Sailing Home boat/barge tour reviews — 1 to 30 of 77
Leslie H.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
Cycling through the countryside and then returning to the comfort of our boat. The staff were accommodating and considerate. By far the best cruise that I have experienced. The meals were exceptional and the small group setting provided an opportunity for both socialization and relaxation. The crew also provided a variety of opportunities which enhanced the experience .
Rodney H.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
The trip was very enjoyable. The scenery and bike paths were great. The staff and cook were excellent.
Suggestions:
The bike groups should be split up into smaller groups (6-8 riders), especially when using busy routes.
The strong bikers should not be grouped with the more leisurely bikers.
The guides should have good skills in GPS navigation and/or riders could use an app such as "Ride with GPS".
Keven A.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
Just a great experience. The food and views were wonderful and the guide was excellent.
Maria K.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
The wow factor of the trip was riding our bikes in an underground tunnel under the River Sheldt in Antwerp. We took the elevator down. Unfortunately, the elevator to go back up was broken, so we had to take 2 escalators up which was a challenge with our bikes. We later found out that there is a ferry. I’m glad we didn’t know about the ferry!
It was a wonderful trip. The barge accommodations were good, not luxurious. The crew was excellent. They were cheerful and efficient. The food was good. There were no choices for dinner.
Gordon M.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
The visit to a working grain windmill.
Julie G.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
The most memorable part of the trip was creating new relationships and the beautiful canals and gardens!
I would consider booking another bike and barge through tripsite in the future.
Karen K.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
Bicycling through the picturesque countryside was magical. We saw beautiful homes and gardens, bridges, small villages, windmills, and night touring the bigger towns to learn a little about the history was a bonus. Staying on a smaller barge gave us an opportunity to get to know the other guests and crew. This too made for a memorable trip. The company is very organized and have a well thought out program. Our tour guide Roseanna was amazing. She had much information to share on our route, kept us together, tremendous patience and lots of fun. Our Chef, Captain and crew made for a comfortable, safe and relaxing trip down the canals after our ride.
Peter A.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
The one thing I forgot to mention in the survey while I was still on the barge ( while still basking in the glow of such a wonderful trip), is regarding the first evening. The plan was for a short "shakedown" bike ride to check out our bikes, and get used to them. By the time we got outside, it was nearly dark. There were some bikes that needed some attention and the short ride through town was difficult in the dark. It was a frustrating and anxiety provoking first outing. I think the solution would be easy---either make dinner that night earlier, and/or, at the least, postpone Read More dessert, head out to the bikes with more daylight remaining, and then have a post-ride dessert available. It could be something simple like pastry, cookies, or fruit so that the chef doesn't need to stay on any later (she works hard enough as it is).
My high ratings overall for the trip are not inclusive of that first evening, which wasn't a good experience, but then faded into the background since everything afterwards went so well. Thank you for taking this into consideration.
Henry K.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
The bicycling each day through fabulous scenery led by a wonderful guy and guide - Mark Van Rossom. The leap-frogging of our comfortable barge each day to pick us at at a new spot along the way from Netherlands to Belgium.
Also extremely impressed with our barge’s captain Coba.
Joan K.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
Every aspect of the trip was delivered as advertised. Crew and cycling guide were outstanding. Sailing Home was more than comfortable and food was plentiful and delicious.
Bruce F.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
Meals were delicious. E-bikes turned the trip into sightseeing rather than difficult exercise. Great way to see the countryside. Rooms were clean, comfortable and air conditioned. Bathrooms were clean and big enough. Crew and guide were friendly, open and accommodating.
Given that the climate is warming it is time to air condition the upper deck.
James M.
6 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
Almost everything. Boat and staff were both wonderfull. Scenery was magnificent, got lucky with great weather.
Lynne B.
6 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
Biking through the country side in Belgium and the Netherlands. Very beautiful villages, and the open fields in the countryside. And of course the people we shared the trip. with.
Benjamin D.
6 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
The barge crew and the bike guide were fabulous. Friendly, accommodating, informative, flexible, and knowledgeable.
Jan S.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
Weather was great! no rain at all. Biking was very easy. I had no idea. I was the sweeper for the group. There were quite a few Americans that really had no clue about the rules of the road for bicycles and how bikes interact with cars and pedestrians. A quick overview at the start would be helpful for them. Especially who has the right of way at intersections. At times the group was too big and therefore the train too long. Also a break-up according to ability might be wise. My bike was really too small for me. It was an "L" frame and it should have been an "XL" frame, which is what I had requested.
Sharon M.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
Marjan kept a constant cycling pace within the condor level of all riders. Everyone stayed together and the group did not get strung out.
Sharon does not bike bit had a wonderful time on the Sailing Home just watching the beautiful scenery.
Loved taking a walk in the small villages and towns.
want to thank the chef for being creative with a creative cuisine
Also another thank you to Marjan for calling us a taxi and waiting with us to make sure we were OK.
Emily E.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
joseph h.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Bruges to Amsterdam
Belgium, Netherlands
The barge was far better then expected; the meals way above expectations; the staff excellent.
Diane C.
8 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Netherlands
The crew on the boat made everything delightful !!
kevin e.
8 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Netherlands
suggestions for others: our guide, Pete, did his best to keep everyone happy in terms of difficulty. there were times that were seriously challenging for some of the Read More members(specifically the dunes day). My suggestions include: if you haven't biked before, please do so. An e-bike is not a solution to poor biking skills: they are heavy and hard to start. There is a lot of stop and go in the cities, especially Rotterdam. Especially if vegetarian or vegan, consider bringing/ buying at lunch stops extra food/ more or diverse food. One of the lunch/ coffee stops in particular had fabulous food.
even though he didn't bike, my 83 year old father had a great time hanging out with our captain and crew and still logged something like 12,000 steps/ day.
Janet L S.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Netherlands
The tulips were gorgeous, Keukenhof was a highlight and a nice break.
The bike paths were easy, fun and relaxing,
Food was plentiful and the chef did a good accommodating various diets and planned varied and delicious menus.
The other guests were friendly, fun, and interesting.
The crew were all kind and patient.
The hybrid bikes were comfortable.
The guide (Piet) was knowledgeable, and gave historic walks almost every night.
Cons:
Riding in the cities was stressful. There was too much urban riding with many treacherous intersections, bike and pedestrian traffic. It seemed very unsafe.
The e-bikes mixed into the group were a problem. Some of the riders couldn't control the e-bikes. Also, riding up and down hills through the dunes, with a strong head wind was gave the e-bike riders an advantage.
The size of the group (24) was too large for a single guide. He struggled to be present for everyone.
The large gap Read More in abilities of the riders was problematic. This tour was rated easy, but some riders were extremely fit and pushed the pace.
Some of the schedule didn't work well. On the hardest riding day, we started the bike tour very late, after shopping in town and museums. We barely had time to eat lunch that day . But the ride through the dunes was difficult. I'm not sorry we went, but I wish we had left earlier and taken some breaks.
We were close to the end of tulip season and so didn't see as many as earlier tours.
Jehiel • 8 months ago Tripsite Staff
Hi Janet,
Thanks for taking the time to leave this feedback. Sorry to hear you were uncomfortable with some of the biking. Larger groups and varying abilities can be difficult to manage. I can assure you your safety is a guide's top priority. We will share this feedback with the boat, so they can make improvements.
We are glad you still had a great time! Thanks again for sharing.
Christopher C.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Netherlands
1. Kukenhof gardens was our favorite part of the trip- absolutely gorgeous.
2. The staff was awesome- friendly, cheerful, energetic.
Diane C.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Netherlands
The most memorable parts of the tour were the beautiful weather and camaraderie amongst the boat personnel and bike riders ….a pleasure to be around for the week . Very attentive to detail , boat spotless , amazing food and fun activities! Couldn’t ask for a better crew …
Patricia B.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Netherlands
The ship "Sailing Home" and it's crew were fantastic. The food each day was 5star healthy and plentiful.
Vivian M.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Netherlands
The Tulip Tour aboard Sailing Home was absolutely fabulous!! All members of the crew and the bike tour guide were amazing. The fields of flowers and overall scenery on the route were fantastic. One word of advice - if you’re not an avid biker, rent an e bike. The winds can be quite strong and just a little bit of power provided by the bike goes a long way. It wii help keep the pack together. This tour is highly recommended!!
Joel F.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Netherlands
The most memorable was biking through the low lands, seeing the difference in water / land level, local animals and how /where they built their homes. Riding through and around the Keukenhof was great for us tulip lovers. Also Windmills and more windmills at the Kinderdijk...fantastic scenic. This trip was well orchestrated and executed we had an unforgettable time.
Christine S.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Netherlands
Sailing Home was a lovely barge, extremely clean, and the staff was delightful. Truly a wonderful experience.
Eleanor (Ellie) R.
10 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Netherlands
The rides through the countryside were memorable, with the freedom of movement, the vibrant spring colours and the sight of waterfowl going about their nesting tasks, while cycling through some pretty challenging spring weather. Then we got back to the boat, welcomed again on board by a crew also glad to be back after two yeas of covid restrictions. The meals were very good, the guide always helpful and my travel companions friendly and interesting.
After two years of emails and trying to salvage something of a planning disaster during covid, I found the actual trip well organized and I could trust it would turn out well. I would do it again.
I had a medical issue re an allergic reaction on my face and the guide and crew handled it well, making me a doctor appointment and certainly following my recovery closely. For a person travelling alone it was reassuring and comforting.
Deborah C.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Netherlands
Windmills, cycling and millions of tulips. What could be more wonderful? The barge, Sailing Home, was by far the nicest vessel we have stayed on for a bike and barge. The food was amazing, the Captain very welcoming, and the staff efficient and friendly. The itinerary was interesting and well planned. Do be sure to dress for the changeable weather!
Maurice W.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Sailing Home Amsterdam to Bruges
Netherlands, Belgium
This was a most excellent way to explore the county, with most excellent service on the boat, Sailing Home. We liked the small size of the group (23 riders, 1 tour guide, the captain, the chef, and 2 assistants). And the chef was amazing. She served superb dinners from different regions or counties, each with a guided explanation of what the foods represent. After dinner we had well paced guided tours of the cities we were docked at. Ghent, Belgium was my favorite. The guest quarters were top notch and we’ll maintained. I would love to sail with them again.
