Boat Bike Tours

24/12/2024

Merry Christmas from all of us at Boat Bike Tours and Islandhopping! Thank you so much for making 2024 so successful and fun! We know that 2025 will be even better - hope to see you again then! In the meantime, you can keep the good vacation memories alive by listening to our podcast!

18/12/2024

Everything about cheese? You bet! In Gouda and the surrounding area, you really will encounter the golden-yellow delicacy everywhere: at the traditional cheese market in the historic center of the city, in the numerous cheese stores, and in the traditional cheese dairies. There you’ll learn how the real Gouda cheese is made and what its secrets are. And of course, you’ll be able to taste the delicious cheese yourself. Bet you won't be able to resist taking a piece of it home with you! . Our mouths are watering....

14/12/2024

Step back in time and explore the fascinating history of Europe's castles on our tours! Each one tells a unique story:

🏰 Fontainebleau, France: A masterpiece of Renaissance and classical architecture, this royal residence was home to French kings for over seven centuries.
🏰 Stolzenfels Castle, Germany: Perched on the Rhine, this fairy-tale fortress showcases the romanticism of the 19th century.
🏰 Kronborg Castle, Denmark: Known as "Hamlet’s Castle," this UNESCO site inspired Shakespeare's iconic play.
🏰 Duart Castle, Scotland: A rugged stronghold on the Isle of Mull, it's the ancestral home of Clan MacLean.

Can you tell which castle is which?
Which castle would you love to visit and why?

07/12/2024

When you think of Holland, you probably think of clogs (klompen in Dutch). Nowadays you can buy them as brightly-painted souvenirs. But at the Clog Museum at Zaanse Schans - a stop on many of our tours - you’ll learn that clogs had a practical use and an interesting history.
Even today, farmers sometimes wear them to keep their feet dry as they walk on muddy fields - keep a close eye out as you cycle and you might spot some clogs “in the wild”! At the museum, you can see demonstrations of clog-making, learn about the craft’s evolution, and explore the cultural significance of these wooden shoes in Dutch history. And yes, pose for pictures too!

05/12/2024

Have you ever heard of Sinterklaas?
In the Netherlands, Sinterklaas is a cherished celebration on December 5, marked by gift-filled "Pakjesavond," songs, and chocolate letters. The excitement begins weeks earlier, as children leave carrots in their shoes for Sint's horse, hoping for treats. Sinterklaas arrives mid-November from Spain on a steamboat, accompanied by his soot-faced helpers, the Pieten. Despite competing with Santa Claus, Sinterklaas remains a beloved Dutch tradition.
What is your favorite Christmas tradition?

https://www.boatbiketours.com/blog/more-important-than-christmas-how-the-dutch-celebrate-sinterklaas/

30/11/2024

Our tulip tours are very popular because of tulips, of course: the brilliant colors of the tulip fields and the visit to the famous Keukenhof garden.
But that’s not all you’ll see on a tulip tour! Take, for instance, our Sail & Bike tulip tour, which also sails to Texel, an island with lovely white-sand beach and beautiful dune landscapes to cycle through. And some of our tulip tours visit Zaanse Schans, with its wonderfully picturesque historic windmills, its charming wooden houses - that people still live in! - and even a clog factory!
Tulip tours aren’t just for seeing tulips!

27/11/2024

To see Holland at its best, visit us during tulip time! The tulip fields in April and May are like a brilliant red, yellow and purple carpet over the landscape. It’s a magical sight! Join us on a tulip tour by bike and boat to experience this iconic Dutch sight firsthand. There’s nothing like bicycling between tulip fields!
And if you like sailing, we’re excited to offer special sail & bike tulip tours too. These spring adventures are not only filled with stunning flower-filled scenery but also mark the beginning of our travel season. After a long winter, we can’t wait to get back on the road - and water - with you!

25/11/2024

We want to brighten your winter days, and what better way to do that than with an exclusive podcast series to take you on a journey full of fascinating stories? Whether you enjoy it during your coffee break at work, or take it along for company on your way home - immerse yourself in the world of Boat Bike Tours and Islandhopping. It’ll give you just a taste of that holiday feeling during the darkest time of year.

In this first episode, Gijsbert shares heartwarming stories and personal insights from life on our tours. Whether you’re a past guest or dreaming of your first trip, his tales will transport you to the deck of our boats and scenic bike paths.

Join us on an enlightening journey as host Mark Schalekamp interviews Gijsbert Valstar, who’s been a tour leader for Boat Bike Tours since 2015, but has worked with cycling tours his whole adult life. In this debut episode, Gijsbert – in his very honest and blunt way – describes just how the t...

23/11/2024

A special thing about Boat Bike Tours is that, while you ride your humble little bike along ordinary bike paths, you come upon the most magnificent sights!
The Palace of Fontainebleau, southeast of Paris, is a great example. With its stunning architecture - Renaissance, classical and Baroque - it has 1,500 rooms and is surrounded by formal gardens and vast forestland.
Do you suppose the French monarchs and their followers of the past could ever have imagined people like us rolling up on bicycles in our shorts and helmets?

20/11/2024

The Chapel of Agios Isidoros on Leros Island, Greece, rests on a rock connected to the main island by a narrow path, making it appear as though it floats on the Aegean. Known for its photogenic beauty, the chapel offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking blessings or simply a tranquil escape.
Legend has it that a poor, one-handed fisherman discovered an icon of Saint Isidore in his nets. After wishing for his second hand back, he miraculously received it. Out of gratitude, he built the chapel, which has since withstood the sea’s power and remains a beloved symbol of faith and resilience on Leros.
Imagine cycling to the chapel, stepping onto the stone path over the sea, and making a wish at this enchanting spot! Will your wish come true?

18/11/2024

We have a winner! Franz Held has won the photo competition 2024 with this beautiful photo of the evening sky over the “Leafde fan Fryslân”! His prize is a travel voucher worth €150. Congratulations, Franz!
Want to see all entries? Take a look here: https://www.boatbiketours.com/photocontest/all_entries/

16/11/2024

The Leafde fan Fryslân is an extraordinary ship, and it’s not just because it’s elegant. It’s the only four-masted schooner in Dutch waters, and the way it got that way is what is extraordinary about it. Over the 2023-2024 winter season, the ship was made 14 meters longer (46 feet) and a fourth mast was added. It’s a marvel of sailing craftsmanship! The transformed Leafde fan Fryslân, with its refined and elegant interior, offers a luxurious experience that’s perfect for exploring the beauty of the Netherlands.
Take a look at these photos and you’ll see that sailing on the Leafde fan Fryslân isn’t just about reaching your destination. It’s about the journey: the thrill of the open water, the sound of the sails, and the peaceful rhythm of the waves. Aboard this unique Dutch schooner, you’ll see Holland from a whole new perspective!

11/11/2024

We’ve had a great time this week looking through all the photos our guests have sent for the photo competition 2024! Thank you to everyone who took part!
Now, though, we need your help. We’ve made a shortlist of our 10 favorite photos - and that was no easy task!

Take a look a the top 10; which do you think deserves the top prize? Cast your vote by November 15, 2024 at the latest. To do this, just tell us the letter of your favorite picture in our comments! The one with the most votes will receive a travel voucher worth 150 euros!

09/11/2024

Scottish Highlander cattle live in Scotland, right? True, but they also live in the Netherlands!
Boat Bike Tours offers the unique and unforgettable experience of encountering Scottish Highlanders as you cycle through the dunes. These majestic animals with their long horns and shaggy coats make for a great photo opportunity! As you pedal through the stunning dune landscape, you’ll be able to observe them, roaming free in a natural environment, and take some wonderful pictures. They’re peaceful creatures, but it’s best not to get too close!
Can you figure out which photo was taken in the Netherlands and which one in Scotland?

06/11/2024

Wide skies, blue waters and mighty, spinning blades: windmills are true landmarks that combine culture, landscape and history. Our boat and bike tours take you to some of Europe's most spectacular windmills - each one unique, yet all equally impressive!

🌅 Greek elegance in Santorini
On the beautiful island of Santorini, whitewashed windmills rise high above the deep blue Aegean Sea. Their delicate, almost spider-web-like wings catch the Mediterranean breeze. In the past, they were used to grinding grain. Today they are not only a symbol of Greek architecture, but also a postcard image that perfectly captures the magic of the Aegean.

🌷 Dutch classics in Kinderdijk
The windmill landscape of Kinderdijk awaits you in the Netherlands. A total of 19 (!) historic mills are lined up along the canals and bear witness to the centuries-old Dutch art of water control. These mills are more than just photo opportunities - they are living history, showing classic Holland at its best.

Santorini or Kinderdijk - Greek romance or Dutch tradition? Tell us which windmills you would like to experience up close on your next boat bike tour! 👇🧐

04/11/2024

The vast sky over the radiant yellow cornfields, the deep blue of the Baltic Sea, the gentle sound of the waves, and the maritime architecture of Scandinavia: On this journey around the Öresund, you will explore the impressive landscapes of Denmark and Sweden. Cycle along the coastal paths, set sail along the way, and experience the freedom and lightness that this type of travel offers.
The fresh air, open landscapes, and the friendly calmness of the people in Scandinavia make this journey an experience that will stay with you forever. Start your adventure and let yourself be inspired by the rhythm of nature and the culture of the North!

02/11/2024

Why are Greek island homes painted in blue and white?
The story goes back to a mix of practicality, culture, and a bit of patriotism! In the Cyclades, islanders originally painted their stone homes white to keep interiors cool in the summer heat. Blue, often leftover from boat paint, became a popular (and affordable!) accent color for doors and shutters. In 1938, homes were ordered to be whitewashed with disinfectant to combat cholera. Later, the iconic colors were required to inspire national pride during the 1960s.
Today, the blue and white hues are a symbol of Greece’s unique charm, and the tradition continues - welcoming travelers to experience its beauty firsthand.
Join us on a tour to explore this enchanting island legacy!