get our Read More luggage, unpack, shower, change clothes and get ready for dinner by 8pm which usually lasted over two hours. And then we started early the next day - to get to our hotel for the next night.
Overall it is a "forced march" from London to Amsterdam. If you want to bike 344Km then I suggest you just go and bike 344Km for the exercise on a route most convenient to you because that is what this is. Or, take the self-guided tour which is cheaper and includes maps and the App and you can sight-see and take time to enjoy the country-side you are biking through.
The online website says "You will receive a code to download the maps, itinerary, points of interest, services and GPS position on your smartphone or GPS device. The App provides GPS tracks to be used offline. Paper copies of the route are available with supplement of €15." When I asked for the map or the App I was told they were only available to self-guided participants and that I should use GPS to figure out where we were at any given point. But that is not what the website says/said. As it is, we have no map or record of the route we biked or the towns we passed through. I would not recommend this "tour" to anyone.
PS. Do not interpret this critique as a criticism of the people who guided this tour. The people who guided us were patient, kind, personal, friendly and professional....in my opinion they had/have no impact on how this tour is/was deigned.
Brooks B.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
Enjoyed All aspects of this Bike Tour. Thank You for all the coordination and attention to detail. We chose this as a list minute add on to a long trip to Europe and Tripsite folks worked hard to make this happen for us! We will definitely book a future Biking trip with you ASAP! Thank You!!
Ann H.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Bruges to Amsterdam Bike Tour
Belgium, Netherlands
It was truly wonderful to see the countryside and bike through the small towns.
Sarah L.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Bruges to Amsterdam Bike Tour
Belgium, Netherlands
This was a fantastic trip. The combo of GPS and descriptions helped us get to our next stop. We saw and did things off the beaten path. It was great!
Mark W.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Around Romantic Bruges
Belgium
The trip was great, hotel, bikes, etc but was way overpriced. I could have booked the same or similar hotel myself on booking.com and asked the hotel to add the bikes. It would have cost hundreds of euro less for my 5-day trip. Tripsite didn't do anything else and didn't even answer my emails quickly when I did have questions. I never met a Tripsite employee. The hotel owner Paul at Fevery handled everything. My advice to others, is do it on your own and safe a lot of money for the exact same trip.
Jehiel from Tripsite • 4 years ago Tripsite Staff
Hi Mark,
We are sorry you felt this trip was overpriced. Our goal is always to provide quality bike trips at a value to our travelers.
It is true that you could always book through booking.com, where prices fluctuate daily and might be able to find a cheaper rate. You might also find the rate on booking.com to be much higher. It's based on daily availability and that is the risk you run booking on your own.
Our records show that we promptly answered your emails to the best of our ability. We also arranged for you to use the hotel's bikes for a couple of days before your trip even though you were staying at a different hotel in Bruges.
When you book with us, beyond answering questions before your trip, we provide detailed information before you travel, and offer the benefit of booking through a US-based company who thoroughly vets all of our local partners.
It is for these reasons, the vast majority of our clients travel with us year after year.
We are sorry your expectations were not met. We hope you still had an enjoyable time.
Jim C.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Bruges to Amsterdam Bike Tour
Belgium, Netherlands
Meeting the native people from the Netherlands and Belgium. Meeting other cyclists on the tour routes.
Curt K.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
Our bike barge tour was fantastic, starting with the scenery and locals backed up by the staff , food and guides.
Jon T.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Bruges to Amsterdam Bike Tour
Belgium, Netherlands
Middelburg was the highlight for us - the town, our hotel, and the surrounding countryside were beautiful. Overall we had a great time on our bike trip. A few details:
- I had to reschedule our trip after initially booking. Tripsite staff were super helpful and I was relieved at how easy rebooking was.
- Our bikes didn't come with waterproof panniers, GPS, or a repair kit as promised. We got the repair kit and GPS at our third hotel but were bummed we never got the panniers
- Our original itinerary had a mistake that had us riding 100km miles the first day and 10km the second day. It was fixed after we pointed out the issue.
- The route was very pleasant and well-paced.
Yael U.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Three Country
Netherlands, Belgium, Germany
My third trip booked through Tripsite.com and my third wonderful summer of biking! Three years ago, We traveled through Provence Villages. Last year through Slovenia and Croatia, and this year through Three Counties - Netherland, Belgium and Germany. We have LOVED each of these explorations: countrysides, villages, forests, inns, seasides, agriculture, architecture and delicacies. The days were never dull, they were not too difficult, they filled us with a sense of peace and joy. We completed our trip in Europe excited to dream of where our next Tripsite adventure might take us!
Heather W.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
The full range of stimulating experiences of all things Dutch with so many things different every day. The impressive first day, in particular, through and out of Amsterdam set up exciting anticipation for subsequent days that was maintained. If one highlight has to singled out, which is somewhat unfair, it would be the spectacular and unique ride over the Zealand Bridge and competing there with the raw forces of nature. Our tip would be to ensure you use the route maps and GPS in combination noting the advice that there are variances, and each evening check out the actual start of the route for the following day.
Janet S.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
The bike ride from Amsterdam to Bruges was a great way to connect 2 tourist destinations and get a different experience going through the amazing countryside. The fact that the Netherlands is so bike-friendly makes all the difference! The local partner has a lot of experience with planning the right routes and selecting optimal locations to stop at night.
David R.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Around Romantic Bruges
Belgium
Hotel Fervery and Bruges were incredible. A great trip.
Jeanine C.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike Tour
Netherlands, Belgium
Our booking and trip experience were excellent. The Tripsite team were very responsive to all inquiries and questions. The trip information provide was accurate, provided information to provide to family members at home and was received in a timely manner.
Excellent trip, staff and overall experience!
Maria • 5 years ago
can you say more about your riding experiences - what were the bikes like, were you able to stop along the way...are you experienced cyclists?
thank you.
Jeanine • 5 years ago
The bikes were what I would say are typical bikes of The Netherlands - sit up straight, heavy and sturdy, pedal easily. Overall, the bikes were perfect. They came equipped with a pannier in the back and a bag on the handlebars.
We were given a gps and the packet received upon checkin at the first hotel contained very useful maps. I wish we had received the maps ahead of the trip to better plan for our stops during each days ride.
I am an experienced rider. I ride a road bike multiple times a week with a Bike club.
This trip does not require a great deal of experience, just a level of comfort in riding a basic bike.
Good luck. We enjoyed the trip immensely.
One suggestion, if time allows you to break up the ride between Amsterdam and Gouda I would recommend it. Otherwise it is a long day, and it minimizes your time in Gouda.
Darren T.
6 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Bruges to Amsterdam Bike Tour
Belgium, Netherlands
The most memorable part: The views and experiences we shared together as we ride along.
