Netherlands/Belgium
A Cycling Journey: Bike and Barge in Holland and Belgium
Program No. 10530RJ
From your floating home on a river barge, set out on a bicycle journey through lovely, historic towns to discover the local history, culture and art of Holland and Belgium.
Participant Reviews
Based on 20 Reviews
SHOWING
I felt as if I was biking in a Dutch Master's painting. Everyday was lovely. The guides and the entire barge crew were extremely capable and knowledgeable. My only suggestion for those thinking of this trip, if you aren't a proficient biker, then get an e-bike. The boat-bike company bikes are a bit heavy and sometimes riding in the wind can be hard. The guides were very accommodating though, and transferred several folks over to e-bikes.
— Review left July 7, 2025
The bicycling and canal boating experience through Netherlands and Belgium was a fun and rewarding experience. Having the boat accommodation fostered comradery between group members. The countryside was beautiful.
— Review left June 24, 2025
This is s very good, very well-organized trip. Participants should be ready to pedal several miles a day without the benefit of a SAG wagon. One need not bike every day available, but you will want to bike the majority of the time. You get to see the Netherlands without being in Amsterdam very much.
— Review left June 22, 2025
The Bike and Barge In The Netherlands and Belgium program was wonderful. The crew of the La Mar, Captain Marnik, Henk, Damaris, and Chef Franco made the barge aspect delightful. Chef Franco gave us a wonderful breakfast menu and gourmet dinners. The cycling leaders, Hester and Mieke, provided an unforgetable experience, taking us through the country side as well as through busting cities, always taking care that we were safe. The lectures, tours, and presentations were informative, and we were given time to explore when possible. Although not part of the program, I learned a lot about barging and locks! "Living small" on a barge does not limit you to all that the barge offers. Fellowship among the group was enhanced by the kind and caring crew and cycle leaders.
— Review left October 3, 2024
My wife and I could not have been any happier with our experience. Every aspect of our trip was ideal...the biking, boat, crew, guides, and the food all exceeded our expectations. I recommend this trip highly.
— Review left September 29, 2024
While it is true that the route is “primarily flat,” there are stretches with dirt and loose gravel.
Do not be intimidated by the reviewers who suggest the riding would be hard without an e-bike. The route is doable on a regular bike.
Be aware that the riding is different from other tours that have cue sheets and allow independent riding and stopping—you will have to follow the group closely and stop only when the group leader stops. The standard in the materials we got (a month after final payment!) indicated that we would bike about 25 minutes at a time at about 10mph; however, we did deviate from this riding time and speed (17 mph once on a dirt trail). Mirrors, shoe straps, clips, and handlebar bags are not allowed.
The two countries are beautiful, and I loved seeing them by bike, barge, and foot.
Every meal was good, on or off the barge (we had phenomenal meals on the barge from Chef Joel).
Compliments also to Captain Marnick; sailors Jurre, Denise, and Tomek; and tireless hostess Lineke for making it a wonderful time.
— Review left September 2, 2024
Wonderful leaders, boat staff, and participants made for a wonderful trip. Saw lots of the country from our bikes. Even thought the terrain is relatively flat, I would highly recommend renting an e-bike as on the days with rain and wind, you will appreciate being able to keep up the pace.
— Review left June 30, 2024
Amazing bike trip. Beautiful countryside. Amazing villages and cities. I highly recommend this trip for the active individuals that enjoy the outdoors!!
— Review left October 16, 2023
Trip leaders were exceptional. Food better than expected. Staff on the barge were very helpful. Pace just right for what was stated online. Educational events were very interesting.
— Review left October 10, 2023
The one thing that was confusing, was the trip date where based on the beginning date being the 15, so 2 of us arrived at the airport on the 15. The 15th was when participants boarded they flight the program booked.
I had sent emails indicating I was working towards meeting at the airport on the 15th.
This caused additional last minute expenses to arrange a place to stay in Amsterdam.
,
— Review left October 1, 2023
Our expectations for Road Scholar's 2-week Bike and Barge trip in Holland and Belgium were high and the trip exceeded them in every possible way.
— Review left July 4, 2023
This was a great trip led by outstanding guides in Hester and Rikko. The Fiep was a wonderful home based staffed by a terrific crew. I'm glad I had one-bike as it made the entire experience that much better.
— Review left June 28, 2023
I enjoyed this trip immensely. Intellectually rewarding and physically challenging.
— Review left June 26, 2023
I started this trip thinking that two weeks on a bike tour of the Netherlands would be too long, but it wasn’t—every day was packed with beautiful sailing and great riding. Our boat, the Fiep (soon to be la Mar), and our crew were outstanding. Our leaders, Hester and Ricco, brought enthusiasm and joy to the trip. I used an e-bike based on reviews here. The e-bikes were very heavy. I was thankful I had the e-bike on our two days in Belgium, but mostly for a couple hills we climbed rather than wind.
— Review left June 25, 2023
Bike & Barge in Holland and Belgium exceeded all of our expectations. The Barge, the Barge Staff and the Guides went out of their way to share their country with us through personal conversations, additional expert guides & lecturers and stops along the way. Cycling through the countryside, alongside canals, through small historic villages, visiting windmills, cheese farms and castles along with stops in historic cities gave us an appreciation of The Netherlands and Belguim, a view of their place in history and a glimpse into the lives of the residents. Only Road Scholar could have put together an itinerary which provided the in depth cultural, historical and current issues that expand our appreciation of this corner of Europe along with an excellent staff,knowledgable guides & wonderful barge accomodation that propels this trip onto our 'short-list' of outstanding experiences.
— Review left June 25, 2023
I'm a mid-70s occasional cyclist and was able to keep up with the group. Some days it was more of a struggle than others. However, towards the end I was taking advantage of optional extended trips. Great boat and crew. Wonderful and accommodating leaders. Excellent speakers and local guides.
— Review left June 25, 2023
Both of us are probably older than most participants on this ride but ride several times a week at altitude. We were surprised at the weight of the bicycles used and how much effort it took (even with the enriched oxygen of sea level) to pedal these bikes, especially with somewhat windy conditions. That being said, we thoroughly enjoyed our exertions and experiences. The crew of the barge was exceptional, the food excellent, the learning informative, the countryside beautiful and our group compatible. We happened to hit a stretch of sunny days which added to our enjoyment.
— Review left September 4, 2022
Excellent program, pace, participants, leaders, etc. The weather was exceptionally pleasant and we all recognized how important, and apparently rare such weather was, to our enjoyment. Potential participants should give careful consideration to the personal choice of bicycle type. The vast majority of our group chose e-bikes and were very glad we did.
— Review left June 28, 2022
This was a great trip. I learned a great deal about a part of Europe with which I was not previously very familiar. The activity level challenged me, but did not detract from my enjoyment, and differences in ability were accommodated. Nevertheless, participants should be able and prepared to bike up to 30+ miles/day under different weather conditions, including the possibility of brisk winds. A highlight was the barge experience, due to the wonderful staff on board and the excellent food.
— Review left July 7, 2019
My first Road Scholar Trip-a bike and barge-was phenomenal! The varied people on the trip were a great group to be with, as were the various staff members. I will definitely go on more Road Scholar trips!
— Review left April 21, 2019