F.A.Q.

The average daily distance on our Bike & Barge tours in the Netherlands is 50 kilometers (32 miles). 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.The time spent on your bicycle is about 4 hours per day.
You find the average daily distance on the tour page under 'Summary'. 

Most of the participants then wear rainwear. When the weather is so bad that cycling becomes really impossible (but that is almost never the case!), you can stay on board or your guide can organize an alternative program with, for example, cultural excursions and city tours (at your own expense).

Cyclists can choose a longer route than the group takes. The guide will gladly advise you on the choice of an alternative route. GPS tracks are available, on request, for all tours.

The size of the group depends on the barge scheduled on the tour. The capacity of the barges varies between 10 and 170 participants,but on most barges the capacity is between 10 and 24 people.
However, on the larger barges a guided cycling group never consists of more than 26 people.

Yes, free WiFi is limited available in lounge and on deck.

The cycling levels of the tours are listed on the tour page under 'Characteristics'.
An explanation of the different levels and information about the required skills and fitness can be found on the page ' Biking levels and safety'.
However, for each of our holidays you must have at least basic cycling skills. Good physical condition is also required.

The average age varies between 50 and 80, but of course we have younger and older guests. In particular it is quite possible during the school holidays that children might be booked on your tour.

For the weather you can check, for example, the web site of the World Meteorological Organization.

Specialised cycle clothing may be handy but not strictly necessary. What you do need (among other things) is the following:
•    shorts/ long trousers/ track suit/ legging
•    shirts/ sweater/ rain clothing
•    good solid shoes/ sneakers
•    sunglasses/ cap/ swimming costume​​​​​​
•    personal care and beauty items
•    insect repellent
•    sunscreen
•    gloves (if you travel in April or October it will be chilly in the morning)

A  hair dryer is available on all barges.

Your travel documents include the final packing list we suggest for your booked tour.

In Amsterdam and Bruges you can park your car in various car parks. E.g. in Amsterdam the nearest parking is Parking Oosterdok, about € 275,- for 7 days (7 x 24 hrs).
More information about parking your car at the beginning of your tour is included in your travel documents, which you will receive by email prior to your trip.

The main countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States and Canada. We also receive guests from United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. The common language on board is English.

We recommond to wear a bike helmet on all tours. On our own tours (barges Anna Antal; Liza Marleen; Wending; Sailing Home; Zwaan and Clair de Lune) we provide a safety helmet with all our own rental bikes.
In some countries a helmet is mandatory. This is stated on the tour page.

No, the barge doesn’t take the same route as 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.

Travel/Cancellation insurance We do not offer a travel and/or cancellation insurance. We recommend that all travelers take out cancellation insurance for their tour with the insurance company of their choice in their home country.

Bike insurance For the tours on the barges Anna Antal; Wending; Liza Marleen; Sailing Home; Zwaan; Clair de Lune and Feniks the bike rental includes a bicycle insurance. This insurance covers the cost of the repair or replacement of bicycle parts in case of an accident. It also protects against theft of the bike while it was locked.
On some tours you can add this insurance to your reservation or buy it on board. This is indicated on the tour page under ‘Rent a bike’.

For more information: Insurances

Yes, but you must indicate this when booking. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus.
On some trips, in case of a gluten-free diet/lactose-free diet/ vegan meals, a surcharge applies. This is stated per tour. 

For the weather you can check, for example, the web site of the World Meteorological Organization.