Holland - the land of tulips, wooden shoes and windmills! The land of Rembrandt and Van Gogh! A cyclist's paradise because of its flat terrain, mild weather and safe bike paths. Distances are short and Holland is small but it offers a great variety of beautiful landscapes and historical towns.

Country of Tulips Tour
Picture yourself gliding past swaying daffodils, fragrant hyacinths and tulips of every size and hue. Our 7 day guided tour explores the western part of Holland at the height of tulip season and covers the most famous bulb-growing areas in the Netherlands. It's an easy tour on flat terrain, along well-paved bike paths, charming canals and through picturesque 17th century towns. You'll have plenty of time to savor the many delights Holland offers. We'll spend two nights in Noordwijk on the North Sea, close to the blooming fields of crocuses, narcissus, hyacinths and tulips, two nights in Delft, one of Holland's oldest and most beautiful towns and two nights near the windmills and lakes in Noorden, in the "Green Heart" of Holland.



The tour starts in lively Leiden, a city with a rich artistic history. Here we'll visit the church where the Pilgrims prayed before they left for America and we'll walk in the footsteps of Rembrandt, who was born here. The next day we'll visit the incomparable Keukenhof, where 7,000,000 magnificent blooming flowers await us! For many, this radiant paradise is the highlight of their visit to Holland. Then we'll pedal through "Cape-Cod-like" sand dunes to The Hague, seat of the Dutch government and home of Queen Beatrix. You'll have time to visit the old city center before we continue on to Delft, world famous for its magnificent Delft Blue Pottery. We'll glide through flat, cow-filled polders with windmills to our charming, private hotel with its well-known gourmet restaurant, beautifully situated on an idyllic lake in Noorden.

  Friesland Frolic
This is a scenic 7 day/6 night cycling tour in Holland’s northern most province.  Friesland is truly special!  It’s a bike friendly region of lush green farms, boat-filled waterways and picturesque lakes.   Imagine skillful, puffing skaters in the wintry landscapes of the Elfstedentocht, a 125 mile long ice skating race (whose route we partly follow by bike), looping through 11 towns in Friesland.  You’ll see “Skutjes”, Friesian sailboats, “terpen”, hamlets built on earthen mounds to protect them from flooding and beautiful fortified towns all along the way.  Friesland has many handsome 17th century houses and picturesque farms arrayed with prototypical Friesian cows munching in peaceful meadows.  Occasionally entire town centers have been designated as historically protected areas.  There are also numerous little museums to visit and Friesians even speak a unique language that is not a dialect of Dutch!

The tour begins in Enkhuizen in West Friesland, a lively, beautifully preserved 17th century seaport, an easy train ride from Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport.   Here we’ll visit the Enkhuizer Zuiderzee Museum; a fascinating open-air museum that illustrates the way the Dutch lived and worked in the 17th century.  Later we’ll visit close by, historic Medemblik and its medieval Radboud Castle, before we ferry over to Stavoren, a tiny harbor village and the oldest city in the “real” Friesland.  Bike paths will lead us through the forested area called Gaasterland and then on to the Friesian Lake District with its quaint little villages.  Here we can visit lovely Lemmer and Sneek, the water sports capital of Friesland.  Our tour concludes with two nights just east of Heerenveen in the forests of Oranjewoud, once a residence of the Dutch Royal Family.  

Included:
Daily lodging in one 3- and two 4-star hotels, 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners, entrance to the Zuiderzee Museum and Radboud Castle, all transportation during the tour

2010 Tour Dates: July 4-10, July 27-August 2
Tour Price: $1795 Single Supplement: $295
Bike Rental: $150  Tandem Rental: $200
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Holland Self-Guided Bicycling Tours

Self-guided tours are for experienced cyclists who can adjust and repair their own bikes and enjoy cycling alone or with a small group. There are many routes to choose from. All tours include daily breakfast, dinner and luggage transportation from hotel to hotel. All accommodations are in charming, mostly family owned hotels and all rooms have private facilities. Comfortable three speed bikes with hand brakes, sufficient for the Dutch terrain, can be rented. 21 speed bike and tandems are available only on the North Holland tour. Daily distances for each tour: 25-40 miles.

2010 Tour Dates: April 1 - Oct. 31, daily
Tour Price: $1295  Single Supplement: $325
Bike Rental: $70

Veluwe De Luxe Tour
This 5 day / 4 night tour is similar to the Veluwe Round Tour but you'll stay in luxurious four and one five star hotels, three of which have a swimming pool. You'll start in Oosterbeek near Arnhem and end in Apeldoorn. In between you'll stay in Garderen and handsome Zwolle. Highlights of the tour include: National Park "Hoge Veluwe" with the Kröller-Müller and Arnhem Open Air Museums, Palace "Het Loo", Castle Cannenburgh, scenic woods and heather fields.

Apeldoorn Round Tour
Dutch vacationers love the picturesque “highland” (above sea level) area around Apeldoorn!   They treasure the forests and heather fields, the thatched roofed cottages, charming small farms and the castles that remind them of their illustrious history!   It is amazing that you can find all this natural and manmade beauty a mere 60 miles from Amsterdam!   The tour is centered at the luxurious Hotel De Keizerskroon right next to the historic Palace Het Loo, the former summer residence of the Dutch royal family. Close by is the National Park “Hoge Veluwe” where you’ll find the world-renowned Kröller Müller Museum with its fabulous Van Gogh collection and incomparable sculpture garden, the largest in all of Europe.   Another round trip leads you to Deventer, a lively town on the River IJssel with many medieval and Renaissance gable houses, beautiful churches and a vibrant town center.   This 4 day/ 3 night tour includes breakfast daily and two high quality dinners.

2010 Tour Dates: April 1 - Oct. 31, daily
Tour Price: $655  Single Supplement: $295
Bike Rental: $65

Holland Bike and Barge Tours

This is a very attractive and original way to discover Holland. Spend seven days of cycling and barge cruising in one of several fascinating regions of the Netherlands! Enjoy landscapes of green polders, Cape Cod-like dunes, beautiful lakes and gentle rivers. Charming cycle lanes and country roads will lead you to picturesque towns and villages. You can visit windmills, castles and museums along the way. Cycle at your leisure - daily distances are about 30 miles - with plenty of time to stop, wander, browse or shop. A well-maintained 7- or 24-speed hybrid bike with hand brakes is included but we can also arrange to rent a tandem for you. You decide whether you prefer to cycle on your own - equipped with clear route instructions - or to join the guide who provides all the necessary information.

The barge - your "floating" hotel - is a snug little vessel, which can accommodate up to 30 travelers in its cabins.  The boat motors quietly each day via a scenic route and if ever you do not fancy cycling, you are welcome to spend the day on board.  Late each afternoon the bikers rendezvous with the boat at the next landing place for afternoon tea, dinner and overnight stop.  On board you will meet an international group whose members have at least one thing in common: the pleasure they share from cycling.  Accommodations on board the barge are basic with 2 and 3 berth cabins containing bunk beds or twin beds and a wash basin but all cabins have a private shower and toilet.  Prices vary depending on the class of boat we can offer you for a certain date and route.  The barge has a cozy dining room and a sun deck.  The tour is suitable for all ages.  Children under 12 room with their parents or in groups of two.  All tours depart on Saturday afternoon either at 1:30 PM or at 4 PM and end the next Saturday after breakfast. The short tulip tours also start on Tuesdays.

2010 Tour Price for the Weeklong Tours: $950 - $1340 depending on the type of boat sailing and the season of the year.
Single Supplement, if available: Add about 40% of tour price.

Included on All Barge Tours:
7 nights on barge, daily breakfast & dinner, 6 packed lunches, coffee and tea on barge, 24-speed bicycle
Level of Difficulty: Easy  
Daily Distance: 20-35 miles

Note: group sizes on the barge tours vary between 14 and 28.

The Southern Route: $1145
This popular tour starts and ends in Amsterdam with visits to architecturally and culturally wonderful Delft, The Hague, Leiden, Haarlem and the 19 working windmills of the Kinderdijk. These historic towns along with picturesque villages, classic windmills and delightful safe cycling along Cape Cod-like sand dunes and beautiful beaches guarantee a striking introduction to the heart of The Netherlands. In the spring this tour will also include rides through Holland's spectacular tulip fields.

2010 Departure Dates Southern Route:
weekly from April 17 up to and including September 25
(except 7/24 & 8/28)

The Southern Route Relax: $1200
If you’re an inexperienced cyclist or just don’t want to spend as much time ‘in the saddle’ this version of the Southern Route might be ideal for you.  The tour is basically the same as the Southern Route Tour in opposite direction but there is definitely less biking each day so you’ll have more time to visit the places that interest you.  

2010 Departure Dates Southern Route Relax
& Relax Cities of Art:
May 15, 22 & 29, June 19 & 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31,
August 21 & 28, September 18 & 25

The Southern Route Relax Tulip: $1340
This tour is similar to the Southern Relax tour but the highlight of the tour will undoubtedly be your visit to the sensational Keukenhof flower garden.   You’ll be astounded by over 6 million multi colored tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other flowers fantastically arranged amid fascinating outdoor sculptures, ponds and fountains. A luxury barge is used for this tour.

2010 Departure Dates Southern Route Relax Tulip:
April 17 & 24, May 1 & 8

2010 Departure Dates:
March 30, April 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24 & 27
May 1, 4, 8 & 11
Tour Price: $540 per person (cabins with bunk beds)

2010 Departure Dates:
April 13, 17, 20, 24 & 27, May 1 & 4
Tour Price Comfort Boat: $615 per person
(cabins with 2 lower beds)

 The Northern Route (Top of Amsterdam): $1145 - $1200
This tour also begins and ends in Amsterdam but it takes you north to the distinctly rural Island of Texel after visits to the architectural jewels of Edam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen and   Alkmaar as well as the fascinating outdoor museum, Zaanse Schans.   In the 17^th century this extensive area was amazingly recovered from the sea with the use of hundred of windmills -   many still in working order today.   One gets a strong feeling for 17^th century Dutch prosperity in Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Edam and Volendam.   Later you’ll sail to Texel, an island with thousands of sheep and a magnificent nature preserve that is a bird lover’s paradise. Back on the main land the route takes you over small dikes and quiet country roads through vast polders and along beautiful sand dunes stretching from Schoorl to Bergen.   Alkmaar is the capital of cheese making and has its own cheese market and historic Waag (weigh house).   In Zaanse Schans you’ll discover a number of 17^th and 18^th century houses and commercial shops.   In the tulip months of April and May you’ll cycle through colorful fields stretching for miles.   

2010 Departure Dates:
April 24, May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, June 5, 12, 19 & 26,
July 3 & 31, August 28, Sept. 4, 11, 18 & 25

The Highlights of Holland Route
(North & South of Amsterdam): $950-$1120
 With this special bike and barge tour we invite you to become acquainted with the still existing Dutch landscapes from the 17th century, the “Golden Age” of the Netherlands. You’ll encounter the splendid countryside known as the “Green Heart of Holland” centered between the 3 largest cities in the Netherlands (Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam). One moment you’ll be cycling in the middle of quiet lake areas, the other you experience the old Dutch atmosphere in the historic centers of Haarlem or Leiden.  In addition this tour will take you through scenic beach and dune areas, the prototypically Dutch province of North-Holland and bustling ports like Hoorn where you’ll find the spirit of the Dutch Golden Age.

2010 Departure Dates:
May 1, 8 & 22, June 19 & 26,
July 3, 10 & 31, August 7 & 14, September 4

The Friesland Route (Eleven City Tour): $1145 
This interesting route begins and ends in Stavoren, a charming fishing village on the former South Sea.  Mostly you'll follow the route of the Eleven City Skating tour, the grueling 125 mile ice skating race held in Friesland whenever the lakes freeze solidly enough.  You'll visit the beautiful Frisian towns of Franeker, Dokkum and Sneek and also stay one night in Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland.  

2010 Departure Dates:
July 10 & 24, August 7 & 21

The Island Hopping Route: $1145
The Northern part of Holland is home to a number of delightfully peaceful small islands with beautiful beaches and dunes, that are a paradise for bicyclists, birdwatchers and all around nature lovers.  The tour begins and ends in Stavoren, the lovely fishing village on the former South Sea.  On day 2 you'll sail to Den Oever in the province of North Holland.  Later you'll explore the islands Texel, Vlieland and Terschelling, cycling on quiet bike paths and surrounded by a host of gulls, herons, ducks and numerous other sea birds.   

2010 Departure Dates:
July 3, 17* & 31*, August 14*
(* These are family tours)

The Towns of the Golden Age Route: $950
Highlights of this tour are visits to 7 towns that flourished during Holland’s Golden Age: Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, Schiedam, Dordrecht and Gouda. These towns still exude the character of fantastic wealth achieved during this period in Dutch history. The influence of the 17th Century is still apparent in the many monumental buildings you’ll encounter on this wonderful bike-boat vacation.  Starts and ends in Amsterdam.

2010 Departure Dates:
July 17 & 24, August 7 & 21

The Castles and Walled Cities Route: $950
In the Middle Ages an economic association, the Hanseatic League, was formed among many trading towns which were located along waterways in Northwestern Europe. On this bicycle vacation through the eastern part of the Netherlands you will visit several of these so-called Hanseatic towns. In the area you’ll encounter many grand castles and estates, lovely farms, munching Dutch cows and grazing sheep as you glide along.  This interesting tour starts and ends in Amsterdam.

2010 Departure Dates:
June 19, July 10, 17, 31, August 14

The Golden Circle Route: $1145
This route takes you around the IJssel Lake, the former South Sea.   This area is forever linked to that period in Dutch history called the Golden Age: the period in the 17^th century when Holland was a mighty seafaring and trading nation.   Dotted around the Zuiderzee are towns whose names were household words in both hemispheres: Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Kampen, Harderwijk and Amsterdam at the center of the web. Cycling and barging around the IJssel Lake is the ideal way to discover and experience this rich past for yourself.   In the space of a week you’ll pass through four different landscapes: the archetypal Dutch polders with its windmills and drainage ditches; in Friesland the panoramic lake region with the greenest grass you will ever see; the heather and woodland area of the Veluwe and the unique lakes and peat bogs around the Rivers Vecht and Amstel!

2010 Departure Dates:
April 24, May 1, 8 & 15, June 19 & 26,
July 10* & 24*, August 21
(* These are family tours)

Holland to Belgium Bike Barge Tours

 The Holland to Belgium Route: $1340
This route takes you from bustling Amsterdam to beloved Bruges in Belgium. On your way, you'll cycle through 't Gooi, Holland's famous mansion region along the River Vecht, pass by the 19 windmills in Kinderdijk on your way to historic Dordrecht and the province of Zeeland. Here you'll stay one night in charming Tholen, the ancestral home of the Theodore and Franklin Delano Roosevelt family. You'll arrive in impressive Antwerp and will cycle on quiet bike paths along the magnificent River Schelde to Ghent, a lively university city with a rich past.  On Friday you’ll cycle to famous Bruges, one of the most beautiful, historic cities of Belgium.  On alternate weeks this tour will be done in reverse – from Bruges to Amsterdam.  On this route a luxury boat will be available for 2010 with daily room service, air conditioning, outstanding 3-course dinner and buffet breakfast.

2010 Departure Dates Amsterdam to Bruges:
May 1, 22 & 29, June 5, July 10, 11 & 24, August 21,  September 4 & 18

2010 Departure Dates Bruges to Amsterdam:
May 15, June 6, 12 & 19, July 4, 17, 18 & 31,
September 11 & 25, Oct. 24

Spring Flower Tour  - Amsterdam to Bruges
& Bruges to Amsterdam - $1050 - $1210
This bike & barge vacation combines Holland and Belgium in a very surprising and attractive way. In eight days time you will sail and cycle two countries from fascinating Amsterdam to beautiful Bruges. The next week the tour will be reversed from Bruges to Amsterdam.  In addition in April and early May all of Holland is gorgeously abloom making it the perfect time to be amazed by the fantastically, colorful tulip fields.  Furthermore this tour includes visits to the historic and lovely Dutch towns of Dordrecht and Gouda. Crossing the border to Belgium takes you to the Belgian pearls of Antwerp, Ghent and wonderful Bruges!  

  2010 Departure Dates Amsterdam to Bruges:
April 10, 17 & 24

  2010 Departure Dates Bruges to Amsterdam:
April 17, 24 & May 1

Amsterdam – Brussels Route: $975
Amsterdam and Brussels – so close and yet so different.  In eight days time you will sail and cycle two countries from capital to capital, from Amsterdam to Brussels. The next week the tour will be reversed from Brussels to Amsterdam. Via the Betuwe, Holland’s “orchard” and the old fortified town of Willemstad you’ll reach the peaceful and picturesque rural islands of Zeeland and then cross the Belgian border.  The lively Flemish port town of Antwerp is another highlight.  Belgium is famous for it's tasty beer, so a visit to one of its fine breweries is included.

  2010 Departure Dates:
May 29, June 26, July 24, August 21

Brussels – Amsterdams Route: $975

2010 Departure Dates:
June 5, July 3 & 31, August 28

14 day Bruges to Paris and Paris to Bruges Tour
Information on this tour under the France Bike & Barge tours. 
 
It is also possible to Charter a Boat for your own private group! Boats are available for a minimum of 8 people! Reserve early as it is almost impossible to book whole boat packages without 12 -15 months notice. Call us for information!

Treasures of Belgium Tour: "Biking in Fabulous Flanders"
  The northern part of Belgium that borders the Netherlands is known as Flanders.  The inhabitants are called Flemish and they speak Dutch.  The scenic Flemish countryside is painted with soft green hills and winding roads dotted by proud farms and peaceful rivers and canals. There are numerous historical cities in Flanders to explore and each city is brimming with cobblestone streets, gothic cathedrals, quaint medieval squares, tree- lined canals and friendly outdoor cafe’s perfect for people watching and sipping on the local brews.  There are colorful open-air markets to discover, shopping galleries, breweries and stylish restaurants overflowing with culinary delights.  But most importantly in the cities are world class museums full of artistic treasures of internationally renowned paintings from the Flemish primitives to Breughel, Rubens and Van Eyck and modern masters such as Ensor and Magritte.

We start our tour in the enchanting, medieval canal city of Bruges often called the “ Venice of the North”.  With the city center closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot, by boat along quiet canals or by romantic horse-drawn carriage over cobblestone streets.   Although Bruges is a small city it will take more than one day to explore all the architectural and artistic treasures, chocolate shops, lace boutiques and atmospheric restaurants. We hope you will arrive at least one day early so you have extra time to soak in the ambiance and visit some of Bruges’ remarkable museums.

From Bruges we’ll cycle to the North Sea to visit the “Queen of the coastal cities”, Ostend and the smaller seaside village of De Haan.  The next day we’ll enjoy pleasant biking along the canal to the friendly city of Ghent.   With most of the town center closed to cars, Belgium’s third largest city is best explored on foot and we’ll do just that the next morning with our local guide.  Ghent is a greatly underappreciated,   unassuming, un-touristy city filled with university students, linger-as-long-as-you-like cafes, well priced restaurants and vibrant energy.   Ghent boasts an Opera House, 18 museums, 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings. The most visited site in Ghent is the famous and beautiful  “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” painted by the brothers Jan and Hubert van Eyck in 1432.

Mechelen is next on our eastward journey through Flanders.  It has no less than 336 listed buildings and monuments including eight gothic and baroque churches from the 14th up to and including the 17th century. The grace of centuries old palaces and majestic churches have almost universal appeal and the imposing St. Rombouts Cathedral, towering over the pleasing market square, is a sight not easily forgotten.

Our tour’s final cultural treasure is Antwerp.  M uch like the diamonds it is famous for, Antwerp sparkles with an impressive range of architecture from medieval buildings to the Art Nouveau styles.   Antwerp is an art-loving city eternally linked with the name of Peter Paul Rubens.   More than 400 years after the birth of this brilliant painter, it is still possible to see the extent to which Rubens left his mark on the city.  Antwerp offers a wide range of attractions from a funky nightlife to historical buildings and rich cultural offerings to innovative fashion throughout the town.  Antwerp was voted one of Europe’s “Cool Capitals” and you’ll discover why on our walking tour through the city with a knowledgeable local guide.

2010 Tour Dates: July 19-26, September 9-16
Tour Price: $1995  Single Supplement: $425
Bike Rental: $150
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Belgium Self-Guided Bicycling Tours

Bruges & Coast
This 8 day/7 night tour explores the north-west part of Belgium known as Flanders. The pleasing Flemish countryside is painted with soft green hills, winding roads, rustic farms, peaceful canals and bustling villages. The gently rolling hills make for relatively easy cycling from one town to the next and there is plenty of time for sightseeing, especially in the Flemish capital of Bruges where you’ll lodge comfortably for three nights.   

The pedaling commences in Roeselare easily reached by train from the Brussels Airport.   You’ll visit medieval Ypres well know for its WW I battles and the Tyne Cot Cemetery and world famous Menin Gate. You’ll have time for some beer tasting in the St.-Sixtus Abbey before cycling along the borders of the River Yzer to Diksmuide with its historic plaza.   Next is splendid Bruges.   Over the years this medieval canal city has gone by many names: City of Romance, Venice of the North, the City That Time Forgot, and Cultural Capital of Europe since 2002. However, none of these titles accurately capture the enchantment of Bruges. With the city center closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored by foot, canal boat or horse-drawn carriage along cobblestone streets. From Bruges you’ll make two circular rides. The first is to the seaside of Ostend and the second is to Knokke where you can stroll along the new promenade, sunbathe on the broad sandy beach, or wander through the exclusive shopping boulevards. Finally, on your way back to Roeselare, there is are opportunities to visit a chocolate manufacturer and the National Cyclist Museum.

2010 Tour Dates: Saturday departures from 3/27 – 10/23
Tour Price: $925  
Single Supplement: $240     Bike Rental: $90  

Historic Art Cities Tour
Surprisingly beautiful!   That’s a quick way to describe the wonderful region of Flanders and the European Union’s capital city - Brussels .   Here you’ll find active vacation fun for everyone: terrific cycling itineraries through beautiful landscapes, culinary pleasure in great restaurants, cultural treasures in fine museums and historical buildings and, of course, the ever pulsating city of Brussels.   This 7 day/6 night tour includes visits to the Belgian pearls of Brussels, Leuven, Mechelen, Ghent and wonderful Bruges along with an optional train visit to Antwerp!  

Starting in Brussels, you’ll bike on predominantly quiet, flat roads and bike paths along the well signposted Flanders Cycle Route.   You’ll see lush meadows, canals, sandy dunes and coastal villages as well as castles, abbeys, churches and windmills.   You’ll also visit Leuven, home to Belgium’s oldest university and historic Ghent site of the famous St.Baafs Cathedral where you can admire the renowned “Adoration of the Lamb” by Jan van Eyck.   The charming coastal villages of De Haan and Ostend, wonderful North Sea beaches and Bruges, the enchanting Venice of the North, are other highlights you’ll encounter on this splendid cycling vacation!

2010 Tour Dates: Saturday departures from 4/24 – 9/25
From July 4 – August 22, a Sunday departure is also possible

Tour Price: $840
Single Supplement: $240   Bike Rental: $80  

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Holland
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Our other exciting trips  Call us at 802-767-3457 800-435-6192 or email us at vangogh@ vangoghtours.com to reserve your tour.

What a great way to see and learn about The Netherlands. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour leaders were committed to a safe and enjoyable experience. Although the major draw was the tulips, the whole route was terrific. Gary Broughton, Denville, NJ         You two (Mike and Huibertha) and van Gogh Tours really do stand out in the crowd.   The Country of Tulips Tour is very well done and it was so nice of you to arrange perfect weather.   We had a blast. Jim and Linda Campbell, Salinas, CA        Friesland, an area unburdened by crowds and bus loads of tourists, has uninterrupted views of incredible beautiful country side; this is what memories are made of.   We’re coming back next year and we can’t wait! Nancy Croft, Cleveland, OH           Our trip on the inaugural Friesland Frolic Tour was fantastic!   I enjoyed learning about the country and seeing the small villages.   It was great to know all I had to do each day was to pedal my bike, never worrying about the destination.   Thanks for everything.   Lizanne Garcia, Odessa, FL                           This was my fifth tour with Van Gogh and hopefully not my last.   I enjoyed visiting the land of my forefathers. John Van Son, Dallas, TX                       The country is beautiful and biking is a wonderful way to see and experience it.   It was nice to have leaders who know it so well. Virginia Humphreys, Worcester,    VT                         Everything about this tour was excellent! The best vacation we've ever had and we've had many good ones! Rita and Bruce Kilmer, Green Bay, WI

All our dining experiences were great from the gourmet candlelight dinners to the 'surprise' snacks you provided along the way that allow us to experience typical Dutch treats. Ken and Shirley Gabel, Rockville Center, NY

As a novice I was not sure what to expect but I was immediately at ease after the first night. I felt that you provided lots of room for flexibility and was encouraged by your confidence. I was surprised at my own ability to ride, much of that due to the confidence and attitude of you, the leaders. I love Holland and would like to return (to bike of course!) Ginny Vreeland, South Salem, NY

Holland is one of the most beautiful countries that I have seen. It was a great place to tour on bike. You are not rushed through things. We loved visiting the windmills and took lots of pictures of the flowers. Joan Zimmer, Houston, TX           We had a great time! Thank you for putting together such a great package. I have recommended your company to several others! We look forward to going again in two years when I must go back to Holland for a trade show. Paulding, Columbia. MD                 You can't find better, more conscientious leaders than Mike and Huibertha.  They're easy laid back style is complimented by the fact that everyone is cared for in a personal quiet manner.  They leave no rock unturned from perfect places to stay, to personalized dinners for those with special needs, to varying the daily schedule to meet the wishes of the group.  I don't think that there's anyone out there that can do it any better. Jane Skowron, Lyndhurst , OH                     Before we even finished our trip we were making plans to come back the following year.   Go Van Gogh! Alan Braun, New York, NY                   After a long day of bicycling, it was great to arrive at a place that provided creature comforts. The food was quite good. I particularly liked the large. breakfast buffets. Dianne Yaffe, Cincinnati, OH

Seeing Holland up close from the seat of a bicycle was wonderful. If you want to see highlights, take a bus tour but if you really want to see the real heart of a country's culture, this bike tour is an excellent way to do it. Richard Basarich, Gurnee, IL                 Being active seniors my husband and I were afraid we would not be able to keep up and that the bikes might be difficult to ride. Quite the contrary, the bikes were great and we were well prepared due to the training regimen suggested in your literature. Phyllis Wells, Morton Grove, IL             I just wanted to let you know how pleased I was with the bike and barge tour I took in Holland.  It was above and beyond my expectations.  The cycling was great, the barge was beautiful, the bikes in great condition.  The crew made us all feel so welcome and our guide was awesome.  He made us feel that we were all friends cycling together which was pretty amazing since we had Dutch, French, French Canadians, British and one fellow from Spain.  I am already starting to save my money for next year. Mary Deerfield,  Van Nuys, CA

Holland was flat as promised, since I am not an avid cyclist. The bikes were good and the leader expert in fixing problems. Anne Schwartz, Woodbridge, CT              The rides were not too easy - not too hard - just right. The leader was very helpful. The group stayed together all the time so nobody got lost. I felt like I became a family with the other members of the tour. I was so sad when it was time to leave. Louise Albers, Forest Hills, NY         I enjoyed most, the convenience of not having to pack my suitcase every day! Marian Miller, Palo Alto, CA              I just returned from a very wonderful trip to Holland, the bike barge tour in Friesland.  I enjoyed it so much, I’m thinking of renting a private boat so all my family and friends can have the same great experience. John Palomino, New York, NY

I just wanted to thank you for organizing a truly amazing vacation in wonderful Holland. My Dutch/American family loved everything about the barge Iris.  With 28 relatives together it could have been a week of heaven or a week of hell and it definitely was heavenly.  A totally unique get-together!

The bike and barge tour from Bruges to Amsterdam was wonderful! The sites were beautiful, the food was excellent and the guide was just the sweetest! I did not want the trip to end!

Kim Deeck, Philadelphia, PA

We loved the Amsterdam to Brussels tour.  The ride was a bit slower than I am used to but it was lots of fun and gave us more time for sightseeing had we been going faster.