F.A.Q.

The average daily distance on our Bike & Barge tours in Holland 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.

Most of the participants then wear rainwear. When the weather is so bad that cycling becomes really impossible (and that is almost never the case!), The guide organizes an alternative program with, for example, cultural excursions and city tours.

Cyclists can choose a longer route than the group takes. The guide will gladly advise you on the choice of an alternative route.

Yes, this must be notified when booking, but at least 14 days before arrival. 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. In case of gluten free diet; lactose free diet or vegan meals there is an additional charge of € 75,- per week. 

The size of the group depends on the barge scheduled on the tour. The capacity of the barges varies between 10 and 170 participants. A guided cycling group consists of no more than 26 people.

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

The lightest cycling holiday, suited for everyone and people of all ages. On virtually flat terrain, with distances up to 50 kilometers. You spend about 4 hours on your bicycle. For each of our holidays you should at least have the basic skills of cycling. Also a good physical condition is required.

The ages vary between 35 and 75, but of course we have younger (even babies and kids) and older guests. In particular it is quite possible during the school holidays that children might be booked on your tour.

The average daily temperatures per month are listed below:

April: 13°C / 55.5°F
May: 19°C / 66°F
June: 21°C / 70°F
July: 23°C / 73.5°F
August: 23°C / 73.5°F
September: 20°C / 68°F
October: 15°C / 59°F

The rain is spread pretty evenly over the year, so there is not much point in trying to avoid the Dutch drizzle. 

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
•    gloves (in case you travel in April or October. It can be chilly in the morning)
•    good solid shoes/ sneakers
•    sunglasses/ cap/ swimming costume​​​​​​
•    personal care and beauty items
•    hair dryer (220V; available on the barges Zwaan, Sailing Home and Provence)
•    insect repellent
•    sunscreen

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. For further information, please check the additonal travel information. In Amsterdam the nearest parking is Parking Oosterdok, about € 150,- for 7 days (7 x 24 hrs).

The main countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and France. The common language on board is English.

No, but it is of course sensible to wear one. We provide a safety helmet with all our own rental bikes.

No, the barge 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.

Bike insurance (not available on all bike tours. This is indicated on the tour page under ‘Rent a bike’). The bicycle 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.

For more information: Insurances

General and current travel information for the Netherlands, related to Covid-19, can be found on this website of the Dutch government. We recommend that you also check the website of your government and your country’s health authorities.

Travel information for other countries in Europe, related to Covid-19, can be found here: www.reopen.europa.eu (official web site of the European Union).

The average daily temperatures per month are listed below:

April: 13°C / 55.5°F
May: 19°C / 66°F
June: 21°C / 70°F
July: 23°C / 73.5°F
August: 23°C / 73.5°F
September: 20°C / 68°F
October: 15°C / 59°F

The rain is spread pretty evenly over the year, so there is not much point in trying to avoid the Dutch drizzle. 

General and current travel information for the Netherlands, related to Covid-19, can be found on this website of the Dutch government. We recommend that you also check the website of your government and your country’s health authorities.

Travel information for other countries in Europe, related to Covid-19, can be found here: www.reopen.europa.eu (official web site of the European Union).