The funniest was when Paul fell off and I never could keep a straight face around him again (Paul didn't get hurt except his pride btw). This bike and barge tour through Germany aboard the lovely Merlijn will begin in the lovely town of Mainz. "The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. The Barge Merlijn, the owners, Coen and Christina and their entire team were par excellence ! Audience Overlap Similar sites that share the same visitors and search keywords with this site. It was a charming barge with a very friendly and helpful staff. Pronounced “Mer-line," this deluxe vessel has 11 luxurious cabins (in 2021, there will be an additional cabin) with two comfortable airbeds that can be pushed together or separated, a desk, a wardrobe closet, a hairdryer, and a safe. We loved the first one (Danube, Passau to Vienna) and it just gets better! They preferred the tips for the crew to be paid in cash (Euros). Most Memorable Part: Cycling the Dutch countryside. Feb 11, 2012 - The Merlijn. One of my favorite parts of the trip was jumping off the boat into the canal. The Merlijn was a first class barge run by a first class staff! What is included: 7 nights abound the Merlijn. Merlijn Tulip Tour - Bruges to Amsterdam - 8 dayNetherlands, Belgium. Exceeded my expectations. The hosts and tour guides were wonderful. The E-bikes are a whole lot of FUN. This was my second trip on the Merlijn. Biking along fields filled with tulips and a stop at the Keukenhof Gardens would certainly rate as one of the highlights of the trip. There we will stay two nights before departing on the Bike and Barge boat, the Merlijn. Comfort and Comfort Plus barge cabins are arranged with two twin beds each. Everything was perfect from the accommodations to the food to the bike ride itself. A wonderful way to experience the Netherlands. Easy–Moderate Bike + Boat Tour in Germany, This bike and boat tour in Germany aboard the Merlijn needs no introduction. The chef not only provides you with breakfast but will also prepare a packed lunch for you if you wish to go cycling or canoeing. Leaving the barge was bittersweet. Most of all though it was the crew on the Merlijn that made it so fun for all of us. The cabins were superb. The premium ship Magnifique II was constructed in 2015/2016. We will also inform you about the tour, the ship and offer you a safety briefing. I will sign up for another trip with them. We biked through vineyards, sunflower fields and picturesque, quaint towns. Would definitely do another bike and barge again. The guests, even though all so different , became friends. However, this is the least favorite of my Tripsite tours I didn't find the stops very interesting and when we did have an interesting place to visit, our time was very limited. Overall great trip and have already recommended it to many people. It was the end of a long, fun day of bike riding. Easy Bike + Boat Tour in Netherlands, Belgium, We have been told several times, and our captains and operators agree, the usual 8 days allotted for a bike and boat tour from Amsterdam to Bruges or Bruges to Amsterdam, is simply not enough. Dates & length Places Filters. Bike, Barge and Cruise through the ‘Weser-hills’ landscape, where tourists are hard to find. merlijn. 75.62%. I loved the Kuekenhof gardens, I did not do the bike part as I was not able to but enjoyed my time on the barge and the food and service was great. This is the Barge part of our trip. The Merlijn accepts Visa and MasterCard for payment. Relaxing cycling through vineyards, watching the grapes being harvested and visiting the villages and castles aling the way. Known for Gemütlichkeit (hospitality) and passion for life, Bavaria is also a stunningly beautiful region of Germany, rich in history, tradition, and culture. We want to thank you all for supporting us during these difficult times, you can’t imagine how much it’s helping us ! We were a family of 6 adults (aged 22-62) who did our first bike/barge trip and we are so fortunate that we booked the Merlijn and did the Amsterdam trip. I could eat that with a spoon! Europe (21) Western Europe (20) Top Countries. We are planning to sail the Blue Danube in 2022! After a long time thinking, planning and designing we proudly present our new upper-deck interior! You bike…, This cycling tour in Germany takes you through the ‘Weser-hills’ landscape and along the midland canal. 21 Bike and Barge trips through Europe with 5 reviews View Map. My favorite part was relaxing on the boat and the delicious meals prepared by our hosts, and visiting all the Christmas markets in the cities along the way. Great fun, clean, wonderful food and amazing friendly, helpful, skilled Captain and Crew! The owners and staff were fabulous. If you are dependent on a constant, strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a personal hot spot. The Merlijn has e-bikes available to rent. The tours were well planned and excellent. We hope to see you soon in another bike tour. All amenities are easily accessible. Our boat, the Merlijn, and its crew were fabulous! Our guide Cornel was great with fun stories and historic information provided throughout our trip. Individual bookings directly through our website, Charter the entire barge with your company, All rivers & lakes of Holland/Netherlands, including the IJssel, Meuse, IJssel Lake, inland lakes of. The crew of the Merlijn was first rate. †Important to note, due to steel construction of the ship, cruising locations, and other factors, Wifi signal speed, and strength may not be what you are accustomed to and may not meet your expectations. It is a great way to travel. Fine trip. The shared experience and fellowship created new friendships. The hike up the mountain to view the Saar Loop was awesome , a perfect picture postcard scene . Boat Bike Tours: Europe’s leading operator for boat and bike tours in The Netherlands and the rest of Europe Boat Bike Tours offers 8 day-tours by bike and barge. Broad, roomy squares, lovingly-restored half-timbered houses, and magnificent Baroque churches give … We…. I hope this footage helps you recall fond memories. European Travel Tours - Bike & Barge or Barge … The Merlijn & her staff are amazing. Coupled with beautiful early morning sunrises while on the Neckar River....mists rising off the water, castles nestled into the forested hillsides, this entire trip was a delight. Enjoy comfortable accommodations on the barge “Merlijn- the lady of magic.” Wine and other drinks can be purchased from the on-board bar, and enjoyed on the front deck and in the dining room. We’ve been through wonderful places and we could learn a bit from Netherlands and its charms. Welcome to Bavaria, biking, and beer! We just completed this tour and had a great time. The Merlijn sails on: All rivers & lakes of Holland/Netherlands, including the Bike, Barge & Cruise the Amazon of the North, Germany and Poland. The crew of the Merlijn were fantastic and very concerned with guests comfort. They can be covered at night for complete darkness. The food was exquisite, the most delectable vegetarian food we ate lovingly prepared by Christina. Were you able to stay on the barge during the day when others were biking? Everyone jumped off and everyone did fun tricks. In Belgium we sail the Schelde and several canals to Bruges & Brussels, from there to Maastricht. Dinner and overnight stay in Schweinfurt. Images: several organisations such as Visit Gent, Paris Tourist Office, Hanzesteden Marketing, Holland.com, and photographers such as Jan DHondt, Daniel Thierry, Marc Bertrand and Ellen Haars. The food was prepared by the wife of the captain and it was delicious. 1 in bike and barge cruises across Europe. You begin in Frankfurt…, Cycle along the Saar and Moselle rivers on this bike and barge tour in Germany through charming cities and villages. The menu continues to change and improve each week. We had a great time riding in central Germany. I always love the Merlijn and the new owners were great! I did think it was valuable though because we needed to know where to go to see the markets, etc. From 2023 on we add a little more and we also cross Slovakia to sail as far as Budapest in Hungary. So much to see and learn about. We would’ve turned right around & done it again if we could!!! Food was pretty basic and could be improved, but that was not a high priority to me. Christmas Tour was a wonderful experience. The Captain and crew were excellent. Merlijn Bruges to AmsterdamBelgium, Netherlands. Memories to last forever. Cabins have round portholes (don't open). merlijn bike and barge. In Germany we sail the Rhine, Moselle, Saar, Main, Main-Danube-canal, Danube, Neckar, Midlandcanal, Havel, Weser, Oder, Peene & more. Merlijn is a fully equipped small River-Cruise-Ship, capable of hosting 24 passengers. Rooms and beds very comfortable; staff couldn't have been friendlier or more accommodating; Captain Henk was a genius at docking and piloting the barge; our guide Lea, was professional, knowledgeable, and fun; Jantien, the jack of all trades, did everything from ministering to ill or injured to cooking gourmet meals. The only thing I wish was a bit better, was the food. It was something I hope I always remember. In Poland we sail the West-Odra and cross the Lake. Aboard the Merlin the magic of water Cederlaan 12, NL- 3319 EW … You meet great interesting people who share a love of an active holiday. These are high quality Gyro helmets, universal size. Captain Henk even put down a ladder to make climbing to the dock easier. Thank you for a wonderful and memorable trip! Best value for great experience. (Entrance included). We named it: ‘Bike & Culture”, a perfect combination between biking and culture !! Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? The Merlijn will be docked in Amsterdam within walking distance of the Central Train Station. Our tour guides consider this the most interesting & varied tour that Merlijn offers, expect the unexpected. The Merlijn prides itself on the top quality bikes offered. This trip checks off all the boxes, good food and drink, comfortable accommodation and arguably some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. Is it the luxurious cabins with most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Reply. France (9) Duration. *If you would like to bike the entire trip to Schweinfurt, it will be approximately 12 miles (20 … Expect magical! My father died unexpectedly and it reimbursed me to go home from the embarkment site before I even got on the barge. Although only your own helmet provides the best fit, bicycle helmets are available to borrow on board for the week. Bike / boat trips are such a great way of seeing a lot of the country without the hassle of having to change accommodation venue every night! Day 1 (Sat): Merzig - Schwemlingen. There is just something about the Merlijn, aka, The Magic of the Water. Absolutely we recommend Tripsite, and the Merlijn in particular! The biking through the forests and countryside of East Germany and Poland was magnificent … Every day our biking adventure was a delight. Our guide , Lia was fantastic, with great sense of Humour and was prompt in taking care of any bike related issues . Holland Family Barge & Bike "Excellent itinerary and very interesting. At night after all her chores were done she would sit down with us and join in with a glass of wine to talk about the days bike tour. The bike paths thru the Vineyards and the varied landscapes were perfect along the river Saar and Mosel. The people we met, the sights, the bike paths, the weather were all wonderful. I look forward to help you plan your next trip. Captain, mates and staff provided all the conveniences of home. The whole trip was great. Whether it was talking about a certain Benedictine Abbey, sampling barley at a brewery or adjusting a bike seat she was special. Be aware that road surfaces vary. Wonderful guide and the owners of the barge were a delight. Check in: 3:30 PM – 4 PM We will offer a welcome drink and introduce the crew. The scenery is…, This bike, barge, and cruise in Germany along the Main River and the Main-Danube channel features the region of Franconia, legendary for its cultural heritage. The spring time tours feature a visit to The Keukenhof, the worlds premier flower garden. There is a serene, calm beauty when one is slowly boating along the Neckar River in the early fall morning, with mist rising off the water and castles nestled among the trees which are beginning to turn colour. You will bike the…, Easy–Moderate Bike + Boat Tour in Germany, Poland, This bike and barge tour in Germany and Poland takes you back through history to the past of Eastern Europe. As is typical on a trip like this, all the travelers became friends and we became quite fond of each other in just four days. worth trying." "The Merlijn Rocks!" Thanks for leaving feedback about it! We are Coen & Cristina, here is a short introduction about us, the proud new owners of Merlijn. From there you'll cycle through Münster, Düsseldorf, and other famous German cities with rich historical legacies…, Merlijn Merlijn’s Magical Christmas Cruise in GermanyGermany. The bike tour was really indescribable. The flower exhibition in Keukenhof will…, Your bikes are put away for the winter and the holidays approach. My two favorite memories are very different. Absolutely we recommend Tripsite, and the Merlijn in particular! The other special memory was traveling over the bridge into Heidelberg with the castle on the hill to the left and the archway into the old city framing the the entrance to the city beyond. Our group was so compatible...It was like traveling with family. Our guide and crew were the best! We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Welcome to your small boat…, This bike and barge tour through Germany aboard the lovely Merlijn will begin in the lovely town of Mainz. Highly recommend it. This was our fifth bike and barge tour booked through Tripsite and we are looking forward to the next. 1 in bike and barge cruises across Europe. GoPro video from the handlebar of my tour bike. This is the Barge part of our trip. Experience our unique combination of cycling and cruising: you will explore a region and discover all there is … Jantien and Henk, our hosts on the Merlijn, were the daily highlight. Best part was picking grapes at the community Arbor along the route. Our boat the Merlijn is a beautifully renovated barge. A Taste of Burgundy Tour, Bike and Barge from Dijon France. Standard and Convenient barge cabins are arranged with two or more berths to a cabin- usually a bunk/rack type arrangement. I will do another trip next year but do suggest some changes to this itinerary. This was my third time on this particular barge the Merlijn. The first one was riding through the vineyards during harvest. The staff and bike guide definitely made the trip special as they went above and beyond to ensure we were satisfied. The canal was clear and perfect for jumping. I love everything about the experience and will for sure do it again. Broad, roomy squares…, Easy Bike + Boat Tour in Austria, Germany, Beginning in the German town of Passau, this bike and boat tour quickly crosses the Austrian border as it follows the Danube Bike Path east downstream through tucked-away villages and serene…, Cycle your way from Frankfurt, the most international city in Germany, to medieval Bamberg, once the city of enlightenment. This is a video produced for Orion Neighborhood Television of a Bike and Barge Tour of the Mosel River in Germany and France done by a group of 24 friends. Built in 1930 as a freighter and converted to a luxurious and authentic cruise ship in 2002. No Results. will definitely recommend this tour on the merlijn. Having a cold dark stout at a hillside restaurant with the whole biking crew while overlooking the Main River and vineyards on the hillside simply beautiful. Thank you for everything! Our trek from Mainz to Metz was gorgeous & fully exceeded our expectations. Texts and images: Boat Bike Tours Ltd. Merlijn. Our guide was very informative and had a great sense of humor. The Keukenhof features 32 acres of flowers with over 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. Cycle through the spring tulips of the Netherlands, the picturesque countrysides of France and Belgium or the Valley of the River Po in Italy on a guided European bike and barge tour. The Old Town, its inner city, is the pride and joy of the city scene. Our guide , Lia was fantastic, with great sense of Humour and was prompt in taking care of any bike related issues . https://www.tripsite.com/bike-boat/tours/berlin-to-malchin/ Feb 11, 2012 - The Merlijn. The Merlijn was an exceptional venue for seeing Germany and our hosts took great care of us. Jantien even went out of her way to get a birthday cake for our daughter-in-law. You board in Ludwigsburg, city of palaces, and…, The tulip has come to be a respected and treasured symbol in Holland and this seven-day bike and boat tour lets you experience them in all of their glory! 4Winds Specialty Tours is your key to an exciting and unique European bike and barge adventure. Thank you Coen, Cristina, Klara, Luliana, Lili and our tour guide Cornel. Thank you crew of Merlijn. Cycling in the warm spring weather seeing the fields of spring bulbs in bloom with windmills almost always in view. 40 were here. Bike and Barge Holidays in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany on the Merlijn, a deluxe barge! Obviously, I cannot say enough positive about this experience. Bike, walk & hike during the day then luxuriate on ship at night. The attitude, experience and knowledge of the captain and crew of the bike and barge definitely makes or breaks a vacation like this one, but the captain and crew of the Merlin were excellent! There is time to see the area and not have to worry about finding lodging. Recently, the chef has made an effort to use more local fresh ingredients and make more in-house! Thank you. Jantien, our boat den mother and chef always made you feel so welcome and cared for. The food was delicious. The entire trip was memorable , all 6 days of it , right from the moment we boarded till we disembarked everything was perfect, absolutely no complaints.The Barge Merlijn, the owners, Coen and Christina and their entire team were par excellence ! What can we say? After designing this trip we needed a new slogan because Bike & Barge didn’t cover the load! Best part: Biking through the Dutch countryside and being exposed to the Dutch people and their wonderful culture, history, and way of life. See our FAQ page. Each day was a new mini adventure. The proud owner, Walter van Berkum, is one of the most experienced ship builders and operators of the fleet: he converted several former cargo ships into beautiful passenger ships. Sailing schedule 2022 is online, book your spot now!! We had lots of rain, so we didn't see much of the beautiful scenery. Though the wall has been torn down for about 20 years, the remnants remain. The Old Town, its inner city, is the pride and joy of the city scene. See photo below. We were on the Merlijn from Merzig to Mainz; biking along the Mosell and Rhine Rivers. Our lunches were made and packed each day and boy, theses sandwiches and treats sure tasted great after putting some miles in. From Hassfurt, the Merlijn will cruise to Schweinfurt, a cozy little town full of museums, galleries, and artificial ‘Schweine’ (pigs). Start free trial for all Keywords. Try searching for a popular competing website, and look at their similar sites for opportunity ideas. The staff of the Merlijn couldn't have been nicer or more professional and the boat was very clean and comfortable. Our tour on the Merlijn was a wonderful trip, a great way to get in the Christmas spirit! The air beds were a treat. But then I consider myself a bit of a foody and so my expectations might be too high. We agree the tour is too long to fit into 8 days which is why so many Tulip Tours from Amsterdam to Bruges have been extended to 10 days or longer. We got great value for our travel dollar and created terrific memories that will bring lasting joy. I could write a book about all the scenarios where travel insurance could have helped customers. You can treat yourself to an aperitif or a drink in our bar. During a Bike & Barge Cruise on board the Merlijn, you can enjoy the service of a bartender every afternoon and evening, who can prepare a wide range of beautiful cocktails and drinks for you. The boat was beautiful with very comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms. This some of the most scenic countryside in all of Germany with quaint towns lining both sides of the river. What better way to enjoy an early cup of hot tea before having breakfast and heading out for a day's ride? Barge Anna Maria IV. Maybe plan to arrive earlier and have a few more hours before Captain's dinner? The tour in Dortmund wasn't overly exciting but perhaps there was just not that much to say about the area we were in. Cruise in style on a converted vintage barge. BUT, you are not ready to hibernate just yet! Bruges to Amsterdam; Destinations. You can enjoy fresh air, water, and nature in all weather on the sun deck. Tripsite did a great job of organizing this trip, from efficient email contacts, timely billing reminders, and tips for preparing for a unique trip such as a Bike and Barge in Amsterdam. Merlijn Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Bruges - 8 dayBelgium, Netherlands. The bikes were great 27 speed bikes with disc brakes, the guide showed us things you wouldn't find on your own, the barge was clean and comfortable. Our guide, Ilsa, is extremely knowledgeable and makes the rides fun and interesting. Henk & Jantien are so friendly and accommodating and their staff, Gisbert (sp) who led the daily bike tours & Jaqui & Clara who do a little of everything were all so kind and awesome with everything they did. By constructing the Magnifique II, Walter was the first one to introduce “upper deck suites” for smaller passenger barges. Since then she is without a doubt the most elegant lady on the European rivers. (15 minutes). You begin in Merzig, not far from the French border, and pedal through the…, This bike and boat tour highlighting the mighty Danube is quite different than your normal Danube bike tour. Henk, our captain, crew Klara and Ahmed always had a smile on their face , kept the boat spotless, ready with a glass of wine or beer after a day of biking and just nice people. The common areas were comfortable, flexible, and nicely decorated. Supply of bedding, towels, facial tissues, 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, and soap, Desk, a wardrobe closet, a hairdryer, and a safe in each cabin, Laundry service available for €6.50 per kilo, Payment on board: cash, debit cards, credit cards (no American Express), Smoking only allowed in a designated area, Unlimited coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water during the cruise, Very light aluminum frame (13 kilo’s only), Touring bikes - with helmets and very good gel seat covers available. Explore the 'Herrenhausen gardens' & Volkswagen-car-city. The scenery and experiences were so beautiful and to be one with your natural surroundings while on a bike was an added bonus! The Merlijn and it's crew are extraordinary! The rides along the Rhine and Neckar rivers were beautiful. Who wouldn’t like to take a Burgundy tour and taste this unique way of life in France?