General
Special requests
We would ask guests with food intolerances or allergies to inform us when booking. The chef will be happy to comply with your wishes. On some ships this may incur an extra charge, depending on your dietary requirements. There is no extra charge for vegetarian meals.
Children on board
In principle, the cycling and ship holidays in the flat landscape are also suitable for families with children, even though they are not specially designed as family holidays. On some trips you have the choice of making a longer or shorter excursion, or you can spend some days on board if you do not wish to overextend your children. On cycling holidays with a sailing ship, children and adults can take part in sailing the ship, under guidance, and join in actively with life on board. Helmets are obligatory in Austria for children under 12; we recommend expressly that helmets should also be worn in other countries.
Bicycles
We can provide bicycles with different frame sizes. If you are planning to hire a bicycle, please tell us your height when booking. The saddle height can then be adjusted on board. E-bikes can be booked on many journeys upon request.
Own bicycles
You can bring your own bicycle on almost all holidays, instead of hiring one. There are just a few ships on which bicycles must be hired, as there is not enough space for any other bicycles. More information can be found in each of the individual holiday descriptions. In principle neither the ship’s owner not the event organiser are liable for any damages, loss or theft with regard to your own bicycle.
Note
Cycling tours are at your own risk.
We reserve the right to change prices.
Bike & Boat holidays
Frequently asked questions: Bike & Boat holidays
How easy will the cycling be?
Cycling along the canals in the flat Low Countries is pretty straight forward! Nevertheless we've graded our cycle tours, so that you can choose exactly the right bike tour for you. The majority of our cycling holidays in Holland and Belgium are on the ‘Nice & Easy’ or ‘Easy to Moderate’ end of the scale and are suitable for people of all ages and cycling experience with reasonable fitness.
Nice & Easy: Short, gentle cycle rides, touring in flat terrain along mostly paved minor roads and paved cycle paths without any gradients of note. Some small and short ascents only in areas where there are drainage dykes and bridges.
Easy to Moderate: Gentle cycling tours in mainly flat terrain with some gentle hills, but no long or steep ascents. Individual stages of the cycle ride are generally short with some longer stages.
Intermediate: Cycle tours in terrain varying from flat to hilly. More suitable for people who cycle regularly (or for people who cycle only occasionally and don’t mind getting off to push up a hill!)
Experienced: Cycle tours in hilly terrain with some steeper and longer ascents. Suitable for the experienced cyclist. (Not applicable in Holland!)
Challenging: Cycle tours for fit and dedicated cycling experts in mountainous terrain with a change of ascents and downhill stretches including some exhausting stages. (Certainly not something you’ll encounter in Holland – but it makes us all appreciate how wonderfully gentle the cycling is in the Low Countries!)
If have questions about levels of our tours or are planning to travel with children and would like more information about tour level and bike facilities available to accommodate your party, please get in touch.
What do I need to wear for my cycle tour?
Cycling shorts (with a padded seat even!) are a good idea if you have them, and cycling gloves too. We'd also recommend a warm jumper or fleece for the evenings and fresher days. Please don't forget to bring protection against the wind and rain as well such as a rain jacket and over-trousers.
Is there a special dress code on board?
No, just dress the way you feel most comfortable. The atmosphere on board is relaxed, not formal at all - more sporty and casual. That said, guests are requested to dress respectfully for supper (which basically means no shorts or beachwear ... or bare chests thank you gentlemen!)
One of my party doesn't fancy the cycling. Can they just stay on board for the whole tour?
Yes, if you don't want to cycle, you can gladly stay on board, but please be aware that there are no planned activities for those who wish to do this, so they will need to entertain themselves.
If on any of the days you don't feel like cycling and would prefer simply to relax for a day in between cycle tours, you're welcome to just stay on board and take it easy on deck or in the lounge. A friendly and committed crew will look forward to welcoming you on board and look after you during your Boat & Bike stay.
What do I do, if I have a problem with my bike?
All our rental bicycles are regularly maintained, robust and comfortable, so a bicycle breakdown is rare. Neverthelss, should you have a problem with your rental bike which you cannot fix yourself, please contact the tour guide so that they can try to solve the problem as quickly as possible. If necessary, you may have to contact the nearest cycle mechanic (fietsenmaker), but don't worry, you'll find a bicycle repair shop in almost every place and every city. And in all places with the 'Fietsers Welkom!' (Cyclists welcome!) seal of approval, there are suitable tools and bicycle pumps available for use. If your repair is too difficult to carry out, you can be sure that someone will certainly know where the next repair shop is!
I'd like to travel with my own e-bike. Can I charge the battery on board?
You can charge the battery for your e-bike through the power socket in your cabin. If you need assistance, please contact your tour guide. There are also an increasing number of public electrical charging points for e-bikes in Holland.
Can I charge my mobile, laptop or other devices on board?
Each cabin has a 220-V-socket (two pin euro plug) where you can charge your phone and other devices. Guests from the UK should remember to bring a UK to European travel adapter plug to use with all your electrical devices.
Can you cater for my special dietary requirements?
Please let us know if you are vegetarian so that we can cater for you. Should you have food intolerances of any kind, please inform us of your needs. The chef will do his best to take this into consideration, but it should be noted that the possibilities can be limited on a ship.
What are the payment conditions and how can I pay?
A deposit of 15-30% is payable after booking. The final payment is due 30 days before departure. The dates of payment will be detailed in the booking confirmation which you will received from us.
What does 'minimum number of participants' mean?
Our Bike & Boat tours require a minimum number of secure bookings for each departure to go ahead. In the very unlikely case that this number was not achieved up to 4 weeks before departure, we will regrettably have to cancel the tour. In this situation, Holland-by-Bike will offer you an alternative tour if possible and you have the choice to accept this or receive back all your money back you have paid to us. Please note however refunds cannot be given on any flights which have already been booked.
On a Bike & Sail holiday how fixed is the sailing schedule?
Every Bike & Sail tour is a little bit of an adventure: the only thing which is really fixed on this cruise is the departure from and arrival back in the harbour. Various parts of the tour will be sailed. Sailing routes are decided largely according to the weather and wind conditions and the tides. The skipper will determine from day to day the exact sailing schedule and will discuss route options with the guests. The skipper and his crew will do everything they can to provide the programme as planned, so you can enjoy a fascinating week with a variety of activities, nature and culture, but there is a possibility that the departure and sailing times and/or the order of the programme has to be changed. The secret is just to enjoy yourself and relax - and let the elements take the lead!
Hotel & Cycling Tours
Frequently asked questions: Hotel & Cycling Tours
What's a 'self-guided' tour?
A 'self-guided' tour simply means that you get to cycle at your own pace, with the members of your own party, not in an organised group. You will have all the route directions, descriptions and detailed mapping to help you on your way, so it's easy to be your own guide. It's a great formula which gives you lots of flexibility to stop when you want, to enjoy what you want and have your very own, unique cycling experience. So whatever you wish to do, you can feel free to do it, whether it's stop for a picnic, admire the landscape, relax over a spot of sightseeing or take that all important selfie!
It's worth knowing that in Holland, there are different sorts of cycle route signs. When it comes to scenic routes, follow the bicycle signs for your chosen cycle route at the junctions. For the shortest way from A to B, follow the red signs and for longer stages, there are the national cycle routes or LF routes. These signs are consistent all over the country, so it's very easy to find your way.
How easy will the cycling be?
We’ve graded our cycle tours, so that you can choose exactly the right bike tour for you. The majority of our cycling holidays in Holland and Belgium are on the ‘Nice & Easy’ or ‘Easy to Moderate’ end of the scale and are suitable for people of all ages and cycling experience with reasonable fitness.
Nice & Easy: Short, gentle cycle rides, touring in flat terrain along mostly paved minor roads and paved cycle paths without any gradients of note. Some small and short ascents only in areas where there are drainage dykes and bridges.
Easy to Moderate: Gentle cycling tours in mainly flat terrain with some gentle hills, but no long or steep ascents. Individual stages of the cycle ride are generally short with some longer stages.
Intermediate: Cycle tours in terrain varying from flat to hilly. More suitable for people who cycle regularly (or for people who cycle only occasionally and don’t mind getting off to push up a hill!)
Experienced: Cycle tours in hilly terrain with some steeper and longer ascents. Suitable for the experienced cyclist. (Not applicable in Holland!)
Challenging: Cycle tours for fit and dedicated cycling experts in mountainous terrain with a change of ascents and downhill stretches including some exhausting stages. (Certainly not something you’ll encounter in Holland – but it makes us all appreciate how wonderfully gentle the cycling is in the Low Countries!)
Are the cycle tours appropriate for families with children?
There's loads for children to discover in Holland and they are most welcome. Some of our bike tours with shorter daily routes or broken up into short cycling stretches are very suitable for families. Child bikes, child seats, trailers and trailer-bikes are all available for rent. If you would like more information about tour levels and bike facilities available to accommodate your party, please get in touch.
Do I have to have a certain level of fitness?
Anyone in good general health can get on a bike and enjoy it in the Netherlands. The stories are all true - our country is mostly flat!
Is it possible to book a tailor-made tour, with my own itinerary?
We offer a great range and real variety of routes all over Holland. Regrettably, because of the logistics of organising luggage transfers and rental bikes, we are unable to offer a totally bespoke tour service following your own specific route. However, extra nights are bookable in every city featured in our itineraries to give that little extra flexibility should you require it. If you're not sure which tour is the best for you, please just contact us and we'll be pleased to help.
Will my rental bike be insured?
If a rental bike is stolen or damaged in any way, we hold the client responsible. If your personal insurance policy does not cover for this eventuality, then you would face having to meet the costs incurred directly yourself. We offer insurance cover against the theft of your rental bicycle for EUR 3.- per day per bicycle / EUR 6.- for per day for an e-bike.
Do I have to wear a cycle helmet?
Bike helmets are not compulsory in the Netherlands, but we do recommend that you wear one to ensure your maximum safety. Please note however that we do not rent out cycle helmets.
What can I do if I have a bicycle 'breakdown'?
We ask you to bring your own puncture kit with you, just in case you have to fix a flat tyre. For minor repairs, you can turn to a cycle repair shop - don't worry there are plenty of these around as the Dutch love their bikes! For anything more significant, please call the service hotline number provided. This will be in your travel documents.
What is the Bike Breakdown Pass / Emergency Service?
Mile after wonderful mile of untroubled cycling is what we wish for our clients, however on rare occasions there just might be a breakdown along the way. If the thought of a breakdown is going to be a worry to you, then our 'Bike Breakdown Pass' (bicycle breakdown assistance insurance policy) may give you the peace of mind you need. If you purchase this insurance in advance of your trip from our partner FietsNED, the service provided by them is as follows:
- Costs - €2,50 per bicycle per day.
- If your bike breaks down by the roadside, a FietsNED cycle repair-man will drive to you in his repair van and fix your bike, so you can continue your tour.
- If you are renting a bicycle through Holland-by-Bike, then any new parts are at our expense.
- If you're using your own bike, you will be charged for any new spare parts your bike may require.
- If it turns out that the bicycle cannot be repaired on the spot, or if you do not wish to continue cycling, the repairman will drop you off somewhere in his van. One companion, plus your bikes, may join you in the van.
Can I book the tour without the luggage transfers?
If you wish to cycle with all your luggage from hotel to hotel, you can opt out of the luggage transfer package at the time of booking. You will receive a discount for this.
If the tour includes a local ferry crossing at some point, do I have to carry my luggage myself ?
No, our service includes luggage transportation throughout your whole tour, local ferries included.