Originally Posted by
tourbiker
One of the advantages of these Bike & Barge tours is that they’re ideal for couples with different cycling abilities. One can stay on the barge (while it cruises slowly through the canals) for one or more days to avoid the longer, hillier or wet days while the other rides with the group zig-zagging through the countryside and quaint villages.
Do look VERY carefully at the actual guidelines and itineraries of the tour you pick on these. Some were OK, but when the fiancee and I wanted to cycle Netherlands, we ultimately decided to do it ourselves. Many were designed for people not used to cycling, where daily mileages varied from 18-30 miles. Some I looked at were clear that staying on the barge was NOT allowed. Then again, some led multiple tours per day based on how much you wanted to ride, with guests breaking up into groups based on abilities and looked quite decent.
That said, if you are looking at the Netherlands or Belgium, you can do it far cheaper on your own. They do make it incredibly simple over there, and Brussels to Amsterdam is a perfect week trip.