5 Star Sailing Home boat/barge tour reviews — 1 to 30 of 80
Blake M.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
Meals and staff were amazing! Serving 25 people individually was really done well,
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
Susan H.
6 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
What a wonderful adventure! The barge was lovely. It was so nice after a day of riding to sip on a tasty adult beverage and watch the world go by. You could tell the staff really enjoyed working with each other and their joy and sense of fun was contagious. Our meals were varied, filling and done with attention to detail. Thank you Inma for the recipe of one dish! The walks into town lead by our bike guide were very informative and gave you a real taste for the life. The biking was not difficult (especially with an e-bike) and the terrain was amazing. The landscape of the Netherlands was so peaceful. I especially loved cruising thru the small villages. I look forward to doing another Bike and Barge trip with Tripsite and Cycle Tours soon. What a great active, but not too active vacation.
Tips: No need to bring your own helmet. Bring an Allen wrench for small adjustments for your bike to customize it to your ride. I brought my own padded seat cover and was happy to have it but with padded bike shorts others did just fine. Bring patience. There were a few things out of the companies control such as weather and broken bridges. Roll with it. Pack lightly. Pulling a heavy suitcase over the cobblestone streets is challenging. In Bruges, there is a free electric van that will take you into the town near many popular hotels and then take you from your hotel to the train station for free.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
Peter G.
6 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Bruges to Amsterdam
Cycling through the dutch countryside.
The guide/support crew.
The personal relationships developed between the passengers (that are continuing through social media)
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Netherlands
Richard B.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
The entire trip was just so wonderful, the food, the accommodations, the guide, the staff and the places visited. The food was probably the biggest surprise. Each and everyday we had a delectable 3 course dinner. Everything was fresh and tasty. The beds were very comfortable and each stop was so peaceful and quiet, it was easy to get a good night's rest. We opted for e-bikes, more so for the wind than hills. We were fortunate to have only one ride with extreme rain (so have good rain gear or opt to stay on the boat if you know the weather is going to be really bad). After the trip, we have put this vacation as our best ever!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
Betty G.
8 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Bruges to Amsterdam
We were on the boat "Sailing Home" and we went from Bruges to Amsterdam. We've never done a Bike & Barge trip before and this trip far exceeded our expectations. From the moment we stepped on board, there was a warm welcome from the 5 fantastic crew members. These 5 could not do enough for you to make your trip a trip to remember. There were 22 travelers on board and having breakfast and dinners with them was so much fun. The food was 5 star every night, the captain was awesome with our boat... smooth and easy travel. Our bike guide was outstanding. We went to so many different places, learned about the history in the villages, she personalized the trip by taking us to a cheese farm and was calm under pressure! The biking was incredible... it was so beautiful everywhere! The rooms were cozy and it was so nice having a bathroom in each room! I highly recommend this trip. It was spectacular!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Netherlands
Lorie W.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
This was the most wonderful trip I have ever taken. The scenery was beautiful, the weather was perfect and the trip was very well organized. We met some wonderful people who were also on our barge and the ebikes we used made the trip delightfully doable (we did bring along extra gel seat pads for the bikes which were welcomed after a few days of riding!) Our guide was knowledgable and funny and kept our group on target. Our group was pretty large and it would have be nice to have had an extra guide as our sweep but our guide Maryann did an excellent job of handling mishaps when they occurred.This will go down as one of the most wonderful trips I have taken and I would encourage everyone to sign have this adventure!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
Christine P.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
Everything. Loved the idea of biking through the country and spending time on the barge with the guests. The boat crew were very friendly and helpful. The food was excellent and the accommodations were great. I would do this again and have recommended it to my friends.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
ROSE C.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
We had an absolutely amazing trip on the Sailing Home! The crew was outstanding and the experience memorable. I would love to do it again. The only complaint that I have is that for such a large group, we should have a rear guide that is part of the team.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
David B.
September 6, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Bruges to Amsterdam
Most of the route was post-card perfect and the camaraderie felt as the group worked together moving across the land was satisfying. Joining the captain in the wheel house in the morning as we passed through the locks and ports was fascinating.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Netherlands
Alexandra G.
August 21, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
The whole experience was amazing!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
Ron L.
July 27, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Bruges to Amsterdam
Our bike tour from Bruges to Amsterdam was stellar in every way possible! First, the boat: It was awesome! Our cabin had plenty of room for the two of us and the shower was unexpectedly nice. Second, the crew: AMAZING! All of the crew on our boat were just excellent. The food was so good! Koen made sure that we were all well fed in preparation for our rides everyday and well fed when we got back with lots of snacks and a yummy dinner. Marianne and Tessie were so nice and very helpful around the boat (Marianne is a great dancer too!). The captain of the boat, Xander, was great and very funny. Last, and definitely not least, is our tour guide Wieger. He was such a nice man and so much fun. I really can't say enough about him. Third, dealing with Tripsite: In a word... Easy! They were very helpful and answered all our questions (no matter how silly) without delay. Fourth. the bikes: They were perfect. We used electric bikes and even though there were days that we rode with the power off to get some extra exercise, we were glad that we got them. Sometimes it's nice to get a helping hand once and a while. Some in our group got the normal bikes and they struggled more than we did on certain days. We had planned to ride on our own with the maps supplied by the boat. We're very glad that we didn't because there were lots of detours due to construction and trail closures and we would've never been able to find our way like Wieger was able to. Plus the group dynamic was so much fun. Our group had 23 people in it from Canada, the US, Italy, France, and Germany. It was so nice getting to know them all.
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and would absolutely do it again!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Netherlands
Elia H.
July 20, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
Best way to see the countryside, Unesco heritage sites ( Kinderdijk and Delta Works) of the Netherlands and Belgium (Bruges). An added bonus were the evening tour guided walks through each town where we met our docked barge. The dinners were always 3 courses- much tastier than expected and breakfast offered healthy options. As a senior traveller, I was happy to have rented an e-bike for the couple of days where we biked into the wind. The crew was warm & friendly and the accommodations on the Sailing Home barge were cozy and comfortable. The sun deck with cover was an additional gathering space. After a week together, felt like I was leaving family.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
Deirdre D.
June 28, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Bruges to Amsterdam
I appreciated all of our stops in small towns or villages and getting to patronize some local businesses. Each day was a different type of experience in terms of scenery as well as the type of paths we rode on and the distances traveled which I thought made it wonderful. I loved getting to ride near different people each day and getting to know all the members of my trip. Our guide Anita was great at modifying our route as needed based on issues with the barge and weather.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Netherlands
Janette K.
June 17, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Bruges to Amsterdam
The daily bike rides! With our group of 26 it would have been nice to have had 2 guides for 2 groups.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Netherlands
Pamela G.
May 31, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Bruges to Amsterdam
This was such a special experience to visit small towns and areas we would never see otherwise. Using e bikes was a breeze and allowed us to focus on the scenery.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Netherlands
Kristina A.
May 22, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Bike tour through the fields of tulips was life changing. Our amazing tour guide took us through farmland so we could enjoy the tulips up close as well as see all the baby farm animals. Every aspect of the trip was fabulous. I highly recommend this trip to those who love being active outdoors.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands
Jennifer W.
May 19, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Holland Southern Tulip Tour
Absolutely fantastic crew and guide. The barge, food (chef Koen fantastic), and crew were amazing. Sailing Home Vessel very well appointed and kept up. Bikes were in great condition.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands
Mary P.
May 17, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Holland Southern Tulip Tour
The tour exceeded expectations from the guide, the staff, the meals, the group, accommodations to the daily activities of cycling, walking tours after dinner in the stopovers and 'inside info' about where to have coffee and apple tart, shop or visit e.g. the Sint Janskerk in Gouda. Already researching the next one.
Dress in layers and if you're of borderline cycling ability, book an e-bike. You will be glad when you cycle along the North sea.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands
Susan R.
May 17, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Holland Southern Tulip Tour
The after dinner guided walks through the various towns we stopped at were an added bonus to the tour
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands
Catherine B.
May 14, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Holland Southern Tulip Tour
This was a most beautiful memorable lifetime trip . I am recommending to all .all of the staff on the sailing home were superb. You felt most comfortable as if you are in your own home and the cycling tour guide was exceptional. The chef gave us such wonderful meals. The skipper and the support staff were so kind and superb.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands
Kathleen J.
May 13, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Holland Southern Tulip Tour
the holland countryside and the professionalism of the sailing home crew
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands
Cathleen O.
April 19, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Holland Southern Tulip Tour
I found the European bike very heavy to maneuver so I chose to stay with the barge rather than cycle on several days, and the scenery from the deck of the boat as we travelled was spectacular. Watching the houses, farms, tulip fields and other boats go by was something I will always remember. The architecture in Holland is so unique and easily observable while boating by on the canals. Our crew was so nice to spend that extra time with as well. It was a great option and I am glad I made that choice—I saw so much en route and had additional time to tour our destinations.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands
Leslie H.
October 19, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
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 .
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
Keven A.
October 15, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
Just a great experience. The food and views were wonderful and the guide was excellent.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
Julie G.
September 25, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Bruges to Amsterdam
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Netherlands
Karen K.
September 18, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
Peter A.
September 17, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
The riding was relatively easy given the flat countryside. The rides along country lanes and through farmland was magical. The stops in towns were a great opportunity to experience small town life in the Netherlands. The food on board the sailing home was wonderful, and the staff were great--attentive, available, friendly, enthusiastic. So few people did so much--it was remarkable.
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 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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
Henry K.
September 7, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
Joan K.
September 4, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Amsterdam to Bruges
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Netherlands, Belgium
Bruce F.
August 20, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Bruges to Amsterdam
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Belgium, Netherlands
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