"Just to let you know we had a wonderful time in Austria, the weather was great warm and sunny (32-34 degrees), which was a huge bonus. Hotel Walkner was just lovely, would certainly recommend it. The bikes were brand new, the only downside was the seats are a lot bigger than ours and our padded seat covers wouldn't fit! Looking forward to doing another cycling holiday sometime."
Anne Threfall - Star of Salzkammergut 2010

"Just a quick note , we just returned from a week on the Vita Pugna having had a great time , the boat and crew were superb - Sylvia the young Italian cook produced some wonderful dishes and the whole trip was extremely well led and organised ,despite some unforeseen changes to the itinerary.Venice was every bit as beautiful (and crowded ) as we expected and all in all we think that this was the best trip yet .Thanks for the extra night hotels , very comfortable and immaculate with an extremely good buffet breakfast in Mestre.We now are getting back in the swing ,but already thoughts are turning to next year ......we will be in touch! "
Mick Russ - Venetian Cruise and Cycle July 2010

"Just a quick note to say that we very much enjoyed the holiday. All the hotel arrangements worked really well with the luggage arrangements being particularly impressive. It was cooler than we expected and we had a head wind all the way! Our favourite hotel was in Traismauer and the one in Melk was our least favourite. We didn't use the train to Tulln as by then we were pretty confident we could ride it. Despite our trepidation, the route to the hotel in Vienna was a very easy ride along cycle tracks. We had feared we might need to use busy roads but not so. The bikes were OK though mine definitely needed some lubrication. I guess it was the end of the season and they had been well used. When we got the bikes we realised that 'a pannier' is actually a pair so we had plenty of carrying capacity. We used the local bus in Passau to get to and from the Jesuitenschlössl, Passau though it wasn't a long walk. If anyone asks, the buses go about every half hour during the day and it costs about 1.5 Euro - less if you get a strip card. The tourist information place opposite the station gives details of the buses. "
Pam Hamer - Passau to Vienna 2010

"Overall it was one of the most memorable parts of our nine-week tour of Europe. Walking the country paths and roads through farms was very peaceful. The weather was very warm and all the farmers were out making hay, which was interesting to see all the old and new methods in use. The outdoor Freilicht museum near Salzburg is not to be missed. It has lots of historic Tyrolean houses and farm buildings set in natural surroundings. The section between Unken and Waidring is indeed the most scenic part as the book says, walking between snow capped mountains."
Mrs Meehan - Salzburg's St Jacob's Way, 2010

"Last week (starting May 7th) I was a guest on the Northern Holland River Cruise aboard the Angela Esmee. It exceeded all my expectations and I loved every minute of it. The staff on board were so friendly, helpful and welcoming, giving the boat a lovely atmosphere. It was superbly organised and Marcel (the group leader) did a magnificent job in ensuring we all got the most out of the holiday. The catering, waiting and cleaning staff also need a mention, especially the chef, Rado, who prepared the most delicious meals every night. The deck hands and captain went out of their way to make the whole experience stress free and enjoyable. Travelling alone, it made so much difference to know that if I had a problem there would be someone who would willingly and cheerfully take the time to help me out. I would definitely use Freedom Treks again if I ever go on a similar holiday. Thank you very much "
Sue Francis – Northern Holland May 2011

"Just to let you know we had a great holiday in Holland. The tour was all we imagined, with loads of beautiful flowers. The boat crew were great and the food worthy of 5 star rating. And our guide was outstanding. He effortlessly steered us round the route with anecdotes of knowledge and humour. Mind you we all needed it, as the temperature went up to 29C!! A bit warm for such a lot of exercise. But lovely to be in all that sun and fresh air. We have decided to re-do the Tulip tour again and hopefully with the same guide. And of course, we have plans to do more of the cycle and barge holidays in different countries. So here''s to a long and happy association. "
Patricia Jooste – Tulip Tour 2011

"We're safely home from our Danube bike trip and I just wanted to say thank you for you assistance in making it happen. We had a great time: - the bikes were fine and included handle bar bags. We noticed that another group of people on the second half of our tour did not have handlebar bags so perhaps they have to be requested. The luggage was waiting for us at every hotel even when we arrived early. The hotels were excellent and, especially in small towns, the hosts were very friendly and welcoming. One of our hosts actually drove us into town to find a restaurant for dinner. The distances were a little further than we're used to going but with the hotels already booked this was not a problem, Even the weather cooperated. For the most part it was sunny and cool, ideal biking weather. We had good rain gear with us so on the two occasions it rained we were prepared. A family of 5 Swiss people were on the same tour as us from Ulm to Regensburg and it was fun to get to know them. We all had dinner together on the last night in Regensburg. Thanks again. We hope to go on further tours through Freedom Treks and I would definitely recommend you to our friends."
Alison Barbour - Danube Donauschingen to Passau April 2011

"Stephen Just a quick note to say thank you for sorting out our holiday at such short notice. We had a really wonderful time, plenty of beautiful scenary and some great accomodation. The route instructions were spot on and it was really helpful that all the train tickets etc. had been booked and were avialable for us in the first hotel. I'm really impressed wth the service you provided and will be looking into booking next years holiday with you. "
Julie Birchall - Salzburg to Vienna, June 2011

"The first thing to say is that it was a fabulous holiday - full of new experiences, and great company. One major point to note is that unlike the 3 other on-board weeks we have been on, it was a real sailing lugger. It was as much a sailing experience as a cycling one. Annika, who captains the ship when Klaas is not there, guided us in hauling the right ropes etc to raise the sails at the right times, and once we had caught the wind, the engine was turned off. This gave the holiday an extra sense of adventure - especially the final leg from Marstal to Kiel when we were going at about 8 knots with a force 6-7 wind. As a consequence of being on a sailing boat that was dependent on the winds and the weather, we were not able to stick very closely to the advertised programme. We went clockwise, and missed out a couple of sections. This was not a problem since we had a briefing / discussion each evening or in the morning when the Capt would explain what was possible in terms of where we could reach, and then the 2 guides (who were both very good/friendly/professional) would sort out an appropriate cycle ride for us - including maps. There were 3 crew - the Capt., Annika his number 2, and Mariella his daughter who managed the kitchen. All were excellent and helped to make it a really good week. At the beginning of the week we all agreed to pay 50€ for drinks for the week - hot and cold, alcoholic and non. It was a system that worked well. All cabins had ensuites; and bunk beds - all quite small, but only what we expected. All the bikes were brand new, with 21 gears that worked well. We were each given a waterproof carrier bag to fix onto the back of your bike. It is worth warning people about the sailing aspect, since some people may find choppy seas cause sea-sickness. So come prepared with sea-sickness pills and they will enjoy it as much as we did. We would definitely consider going on the Flying Dutchman again."
Peter Bussy - The Southern Danish Isles

"Amazing holiday. Very easy booking process with personal service and regular contact. Stunning scenery, great cycling, fantastic and plentiful food, friendly crew and guides. Would very happily have stayed another week!"
Louise and Jamie Cassidy - South Dalmatia Cruise and Cycle June 2011

"Just wanted to let you know that the holidayin Croatia was fantastic, the cycling was awesome and I would certainly recommend it to my friends. Thanks again for your efficiency."
Melanie Jones - South Dalmatia Cruise and Cycle, October 2011