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Q How large is the group on board?
A The size of the group varies between 12 and 26 participants.
Q Which countries do the participants come from?
A The principal countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States, Canada, Italy, Austria, France, Germany, Spain. However we regularly welcome South Africans, Australians and of course Dutch people.
Q What is the average age of the participants?
A The ages vary between 25 and 65, but of course we have younger and older guests. During school vacations there are more children on board.
Q How long are the daily cycling stages?
A The average daily distance is 45 kilometers. The distances on the Southern Tour Relax are about 35 kilometers per day. But don't forget that Dutch countryside is very flat and the stages, taken at a leisurely pace, take seven to eight hours including a number of breaks and visits.
Q Can you rejoin the ship before the end of a stage?
A No, the ship doesn't take the same route that the cyclists do. Sometimes the route may be altered because of weather conditions or repairs to bridges or locks and then the guests and the guide can arrange with the skipper to be met at a different place. Naturally you can always stay on board for one or more days.
Q Can you choose your own itinerary without a guide?
A Cyclists can choose a longer route than the group takes. The guide will gladly advise you on the choice of an alternative route.
Q What happens if it rains?
A Most people wear rainwear and get on their bicycle. If the weather makes cycling absolutely impossible (this doesn't happen very often!) the guide will arrange an alternative programme which might include a longer visit to one of the towns along the way or cultural excursions.
Q Do you have to wear a safety helmet in Holland?
A No, but it is of course sensible to wear one. We provide a safety helmet with a child seat, slipstreamer (tag-along) or child's bicycle.
Q What languages do the guides speak?
A English, German and Dutch. Most of them speak French. We also have a few guides who speak Spanish and/or Italian. We try to match the guide's linguistic abilities with the nationalities in the group.
Q What are the cabins like?
A The Standard Plus category has bunk beds and each cabin has a separate shower and toilet. There is enough room for a moderately sized suitcase. The Comfort category is similar to Standard Plus, except there are low beds in the cabins.
The Comfort DeLuxe category gives you about 9 square meters in the cabins, very well furnished with low beds and a comfortable equipped bathroom. In all categories the cabins have a porthole or window.
Q Where can you park your car when you book a Bike & Barge tour in Holland?
A In Amsterdam you can park your car in various car parks. For further information, click here parking in Amsterdam. Parkings near the mooring place of the ship (approx. € 335,- per week):
- parking Markenhoven (1 km/0,6 miles walking distance to the ship)
- Piet Heinparking at the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (1,9 km/1,2 miles walking distance to the ship)
In Stavoren you can park your car near the station; open air; no charge (0,6 km/ 0,4 miles walking distance to the ship)
In Bruges you can park your car in one of the parking garages in the centre of town. For further information, click here Bruges. Parkings near the mooring place of the ship:
- Parking Katelijne; approx. € 65,- per week; 1 km/0,6 miles walking distance to the ship.
- Parking Station: € 140,- per week; 1 km, 0,6 miles walking distance to the ship.
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