FAQ
Travel Tips
No, the travel ban has been lifted and no documentation is needed other than a passport.
No. I do my own research on flights, lodging and ground transportation.
For airfare try Google Flights. You can track airfares for your itinerary.
For ground transportation (i.e. train, metro, ferries, car, etc) try: Rome2rio
- Rome2rio.com
- Google Maps
- https://www.ns.nl/en
- https://italiatren.com/en
- https://www.italiarail.com/
If you use your phone as is, you'll likely incur the added expense of international calling rates.
In the Netherlands, you can get a Dutch SIM card at the airport or at a local phone store in Amsterdam to use the local network there.
In Italy, SIM cards are not sold at the Genoa airport. They can be purchased at cell phone stores (i.e. TIM) in the bigger towns (i.e. Genoa, Acqui Terme, Alba, etc.).
https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/phones-tech/cell-phone-europe
Free messaging apps include: WhatsApp and FB Messenger. As a group we typically use WhatsApp to communicate amongst the group and guide.
Check w/ your carrier regarding adding international calling during your vacation. Verizon for example has a plan for $10/day. (i.e. if you make 1 call or 5 calls on a Monday, it’s $10 for that day). https://www.verizon.com/solutions-and-services/international-travel/
Yes, however, you will want to inform your bank and/or credit card company that you will be traveling abroad during our dates and making purchases. If you don’t, there’s the possibility that your bank or credit card company may lock down your account thinking that there are fraudulent charges on your account. (This happened to one of our group members on a previous trip; a temporary hold was placed on their account until their bank was notified). It is possible to make cash advances at Bank ATM’s for a small fee. Avoid private ATM’s as they charge a higher fee.
No, but if you’d like to have some euros in your pocket when you arrive you can exchange money here via your bank or do it upon arrival at the airport or via a local bank or ATM. If you exchange dollars for euros through your bank, there may be a day or two turnaround time. It is always helpful to have some cash / euros on you for tips, small vendors and street markets.
Yes! While it's not essential it comes in handy for short connections. The Global Entry is an optional US Customs express lane when returning to the US. If you know that you are going to be traveling more than once outside the country this is probably worth looking at. As a bonus, when approved for Global Entry, you are automatically qualified for TSA PreCheck (fast pass for domestic flights).
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry/how-apply
Yes. Try Travelex or Seven Corners
https://www.travelexinsurance.com/
https://www.sevencorners.com/
Cancellation fees:
After reservation until 42 days before day of departure: 15% of travel sum including bike rental
41 to 29 days before the day of departure: 35% of travel sum including bike rental
28 to 22 days before day of departure: 40% including bike rental
21 to 15 days before day of departure: 50% including bike rental
14 to 6 days before day of departure: 75% including bike rental
5 days to 1 day before day of departure: 90% including bike rental
On day of departure and no show: 100% including bike rental
Quick Facts regarding passport validity -
- A passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
- Blank passport pages: Two pages required for entry stamp
- Tourist visa required? No, not for stays under 90 days
Yes. If you're planning on renting one in the Netherlands or going to ride with us in Italy, it is highly recommended to try one out here prior to the trip. You don't need to run out and buy one. You can go to your local bike shop and take one for a test ride or go on one of the local tour company rides. They are "the equalizer" and enable our group to stay together (in Italy). While the Netherlands is flat, half of our guests on our last trip rented one. E-bikes are heavier than non-E-bikes and the gearing is a little different given that you can regulate how much assist you want (i.e. Eco, Tour, Sport, Turbo).
Yes. We can accept a personal check made out to Charlie Talley. Multiple payments are fine. We can also accept funds via Venmo @Charlie-Talley-2
North Holland
Schiphol is the name of the Amsterdam Airport, code AMS
We typically carry light weight rain gear with a hood (bring your own). It is rare that we would get “rained out” so to speak but if that were to happen, guests could go on a city tour set up by our guide or remain on the barge.
Our barge is the Zwaan. Her dimensions are: 112 ft. x 20 ft. The Zwaan is known for great meals and the friendly atmosphere. The crew consists of the captain, chef and hostess. Weather permitting, dinners can be served on the sundeck. The Zwaan is equipped with air-conditioning in all cabins. There are 7 cabins with twin beds and porthole. Each cabin has it's own private bathroom (sink, toilet, shower, hairdryer & porthole).
Breakfast at 8:00, pack lunches, meet up on deck at 9:00 ready to ride. Mid morning break. Stop for lunch. May do a short walk in a historic area. Afternoon ride. Guide explains points of interest. Afternoon pit stop maybe for coffee or apple tart, etc. back at barge between 4 and 5:00. Dinner at 6:00. Evening walk around town, possible night cap.
Yes, there is limited WIFI. The electrical system consists of 220 volts. Yes, you’ll need an adapter, we use 110 volt in the US for your cell phone, etc..
- Rijksmuseum https://www.rmo.nl/
- Van Gogh Museum https://www.vangoghmuseum.nl/
- Amsterbike www.amsterbike.eu
- Mike’s Bike Tours Amsterdam https://www.mikesbiketoursamsterdam.com/bike-tours/meeting-point
- Anne Frank House https://www.annefrank.org/en/ Need to get tickets up to a month in advance online, do not wait until the day you go.
- Boat tours on the canals
- Vondelpark
Our barge is docked by the NEMO Science Museum and within walking distance of the Amsterdam Centraal train station. You are expected to arrive on our barge on Saturday at the latest by 4pm. Boarding time is between 3pm and 4pm. You can recognize the barge by the banner “Cycletours”. After arrival there's coffee and tea on board. Other drinks are also available on cash payment. If you want you can bring your luggage in advance, from 12 noon onwards. The mooring place of our barge, Zwaan, in Amsterdam is Oosterdok Zip-code 1011 VX (Oosterdok 2).
See Google maps link below:
On foot: At Centraal Station take exit “centrum”, and then turn left, walk straight on 1,2 km/0.75 miles. Cross the bridge (only for cyclists and pedestrians) and then turn right. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Train: There is a direct train that leaves 6 times per hour from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station. It takes about 17 - 30 minutes depending on which train you get on. The price for a train ticket Schiphol-Amsterdam is around € 5,- per person for a single journey. www.nshispeed.nl/en
Taxi A taxi from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport to the barge in Amsterdam takes about 30 minutes. It costs about € 45. In case you want to reserve a taxi you can contact Taxi2Airport. A taxi from the Central Train Station in Amsterdam to the barge takes about 5 minutes: Costs about € 15
Hotels in Amsterdam via Google Maps
https://www.google.com/maps/search/Amsterdam+hotels/@52.3630219,4.830401,13z/data=!3m1!4b1
Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/
Holland.com https://www.holland.com/global/tourism.htm
Hostels: Some hostels have private rooms.
https://www.aohostels.com/de/amsterdam/amsterdam-zuidoost/
https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/plan-your-trip/where-to-stay/youth-hostels
2022 Amsterdam Hotel Guest Reviews:
We stayed at the Movenpick which was quite nice and very convenient. It was right out on the water just across the bridge from the Nemo - maybe a 10-minute walk to the boat, and 20 or so from the Centraal Station. We arrived mid-morning, well before check-in time and they had a luggage drop so we didn't have to haul our shit around all afternoon. I can't recall what site I got the room from, but I think it was around $180 US. CR
Movenpick https://www.movenpick.com/en/europe/netherlands/amsterdam/hotel-amsterdam.htm
We stayed at the art’otel Amsterdam. It was conveniently located across from the Central Amsterdam train station for easy transfers from and to the airport and the barge departure area. Also located in an area that was easy to walk or take the tram to all areas of interest! Would absolutely stay there again!! WW
Art’hotel https://artotelamsterdam.com/
The night before the trip we stayed at the Rho hotel. It was fine and in a good location. We loved it but further from the boat. KS
Rho Hotel https://www.rhohotel.com/
This is where we stayed after the trip. Tiny room but in an awesome location. KS
XO Hotel https://xohotels.com/
We stayed at the Moxy. It was fine, but the location wasn’t as convenient as many others—we chose it as we have Marriott points, so it was free. Here’s their info SH: Amsterdam Design Hotel | Moxy Amsterdam Houthavens (marriott.com)
The Moxy
I stayed at the Radisson Blu in Amsterdam City Centre. It was an easy walk to the boat, rail station, and the “Red Light District”. I would recommend it for overnight accommodations! JM
Radisson Blu Amsterdam
We stayed here a 20 min walk to our barge. Can you say Uber? JC
Hotel Oscar https://www.hoteloscar.nl/
No. Each bike has a built-in lock which flips through the rear wheel. You do not need to bring a big heavy lock. It’s optional, but you may bring a lightweight lock to run through the frame to a fixed object. (We’ve never had a bike stolen.) As a deterrent, the bikes are equipped with bright yellow water resistant saddle bag with our tour operator’s name on the side. Helmets and water bottles are included.
Yes, If you're wanting to take a day off you are welcome to stay on the barge to the next night's dock site.
The meals are great! Breakfast will have a variety of hot and cold items (i.e. eggs, sliced meat, cheese, granola, yogurt, toast, etc.). We pack our own lunches. After breakfast, lunch items are put out (bread, sliced, meat & cheese, fruit, granola bars, juice boxes, etc.). Dinners are typically 3 course meals. Beer, wine and soft drinks are available.
Menu Example
Saturday
Creamy Zaanse mustard soup with bacon
Chicken thighs braised in red wine with pearl onions, celeriac, young leek served with garlic potatoes and green salad
Panna cotta with vanilla and strawberry compote
Sunday
Arugula salad with croutons, walnuts, roquefort and dried fig compote
Cod fillet fried on the skin with green asparagus and grilled tomatoes and saffron potatoes
Warm pear tart with vanilla ice cream
Monday
Dutch tomato salad marinated with sherry vinegar and olive oil, buffalo mozzarella & basil Baguette with homemade tapenade
Homemade lasagna with stewed minced beef, celeriac and carrot, au gratin with béchamel sauce and old grated cheese
Dark chocolate tiramisu & mascarpone cream
Tuesday
French onion soup with cheese crouton
Braised beef with bay leaf, bacon, mushrooms and carrot with creamy mashed potatoes and green beans with bacon and garlic
Apple-rhubarb crumble with vanilla ice cream
Wednesday
Salad with apple and pecan nuts & goat cheese with old balsamic vinegar dressingSalmon fillet fried on the skin with fresh pasta with arugula pesto and roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant and bell pepper
Hot chocolate cakes with creme anglaise
Thursday
Creamy roasted carrot & pumpkin soup with ras el hanout & coconut crème fraiche
Braised lamb with red curry, tomatoes and lentils served with wild rice and pappadums
Salad with mango wild spinach, cauliflower & red onion
Dutch cheesecake with summer berries or Carrot cake with lime frosting
Friday
Mousse of baked sweet potato and goat cheese with pickled tomatoes and smoked turkey
Confit of duck with potato croquettes baked chicory with orange and watercress salad
Dutch cheese platter with a glass of port
Soft chocolate cake with salted caramel / walnut ice cream
Yes. In case of vegan meals, gluten free or lactose diet, there is an additional charge. This charge is $75, per diet (2 diets for $100).
Barolo
Genoa is the closest airport to our inn located in Levice (about a 45 min. drive to Barolo). The airport code is GOA. The airport name in Italian is Aeroporto di Genova also referred to as Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport.
Cengio is the closest train station to our Inn, Barbaia in Levice. I'll meet you at the train station and shuttle you to our inn (a 30 min. drive).
At the Genoa airport (GOA) there is a shuttle bus that leaves every 15 minutes from the front of the terminal to the Sestri Ponente train station. The bus stop for the train station is on the opposite side of the tracks from the station and is accessible by a pedestrian bridge (accessed by stairs and elevator).
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Genova+City+Airport,+Via+Pionieri+e+Aviatori+d'Italia,+Genoa,+Metropolitan+City+of+Genoa,+Italy/Cibrario+2%2F/@44.4181212,8.8470393,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x12d34098cb78e025:0x831fb5cb5f619b49!2m2!1d8.8505392!2d44.4151229!1m5!1m1!1s0x12d340bb211d54ed:0x32173946b4083103!2m2!1d8.848461!2d44.420826!3e3
Trains run every hour. It is not necessary to buy your ticket a head of time. In the event you purchase a train ticket ahead of time online, it covers the bus shuttle.
https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Genoa-Airport-GOA/Acqui-Terme#r/Train
Plan to arrive in the afternoon in Cengio. Let me know what works best for you. Arrival times in Cengio include: 1:09/13:09, 2:00/14:00, 3:09/15:09, 4:00/16:00, 5:16/17:16
Like our Piedmont, in Italy, this refers to the foothills of the mountains (alps). The area is made up of rolling hills covered with vineyards, hazelnut groves, wheat fields, forests, creeks and rivers. This is a great area for cycling on quiet county roads. The wine from the Barolo area has the reputation of being: The Wine of Kings and/or The King of Wines! This region lays claim to the "Slow Food Movement". After a few homecooked meals you'll understand and may have a new appreciation for Piemontese Cuisine aka Piedmontese.
Barolo is the epicenter for 11 wine communes in the region. There are numerous family owned wineries. There is the Barolo Wine Museum and Cork Screw Museum as well as several tasting rooms.
Let's just say that you'll be glad that you are on an E-bike. Lots of rolling hills with medium climbs and descents. What goes up . . .
Our Bed & Breakfast aka Inn aka Agriturismo, is called Barbaia. It's a 17th century farm house with WIFI and very nice indoor plumbing!
Check it out: https://barbaia.it
Acqui Terme
Genoa is the closest. The airport code is GOA. The airport name in Italian is Aeroporto di Genova also referred to as Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport.
There is a shuttle bus that leaves every 15 minutes from the front of the terminal to the Sestri Ponente train station. The shuttle bus stops for the train station on the opposite side of the tracks from the station. The station is accessible by a pedestrian bridge (accessed by stairs and elevator).
https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Genova+City+Airport,+Via+Pionieri+e+Aviatori+d'Italia,+Genoa,+Metropolitan+City+of+Genoa,+Italy/Cibrario+2%2F/@44.4181212,8.8470393,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x12d34098cb78e025:0x831fb5cb5f619b49!2m2!1d8.8505392!2d44.4151229!1m5!1m1!1s0x12d340bb211d54ed:0x32173946b4083103!2m2!1d8.848461!2d44.420826!3e3
https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Genoa-Airport-GOA/Acqui-Terme#r/Train
Trains run every hour. It is not necessary to buy your ticket a head of time. In the event you purchase a train ticket ahead of time online, it covers the bus shuttle.
As the name implies, since Roman times, it has been well known for its thermal springs and and spas. Wines from this area include: Dolcetto d'Acqui" (pic n°6) and "Dolcetto d'Acqui Superiore" (pic n°4). Brachetto is the sole grape variety permitted for the semi-sparkling (frizzante) or spumante red wine, a rare passito, and for Acqui DOCG Rosé.
We are staying in a recently renovated 19th century farm house called Casina Marcantonio. Check it out: https://cascinamarcantonio.it/