Bike and Boat Tour Reviews page 3
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- ★★★★★ Roxanne
Best ever bike and barge tour!
Exploring the Neckar and Rhine Rivers and Valleys
We have been on five bike and barge excursions in Europe and this trip was by far the best ever experience in so many ways. Fantastic !
Our trip route had to be rerouted shortly before we started because a lock on the Neckar River was not working properly so no boat traffic was allowed. Instead we biked from Wurzburg to Mainz. The crew must have worked overtime to make modifications for our journey and should be commended for this effort.
The Merlijn barge is without a doubt a classy vessel. The barge was remodeled recently and it was truly a pleasure to travel on it. The beds were comfortable and the room spacious. The bathroom as well had nice shower and other upgrades like the lighted and fog free mirror. Plugs for devices were numerous and handy. Storage plentiful.
The crew of five were all very accommodating and hard working. They were a real team and this helped to create a very positive atmosphere. I can’t say enough about how each crew member helped to make the trip so memorable
The food was gourmet. Each day we started with a healthy breakfast ; we received a packed lunch. When returned from biking we had snacks and were WOWED with outstanding dinners. Truly incredible service and hospitality.
The biking paths were mostly paved and our stops in the small towns and villages for breaks and lunches were so much fun because you get the opportunity to see Germany. Thomas our leader was experienced and always concerned about safety. The riders had helmets outfitted with technology so he could communicate as we rode giving directions, cautions and interesting
points of interest. A review of the next days ride was explained after dinner each night. Almost every evening after dinner Thomas took us for an excursion around the town where we were docked. Because our riding route was changed Thom had to scramble to re familiarize himself with the path so he should get extra credit for this effort. There were 24 on this tour and it was well organized with safety a priority. ( I personally prefer smaller groups).
The route itself was fine especially given the last minute modifications. The paths well marked and very few challenges. Cobblestones in the towns we visited do require riders to be mindful.
We loved the trip. Our fellow passengers were very friendly and upbeat.
Thank you to the Merlijn crew for a truly wonderful trip.- What was the date of your tour?
- October 8-15
- How many tours have you completed?
- Five
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
- ★★★★★ Roxanne
Best ever bike and barge tour!
Exploring the Neckar and Rhine Rivers and Valleys
We have been on five bike and barge excursions in Europe and this trip was by far the best ever experience in so many ways. Fantastic !
Our trip route had to be rerouted shortly before we started because a lock on the Neckar River was not working properly so no boat traffic was allowed. Instead we biked from Wurzburg to Mainz. The crew must have worked overtime to make modifications for our journey and should be commended for this effort.
The Merlijn barge is without a doubt a classy vessel. The barge was remodeled recently and it was truly a pleasure to travel on it. The beds were comfortable and the room spacious. The bathroom as well had nice shower and other upgrades like the lighted and fog free mirror. Plugs for devices were numerous and handy. Storage plentiful.
The crew of five were all very accommodating and hard working. They were a real team and this helped to create a very positive atmosphere. I can’t say enough about how each crew member helped to make the trip so memorable
The food was gourmet. Each day we started with a healthy breakfast ; we received a packed lunch. When returned from biking we had snacks and were WOWED with outstanding dinners. Truly incredible service and hospitality.
The biking paths were mostly paved and our stops in the small towns and villages for breaks and lunches were so much fun because you get the opportunity to see Germany. Thomas our leader was experienced and always concerned about safety. The riders had helmets outfitted with technology so he could communicate as we rode giving directions, cautions and interesting
points of interest. A review of the next days ride was explained after dinner each night. Almost every evening after dinner Thomas took us for an excursion around the town where we were docked. Because our riding route was changed Thom had to scramble to re familiarize himself with the path so he should get extra credit for this effort. There were 24 on this tour and it was well organized with safety a priority. ( I personally prefer smaller groups).
The route itself was fine especially given the last minute modifications. The paths well marked and very few challenges. Cobblestones in the towns we visited do require riders to be mindful.
We loved the trip. Our fellow passengers were very friendly and upbeat.
Thank you to the Merlijn crew for a truly wonderful trip.- What was the date of your tour?
- October 8-15
- How many tours have you completed?
- Five
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
- ★★★★★ Bozena
Authentic Holland trip
Dutch Hanseatic Cities, Harbor Towns & Natural Wonders by Bike and Boat
I absolutely loved this tour! Biking through the historic Dutch Hanseatic cities and quaint harbor towns felt like stepping back in time, and exploring the beautiful natural landscapes by boat was pure magic. The pace was perfect, the scenery breathtaking, and every day brought a new adventure. It’s the kind of trip that stays with you long after you return.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
- ★★★★★ Gail A.
Beautiful islands of Greece
Enchanting Cyclades and Saronic Islands
This trip was very enjoyable overall. The cycling routes were well planned and offered a nice variety of scenery, from quiet coastal roads to small island towns. The boat was comfortable and a pleasant place to relax after the rides, and the onboard chef did a great job — the meals were definitely one of the highlights. The group was friendly and diverse, which made for a relaxed and easy atmosphere throughout the week.
If there’s one thing I’d change, it would be to have dinner on board each evening instead of lunch, as it would be a nicer way to end the day together.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Greece
- ★★★★★ Bozena
I've been looking forward to this trip for so long
Enchanting Cyclades and Saronic Islands
This trip was an absolute joy on so many levels. The cycling routes were beautiful, the boat was a perfect place to relax, and the onboard chef was fantastic. Our group was a great mix of nationalities — four couples and three solo travelers — which made for a fun and friendly atmosphere. One of the couples was actually on their honeymoon, adding a lovely and positive energy to the experience. The crew was professional and pleasant, though they kept a bit more to themselves than on some other trips — perhaps understandable, as it’s the end of a long season for them.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Greece
- ★★★★★ Muffy C.
As relaxing as it gets
Enchanting Cyclades and Saronic Islands
The tour truly lives up to its name. It offers the perfect blend of cycling, sailing, and exploring some of Greece’s most stunning islands. Each day brings something new, charming whitewashed villages, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful coastal roads with breathtaking views. The combination of guided bike rides and relaxing moments aboard the ship makes it both active and rejuvenating. The crew and guides are friendly and knowledgeable, and the food and atmosphere on board are excellent. A wonderful way to experience the Greek islands from both land and sea!
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Greece
- ★★★★★ Mindy Gumminger
Great experience
Danube Capitals Bike & Boat Tour
Boat accommodations, staff and meals were excellent. Excursions were excellent. Tour director was excellent. Internet and cell services were spotty. Navigation app did not work consistently. Some days there was not enough time to stop and see things along the bike route.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- Several
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Austria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia
- ★★★★★ Allison
Lovely trip
Danube Capitals Bike & Boat Tour
There was an unforeseen closure of the Danube due to bridge construction. This caused us to spend extra time on the boat. We had 2 full days on the boat with almost nothing to do. I think there could have been a bit of planning to provide activities in the event that plans change. They did give a class on how to change a bike tire which was good but that only took an hour. Dance or knitting classes, group games, contests, something to occupy a very active biking group would have been great.
The packing instruction seem to have been written for a shorter trip. There was plenty of room under the beds for luggage. There is no place in the rooms to set up a clothes line to dry clothing. - ★★★★★ Bob Civiak
Wonderful
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Fluvius (and reverse)
I love the bike/boat mode of travel. The biking and the App were great. The food was excellant. My one complaint was that it was billed as an English language tour, but more than half the group was German speaking. There was a head guide and an assistant and the head was much better, but spent the majority of his time with the German speakers.
- ★★★★★ Shelley
Bustling cities and quiet small towns
Danube Discovery: Bike and Boat through Enchanting Capitals
This trip is a perfect balance to visit thriving, iconic cities and then take in small towns on a peaceful ride along the Danube. Overall, the experience was excellent. The boat crew/staff were friendly, enthusiastic and efficient. The 3-course dinners were top notch and my cabin, which wasn't a bad size, was always spotless (lots of hot water - a bonus). All the bikes were ready to go when we needed them and loaded back on at the end of the day. The bike routes were well laid out and very easy without an ebike - very flat. We got stuck in a river lock on this trip and had to spend a full day on the boat - not the operator's fault, but there wasn't much to do on the boat except relax. The Prinzessin Katharina is more basic that some of the other boats we saw, but the value is certain there. I would recommend this trip.
- ★★★★★ Doug Z.
Polder Farms & Towns Up Close
Holland by Bike and Boat, Northern Tour
The trip was very well organized, and the bikes were high quality. Great cycling through the polders of Holland.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- this was my first
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
- ★★★★★ Ben Haag
great sights on bikes!
South Dalmatia Bike/E-bike and Boat
boat, crew and islands were great....cabin was VERY disappointing! I paid for an above deck cabin and was places in a tiny cabin with no storage. There are 2 cabins like this on the boat, and a price difference is in order. We could nt access the bathroom without climbing over one another.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia
- ★★★★★ Jeff H
Bucket list experience!
Holland by Bike and Boat, Northern Tour
The staff and crew were top notch and our guides were superb. The bikes were comfortable and we were well-prepared each day for our semi self-guided rides. The guides were always available along the route to help with directions or point out must-see sites. What a great way to see the Netherlands in an intimate way. We experienced the beauty of Holland in a way that could not happen in a car. I will be back to the Netherlands and I will also use boat/bike format for other tour destinations in the future.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- First time
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Holland
- ★★★★★ Kelly Farley
Long awaited bike trip
Between Frankfurt and Bamberg on the Main River
Guide and crew aboard the Merlin was fantastic. They were courteous, knowledgeable, hard working and accommodating. Weather not the best but it didn't dampen spirits! Really enjoyed the unique experience of a boat/ bike trip to see Germany. Would definitely consider doing it again !
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- None
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
- ★★★★★ Jim R.
stunning...but get an e-bike unless you are in great shape.
National Parks of Dalmatia by Bike/E-bike and Boat
Cool towns, friendly people, food is more on seafood side other ships can have more variety apparently. I've done this route - or variations of it - a few times. Highly recommend this e-bike tour to see the "game of thrones" part of Europe. Definitely go for a swim in the Adriatic.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Croatia
- ★★★★★ Kelly Farley
Long awaited bike trip
Between Frankfurt and Bamberg on the Main River
Guide and crew aboard the Merlin was fantastic. They were courteous, knowledgeable, hard working and accommodating. Weather not the best but it didn't dampen spirits! Really enjoyed the unique experience of a boat/ bike trip to see Germany. Would definitely consider doing it again !
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- None
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- Countries included in this tour?
- Germany
- ★★★★★ Jodi Welch
Great biking paths through scenic countryside
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Fluvius (and reverse)
Well mapped routes available on phone app that wound through picturesque countryside and villages. Boat was comfortable and staff was great!
- ★★★★★ Jodi Welch
Great biking paths through scenic countryside
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Fluvius (and reverse)
Well mapped routes available on phone app that wound through picturesque countryside and villages. Boat was comfortable and staff was great!
- ★★★★★ Nsncy OLeary
Bike/Sail adventure
Denmark and Sweden by Sail and Bike
For the cabins-- NEED to include ladder or stool for the cabins (4 of them) that have one bed that is almost 120 cm high we had to move our cabin to cabin #2 which was much smaller. Without the stool or ladder I couldn't get in and out of bed safely
- ★★★★★ Francine D.
Happy we finally did this tour!
Danube Discovery: Bike and Boat through Enchanting Capitals
We really enjoyed the additional excursions we booked. They were excellent. We are happy we rented e bikes since some of the cycling was longer than we normally do, the assist was a plus! The cycling on our 2nd day proved to be a challenge since we and others got lost several times making us late and miss the tour we had booked for Bratislava.
We found out that if one gets hurt or that their bike breaks down that there isn't any rescue service which would be necessary. All in all the staff was great, the food very good and our room service kept our room nice and clean..
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