3 Star Tulip Tour - 8 day Tour Reviews — 1 to 4 of 4

Loved the rides in rural areas along canals. Found the quarters more cramped than the Fleur.

Nelleke’s cooking was super and really memorable.
What was also memorable but far from super was our guide.
Maybe I was spoilt by my 3 previous Tripsite Barge/Bike trips with really excellent guides.
The guide lacked any passion about his job. Many felt we were not looked after properly. Cycled up front and hardly ever looked back if we were behind. Half the party would be delayed at red traffic light and guide just carried on. Sometimes lost him as we could not see where he had turned off. Information always minimal and very sketchy.

The boat, staff, food were all excellent. Could not have asked for more. The weather took an unexpected turn which I'm sure dampered my experience, but could not be avoided. The thing that I am upset about was the itinerary and guide. Perhaps it was my inexperience, but when the trip is advertised and easy and beginner and with descriptions of biking through the countryside, I did not anticipate having to navigate busy city streets and intersections. I was anxious, fearful and frustrated, owing to my inability to do it. I had a bad bike wreck and am still (2 weeks now) unable to walk and am seeking medical attention. I also had a very negative response to our guide. We had a group of 22 and one arrogarnt, surly guide. We needed and I thought we were promised 2, at a minimum. I received very little instruction of biking traffic rules and not much help on settings for my ebike. He did not believe it was his job to teach us to ride ebikes and he didn't. He made it clear that he did not like to guide with ebikes and most of us had them. Attempting to wrangle 22 bikes through busy intersections was complete chaos and for me, pretty disastrous. I was only able to bike 2 days out the trip before my accident took me off the bike. I have always known that a guide can make or break a traveler's experience and now i have experienced it. I would not recommend this trip or experience to my friends. I have heard from others that the self guided trips offer more autonomy in group size, pace and enjoyment, but I doubt that I will ever try even that. This experience has cured me from bike and barge. I'm sorry to be so negative, but this is honest feedback.

The tours were very educational & informative. We only had 1 guide and he was pretty cranky & could be insulting to several of the ladies. To be honest the women were not prepared either.