Magnifique IV boat/barge tour reviews — 1 to 29 of 29
Allison S.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
This was one of the best vacations I’ve ever had! The Magnifique IV is gorgeous and comfortable, and every single staff member was super helpful and just absolutely lovely! Our cycling guides, Hans and Wilfred, we’re wonderful - fun, knowledgeable, well-organized. Seeing bigger towns and cities, and all the countryside and ‘regular’ towns in between by bicycle is such a good way to explore. I highly recommend this trip!
Sonya V.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
Tips
Pack light. We avoided long lineups at every airport because we had only carry-on luggage.
Don't Read More bring a bike helmet unless you are cycling before or after the tour. They are provided.
Rent one of the e-bikes. Even though the routes are mostly flat, we so appreciated having a little boost. I had mine on level 1 most of the time. Level 2 was for near the end of the ride. Level 3, only for going up hills. Make sure to unlock your bike and turn your battery on again after a stop.
Keep some distance between your bike and the one ahead. Not everyone will be experienced with cycling in groups and hand signals.
Do bring a gel seat cover with a waterproof bag. You can cover it, or just take it off when stopping. The seats on the bikes are just okay. They were much more comfortable with an additional squishy layer.
Do bring water-PROOF raingear, top and bottom. We kept warm and almost completely dry with ours. Others went with water RESISTANT and regretted it. In fact, next time I'm bringing good quality covers for my shoes. The staff kindly put our shoes in the engine room to dry out. This worked beautifully when they were damp, but let's just say that stronger measures were needed on other days. Bring an extra pair of shoes.
Your waterproof jacket needs to have a hood. Note, the ball cap I wore under my helmet to keep the sun out of my eyes also kept the rain off my face. We had a mix of weather. Definitely dress in layers if you are doing a tour in late September. I was glad I packed warm long-sleeved tops, hoodies and wool socks. I also had a warm coat and a scarf for the cool evenings in the various beautiful cities.
Do bring a few ziploc bags. These will come in handy on wet days, even with the waterproof satchels.
Don't believe the nice lady at the cheese farm. Unless you are going back home right away, uncover and place the cheese you buy in a fridge. Simply opening the package to let it breath won't be enough to prevent mold from growing.
Do get a data package with your cellphone company. Not every place will have wifi when you need it.
Staying in Bruges and then in Amsterdam for a few days is a great idea. The Belgian Chocolate workshop was so much fun. We participated in 3 ("free") walking tours, 1 in Bruges. They were eye-opening and an excellent way to get oriented. We booked a few things months in advance (Ann Frank House, Guru walks). We like having something planned to do each day. The guides for the guru walks provided discounts for some attractions that we booked while in Europe like Those Dam Boat Guys as well as restaurants like Bistro Berlage. We highly recommend both. If you want to go to the NEMO science center, book a few days in advance.
Do be prepared for the BEST boat bike experience. We so enjoyed ours from Bruges to Amsterdam. It was our first time and we are recommending it to all of our friends.
Thanks to the team at Tripsite. You made the booking process so easy and stress free.
craig C.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
Our staff. Hans and Wilfred were exceptional.
George R.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
The dinners were fantastic.
Elizabeth A.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
Loved riding through the farmlands leading to Gent at the beginning of the trip. Beautiful scenery and so peaceful! Our boat tour up the canal was magical.
I would rate this trip excellent and well beyond my expectations. The staff were always cheerful and accommodating. Guides were informative and all of the days were well paced and eventful.
Stephen R.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
The Magnifique IV was a lovely barge, we’ll set out and nicely appointed. Meals were delicious, the suite was spacious and the bathroom was the equal or better of many we experience in quality hotels. The staff including the guides were excellent and contributed to a delightful week of seeing the Netherlands and Belgium.
Diane D.
6 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
Great staff and fun traveling and experiencing this with a large group of friends! Scenery was spectacular and we had great weather.
robert w.
6 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
The enthusiasm of our tour guides was excellent. They helped the family (our group of 6) a couple of times by sacrifice of their personal time and attention.
Some better orientation on ebike and gears would have been helpful. The "sore-butt" syndrome for inexperienced riders was worth it.
Bob W
Alison M.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
The bike rides through small towns and villages, beautiful scenery were the highlight of the trip. On one day our guide also stopped at an unscheduled attraction at our request - this willingness to be flexible was much appreciated.
The guided rides are great, but try to take advantage of the self-guided rides as well on some days - the biking staff provide thorough directions and the app so that it is pretty hard to go off-track.
The food on the barge was outstanding, and the snacks provided for lunches were great.
Robert C.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
The food on the barge was excellent, much better than I anticipated. The staff was friendly, very hard working and seemed to enjoy working together to make our trip special. The accommodations on the barge were very comfortable. We biked through the countryside, past farms, and small villages, places a tourist wouldn't normally see. Even though this tour was rated "easy" it did require a certain amount of biking skill as the terrain on the bike paths varied from cobblestones, brick, gravel, dirt, narrow and sometimes crowded with other bikers.
Cynthia W.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
We loved the bike tour from Brugges to Amsterdam! The biking was excellent and we loved using the e-bikes! The tour guides and ship crew were helpful and very responsive! They made the trip fun and memorable. The cities were truly amazing! Bike and barge is such a fun way to see beautiful cities and lovely views!
Fredda T.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
The windmills and the cheese farm were the most memorable. We found the cafeteria style dining to be at least unromantic and that the portions could have been bigger. The crew was awesome. The ship gorgeous, the weather incredible. But it was always odd on the boat - not enough camaraderie among the passengers with no encouraged social interaction outside of forced togetherness at meals which with Covid rampant was a concern. I think it was a shame that the boat didn’t include the windmill tour as part of the activity because we felt it a fabulous understanding of what we were traveling through and by. Thank you for a wonderful vacation! Fredda and Derek
Harvey L.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
This trip was the most memorable we've ever been on. The boat was fantastic - clean and in pristine condition. The food was equal to anything we've had in any fine restaurant - tasty and served with elegance. The crew members were energetic and fun and always had time to answer any and all questions. The biking part of the trip was perfect - equal parts cycling and resting, with coffee and pastries! It was the best way to see another country - on your bike - so much time to take in the pristine beauty of Holland and Belgium. The accommodations were comfy and cosy and inviting. The hot tub was delightful after a day of cycling.
We would do this trip again without hesitation.
Harvey and Martha
Paul F.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
Most memorable part: Boat staff bikes food and dancing all fantastic, we had a great time
Russell H.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
I organized the bike/barge trip aboard the Magnifique IV for eight couples and all of us would agree it exceeded our expectations. Bert and Hans are brilliant tour leaders, Mieke and John wonderful hosts, and Gerard a fine chef. Accommodations were first class, the boat was immaculate, the food great, and our fellow passengers were well traveled like-minded folks whom we had great time getting to know. The bike itinerary works nicely for both experienced or inexperienced riders, I strongly recommend an e-bike for the latter group. All in all, Walter the captain and boat owner runs a classy operation and offers terrific value for the price.
Robert R.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
The Captain, crew, and tour guides were wonderful; and the beer was delicious!
John L.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
Best way to experience the local cultures and idyllic country sides and charming villages of Holland and Belgium.
Gregory A.
8 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
The rest of the crew were similarly efficient and personable. They never displayed any fatigue (hard to believe because they seemed to toil nonstop!) and they were always pleasant and accommodating! Captain, Hank was pleasant and visible whenever he was not at the helm. I recall him telling my husband about the barge and various aspects of river travel, and several passengers were fortunate to have visited the wheelhouse. Now for the two tour guides- Hester and Marie- I could take hours to describe them! They were truly the backbone of the cycling trip! Each very different in personalities, they lead their group of cyclists each day with the utmost care and confidence. I truly felt that we were in very knowledgeable and very capable hands. As all of my biking was with Marie's group, I must say I was most partial to her demeanor- she is very concerned about her group members, very willing to adapt her speed and pace to the group as a whole. She was always cheerful, very willing to answer questions whether it be about the route or what we were seeing along the way. I felt that she was capable of addressing any issue, and therefore felt very safe.
All-in-all this truly will stand out in our memories as one of the very best decisions we ever made insofar as a vacation was concerned. We met lovely fellow travelers. A few with whom we hope to have laid a foundation for a lasting friendship. We have successfully checked off and have proudly accomplished another item on our 'bucket list' . At ages 73 and 75 we can say we biked from Amsterdam to Bruges without the assist of Ebikes... and have come home with 100's of pictures and limitedness memories to last forever! It certainly was (in our opinion) an excellent value for it's worth. Thank you, thank you!!!
Carla from Tripsite • 7 months ago Tripsite Staff
Dear Gregory,
What amazing feedback that made me smile from ear to ear! I'm so thrilled you were able to make this holiday happen and have the time of your lives. It's such a joy for us to read your comments! THANK YOU so much for choosing Tripsite, and for taking the time to tell us all about your trip.
Barbara G.
8 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
Biking through the gorgeous country side - stopping at the cheese shoppe - the attentiveness of the staff and the camaraderie of the fellow bike riders!
Tips - do as many activities as you can - yet if that doesn't work for you - spend a lovely day on the barge- reading , writing or simply enjoying the gorgeous scenery.
Really loved the trip - biking was flat, fabulous and scenic!
Achal J.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands
The bicycle ride along the canals and fields of endless tulips! The staff and service was excellent. We highly recommend this trip to everyone.
Lovelady J.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
The fellowship on the Magnifique IV was wonderful. However, several of our fellow travelers tested positive for COVID right after leaving the ship. More options for testing and keeping the travelers free of COVID need to be provided.
Jehiel • 8 months ago Tripsite Staff
Thanks so much for your feedback! We do our best to the extent possible to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all. In addition to the entry requirements set by the country, the boat is cleaned frequently, masks are available, and testing options as well.
We are so glad you had a great time and we look forward to helping you plan your next trip!
Mark N.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
There were too many memorable moments to really list. What I think was most memorable of the trip was the kindness of all the passengers. It seemed like we all had been friends forever. The other was the professionalism of the entire staff. They were all so KIND, COURTEOUS and POLITE. The entire staff was nothing short of true professionals. They really went above and beyond to make us feel very comfortable. Actually, so comfortable I didn't want to leave. CHEERS to the crew of the Magnifique IV.
bradley T.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands
Biking through fields of flowers was amazing. Don’t miss the flower market!
Kathryn G.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands
The most memorable part for me was riding through the tulips with friends. I really enjoyed the many stops that we had along the rides with so many interesting places to see.
Julia J.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands
The whole tour was fabulous. I especially loved our time at the Keukenhof flower park on April 18, where the tulips were in full bloom and the sun shone brightly. Riding past tulip farms on the way, was a great preview to the flower park.
I highly recommend the Magnifique IV barge. It offered multiple decks for passengers to enjoy. The rooms were comfortable and clean. For novice cyclists, reserve an eBike. They are easy and fun to use and take the pressure off of riding about 80 miles in three days.
Take advantage of the packing list provided by Tripsite. I would add a bar of soap to the list, as I prefer that over the shower gel provided. Additionally, arrive a couple of days early so that you can adjust to the time change and enjoy some museums and walking tours.
Natalie P.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands
We absolutely loved biking through the countryside in Holland. Our tour guides were amazing and knowledgeable, and it was an unforgettable experience!
Douglas S.
10 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands
Weather . It was so windy. But we still made the best of it . Last day of riding only 11 made it with 3 guides. 17 miles in 50+ winds
Janet M.
10 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands
Cycling on easy cycle paths through different landscapes - most enjoyable and interesting. Food on boat was fabulous - excellent chef. Tour guides very helpful.
Jan C.
10 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Magnifique IV Tulip Tour - 5 day
Netherlands
Seeing tulips in the spring in Holland has been on my bucket list and they did not disappoint! Being on such a beautiful boat with outstanding crew (especially the chef!) was a definite bonus.
