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 participants simply put on their rain gear. If the weather becomes so bad that cycling is truly impossible, which almost never happens, you can stay on board or your guide can arrange an alternative program, such as cultural excursions or 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.

You can bring your own standard bike on board.

Own e-bikes, tricycles, recumbent bikes and and special (custom-made) bicycles cannot be taken on board our ships.

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 of our guests ranges from 50 to 80, although we certainly welcome both younger and older participants as well. During school holidays, it is also possible that children may join the 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 € 375,- 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; Anna van Aemstel; Sailing Home and Clair de Lune) we provide a safety helmet with all our own rental bikes.
In some countries a helmet is mandatory, if so this is stated on the tour page.

No, the barge does not follow the same route as the cyclists. Sometimes the route may need to be adjusted due to weather conditions or repairs to bridges or locks. In those cases, the guests and the guide can coordinate with the skipper to meet at a different location. Of course, you can always choose to stay on board for one or more days.

We offer a trip cancellation insurance. We recommend that all travelers take out cancellation insurance for their tour with us or with an insurance company of their choice in their home country.

We advice you to check whether you want or need to take out accident/luggage or medical insurance, and arrange this in your home country. 

For more information: Insurances

Bike insurance For the tours on the barges Anna Antal; Anna van Aemstel; Floor van Aemstel; Godefridus van Aemstel; Elisabeth van Aemstel; 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’.

Yes, but you must indicate this when booking. Diets that require special preparation or specific ingredients can only be accommodated to a limited extent. We will do our best to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding: due to the limited logistical possibilities on a barge, we are not able to provide fully specialized menus. On some tours, a surcharge applies for gluten‑free, lactose‑free, or vegan meals. This is stated per tour.

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