bike tour in holland

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• Center Based
• Challenging tours
• Bike & Boat
• Linear cycle route
• Why Holland?
• Rental bikes
• Information
• Company history

Easy cycling trip on relatively flat terrain, some stages will have a more winding character but still suitable for people with little or no cycling experience. Daily cycling distances span roughly 30-70 km.

• Pearls of Holland

Bike Tour: Pearls of Holland - 7 days

Pearls of holland bike tour.

• Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft and Gouda:our all-time favourite cities
• Typical Old Holland character - This is an ultimate cultural bike holiday
• Discover how rural and quiet the countryside can be
• Polders, windmills, lakes and rivers take the spotlights
• This route stands for 7 days enjoying cultural gems and idyllic countryside

• Accommodation
• Practical info
• Arrival info

Get here early and opt to wander around the gorgeous and surprisingly peaceful seventeenth century canal ring area (World Heritage Site).  If you like bustle, make your way to the city’s famous squares: Dam, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Should you prefer to roam off the beaten track, saunter up Brouwersgracht or hire a canal bike and find out what the city looks like from the water. 

Spend the morning visiting your favourite Amsterdam museum, or sitting in the sun on Rembrandtplein watching the world go by, or go for a walk along the canals. The possibilities are endless. As you leave the capital in the early afternoon, the urban buzz will soon make way for the peace and quiet of the countryside. This region is called Zuid-Kennemerland. In the low-lying peat landscape clouds are reflected in the water and reed sways in the wind.

The steam mill Cruquius, just before you cycle into Haarlem, is itself a National Monument for the steam history of the engine within, and it has also been declared an Anchor Point of ERIH, The European Route of Industrial Heritage. It is thought to be the largest steam engine – and certainly the largest beam engine – ever built. The reclamation of Haarlemmermeer by means of steam power marked the breakthrough of the Industrial Revolution in the Netherlands.

Top off your day roaming lovely downtown Haarlem, from impressive Grote Markt square, to the white drawbridge on the River Spaarne. Idyllic courtyards, known as ‘hofjes’, will set your heart a-flutter. Haarlem is home to the oldest hofje dating from 1395.

It can happen that we will book a hotel in Santpoort instead of Haarlem, due to availability.  The hotel is located in a manor house with a beautiful park, surrounded by nature, about 7 km outside Haarlem.  Please check the extra price of Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg Hotel in Santpoort in the price overview below. The price includes dinner for this night. 

Haarlem, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, deserves to be explored extensively before your bicycle tour today. In the monumental city center, with many sights, you can stroll around for hours without getting bored for a moment.

Famous photo spot is the small white drawbridge over the Spaarne with the two gabled houses in the background. On the market you will find the Grote Kerk with the organ that Mozart played on when he visited Haarlem. Fancy a morning of soaking up art? Then visit the Frans Hals museum with unique art from the Golden Age, including works by Haarlem painters Frans Hals, Jacob van Ruisdael and Pieter Saenredam.

After Haarlem, get ready for a bike ride through the famous Dutch Bulb Region, the area where much of Holland's flower bulb cultivation takes place. Cycle through the dunes past well-known seaside resorts such as Noordwijk and Zandvoort. Noordwijk is a seaside resort of international stature with a 13 km long sandy beach. Surrounded by beautiful forest areas, rugged dunes and the flower bulb region near De Keukenhof, Noordwijk is is also referred to as the flower resort of Europe. Formula 1 fans know the CM.com Circuit Zandvoort, which is known as a real ""Old School"" circuit, with fast, undulating and challenging corners formed by the natural dunes. With a track length of 4.3 kilometers, it is one of the shorter circuits on the F1 calendar. Almost nowhere else do drivers race past race fans so often!

In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Leiden, another beautiful historic city rich in attractions. The city has much to offer. Beautiful are the seventeenth-century houses and characteristic canals. Also worth a visit are the oldest university in the Netherlands, the historic botanical garden and the Gothic St. Pieterskerk.

After taking your leave of lively Leiden, peace and quiet will reign once more in today’s typically Dutch scenery. Note all the orderly rectangles in this man-made polder landscape (mostly peatland reclamations). Let shining lakes and green pastures, old windmills and farmhouses pass you by whilst pedalling on to the famous city of Delft. The melancholy charm of historical Delft is breathtaking. Most will associate Delft with its blue and white hand-painted pottery: Delftware. But did you know that painter Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) lived in Delft all his life? The Vermeer Centre gives illuminating insights into his life, works and city (no original paintings on show here).

This stretch of the tour takes you through the Green Heart: a stronghold against urban sprawl in Randstad conurbation. Balancing atop polder dikes, delight in characteristic villages, far horizons and pleasingly strict rectangles cut by ditches in fields of vibrant green. As you wander around the city of Gouda at the end of the day, don’t miss the gothic town hall (1450); the Weighing House (1667); the romantic inner city canals and the stained glass windows in St. John’s Church. Gouda is also famous for making syrup waffles (try one hot!) and candles. If you’re travelling in Summer, plan your trip so that you can witness the traditional Thursday morning cheese market at the start of Day 6 (early April till last Thursday in August).

Gouda - Leiden

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, get back on your bike and set off on the longest leg of this bike tour! Bird lovers bring your binoculars! Once again, switch on your five senses to fully enjoy the characteristic countryside of the Green Heart. Drift past meadows, lakes and small villages. Can you hear the wind in the rushes? Did you see the clouds reflected in the lake? Are you feeling peckish? In that case, do stop to sample Dutch style apple tart with your coffee! Thus fortified, continue on your way back to Amsterdam pursuing beautiful River Amstel.

Should the prospect of 68 km be rather daunting, then you can book the 8-day relaxed version of this tour. Then you sleep an extra night in Woerden between Gouda and Amsterdam (making two legs: 38 km and 49 km). Click here for the 8-day tour. 

Your cycling holiday has come to an end. Enjoy a big hearty breakfast one last time – don’t forget to try chocolate sprinkles! – and then it’s time to go home

Starting dates: Daily from April 1 till September 24

Please note: a minimum stay of 2 nights in a row is required in the hotel in Amsterdam on the following dates (and a higher price will be charged): March 29th, 30th and 31st 2024 April 20th 2024 April 26th and 27th 2024 May 9, 10th and 11th 2024 May 17th, 18th and 19th 2024

Starting Point: Amsterdam

The hotels and the B&B on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. A list of the accomodation we work with appears below. If a certain accomodation is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will try to request a comparable alternative if possible. 

When selecting the accomodation, we try to take into account as much as possible a safe and closed bicycle shed. However, we cannot do this with all of them guarantee and this partly depends on the number of bicycles of other guests.

https://westcordhotels.nl/hotel/art-hotel-amsterdam-3-stars/

https://www.hotelliondor.nl/

www.goldengreenhotels.nl/golden-tulip-en-tulip-inn-leiden/

https://hoteldelftcentre.nl

www.bestwesterngouda.nl

If you don’t bring your own bike, you can rent one from us. Our touring bikes are 24-speed gear. You can find all the information regarding our rental bikes below.

You will find your rental bike waiting for you at your first hotel. The hotel reception staff will give you the keys for your bikes and direct you to the bicycle shed. All bikes are provided with chain locks. 

Why the Dutch don't wear helmets!  

Instruction video hybrid bike and e-bike

Hybrid bike

Our hybrid bikes have 24-gears with hand brakes.  The hybrid bikes are circa 16,5 KG.

The e-bikes have a small electric engine and battery, which can be charged at the hotels. You still have to pedal: it just makes pedaling much easier. Some experience with e-bikes is recommended, as the bikes accelerate faster and are heavier than regular bikes because of the electric engine. The weight of the e-bike is ca. 25 KG. We recommend a minimum height of 160 cm for the e-bike.

Child bikes

For children who are at least 120 cm, we can also arrange bikes (these are 24”or 26” for children that are bigger than 140 cm).  The child bikes come with at least 7-gears and hand brakes.  The maximum body height for a child’s bike is 155 cm. 

24" child bike:

Accessories

All our rental bikes come with a bell.

All our adult bikes come with hand brakes. 

For children up to 30 months old (max. 15 KG) it is possible to rent a front child seat. This is not possible with e-bikes, due to the display.

For children older than 30 months (max. 22KG) it is possible to rent a rear child seat. This is also possible with e-bikes.

Both front- and rear child seats are €5,- per day.  

Helmets are not mandatory in the Netherlands, but can be rented for €10,- per piece. Available sizes: Adult: 54-61 cm, Child: 50-55 cm (only available for children over 5 years). 

All our bikes come with both front- and rear lights. You need to push the button on the lamp and it will flash three times. This means that the lights will automatically start working when it gets dark. 

When you push again, the lamp will flash one time and the lights will be turned off.

Our bikes come with a defender lock with plug in chain (cable lock that is attached to the regular lock, see picture).

You need to turn the key a bit, take out the pin from the cable lock and attach it to a pole/other bike/fence etc.

When you push the pin back into the regular lock, you need to lock the regular lock as you always do, and both locks will be secured.

1 pannier is included at the 'standard' bikes and the e-bikes.

Height: 42 cm Depth front to the side: 17 cm Wide top: 32 cm Wide down: 23 cm Volume: 20 liters It has an easy click-on/click-off system. The panniers are water resistant, so everything will stay dry.

The rental bikes come with regular pedals, so no click-in/SPD pedals. 

All our bikes come with a quick release system, which makes it very easy to adjust the height of the saddle and the handle bars. 

There is one small puncture kit included, which can be found in the pannier. In case a rental bike has another problem, we always advise you to go to a bike repair shop or call the bike breakdown emergency number which is provided in the travel documents when you book this extra service.

Saddles can be adjusted in height without using any tools, see ‘Quick Release’. Our saddles don’t come with a gel cover. 

Dutch Biketours does not provide water bottles. We can also not guarantee that there are bottle holders on the bikes. You will always receive 1x pannier, so you can always store your water bottle in your pannier.

Tandem bike

Adult-child tandem

We have limited family tandem bikes available on request. The family tandems have 7-gears and can be used for one adult and one child with a minimum body height of 125 cm.

Tag-along bike

A tag-along bike is a good option for children between approx. 100 cm and 125 cm, as they can pedal themselves and on their own pace but don’t have to worry about other traffic.

Child trailer

Child trailers can be rented for a maximum of two children who are up to 100 cm (max. 35 KG in total). We mostly use the XLC Duo 2 child trailer. Child trailers are not possible in combination with e-bikes.  

Bike Breakdown Pass

Mile after wonderful mile of untroubled cycling is what we would wish our clients. However there is a minimal chance of breakdown along the way. If this thought is a nagging worry to you, a Bicycle Breakdown Assistance insurance policy may ease your mind. If you buy this insurance from our partner ANWB pechhulp in advance, their service is as follows. The costs are €4,- per bicycle per day. If your bike breaks down by the roadside an ANWB bicycle repair man will drive to you in his repair van and fix your bike so you can continue your tour. You won’t have to pay him repair costs. If you are cycling on your own bicycle you will be charged for any new spare parts your bike may require. If you are renting a bicycle through Dutch Bike Tours any new parts are at our expense. If it turns out the bicycle cannot be repaired on the spot, or if you can't continue cycling, the repairman can drop you off somewhere in his van. One companion plus bikes may join you in the van.

Bike Theft Insurance

Do you wish to insure your bike against theft? The cost is € 3,- per day per standard hybrid bicycle. For an electric bicycle, premium bike or racing bike: € 6,00 per day per bicycle. Please see the General Terms and Conditions for Bicycle Hire and Insurance. 

If a rental bike gets stolen or damaged, we will hold the client responsible. If your insurance does not cover this event, you will have to pay the costs yourself.

General Terms and Conditions

Article 1 Bike Rental Price

The bike rental price is determined by the rates mentioned on the Dutch Bike Tours website at the time of the booking; or as subsequently agreed.

Article 2 Payment

a. The rental price and any other due sums regarding the rental agreement must be paid before the bike is handed over to you.

b. If, for whatever reason, you cannot make use of the bike(s) you have rented, Dutch Bike Tours will not be held responsible for any resulting expenses or damage.

c. In the case of the article 2b, the client remains obliged to pay the full rental price and any other amounts mentioned in the invoice, in accordance with our General Terms and Conditions of Booking, unless the client can prove that his not being able to use the bike was the consequence of a defect that was already present at the beginning of the rental period.

Article 3 Rental Period

a. The rental period runs from the morning of the first cycling day (day 2) to the end of the holiday (the departure day), as stated in the booking confirmation.

b. Extension of the rental period is possible only after approval by us and according to the (extension) rates as mentioned in article 1.

c. No refunds are possible after the rental period begins. If you return the bike(s) to us before the end of your holiday, the rental agreement will automatically be terminated and you will not get any of your money back.

d. At the end of the last cycling day of your holiday, the bike(s) must be returned to the hotel from where it was/they were issued, no later than the time stated in the booking confirmation. If you book a one way tour tour you can leave the bike at the last hotel of the trip. 

e. If the bike(s) is /are not returned by the return time stated in the booking confirmation, we will continue to charge you rent until such time as the bike(s) is/are returned to us or is/are received by us. In the event of late return, the rates as mentioned in article 1 will continue to apply, plus a fine of €25 per day. We also reserve the right to demand payment for any costs and/or damages suffered by us due to late return of our rental bike(s).

f. Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, in the event of late return of our rental bikes, we reserve the right to dissolve the rental agreement without judicial intervention and immediately claim back our bicycles where ever they may be and from whomever has them. Dutch Bike Tours also holds this right in the event that the client does not comply with any of the other conditions stated in this rental agreement.

Article 4 Improper Use

a. The bicycle(s) may only be used for its/their intended purpose and only by the cyclists listed in the rental agreement.

b. The bike(s) must be returned to us in the same (clean!) state in which you received it/them.

c. You must take excellent care of the bicycle(s), as if it/they were your own. You must take every precaution against damage, loss or theft.

d. The bicycle may not be used on the beach; or on sandy paths in the dunes unless a paved path is unavailable.

Article 5 Damage, Loss and Theft

The renter will be held responsible for damages to or loss of the bicycle(s) or parts of it, as well as bicycle keys and chains and locks, for such an amount as is determined by us according to standard market prices. You must understand that you are not insured for damage to the bicycle(s) or for any damages to third parties.

Article 6 Theft Insurance

It is possible to purchase Bicycle Theft Insurance. Covered are: damages arising out of the theft of the bicycle; and damages to the bicycle as a consequence of the theft. Not covered are: theft of bicycle parts; and damages arising out of attempted theft.

Article 7 Theft Insurance Premium

a. The premium for Bicycle Theft Insurance is € 3,00 per day per standard hybrid bicycle. For an electric bicycle € 6,00 per day as well for a Premium bike and racing bike.

The number of insurance days is the same as the number of cycling days as stated in our booking confirmation.

Article 8 Liability in the Event of Theft

a. If you did not purchase Bicycle Theft Insurance from us before the start of the holiday, you will be held fully accountable for the sum determined by us according to standard prices.

b. If you did purchase Bicycle Theft Insurance from us, but you failed to lock the wheel lock and failed to produce the original wheel lock key and failed to produce an official theft report drawn up by the police, you will still be held fully accountable for the sum determined by us according to standard prices.

Article 9 Costs During the Rental Period

Any charges and taxes regarding the rental bicycle(s), such as fines and ferry tickets, are to be paid by you. You will also be required to pay all costs ensuing from the use of the bicycle(s) such as parking fees, maintenance and repairs.

6 Nights included

3/4 Star Hotels

Tourist tax included

Breakfast included, Halfboard optional

Detailed roadbooks with maps and tourist information

The possibility of renting our bikes

7-days a week service-hotline

Luggage transport to your next hotel

Amsterdam Sloterdijk / Amsterdam CS

Parking possibilities at the hotel

GPS-tracks availible

Any ferry crossings are not included

Click on 'read more' if you would like to have more information regarding the rental bikes.

GPS tracks are available for all tours without costs.

Max. 1 piece of 20 kg per person

This trip ends in a different place from where one begins. For that reason we offer a car transport service for those travelling to the Netherlands by car. Your own car will be driven by a driver from the start location to the end location of the trip. This way, at the end of the trip, you can immediately drive home without having to go back to the starting location by public transport to pick up the car. 

We offer this car transport service in collaboration with our partner Easy Way. This service can be selected in the booking form. 

The car will be delivered to the end location one day before you check out from the last hotel, between 08:00 and 16:00. If you prefer to receive the car on a different date, please mention this at the time of booking. The following conditions apply to this service: - You have to leave your car keys at the hotel reception where the journey begins. Any parking charges of the hotel must already be paid at the reception, so that the driver does not have to pay these costs. - The car must have a full tank. - The car must be at least third party insured. - Easy Way is not liable for damage, except for any clearly demonstrable direct damage, but with a maximum of € 10,000 per event. Easy Way is not liable for indirect damage. - Dutch Biketours and the relevant hotels are not responsible for damage. - We need to know the brand/model of car and the license plate. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number, also known as chassis number) of the car and the country of issue of the license place are also required if the car does not have a Dutch license plate. 

If you choose the car transport service, you automatically agree to the above conditions.

If you do not have the vehicle data at hand at the time of booking, you can also pass this on to us at a later date.

Nearest Airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

The train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk departs 6 times per hour. Travel time is about 10 minutes. A single ticket costs approx €4,- per person excl. bicycle. For timetables and tickets, go to www.ns.nl/en . For bus details, how to reach the hotel, check : www.9292.nl/en .

The Landgoed route was so serene and in general, I was amazed how beautiful and peaceful the landscape was, considering that it is all flat like the East of England, where I live, but no comparison. It was so varied, also with beach, dunes, beautiful woodland and polders, really fantastic.

Well organised trip. Good route through some old Dutch towns and countryside, and the days were easy cycling not too long. Great hotels. Will definitely book another trip.

We had high expectations for the trip, and our expectations were exceeded.

Sporty trip while visiting beautiful sights was the perfect t honey moon for us, as we love biking more than anything and visiting new places.

The trip had very little elevation change making it easy ! We didn’t need E bikes ! The route is very well organized using a numbers system. The GPS download helped a few times that we were confused. Keukenhof was the highlight. We also loved the many windmills. End of April was perfect bike riding weather. We have done self guided in Italy and France twice. This trip met all our expectations.

This was an unforgettable experience of a lifetime! Every biker should do it! The beauty of the country along with the history and museums of the cities will amaze you. The biking is enjoyable and well planned with options to satisfy everyone.

I had been to Amsterdam twice but not on bike. My Dutch Bike Tour was a revelation. Biking the "Pearls of Holland" provided an incredible vision for the Netherlands and its very friendly people. We had fears of travelling at the height of tulip season but the crowds at attractions were very well managed and bike parking was easy. The tour took us through beautiful residential areas, the heart of historic cities, and bucolic farms that included the blooming flower fields. Have no fear of being "self-guided." The GPS Tracks were perfect and easily got us to our accommodations. The flexibility of being "self-guide" allowed us to set our own pace. Thank-you Dutch Bike tours for a great holiday.

Our bike trip from Amsterdam to Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, Gouda, Woerden, and back to Amsterdam was a dream vacation for us. The cities and towns we visited were all beautiful and fascinating; the countryside we biked through was similarly lovely and interesting; and the route information provided by Dutch Bike Tours — along with the Netherlands’ incredible and extensive bike infrastructure — made the whole thing quite doable. Moreover, given the quality of the hotel accommodations plus the value of the included breakfasts, the rental bikes, and the luggage transfers, the overall cost was quite reasonable. We’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Our family of four had a fantastic time on this trip. What beautiful countryside and architecture the entire time! Everything looked like it belonged on a postcard. The last day of 50 miles was challenging with heavy headwinds and rain, but we took our time and it was quite the accomplishment. We will definitely be back for more.

The confidence of having a route planned with the thrill of cycling in the Netherlands made this unforgettable and stress free.

What an excellent trip! We loved every minute of it. The last day was nearly 80km but it was so enjoyable for our group of 5 adults. Stop in Uithoorn for lunch. We were so grateful to have the GPS system, it made following the route a breeze and we were able to take in all of the sights without worrying about the route. We would not have been successful with the map-so many small turns would have required too much focus. With our GPS we took a detour to Den Haag and were able to see a few sights between Leiden and Delft.

I know everyone probably says this, but nothing can prepare you for how stunning the bulb fields are when you first experience them. Smelling the hycynths from half a kilometer away, the colors, and rows that practically go as far as you can see. It is unreal. I would definitely say it something everyone should see at least once. Though phenomenally busy, Keukenhof is also a must see. This is not to take anything away from other parts of the trip: the pastoral beauty of the Groene Hart, quiet villages like Oudewater (note: Oudewater is only visited in combation with the extra overnight in Woerden) , and regular neighborhoods we rolled through that most tourists would never see but gave us a better appreciation of how many people live in the Netherlands. 

We fell in love with the Netherlands on this trip. Everything went exactly as planned. The bikes and GPS were ready when we checked into the hotel. The routes went through all the most lovely places —past blooming hyacinth fields that smelled lovely, classic windmills, charming estates, villages full of thatched roof homes, and endless canals. The weather was rainy and windy and cold, but the warmth of the people and the beautiful country made up for that, and the weather did not dampen our spirits. We had a wonderful time.

Great holiday with great places to stay, good food in the hotels and the contrisde was lovlely

...Overall a very enjoyable experience. The organisation worked seamlessly and made the holiday stress-free. I would recommend MDBT to anyone who wants to get a real taste of the Netherlands...

...Very good first experience. Discovery, outdoors, very good organization, it was all there! I We will definitely do it again!...

...Good organisation, clear and accurate route notes with well chosen visits, rental bikes in good condition, welcoming hotels...

...Fantastic trip! Netherlands is the BIKE country : infrastructure, fairly flat trails. Rental bike are well equipped.. Countryside is wonderful, there I no lack of fauna and flora!...

...The bike paths and the countryside were lovely! The GPS was VERY helpful... 

...The countryside was beautiful. the routes seemed well designed to maximize the beauty and minimize the stress. excellent trip!... 

...The trip was very well organized and the company. Was very responsive in and outside of office hours...

...We liked all landscapes, greenery, houses, tulip fields and animals at liberty (ducks, geese, swans). Good general organization. Rental bikes in good condition. Perfect Luggages transportation. Good itinerary. The main difficulty was towns entry and exit and especially the trip back to Amstedam… arout central station. We are delighted of this itinerary, pearls of Holland by bike. Mix between town and coutryside...

...Great trip with 6 days riding in Netherlands in April across tulip fields! Well organized, we just had to get out maps and route notes, and enjoy the day! Exotic and sporting break,  et sportives, advisable for everyone...

...The scenery of the farms in the provinces was amazing. The swans [saw five black ones], blue herons and ducks just completed the calmness of the days. Haarlem was my favorite city... the variety of the shops and the cheerful people walking about made Haarlem come alive...

...We loved the hotel in Delft. It was quaint, clean and at a great location. It has an old world charm including lovely windows and light...

...An intense, yet relaxing vacation seeing parts of the Netherlands I would never be able to get to on my own. The ease of the bike culture make this trip much better than anything I could experience at home in the U.S. By the end of it, my only disappointment was that it was over. I was already wanting to do another ride...

...Just letting you know how much we enjoyed our dutch bike tour. We opted for breakfasts only which were ideal so that we could sample different restaurant cuisine in each city/town which was superb. (Italian, Vegan,  Lebanese, Mexican and Greek) I've only given 4 stars for accommodation because it was 4**** hotels but in reality they were great. This was our first ever cycling holiday and it was brilliant in every way from hotels, routes, maps, organisation, bikes and breathtaking scenery. Thank you so much for a wonderful holiday...

...Adequate pre-trip information, most enjoyable trip. We found the navigation a little challenging in parts, mainly due to the variable positioning of the Knooppunten.  We were never held up for more than a few minutes, however, and having found our way gave a feeling of accomplishment.The cycles were comfortable and well- suited to the trails. The scenery was interesting and attractive. All in all, a trip to be recommended...

...The holiday is about visiting wonderful Dutch towns and cities with culture, history and interest everywhere. The feeling in Holland is relaxed and so much more easy going than the UK despite the scary cycle ways in Amsterdam which were busier than the M25 and more chaotic than Italian roads but everyone was chilled and we survived...

...Not sure there's a flatter country on the planet :) We really enjoyed the whole trip - such a beautiful country and such a great way to see it!...

...My wife and I have recently returned from our second bike tour of the Amsterdam area organised by your excellent company.  ..... we are a bit hooked on cycling in Holland and it would be good to see a bit more of your lovely country...

...We have really enjoy our travel "les perles de la hollande". When we come back home we will send somes suggests for people from Canada. We love your country people are so helpful like you...

...I'm just back from one of your bike tours. It was really wonderful! We cycled through Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, Gouda and Amsterdam over the last week- beautiful. It was so easy too! The bike you provided was excellent and I'm looking to buy a similar one... 

...If I were to take another bike tour in the Netherlands I would use your services. I would also recommend your services to friends...

...The accommodations were good, the routes were well planned. All in all it was very organized...

...Holland is such a beautiful country. The bike paths were excellent. Beautiful countryside and lovely people...

...All hotels were what I expected. We loved all the cities chosen. Fantastic!...

...The route was lovely...

...Very easy to bike in Netherland. Excellent bike roads... 

...Very well organised, everything worked really well. Thank you for an excellent holiday...

...We had an excellent adventure with your tour service. Loved every day of it, and especially the variety of pathways we found ourselves on through woodlands, and farmer's fields. Each day was of a length that allowed us ample time to visit the towns we stayed overnight in. The hotels were comfortable and meals adequate...

...Our trip was excellent , very enjoyable and pleasant. The experience of cycling in the Netherlands was wonderful and exceeded all our expectations. The landscapes, the people, the places , the chosen hotels, all responded to that we expected. The only suggestion I have, is to place an warn about unforable wind conditions in certain places....

...We loved the tour. Just amazing.  Can't really think of anything major that could be improved.  We will be back to do more at some point...

The hotels were all good, mostly great. We had a very nice breakfast everywhere and the picking up of luggage went smoothly. The hotel in Gouda even located a lost jacket and sent it on to Midjrecht.  We found the staff all charming and came home with a very good impression of Holland.

...We have successfully completed our wonderful bike tour...we are very happy and sad too that it has come to an end...we got the card from Frank tied to our bag...and yes this tour has made a place in our heart!...

...I’ve got to hand it to you – you organized a terrific trip.  Granted, you’re starting with an exquisite country with great natural and man-made beauty and interesting people.  And we were blessed with perfect weather all last week.  But still, the part you played – the equipment, the routes, the hotels, the luggage transport – added immeasurably....

...We thoroughly enjoyed our bike trip in the Netherlands!! Your assistance made the trip easy and worry free. The bikes and panniers were great. Luggage came before us or as we reached the hotel each day. The hotels were lovely and were easy to find. We will definitely do this again!... 

...We are back in Amsterdam and enjoyed our tour in spite of the ever changing weather. The bikes were great however we found an issue with our GPS on the leg from Delft to Gouda. The GPS took us to about two blocks away from the hotel,we did find it with the help of some locals. When we left the next morning the GPS had a circle route taking us around the city centre and back to our origanal spot. With the map and the help of locals we got out of town and the GPS was back on track. I don't know if it was us our the GPS that was at fault. It does not matter as we were on a great adventure. Also the locks provided, one cable and one U bolt style were not adequate,  we had a problem with the cable lock as it did not lock into the hole in the rear wheel  lock. Fortunately I brought my own cable lock so were ok.  Other than that we had a great trip, no flat tires some rain and got to see your beautiful country. Thank you...

...We had a great holiday and we were both glad to have chosen it....

....We had a really great time and will be recommending your company to others. All the arrangements went very well – even with our late booking. Only real improvement area was Best Western in Leiden – not a really good hotel. Thanks for a great holiday....

....First thing we wish to say is that the holiday you delivered to us was excellent! Apart from the flat tyre at the very beginning, which was not your fault. One slight criticism was the quality of the Best Western in Leiden. It stood out as being less a 4 star than the rest. However, their service was good. The bikes were of an excellent standard. The routes were well planned. The GPS was a real help. We were impressed with your beautiful country, including the helpful and friendly reception we received from everyone we encountered. We will very seriously consider returning for another cycle tour with you in the future....

....Our tour, in general, was fantastic. I was very impressed with the quality of the hotels that were booked. They all exceeded my expectations. We had a great time, and enjoyed all of our destinations except for one....

....Thank you to DUTCH BIKE TOURS for a truly amazing Holland experience. We hope to return to see the tulips as well as the coast. Your administration, maps and bikes were of an extremely high standard and we were very happy with this. We would also preferred to have had a few rest days inbetween without cycling so that we could fully enjoy each place and explore more . This was not mentioned to us but we have learnt from our experience.  All the HOTELS were amazing and of a very high standard and for this we thank you . Your organization is to be commended. We loved Holland and your beautiful nation and we were able to communicate with ease...

....Thank you for your email and also thank you for providing us with a very enjoyable and well organised holiday. Our cycle journey was well sign posted ( once we English got used to the Dutch system) and the large map (Zuid Holland) was very useful as a back up to the GPS that you provided. For us the GPS was essential for the cycle tour. We couldn't understand the local town A4 maps that you provided, but that may be our fault with understanding....

...Hi Dutch Bike Tours - thanks so much for arranging our holiday.  We had a fantastic time - really enjoyed it.  Bikes were great - and I was so impressed with the panniers that I've asked for some exactly the same for my birthday! We've already recommended Dutch Bike Tours to our friends and work mates and hope to return to do another cycle tour soon....

....The tour was excellent.  The bicycles were fine, the tour organization was excellent.  We were lucky on the weather, which didn’t hurt.  We would gladly do it again with you, and have already started discussing potentially coming back next year to do a different tour....

...We will be pleased to recommend your service to anyone we know travelling through the Netherlands. With any luck, we’ll be back next year to do a different tour....

...We had a most enjoyable holiday. Thank you for your help and assistance. Good bikes, good choice of hotels, good routes, brilliant cycle culture, lovely country, good food and friendly people. Friesland sugar bread a great find ! Expect to com back again...

...Biking through the Netherlands is certainly the way to see this country.  The routes were lovely and we enjoyed the ride more than any particular destination.  The hotels and breakfast were well above expectations.  The luggage transfers went smoothly and were very convenient.  The questions I asked via email always received a prompt response.  My father thoroughly enjoyed the e-bike which made his journey very enjoyable.  I had the regular 24 speed bike which was also very nice although the rear break was on the left side which I believe is not convention and could be a safety concern...

...We are home from our trip. We had a wonderful time and especially enjoyed the bike tour of Holland. The hotels were all so nice and always in a good part of the town so it was easy to tour the historic areas when we arrived and/or before we departed the next day. The hotel breakfasts were all excellent, especially the breakfast at the Casa 400. We loved the bike paths and the country side even though it rained for all but the first 2 days of our trip...

...We came home with no permanent damage to our bodies and souls :) Everything was perfect...even the weather was nice (we were just once soaking wet due to the storm :)) Your choice of hotels was very good and we enjoyed our trip very much. Bikes were good, luggage transportation excellent, hotel stuff friendly, breakfasts more than plentiful...all in all, we are glad that we choosed your company for our biking trip through the Netherlands. Netherlands by itself is beautiful and we enjoyed our vacation in your country. Just one remark...you printed travel guide with the intersection points is not always accurate...even the map of Netherlands bike routes that you gave us is not always describing real live situation (missing signs, contradicting signs, unexpected intersection numbers...No big deal. We have been lost few times...and always found the right way with (as you said) help of deduction and intuition. That was the fun part of the trip. I will certainly spread the name of your company among my friends...

....We had a wonderful holiday with your company and will certainly be returning in the future.The bikes were good,hotels good and the places were great.We did get rather lost from Haarlem to Leiden as we could not find the numbers on a few occasions.The hotel Casa400 was however poor. Our first room was uncomfortable with uncomfortable beds,the room was too hot and unable to cool down. However apart from this we had a great time,though I think you should check the route from Haarlem to Leiden as I think a few people will get lost...

...Thank you so much, we had a great time on our cycling tour, despite the rain and wind. :) The accommodation was wonderful, particularly in Haarlem and Delft, and of course Amsterdam. Our only suggestions would be that the constant rain meant our maps disintegrated in the rain. Perhaps some kind of plastic cover for the maps could be a good idea. Also, our GPS kept running out of battery, so perhaps a USB charger that runs off the bicycle could be a good idea as well. But overall a wonderful way to get to see the Netherlands. We will be doing another tour next time we return...

...We all enjoyed ourselves, however we did have some issues with the routes - in particularly more detailed information on how to get out of the towns would have been helpfull. The signposting was good in some areas but not good in others, in particular we came to a T Junction main road and no signs at all.  It was only after getting out the road map that we realised we had to go down the main road and pick up a small track off it, if we hadn't had the map we would have been really stuck and probably gone the wrong way.  The Hotel in Leiden was okay but small things like couldn't get plug out of sink, no tea and coffee facilities, we had to ask, (however they were very good and supplied the tea and coffee).  Hotel Casa didn't seem to know anything about us when we first arrived and we had to ask for your pack.  I think the routes could be a bit more detailed as we did get lost on several junctions...

....We have just arrived back home in Australia and are very happy to provide you with some feedback. Our 'Pearls of Holland' bike tour was probably the highlight of our European holiday. Everything was extremely well organised - bikes great, luggage arrived each night where it was supposed to and Hotels comfortable and well located. The tour itself was extremely enjoyable and well thought out.  Canals, meadows, windmills, lakes, gardens, wildlife, town squares - all with easy flat riding.  A highlight was Kukenhof ? which nicely filled out one of our days.  We would highly recommend your Company (and this tour) to all of our friends and hope to come back to do some more cycling around Holland another time with Dutch Bike Tours. Thanks also for all your efforts and prompt responses before we left Australia for Amsterdam. It was much appreciated and it all worked out well...

....This is to thank you and all at Dutch Bike Tours for the most excellent experience we have enjoyed on our bike tour of Holland. We were very impressed with the detailed preparation and excellent maps that you provided for our trip. The bicycles were first class and the accommodations along the way were superbly located. Our luggage was transported faultlessly between each of our destinations, so thanks for doing that so very well. Special mention should be made of the Best Western City Plus in Gouda, however all places we stayed were most hospitable and the restaurant associated with the BW Museum Hotel in Delft, Le Marriage, provided a very wonderful and memorable dining experience. You were most helpful after it became necessary to rearrange our travel plans and we greatly appreciate your flexibility in that regard....

...We liked that the hotels were all in the centre of town, and it was easy to get out for a walk and see the sights once we had dropped off the bikes. Our baggage was always delivered to the hotel on time for our arrival, and some of the hotels were even kind enough to have placed our bags up in the room ready for us. 

The bikes were great quality, and we had no trouble navigating once we had worked out the junction system on the first day. The handlebar-mounted junction list was brilliant, and between this and the map, and we rarely bothered to use the detailed written instructions. Highlights were the ride along the sea wall between Enkhuizen and Medemblik, and the ride down the coast through the Dunes and Tulip fields from Den Helder to Alkmaar. Alkmaar, Hoorn and Medemblik were great stop-overs. Den Helder was not so nice a town - maybe this could be swapped out for a smaller village nearby?

For us, this was the first cycle trip we had done, and was well suited to us given the mostly flat terrain, quality bike paths followed on the route, and a manageable distance each day. Due to a great experience we will definitely be looking into more cycle tours with your company in the future.

....Thank you for your message, we had a great time on our holiday and would like to thank you for the very efficient organisation of our bikes, hotels and luggage. We would certainly consider booking another trip with you to see another part of beautiful Holland.  All the hotels were fine, but we would give a special mention for the hotel in Haarlem (the Golden Tulip), for their particularly attentive service  - it was great to find our luggage in our hotel room!  The routes were fine, we encountered a few problems in some places where roadworks meant we could not find the signs and we had to find alternate routes - however this was minimal. It did happen entering Haarlem - which through us a bit on the first day.   We were also very impressed with your organisation of the weather  - blue sky all the way!! Thank you once again, and best wishes for the rest of 2013....

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• Self-Guided Cycling Tours
• Guided Bike Tours
• Guest Reviews
• Local Cycling Guides

The original cycling destination

• Custom itineraries and uniquely personal service
• A network of 20,000 miles of dedicated bike routes: the bicycle reigns supreme!
• Legendary for its tulips, windmills, canals and bicycles
• Gently undulating terrain and varied landscapes
• Charming cities, towns, and villages with a very rich history
• Water everywhere!

Late Spring, Summer, and Early Fall

Starting / Ending City

Amsterdam or Utrecht

Tour Length

3 to 10 days

◊ Self-Guided With our Self-Guided tours an expert local guide takes care of your transfers, route briefing, luggage moves, and planned transfers. They are also available should you need mechanical assistance, help with a dinner reservation, or general questions. You have a GPS unit, maps, and a detailed guidebook to help you select your route, choose where you eat, and, generally, explore the area.

◊ Guided Group Our Guided tours allow your group to explore a destination with an expert local guide with a dedicated support vehicle. You will also have GPS units, maps and a detailed guidebook to help learn about both the major sights and the hidden gems. Your guide takes care of both you and all the logistics – from route advice to bottle washing.

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Where do you want to stay?

Simple B&Bs and more modest hotels but all well-kept with en suite facilities

Nice B&Bs and more modest inns or hotels. The B&Bs typically include welcome drinks and great breakfasts.

Smaller hotels or luxurious B&Bs with very personal service often including wine tasting

Some of the nicest full-service hotels in the area. Typically include spa facilities and a restaurant.

Some of the nicest full-service hotels in the area. Typically include a pool and a good restaurant

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Our Holland Bike Tours

Cycling in the Netherlands is a revelation. It is simply the most bicycle-friendly country on the planet: a haven for cyclists with more than 20,000 miles of traffic-free bike paths, all of which can be used to explore a magnificently pristine countryside dotted with postcard perfect towns and cities.

The scenery is truly impressive: acres of tulip fields, dense forests, tranquil waterways, and working, historic windmills. Water is dominant, with only about 50%  of the country being more than 1 meter above sea level, leading to the need for the country to be be managed by the world’s most complex network of dikes and canals.

The towns and cities you will cycle through are also delightful: medieval gems crammed with cafés, historic sites, and exceptionally good museums. Our Netherlands bike tours take you from Naarden to the loops of Utrecht and the city itself. We’ll then bike over to Gouda on our way to Leiden and a loop thru Delft. Next will be the loops of Haarlem and the city. With our last major city being Alkmaar and a loop around the surrounding countryside.

Here, the car is not king and the bicycle rules. A full 36% of the population cites the bicycle as their most frequent mode of transportation.  Cycle paths extend outside of cities, connecting Dutch villages, towns and cities. Many roads have one or two cycling paths that parallel them, otherwise paths are marked on the roads themselves.

The flat terrain and separation from cars makes Holland an ideal destination for beginner, intermediate and family cycling. Learn more about the LifeCycle Adventures difference.

Sample Itinerary

Holland Sample Itinerary

From $1,780 per person for 3 days

Cycling in the Netherlands is a revelation. It is simply the most bicycle-friendly country on the planet: a haven for cyclists with more than 20,000 miles of traffic-free bike paths. The scenery is equally impressive: acres of tulip fields, dense forests, tranquil waterways, and working, historic windmills. The towns and cities are also delightful: medieval gems crammed with cafés, historic sites, and exceptionally good museums.

The flat terrain and separation from cars makes Holland an ideal destination for beginner, intermediate and family cycling.

TOUR LENGTH

6 Days / 5 Nights

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Budget   

Classic   

Luxury   

START & END

Service highlights.

• Private transfer from Amsterdam with bike set up and route briefing at the start of your ride
• Bilingual guides delivering superior service
• Handpicked accommodations with breakfast
• On-call roadside assistance and guide available via phone
• Luggage moved between lodgings and optional participant transfers along the routes
• GPS units, maps, directions and a comprehensive guidebook
• Private transfer back to Amsterdam at the end of your tour

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

• Alternative start/end location at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport
• Cheese tours
• Customize your route

BIKE AVAILABILITY

Day-by-day flow.

Day 1: Utrecht to Gouda

Day 2: Gouda Loop Day

Day 3: Gouda to Leiden

Day 4: Leiden Loop Day

Day 5: Leiden to Haarlem

Day 6: Haarlem Loop Day

Day One - Utrecht to Gouda

Today you ride from a medieval university town to an ancient cheese town. Most of the riding is on scenic bike routes alongside canals and small rivers.

The Intermediate route heads south from Utrecht before heading west to the small town of Oudewater with its beautiful town center and scales for weighing witches! On leaving Oudewater, the route follows the Hollandse Ijssel river into the center of Gouda.

Leisure riders enjoy a similar day to the Intermediate riders but take a more direct route, west, out of Utrecht.

The Challenge route leaves Utrecht via the Vecht river, a picturesque waterway lined with castles and country estates. From the village of Breukelen, the route takes you up to the castle ‘de Haar’ and the historic town of Woerden. From Woerden, the route continues to Oudewater where it joins the final section of the Intermediate route for the ride into Gouda.

Travel from a medieval university town to an ancient cheese town along scenic bike routes that follow canals and rivers

RIDE OPTIONS

20 miles with 200 feet of climbing

Intermediate 25 miles with 250 feet of climbing

Challenge 40 miles with 450 feet of climbing

OVERNIGHT TOWN

Gouda produces one of the best-known cheese in the world. Gouda is also famous for its dense network of canals, the 15th-century city hall, and the beautiful stained-glass windows of the Sint-Jans church. Culinary, calorie-laden treats include Stroopwafels.

Day Two - Gouda Loops

Today’s rides head south of Gouda through typical Dutch landscapes captured by many famous painters. You ride on bike lanes alongside canals and past picturesque farms. The major attraction of the ride is the UNESCO monument of the Kinderdijk windmills: a group of 19 monumental windmills built between 1738 and 1740.

The Challenge ride takes you past the Kinderdijk windmills before heading up the Rhine Valley to the historic town of Schoonhoven where silversmiths and goldsmiths have worked since the 17th century. From Schoonhoven to Gouda you cycle along one of the most scenic small rivers of the Netherlands (the Vlist) with its many farms, hidden lanes and scenic views.

The Intermediate ride follows a similar route to the challenging ride but bypasses the town Schoonhoven taking a more direct route back into Gouda.

The Leisure ride focuses on the charming lowlands: the origin of the famous Gouda cheese. You will pass the Jongenhoeve cheese farm where you can taste homemade cheese. Note that this route does not pass the Kinderdijk windmills.

The major attraction of the ride is the UNESCO monument of the Kinderdijk windmills: 19 monumental windmills built in the 1700s.

Leisure 20 miles with 200 feet of climbing

Intermediate 30 miles with 350 feet

Challenge 45 miles with 500 feet of

Day Three - Gouda to Leiden

Leaving the town of Gouda you enter the ‘Green Heart‘ of Holland passing canals and windmills all the way to Boskoop. Boskoop is situated on long stretches of land, divided by narrow canals and is famous for its nurseries. After riding though the lowlands, you arrive at the historic student town of Leiden.

The Intermediate route takes you through the recreational lakes to the north of Gouda to town of Boskoop with its quiet streets lined with impressive homes. From Boskoop, the ride continues through the largest floriculture area in the world situated on long stretches of land divided by narrow canals, As you ride into Leiden, you also pass the Heineken headquarters.

The Challenge route follows the intermediate route to Boskoop but from here it heads north through the windmill district to the east of Leiden through the charming villages of Rijpwetering and Oud Ade before returning south into Leiden.

The Leisure ride takes a more direct route from Gouda to Leiden but also passes through the village of Boskoop.

Cycle through the Green Heart of Holland: a water-rich, rural region dotted with historic towns and picturesque windmills

Intermediate 25 miles with 250 feet

Challenge 35 miles with 350 feet

Leiden is a lively town known for its medieval architecture, its maze of narrow streets, and for Leiden University – founded in 1575 and the country’s oldest. Leiden is also the birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn. The Museum De Lakenhal has many works by old masters including Lucas van Leyden, Jan Steen, and, of course, Rembrandt.

Day Four - Leiden Loops

For Intermediate and Challenge riders, Delft is the target city for the day. Delft is best known for its blue and white pottery which has been produced here since the 16th century. Delft is also a charming town in its own right and it is well worth taking time to explore its canals, churches, mansions, museums, markets and cafés.

Intermediate riders loop back to Leiden from Delft.

Challenge riders continue south from Delft on an extra loop that explores a rural haven that is surrounded by the skylines of Delft, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

Leisure riders take on a shorter loop that includes Vlietland: a spacious park busy with activities such as sailing, kayaking, camping and climbing.

Explore the canals, churches, mansions, museums, markets and cafés for charming Delft

Leisure 20 miles with 300 feet of climbing

Intermediate 30 miles with 500 feet

Challenge 55 miles with 750 feet

Day Five - Leiden to Haarlem

On today’s Intermediate route, you cycle north into the heart of tulip country. The ride passes Keukenhof Botanical Gardens*: an expansive 19th-century park showcasing thousands of Dutch spring flowers. The second part of your ride turns west, arriving at the coast, where you head north alongside the North Sea. The bike path here snakes through large sandy dunes and is one of the most stunning cycle routes in the country. On reaching the beach town of Zandvoort, you head east to the medieval city of Haarlem.

Leisure follow the Intermediate route to the Keukenhof Botanical Gardens* but rather than then heading to the coast, you ride directly to Haarlem.

The Challenge route takes you west before turning north towards the Keukenhof Botanical Gardens. After a loop touring tulip country, you join intermediate for the coastal ride up to Haarlem.

*The Keukenhof Botanical Gardens are typically open from the last week in March until the second week in May. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended.

Ride north through tulip fields and across sand dunes on one of the most stunning cycle routes in the country

Leisure 25 miles with 400 feet of climbing

Intermediate 30 miles with 550 feet of climbing

Challenge 35 miles with 700 feet of climbing

The medieval city of Haarlem sits partway between Amsterdam and the coastal dunes. The narrow, cobbled streets and beautiful old squares are lined with gabled houses, cafés and museums. The town is also at the center of the Dutch flower industry.

Day Six - Haarlem Loops - Last Day

Your ride today showcases two different sides of Haarlem: to the east, there are the typical Dutch polders (fields protected by dikes) and, to the west, sand dunes and beaches. One highlight of the day is the beautiful Zuid-Kennemerland National Park – an area of wide open dunes and beaches. Another highlight is the fortifications of the Defense Line of Amsterdam – an intricate system of canals, locks, and fortifications (and a UNESCO World Heritage site).

On the Leisure route, you enjoy a short ride along the coast before heading back to Haarlem.

On the Intermediate route, you ride more of the coast – south to Zandvoort (one of the most popular seaside resorts in Holland) – before turning inland back to Haarlem.

For the Challenge ride, the route first heads over the Binnentoeleidingskanaal. After a loop of North Holland, you return south to join the Intermediate route back to Haarlem.

Cycle along the Defense Line of Amsterdam – a UNESCO World Heritage site with an intricate system of canals, locks, and fortifications

Leisure 20 miles with 500 feet of climbing

Intermediate 25 miles with 600 feet

Challenge 50 miles with 1,000 feet

As this is the last day of your tour, there is no overnight accommodation unless explicitly requested on booking.

ACCOMMODATION

Manna B&B A small B&B at the top of an old canal house close to the historic center of the city. The room is spacious and bright, with comfortable, modern decor. There is also a cozy roof terrace leading from the bedroom. The owners are warm, welcoming and serve a great breakfast

The Tulip Inn This modern hotel is near the railway station, just 10-minutes walk from the historic city center. Rooms are simple, clean and functional. The property has two hotels, the 4-star Golden Tulip and the 3-star Tulip Inn. In this category, we typically book rooms in the 3-star inn.

Hotel Lion D’Or This is a good-but-basic city hotel, well located in the cultural heart of the city. The rooms are modern without being fancy. While there is a reasonable restaurant on site, most guests choose to explore the other dining options in the city. NOTE: the hotel is close to the train station and can be a little noisy.

ACCOMMODATION NOTES

Properties in our Budget category are typically simpler B&Bs and more modest inns or hotels. However, all the properties are well-kept with en suite facilities.

Mix & Match You can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices.

Plus City Hotel This Best Western hotel is located on a canal close to the historic city center. The property is a pleasant blend of new and modernized-old with a nice bistro-bar. The rooms are simple, clean, and comfortable. A nice hotel in a great location for the city center.

Hotel d’Oude Morsch This hotel is located in the former guardhouse of the town barracks. The property looks out onto the city’s park, a windmill, and a historical city gateway. The hotel is close to shops, museums and restaurants. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the rooms are comfortable and characterful. NOTE: bike parking is a short walk from the hotel.

Amrâth Grand Hotel Frans Hals This hotel is ideally located in the center of Haarlem; walking distance from all the main tourist sites. The spacious rooms and suites have extra-long beds. An extensive breakfast buffet can be ordered each day and there is a hotel bar for drinks. There are also plenty of dining options nearby.

Properties in the Classic category are typically smaller hotels or luxurious B&Bs with very personal service sometimes including wine tasting or evening hors d’oeuvres.

Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis This charming boutique hotel is located in one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the city. Rooms have been tastefully renovated combining modern conveniences with a reverence for the past. The hotel is in the heart of the old town with a verdant courtyard, a cool cocktail bar and an excellent restaurant.

Steenhof Suites Located in the historic heart of Leiden, this beautiful boutique hotel combines romantic luxury and 21st century comfort. There are 14 spacious suites that have been exquisitely renovated. This canal-side property also features a fitness center, a small terrace and a stylish bar. Staff is gracious, helpful and knowledgeable.

Boutiquehotel Staats A beautifully unique boutique hotel in the center of Haarlem. The rooms are large and individually decorated. The staff are very welcoming, the location is ideal yet quiet. The restaurant is elegant with delicious food.

Properties in our Luxury category are some of the nicest full-service hotels in the area. They typically include spa facilities and a good restaurant.

Mix & Match

You can choose accommodation in different categories in different towns. Please ask for prices.

BIKE CHOICES

Hybrid bike.

Hybrids bikes are a cross between a mountain bike and a road bike. They have a relaxed riding position and are great for beginners and intermediate riders. A typical model is the Trek 7.3 FX with Shimano components and high-pressure road tires for better cycling efficiency than your typical hybrid.

Our road bikes are a racing style bike with drop handlebars. The road bikes are faster bikes than the hybrids with less upright riding position. A typical model is the Émonda ALR 5 with aluminum frame, carbon forks, and Shimano 105 components. (NOTE: Some of the smaller roads in Puglia can be a little rough making a hybrid bikes a better choice for some riders.)

Our eBikes are designed to give you a little extra assistance when climbing hills. The ride position is very similar to our hybrids. We typically rent Scott E-Sub equipped with a 250W E-drive Bosch motor. If one rider in a couple is stronger than the other, an eBike can be a great choice for the less-strong rider.

If you have a favorite bike, we can help you get it to your destination as well as set it up once it is there. Please ask about options for bike shipping and assembly.

Receiving & Assembly per bike charge to receive bike from shipper, assemble the bike and repack it and deliver it to a shipper at the end of the tour.

Bike Boxes  a per box charge for the extra logistics needed to handle bike boxes during a tour. Note: this fee can be avoided if you leave your box with your start/end hotel.

Tandem Bike  a per bike fee for the extra logistics to handle a tandem bike that is brought by a guest.

LIFECYCLE ADVENTURES LOCAL CYCLING GUIDES

Holland Local Cycling Guidebook

Reviews and Ratings

Flexibility and Financial Protection – Read More

Open : 9.30am - 5.00pm (Mon-Fri) Sat-Sun by appointment | [email protected]

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Cycling holidays in Holland

From the golden sand-dune coast to the emerald polders, cycling is a natural choice in Holland. And wherever your two wheels take you, the role of water in the landscape is soon crystal clear.

That’s why we’ve chosen  bike and boat holidays  for our self-guided cycling breaks in  the lowlands of Holland and Belgium . It’s a great combination for seeing things just a bit differently, at a really relaxing pace.

Conquer some of  Amsterdam ’s 1,200 bridges or freewheel along the glorious ‘Grachten’ (canals) in  Bruges , then climb aboard and cruise the waterways. Pedal past the  Kinderdijk  windmills, head across to the  Friesen Islands  or follow the riverbanks deep into the heart of historic Flanders to  Antwerp  and  Ghent .

Our bike and boat holidays feature a  range of floating accommodations  and both  linear and circular routes .

Showing all 10 results

Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Boat – Fluvius (& De Holland)

From Amsterdam to the diamond capital of Antwerp, from the ‘Silver City’ of Schoonhaven to gilded façades and the greenest Ablasserwaard polders by the windmills of the Kinderdijk, enjoy a… Read More

Europe, Holland

£1,183.00

8 Days, 7 Nights

Grade 1 (Very Easy)

Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Boat – Magnifique II (& IV)

Prepare yourself for one treasure of a trip - the diamond city of Antwerp and emerald green polderlands; the canals of Amsterdam and Kinderdijk’s nineteen-strong row of historic windmills; marketplace… Read More

£1,484.00

Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Boat – Magnifique III

Now this tour’s a real treasure. Cosmopolitan Amsterdam; ‘Silver City’ Schoonhaven; ‘Golden Age’ Dendermonde; ‘Diamond Capital’ Antwerp; glorious Ghent and Bruges, the ‘Venice of the North’ – explore this whole… Read More

£1,555.00

Bruges to Amsterdam Bike & Boat – Fluvius (& De Holland)

Set out from Belgium’s ‘Venice of the North’ to Holland’s cosmopolitan capital via both Antwerp, the ‘City of Diamonds’ and ‘Silver City’ Schoonhaven. This classic tour through Flanders and Holland… Read More

£1,239.00

Bruges to Amsterdam Bike & Boat – Magnifique II (& IV)

Experience one treasure of a trip – Bruges, the ’Pearl of Flanders’; the diamond city of Antwerp and the riches of ‘Silver City’ at Schoonhaven; marketplace memories of the Golden… Read More

Bruges to Amsterdam Bike & Boat – Magnifique III

Add a certain sparkle to your time on two wheels. Simply sit back and relax along glistening waterways on board the brand new premium Dutch barge, MS Magnifique III, and… Read More

Double Dutch – Bike & Boat North Holland’s Coast & Countryside – De Willemstad

Meet Noord-Holland - a marriage of coast, countryside and all things irresistibly Dutch. Setting out from Amsterdam, explore a world of windmills and waterways; historic harbourlands and time-honoured trades; gabled… Read More

£827.00

Dutch Island Hopping by Sail Bike & Sail – Mare fan Fryslan

Here’s a gentle adventure with a difference. Ride the Dutch seas in style on board a luxurious, classic sailing schooner and explore the wonderfully wild Frisian Islands on the edge… Read More

£1,128.00

Dutch Island Hopping by Sail Bike & Sail – Wapen fan Fryslan

Sail away in style on board the classic ‘tall ship’ schooner, Wapen fan Fryslân, and hop around the Frisian Islands, exploring each wild world via neat networks of cycle tracks.… Read More

Amsterdam Classic Tulip Tour Bike & Boat – Magnifique II (&IV)

Enjoy Holland at its most colourful in real classic style. Climb aboard the comfortable premium Dutch barge, MS Magnifique II / Magnifique IV, in Amsterdam to cruise the lowland waterways… Read More

£933.00

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Cycling Holidays Holland

Holland bike tours.

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About Cycling Holidays Holland

Discover the unique cycling experiences in Holland with self-guided tours tailored to your preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner, traveling alone or with your family, our bike-friendly roads , forest trails, and diverse landscapes offer something for everyone.

Holland, situated at the heart of Europe, boasts stunning nature and views. On the one hand, you will ride alongside the Atlantic Ocean , with long sandy beaches, canals, polders, and gusts of wind with that unique, salty taste. On the other hand, Holland offers an incredible amount of historic towns , local delicacies, and natural monuments , such as famous tulip fields or world-renowned windmills. 

Choose from a range of difficulty levels to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for cyclists of all ages and abilities. On our Family Bike tours , you will find the days that are tailor-made for young families that love to enjoy their time together on a bike and learn more about the country that surrounds them.

If you’re up for a challenge, our Road Cycling tours will take you through the most scenic parts of Holland, testing your stamina on long and strenuous stages, but the views will be well worth the struggle. Enjoy smooth roads with minimal traffic and stunning views each day.

For a more relaxed pace, opt for our Trekking Cycling tours and immerse yourself in the diversity of Holland’s roads, trails, and countryside. Experience the changing scenery while riding a comfortable regular or electric bicycle with the help of our detailed self-guided maps. Join us for an amazing cycling adventure in Holland!

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Handpicked adventures, trusted by many, unbeatable support, things to know.

We offer road cycling, trekking cycling and mountain biking holidays. Our road cycling holidays are suitable for avid road cycling enthusiasts whose endurance is high enough to withstand multiple long cycling days in a row.

Our trekking cycling holidays are suitable for anyone, as the stages are short enough for most people, and the terrain is not technical — mostly tarmac and gravel. They will still be enjoyed most by people who cycle occasionally and feel comfortable with multiple days in a row on the saddle and some moderate climbing. For those looking for more leisurely cycling holidays, we offer an e-bike option.

On our guided tours, you will have professional local guides. Our guides will make sure that you will have expert guidance combined with great fun and a memorable experience.

We are always looking for the perfect fit for you. We use a few different accommodation providers that fit our standards but they are subjected to availability, especially in the high season. We can also adjust the holiday, keeping in mind your preferences and budget and can always find a more suitable solution for your taste.

We recommend booking as early as possible. Most of our tours run through very touristy places where accommodation is limited. Most of the great places start getting booked for summer before spring.

It really depends on the level of your restriction. Vegetarian options are fairly easy to find in Holland, also vegan dishes, but they may be a bit harder to find rural areas of the country and in smaller towns. Please note that the places where we stop for lunch are often traditional and may have difficulties accommodating you outside of their standard menu. We suggest you keep this in mind.

If you want to, sure! We are well aware that some people love to stay in groups while others prefer some more alone time on their trip. We wanted to give you the opportunity to do things your way. It is your holiday, after all! As long as you respect the group timings and locations designated by your guide, please feel free to customize your itinerary and create your own adventure!

Depending on the tour, generally, spring (April – May) and early autumn (September) are the best times, summer is of course also always great and some of our holidays are also possible in winter! It also depends on your preferences, if you wish to avoid heat, October can also be a great possibility.

Most of the tours can be done even in light rain, as long as you dress accordingly. It is not unusual in the summer that there are afternoon thunderstorms, so early starts are advisable. If the weather looks really bad, we will try to adjust the tour or skip a stage with a shuttle.

Our tours can be adapted to any bike type, whether road, gravel, or mountain bike. We are in constant communication with you to find the optimal conditions for your cycling holidays in Netherlands.

The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. It does not really affect your road performance while allowing you to take some scenic backroads that can be in a slightly worse state than the main ones. A gravel bike is usually more comfortable as well.

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The 15 Best Self Guided Bike Tours in the Netherlands

• Updated on: April 11, 2022

This article may contain affiliate links.  For more information, please see our disclaimer  here.

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The first thing tourists notice when they arrive in the Netherlands is the bikes. So many bikes! Cycling in the Netherlands is a way of life and it’s a part of our culture and heritage that we love to share with visitors. And in this post, we share 15 incredible bike tours to explore the Netherlands.

So, hop on – we’re going for a ride!

Is Netherlands good for cycling?

More than 25% of the Netherlands is at or below sea level. Being a mostly flat country makes the Netherlands a great destination for a bike tour. 

It’s easy and fun to explore the whole of the Netherlands from the seat of a bicycle. Out in the countryside, you can get away from the crowds and discover the most beautiful sights by bike. In the big cities, like Amsterdam and Rotterdam, you can join the throngs of daily commuters and cycle along with the networks of cycle paths. Taking a bike tour in the Netherlands offers a wonderful sense of freedom but there are lots of motorists in the cities too so do take more caution when the traffic is busy.

Netherlands bike tour: dos and don’ts

• Rent a Dutch bike for your bike tour. Our bikes are the best in the world!
• Wear comfortable, loose clothes, preferably sportswear. 
• Use your bike lights and your bell. Safety first!
• Take a paper map or download a digital map if you’re self-guiding. On bike tours in the Netherlands you may lose connection to the internet.
• Carry enough water and snacks, even if you’re on a guided tour. 
• Take your bike on the train with a Bicycle Day Travel Card.

Don’t

• Ride your bike when intoxicated. Not only is it dangerous, it’s illegal and could land you a €140 fine. 
• Leave your bike unlocked. Bike theft is common, particularly in Amsterdam.
• Forget to pack a bicycle repair kit!
• Cycle on footpaths! 

If you like to get more information on cycling yourself in the Netherlands, also check out our guide on how to get around in the Netherlands .

Self guided bike tours netherlands

Cycling is so popular in the Netherlands that a network of tried-and-tested cycle routes already covers the country. The Fietspaden (bicycle paths) cover 35,000km of the Netherlands and are clearly-marked and well-maintained. It’s easy to take a self-guided bike tour in the Netherlands and enjoy our stunning landscapes. If you want to learn more about local culture and history there are tons of guided tours available too. Here’s our pick of 15 of the best bike tours through the Netherlands.

1. Biesbosch

• Starting Point: Dordrecht Train Station
• Length: 39.4km
• Difficulty: Easy 
• Trail type: Loop

This Dutch bike tour is located in the province South Holland and takes in the sights of the city of Dordrecht and the Biesboch National Park. Suitable for all skill levels, this trail is almost 40km in length but features little elevation. It’s a fairly relaxed ride. The first half of this bike tour in the Netherlands offers fantastic views of Biesboch, one of Northwestern Europe’s best examples of a freshwater tidal wetlands. Bird-watchers and nature-lovers will love this route. The second half of this bike tour explores a waterway on the western side of Dordrecht. With no stops, you will arrive back at your starting point of Dordrecht station in around 2.5 hours. 

Click here or on the title of the trail on the right corner of the map, to get more information.

You might also like: 10 most beautiful national parks in the Netherlands

2. Kijkduin – Hoek van Holland

• Starting Point: Kijkduin
• Length: 37.3km
• Difficulty: Easy

This is an easy trail for those who want to explore the quieter side of The Hague. From Kijkduin, the first 24km of this trail guides you through the south-western part of The Hague before reaching the Hoek van Holland (Hook of Holland). From here, the last 13km is a long, straight stretch of waterside bike path that will bring you back to your starting point. Expect to be distracted by a number of local sights and attractions on your way. 

• Starting Point: Garderen
• Length: 65.8km
• Difficulty: Moderate

Your starting point is the small village of Garderen, located deep in the forests of the Veluwe in the province of Gelderland. This is a moderate bike tour to explore the countryside of the Netherlands in a loop of more than 65km. You’ll face a challenging bit of elevation after around 40km. Primarily for road biking, the Garderen to Vierhouten Veluwe trail is known for its scenic views of fields of wildflowers and interesting heritage sites. Another great way to explore the Veluwe is on foot, which we cover in our Utrecht hiking guide .

4. Vlissingen – Middelburg – Domburg – Westkapelle

• Starting Point: Vlissingen
• Length: 46.8 km
• Elevation Gain: 196 m
• Trail type: One-way

Begin this bike tour in the harbour of Vlissingen and from there you will follow easy going cycling paths next to the canal of Walcheren in the direction of the city centre of Middelburg. You will cross some really typical Dutch landscapes and wind mills, local markets and cozy squares. On the road to Oostkapelle and Domburg you will cross Castle ‘Westhove’. Just before you will arrive in Oostkappelle you will cycle through the forest of Wasschappelse on the end of the treeline you will see the coast again. It’s a really nice and diverse route. During the whole bike tour the directions are well marked so getting lost is almost impossible.

5. Kinderdijk 

• Starting Point: Havenstraat, Alblasserdam next to Gemeentehuis, Alblasserdam
• Length: 44.4km

Starting canalside in the heart of Alblasserdam, this is one of our favorite bike tours in the Netherlands. The route takes you on a 44km loop along the Middelkade canal to beautiful Kinderdijk. From here you travel along the Lek River. This area is known as the Gardens of Europe for its charming network of waterways and dikes with views of some of the Netherland’s finest windmills and fields of flowers. Check out our post to taking a day trip to Kinderdijk for more inspiration. 

6. Eight castles 

• Starting Point: Kasteel Vorden
• Length: 34.4km

This trail begins at Kasteel Vorden, Gelderland one of the eight castles you’ll see on this route. There’s lots to see on this 34km loop trail that is also popular with hikers and runners. As well as the castles, you can see a Pinetum de Belten, a tended forest of thousands of conifers, and several scenic campsites. This trail is rated as moderate and has low overall but with frequent gains in elevation. 

7. Hunebeds route

• Starting Point: Broger Centrum
• Length : 43km

Start this bike tour of the Netherlands in the very center of Broger, Drenthe. A short ride out of town, this becomes a nature trail offering gorgeous views for almost the entire 43km route. A moderate trail, there is some frequent elevation gain for the last 10km. Also a road biking trail, the Hunebeds route is suitable for all cyclists.

8. Vaalserberg 

• Starting Point: Hombourg
• Length: 41.5km

This moderate trail takes you on a loop around the sights of Vaalsberg, the only mountain in the Netherlands. Vaalsberg is the highest point in mainland Netherlands at 322.4m. As you’d expect, the elevation gain on this trail is a little more challenging at 873m. 

Self guided Multi Day bike tours netherlands

9. tour around the netherlands .

• Starting Point: Nieuweschans
• Length: 1754km

A comprehensive round-trip that takes you on a journey along the entire border of the Netherlands. This 27-stop loop is more than 1750km in length, starting and ending in Nieuweschans. We recommend taking your time to complete this route as it is the most comprehensive bike tour of the Netherlands on this list. The trail offers hotel suggestions for your overnight stays. Use this as a rough guide to book your own accommodation or even find campsites along the way!

10. Eleven Citites Cycling Tour

• Starting Point: Bolsward
• Length: 253km

Elfstedentocht means Eleven Cities in English and commonly refers to a famous tour skating event that can only take place in the Netherlands when the waters that connect these 11 cities are fully frozen. So, this is an event that takes place very irregularly and with only 48 hours notice! 

The Eleven Cities cycling tour is not weather-dependent so you can admire these 11 cities whenever you like. Like the skating tour, there’s also an organized Elfstedentocht bike tour once a year that is open to the public up to a maximum of 15,000 entrants. But if you’re not around during this organized event, use the map and cycle it on your own peace.

11. Pieterpad 

• Starting Point: Pieterburen
• Length: 492km

Pieterpad is one of the Netherlands most popular hiking trails. However, it is possible to take a self-guided bike tour along the same route. Starting at the coastal village of Pieterburen, this trail takes you all the way from the northern of the Netherlands down to it’s southernmost tip. A scenic, countryside route, the Pieterburen trail will guide you through flat open fields, the forests of Drenthe of Overijssel and the Limburg hills. 

Best bike tours in netherlands

12. beach and dunes bike tour.

• Starting Point: Noordwijkerhout 
• Length: 25km

If you’d rather take a guided bike tour in the Netherlands, we recommend this beach and dunes bike tour. Starting at Noordwijkerhout square you will first cycle alongside the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen, the water dunes from which the city of Amsterdam draws its drinking water. When you reach the beach at Nederzandt you’ll stop for refreshments then cycle through part of de Hollandse Duinen National Park. You’ll make it back to Noordwijkerhout via the charming country lanes of Bollenstreek. Bike rental is included. 

13. Countryside and organic farm bike tour

• Starting Point: Amsterdam Centraal
• Length: 3 hours

From Amsterdam Central, you will cycle to the charming village of Landsmeer and Twiske, one of North Holland’s most scenic areas. This guided bike tour is all about organic agriculture and is an educational as well as a fun experience. You’ll visit the organic farm “Zorgboerderij Maarsen” on this tour and share a lunch with some of the staff and volunteers. 

For more information, see this countryside and organic farm bike tour on Get Your Guide.

14. Amsterdam bike tour

• Starting Point: Amsterbike Shop, Piet Heinkade 25
• Difficulty : Easy

If it’s Amsterdam city you want to explore, look no further than this 3-hour guided bike tour. As part of a small group, you’ll bike around the iconic streets of Amsterdam and learn all about Dutch culture, see our famous canals, and enjoy some famous sites. 

Find out more about this fun and interesting Amsterdam bike tour in the Netherlands.

You might also like: Where to stay in Amsterdam?

15. Zaanse Schans bike tour

• Starting Point: Koog aan de Zaan Station

There’s no better way to explore the village of Zaanse Schans with it’s pretty Dutch windmills than by bike. Join this small guided tour for a 2.5 to 3 hour journey along the banks of the Zaan River to one of the most photogenic spots in the Netherlands.This tour is a loop so you will return your bikes to your guide at the Koog aan de Zaan train station, a few stops from Amsterdam Centraal. 

Best time for a bike tour in the Netherlands

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That’s our pick of 15 incredible bike tours through the Netherlands. Do you have a question or want to share your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

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Find your bike holiday through The Netherlands

Best of Holland Tour € 825

Highlights Of Holland Tour € 659

Amsterdam – Bruges Tour € 859

Coast, Flowers & Island Tour € 929

Holland’s Old Historic Towns Tour € 995

Holland’s Big Rivers Tour € 819

Holland Beach & Dunes Tour € 1199

Amsterdam & Waterland Tour € 790

City and Beach Tour € 825

Frisian Lakes and Towns Tour € 679

Drenthe Province Tour € 589

Eleven Frisian Towns Tour € 869

IJsselmeer & North Sea Tour € 775

Van Gogh Tour € 749

Dutch Canals & Dunes Tour € 899

Dutch Cities Tour € 1599

Cheese and Seaside Boulevard Tour € 999

North Holland Tour € 599

Deltaworks and Dunes Tour € 599

Holland’s Biggest National Park Tour € 544

Cycling In Holland

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Holland Cycling Tours, Bike & Barge Holidays

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With its scenic countryside, relaxed villages and handsome cities, Holland offers travelers a fabulous contrast between traditional and modern, rustic and stylish.

Wander the pretty streets of Amsterdam, an exciting but laid-back city of canals, cobblestones and culture, with stunning architecture and some of Europe’s best galleries and museums.

Visit the famous cheese making town of Gouda; admire the historic architecture and charming shopping streets of Haarlem; and cycle through blooming bulb fields en route to the charming small city of Leiden, birthplace of Rembrandt.

Head to the Keukenhof Flower Park to see thousands of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in Europe's most elaborate floral display; and visit the historic Kinderdijk windmills, a quintessential Dutch icon and World Heritage site, to see 19 beautifully-preserved medieval windmills and learn about their ingenious design.

Cycle through quaint fishing villages and lively harbour towns with rich sailing traditions as you explore the picturesque country surrounding Ijssel Lake; explore castles and canals on an exciting family adventure; or see the highlights of Holland and Belgium on our outstanding Amsterdam to Bruges or Brussels to Amsterdam Bike & Barge adventures.

With its flat terrain, picturesque countryside and world-class cycling infrastructure, you’ll definitely want to follow the locals’ lead and experience Holland at handlebar level. Take a look at our unique range of cycling itineraries and start planning your Dutch adventure!

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Visit the iconic Kinderdijk windmills

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Try the famous cheese at Gouda

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Trips only include what you need like accommodation, meals, bikes on cycle trips, luggage transfers, maps and route directions on self guided trips and an experienced local guide for group trips, as well as the peace of mind that comes with complete backup and support.

Explore the Dutch countryside at your own pace

On self guided trips you can expect to receive up-to-date and well researched route notes and maps, seamless luggage transfers and competitive pricing on all essential services. Many self guided trips also have daily departure dates, allowing you to enjoy the convenience and flexibility a self guided trip offers.

Enjoy flexibility and choices

Cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land or sea - we can help you explore Europe exactly the way you want.

Often family run, these charming hotels range from 2 to 4 stars and provide access to local living thanks to your hosts. The hospitality is generous and their local knowledge is invaluable. Where possible, we choose locations that add to your experience.

Think of it as your floating hotel, where each day you experience a different sunrise and sunset location and you unpack only once. Berths range from two lower or bunk bed style but can be upgraded to larger berths with double beds. The bar and dining area is always a popular hangout at the end of each day's activity. The crew includes an onboard cook.

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Where to Go

Wander the pretty streets of Amsterdam, a laid-back city of cobblestoned streets, canals and culture

Visit the World Heritage Listed Kinderdijk windmills, a quintessential Dutch icon and an incredible feat of early modern engineering

Head to the Keukenhof Flower Park to see thousands of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in Europe's most elaborate floral display

Cycle through blooming bulb fields en route to the charming small city of Leiden, birthplace of Rembrandt

Admire the historic architecture and handsome shopping streets of Haarlem

Discover the quaint fishing villages, lively harbour towns, varied landscapes and rich sailing traditions of IJssel Lake

Check out the famous cheese making city of Gouda

See the highlights of The Netherlands and Belgium on our outstanding Amsterdam to Bruges or Brussels to Amsterdam Bike & Barge adventures

The months of June - August are the busiest, with temperatures ranging between 15 - 25 degrees Celsius (58 - 77 degrees Fahrenheit) and sometimes slightly higher.

Visit in spring (April) to see fields of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in bloom.

Time in Netherlands

The Netherlands is +1 hour ahead UTC/GMT

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Electricity in The Netherlands is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen-visa-countries-list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements.

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.

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The Dutch Lowlands

The evidence of the Dutch struggle for land can best be seen from the seat of your bicycle. Enjoy four days of cycling along waterways, green pasturelands and friendly Dutch villages.

• Typical Dutch polder landscapes
• Lots of windmills along the route
• Scenic and small-scale accommodation

5 days - 4 nights 6 days - 5 nights option Day 1 - Flatlands introduction 35km/22mi The tour starts in Haarlem (15 minutes by taxi or train from Amsterdam). Our representative will meet you 10:00 (10 AM) at Haarlem railway station, or we can arrange a pick you up from Amsterdam. After receiving route and equipment instructions, you leave the city and immediately start cycling into the Dutch flatlands with their typical pastoral green grasslands, dotted with cows, small villages and distant views. Your route continues westwards into the so called ‘Green Heart of Holland’, this is a region of canals, lakes and slow flowing, narrow rivers. Eventually you reach the lakes at Nieuwkoop and your accommodation for the night. Day 2 – Southward to Gouda 42km/26mi Today the route heads southwards, going deeper into the Green Heart of Holland. When cycling along the bike paths, ducks will noisily take flight while farmers in their blue overalls will look up from their work and greet you with a smile and a short “Hallo” – this is typical for Holland’s countryside. Along the route there are excellent stopping places to sit down on a beautiful café terrace, enjoying delicious Dutch coffee and a delectable slice of Dutch apple pie with whipped cream. The route will also take you to the Medieval small town of Oudewater, which is known for its Witches Weigh house. During the 15th century, those who were considered light enough to fly on a broomstick ended up on the pyre. The ones on ‘the safe side’ received a “Certificaet van Weginghe” or weight certificate. As in the past, visitors can still stand on the large scales to determine whether or not you are a witch. Day 3 – Loop tour along the windmills 40km/25mi or 55km/34mi You stay another night in your hotel in the historic town center of Gouda. There are two cycling options available. Of course, don’t forget to take a stroll around the historic town center of Gouda, with its impressive light-colored limestone town hall, located right in the middle of the market square. The shorter route option takes you past four windmills in a row, near the village of Groot-Ammers and you will also pass through the historic river harbor town of Schoonhoven, famous for its silversmiths’ workshops. If you decide to take the longer route option, try leaving Gouda on time, because today you might want spend time off your bicycle. You will cycle southwards towards the River Lek. After crossing the river by ferry, you pass along the famous windmill group at Kinderdijk (UNESCO World Heritage Site). There are nineteen windmills in a row which are best viewed from the bicycle path running past them. To cycle through this site, you do not need to buy entrance tickets, but if interested you can apply for a guided tour at the entrance and see a windmill from the inside. Continuing your trip you find yourself in the Alblasserwaard polder, situated between the Rhine and Meuse (Maas) rivers that run from east to west. Day 4 – Heading north to Leiden 35km/22mi On the fourth day of cycling, you ride along one of the lowest polders in the Netherlands, over 6 meters / 18 feet below sea level! On your way to Leiden, you pass through the region of Boskoop. This small town is the center of a region that is famous for its nurseries, particularly woody plant and perennial nurseries, of which some 750 are situated on long stretches of land, divided by narrow canals. Before World War II almost all transport was conducted using narrow boats. A few exceptionally high footbridges crossing some of the broader (main) canals remain from these days. Your route finishes in the beautiful town center of Leiden, where your B&B or hotel is located near the historic city center. Today's relative short cycling distance gives you more time to explore the historic town centers of Gouda and Leiden. >> If you want to extend your stay in Leiden we can arrange an extra night in the historic town center (view below). Day 5 – Along the coastal dunes to Haarlem 40km/25mi Your final day of cycling brings you to Haarlem. The route initially takes you to the fishing village of Katwijk on the North Sea coast. You now turn northwards, and cycle along a part of the famous North Sea cycling path, wending its way through the beautiful dunes. At the beach resort of Zandvoort, you continue inland towards the urban area of Haarlem before reaching the tour finish at Haarlem railway station. You can take the train to continue your journey (e.g. 15 minutes to Amsterdam central) or you can add an extra overnight in Haarlem. >> Optional extra days An extra overnight stay in Haarlem or Leiden, if you want to spend more time exploring the many attractions in the historic town centers.

Map & Routes

• Including GPS navigation
• Including mobile repair service

The ultimate guide to Cycletours Netherlands by bike and barge

by Anne Betts | Jul 3, 2021 | Cycling Trips , Netherlands | 15 comments

Updated July 3, 2021

With a population of almost 17 million people owning close to 20 million bicycles, cycling is a way of life for people of all ages in the Netherlands. It’s the perfect country to enjoy a cycling vacation with Cycletours Netherlands by bike and barge  travelling on and beside canals, especially when tulips are in bloom. Read on for a detailed review, comprehensive guide, and day-to-day itinerary.

Table of Contents

Cycle and cyclist friendly

When is the best time, advantages of a bike-and-barge tour, schiff liza marleen, guide-led cycling, day 1 (20 km), day 2: vianen to gouda (39 km), day 3: gouda to rotterdam to delft (37 km), day 4: delft to leiden (48 km), day 5 – keukenhof, day 6: leiden to haarlem (59 km), day 7: haarlem to amsterdam (51 km), the verdict.

The Dutch have been building dedicated bike paths (35,000 kilometres of them in fact) since the late 1800s. As a result, a bike-friendly infrastructure has been developed. There’s a continuous network of clearly signposted, well maintained and well lit cycle paths, cycle lanes, cycle bridges, cycle tunnels, cycle ferries, cycle parking stations, and cycle traffic lights. There are even specially designed containers for cyclists to deposit garbage on the fly.

Drivers treat cyclists with courtesy and respect. There’s a strong likelihood that drivers are cyclists themselves when they’re not behind the wheel of a car. Where cycle paths and roads meet, cyclists have priority. If a collision occurs between a car and a cyclist, in many cases the driver and his/her insurance is deemed to be liable to pay damages. All this contributes to making cycling safe, convenient, and affordable. The country is a cyclist’s dream.

The Netherlands is laced with canals, making a bike-and-barge vacation an enjoyable and economical option.

In April and May, Holland explodes with displays of blooming tulips, hyacinths, irises, scillas, crocuses, and muscari. In residential and public gardens, lilacs, magnolias, wisterias, laburnums, and hawthorns herald the arrival of spring. These are the kind of visual fireworks everyone should experience at least once in a lifetime.

Spring creates a perfect backdrop for special cycling tours through the legendary tulip fields. Many include a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Park with its 32 hectares of brilliantly coloured flowering bulbs.

Combining cycling and travel means being out in the fresh air to not only enjoy the scenery, but benefit from several hours of low impact exercise. All that calorie-burning pedal power builds an appetite for the delectable array of European foods. Relish the guilt-free enjoyment of the wide selection of inexpensive beer and wine. Add a barge to the mix and a perfect holiday starts to take shape.

There’s something attractive about the familiarity of returning to the same floating hotel at the end of a cycling day. It’s convenient to unpack once at the beginning of the tour, and giving wash-and-wear clothing the extra time it needs to dry before each new cycling day.

Another appealing aspect is the option to forego one or more days of cycling and remain on board the boat. A barge usually features common areas such as a lounge and sundeck, providing comfortable areas for non-cycling family members or friends to relax during the day. Remaining on board is particularly useful in the event of illness or injury. When you’re not well, a 50-kilometre ride in inclement weather isn’t a healthy choice.

Cycletours Netherlands by bike and barge

A four-country bike-and-boat tour of the Danube  introduced us to bike-and-boat travel. It was on the MV My Story in 2013, and organized by Rad and Reisen/Eurocycle. As a result, we signed up with the same company for the Southern Relax Tulip Tour operated by Rad and Reisen’s local partner, Cycletours Holidays. This was during the first week of May in 2014.

Our barge for the tour was the Schiff Liza Marleen , built in 1918 as a fishing boat to harvest herring from the waters of the North Sea. Converted to a passenger craft in 1992, she can carry up to 34 passengers housed in 14 two- and three-person cabins. For our tour, we were 24. A crew of four — all Dutch — Skipper Nico, Chef Manfred, Host Titcia, and Guide Annie rounded out the Liza Marleen’s entourage for the week.

The cabins provided all the amenities needed for a comfortable week on the water. They included bunk beds with reading lights, and private bathrooms with plenty of glorious hot water. In the two cabins assigned to our group of four friends, the bottom beds were singles and the top ones doubles. Each top bunk enjoyed a window, and was accessed by a sloping ladder. Other cabins contained single bunk beds in a different configuration. All cabins contained shelves and several hooks and hangers. Luxury accommodation it wasn’t; for us, it was perfect.

Meals were excellent, food was plentiful, and every effort was made to accommodate dietary needs. Coffee and tea were available throughout the day. Beer, wine, and soft drinks were available on a self-serve honour system. Purchases were marked throughout the week and bills settled at the end of the trip.

The 08:00 buffet-style breakfast consisted of cereal, yogurt, fruit, eggs, bacon, pancakes, cold cuts, and cheese. Each person prepared a sandwich for a packed lunch, complemented by fruit, juice packs, and candy and protein bars.

Three-course suppers at 18:30 were varied. By the second day, they assumed the atmosphere of boisterous family affairs. It was with eager anticipation we awaited the announcement of the menu with appreciative “oohs and aahs” as Titcia described each dish. When Manfred emerged from the kitchen after the meal, he was greeted with rousing applause. Everyone helped clear away dishes by passing plates and cutlery down to the end of the table to be stacked ready for pick up. Willing helpers cleared the tables of cups, glasses, placemats, and napkins.

The 24 mostly retired and pre-retired participants came from Austria, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States. English was the language of announcements and itinerary descriptions, and conversations were in Dutch, English, French, and German.

We travelled as one large group. This was different from our Danube bike-and-boat tour. For that trip, we moved at our own pace in small groups by following detailed maps and instructions, tour signposts, and our written notes from briefing sessions.

The option existed to go it alone but after having experienced so many twists and turns on the first day, it was not an alternative anyone took up. A key advantage was the security that came with travelling as part of a group. It meant remaining on the right paths, reaching the boat on time, getting help if needed, and not having to expend all that mental and emotional energy on staying oriented and not getting lost.

Our guide Annie led the way, cycling back and forth to shepherd the group across busy intersections without traffic lights. On a couple of occasions, she retrieved lost cyclists. What an amazing accomplishment.

At the back of the line were two ‘sweeps.’ They ‘swept up’ stragglers and stayed in touch with Annie by phone as required. For the most part, the system worked well, especially with the appointment of a couple of riders in the middle of the pack. Their job was to keep an eye on any widening gaps, and the location of the sweeps. At times, one of them would remain at a turn to direct cyclists. By the end of the week, we were working like a well-oiled machine, with everyone watching out for the safety and well-being of others in the group.

The height of each person was collected as part of the booking process. Therefore, the selection of bikes contained the appropriate mix of small, medium, and large men’s and women’s bikes. There was also the option to rent an electric bike. The bikes were all assembled by the Dutch manufacturer Batavus, with Galibier and Comanche 24 models available. They were lightweight and performed very well. Each bike was outfitted with a built-in lock, water bottle cradle, and double waterproof panniers. While the bikes had 24 speeds, about 18 of these were redundant given the topography of our route.

The Liza Marleen was berthed at Oosterdock in the centre of Amsterdam near Nemo, the Science and Technology Museum nearby central station. We were greeted by the crew, shown to our cabins, and provided with a short briefing before sailing out of the city in the direction of Vianen. It was a pleasant Saturday afternoon on the water, shared with a variety of boats overflowing with people enjoying the canals of Amsterdam. After an hour or so, we disembarked for a short 20-km cycle.

The countryside was sprinkled with grazing cattle and sheep, canal-side houseboats, and charming villages. After a relatively mild winter, spring had come early to the Netherlands. The landscape flaunted every imaginable shade of green, interspersed with the splashes of colour of flowering trees, shrubs, and plants.

The Netherlands means ‘the low lands,’ with approximately one third of the country below sea level. As a result, the Dutch have drained many lakes and parts of the sea, creating ‘polders’ (reclaimed land). This prompts the oft-quoted saying “God created the earth, but the Dutch created the Netherlands.”

The centuries-long struggle with water has resulted in a labyrinth of canals and drainage channels crisscrossing the landscape. Many of our cycle paths were formed of fill dredged from the adjacent channels. This invariably placed us on slightly higher ground from which to enjoy views of the countryside. With waterways everywhere, waterfowl were our constant companions — geese and ducks, herons and hawks, storks, swans, and nesting coots.

The route from Vianen took us to our lunch stop of Schoonhoven, a town with a rich history in the traditional craft of silversmithing. Later, we arrived in Gouda (pronounced ‘Howda’) to narrow streets, a picturesque town hall in a large central market square, and a canal-side shop dedicated to Gouda’s world-famous cheese. It was May 4, when the Dutch hold “Dodenherdenking” or “Remembrance of the Dead.” It commemorates those who have died in wars or peacekeeping missions since the outbreak of World War II. Throughout the country, two minutes of silence are observed at 20:00 when we attended a remembrance gathering in the Gouda town hall square.

It’s like stepping back into medieval times visiting the 123-metre long St. Janskerk (St. John’s Church) dedicated to John the Baptist, patron saint of Gouda. The church is especially famous for its 400-year-old ‘Gouda Windows’ removed prior to the outbreak of World War II. They were packed in crates and hidden for safe keeping in earthen bunkers. Fortunately, the church survived both the occupation and the liberation, and the stained-glass windows were restored to their original place in 1947.

No visit to Gouda would be complete without sampling the traditional stroopwafel (treacle waffles) first made in Gouda in the early nineteenth century.

From Gouda, we set off in the direction of Kinderdijk. It’s the only place in the world with so many windmills so close together in an authentic polder landscape. The 19 mills, pumping stations, low and high storage basins, ditches, and sluices form such an ingenious water management system that the complex was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1997. Today, a large pumping station is responsible for controlling the water level in the polder.

A fast ferry took us from Alblasserdam to Rotterdam where we boarded the Liza Marleen. Most of us headed to the sundeck for the sailing to Delft. Skipper Nico explained that a condition of our remaining on the sundeck was that when the wheelhouse lowered, we were to ‘hit the deck.’ This involved sitting on the floor as the barge passed under bridges with limited clearance. It was a beautiful evening and the sundeck was an ideal vantage point from which to enjoy the changing scenery.

Delft is famous for its pottery, the ‘Delft blue.’ Our visit to De Delftse Pauw (Delft Pottery) was extremely well organized, with two guides seamlessly conducting a tour of the facility in English, French, and German.

From Delft, our cycle route took us to The Hague. Sharing the busy streets with cars, motorcyclists, trams, pedestrians, and other cyclists proved very challenging. It was also exhilarating to experience a brief cultural immersion in the life of locals who cycle in busy cities on a daily basis. A short stop at the Peace Palace housing the International Court of Justice introduced us to the origins and functions of this magnificent institution.

From The Hague, we cycled to the North Sea coast at Scheveningen with its sprawling sandy beach, restaurants, amusements, and quirky beachfront sculptures.

Cycling through the dunes was a peaceful contrast to the hectic streets of The Hague. A few gentle inclines and declines followed the contours of the dunes, and the trees provided ample protection from wind and blowing sand. The serenity of the dunes was conducive to reflecting on the gift of seeing Holland by bike and barge.

After a brief stop and stroll around the seaside town of Katweya, we headed towards Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt (van Rijn). We found the Liza Marleen moored near the Zijlpoort, a gate that once formed part of the city walls.

The Southern Relax Tulip Tour includes a visit to Keukenhof. The public bus system provided transportation from Leiden to the world-famous spring gardens in the town of Lisse, the centre of Holland’s bulb district. In the 32-hectare park, bulb growers display their best and newest wonders in blazing colours along pathways lined with acres of manicured gardens. With more than seven million tulip, daffodil, hyacinth, and muscari bulbs planted and tended by Keukenhof gardeners each year, the park has to be one of the most photographed places on earth. While the thousands upon thousands of tulips in rich kaleidoscopic arrangements are without a doubt the stars of the show, there is so much more to enjoy at Keukenhof.

Indoor areas showcase numerous floral arrangements and displays, changing regularly throughout the brief eight-week Keukenhof season. The Beatrix Pavillion with its Orchid, Bromeliad and Anthurium Shows was a stunning favourite.

From Leiden, we cycled through Rijnsburg, and soon after took the Veerpont ferry to Warmond. With a maximum capacity of 34 passengers and bicycles, the ferry needed to be perfectly balanced. People were asked by the ferry operator to move to one side or the other to achieve the desired distribution of weight. Our cooperation was rewarded with a tray of candies passed around the boat.

Much of our cycling route was through the heart of Bloembollenstreek. Holland’s bulb-growing region stretches from Haarlem to Leiden where bulbs have been grown since the end of the sixteenth century. Unfortunately, we could only dream and drool over what the gardens would have looked like just a few short weeks earlier. Spring had come early to this part of Europe, and we had missed the patchwork of tulip blooms in the fields by about two weeks.

At the seaside town of Noordwijk, we paused by the system of underground military bunkers and tunnels built under the Noordwijk sand dunes by German troops occupying the town from 1940 to 1945. The Atlantikwall, stretching from the French-Spanish border up to Norway, was built as a barrier against an anticipated Allied invasion. After lunch on the beach, our cycling route took us in a northerly direction towards Haarlem.

We passed more fields where we could only imagine what a spectacular sight it must have been a few weeks earlier. We took solace in the fact that the billions of spent blooms were part of the natural cycle of building bulbs worthy of export to countries around the globe. The barely distinguishable brown and green hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils were still enjoying their only spring beneath Dutch skies. Needless to say, our disappointment was harnessed into shaping plans to return to the region in a subsequent year around the third week of April.

At Haarlem, which rendered its name to Harlem, New York, the Haarlemmermeer (Haarlemmer Lake) is today a polder. Originally using windmills, and later (between 1849 and 1852) employing three steam-powered pumping stations, the water was pumped into a circular canal around the polder before being transported to the sea.

Eventually, the Haarlemmer was pumped dry of 831 cubic kilometres of water creating 18,300 hectares of fertile land. In fact, Schiphol Airport is situated here, approximately three metres below sea level. A visit to the Cruquiusgemaal (Cruquius Pumping Station), site of the largest steam engine in the world, confirmed what had already been observed while cycling — that the Netherlands is an extraordinary country. It’s an incredible example of what ingenuity, perseverance, and ambitious engineering can accomplish.

Our cycling day started with a leisurely ride through Spaarnwoude, a recreational area just outside Haarlem.

At Spaarndam (named after the dam built on the Spaarne River to limit the danger of flooding from the sea), we paused by the statue of Hansje Brinker on the IJdijk. He was a fictitious character who saved the country from flooding by putting his thumb in a leaking dyke. Today, the character symbolizes Holland’s perpetual struggle against floodwaters.

The Buitenhuizen ferry from Spaarndam to Assendelft across the Noordzeekanaal (North Sea Canal) put us within cycling distance of Zaanse Schans. This open-air cultural museum on the bank of the Zaan River consists of warehouses, workshops, traditional weatherboard houses, and several working windmills. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, there were thousands of windmills along the dykes. They performed various functions as sawmills, dye mills, and oil mills powering the Dutch economy.

The Zaanse Schans village provides a picture of what it must have been like. One of the highlights was a visit to a klompermakerij (wooden shoe maker) and museum where regular demonstrations were conducted on the carving of wooden shoes.

A fierce headwind on the journey from Zaanse Schans to Amsterdam made the final two hours of our 250-km cycling week the most demanding. A short break at the Landsmeerderveld memorial provided a welcome respite from the blustery conditions. The memorial, constructed of parts of the plane found in the fields in Landsmeer, marks the crash on September 29, 1941 of a Vickers Wellington bomber on its way back to Britain after a successful bombing mission over Italy.

We arrived ‘home’ to a special table setting prepared by Titcia, hinting at a more festive atmosphere for our last supper together. Manfred rose to the occasion by preparing a wonderful buffet of delicious Indonesian dishes and a fiery dessert.

• With its multitude of bike paths and a cycling-positive culture, the Netherlands is a perfect destination for a cycling vacation. We were constantly amazed at the patience and thoughtfulness of Dutch drivers, and felt a level of safety not experienced in Canada.
• The tour is perfect for leisure cyclists, including those who haven’t ridden a bicycle in decades. Cycle paths are on mostly flat terrain and daily distances are manageable. Electric bikes are available for easier cycling.
• The tour was sprinkled with such a rich variety of scenery and experiences that it was interesting at all times. Organization was superb.
• On the Liza Marleen, we were treated as honoured guests. The crew bent over backwards to make our cycling tour all it could be… and more. They were amazing.
• We often found ourselves comparing the Southern Relax Tulip Tour with the Danube boat-and-bike tour on the 174-passenger My Story of the previous spring. We definitely preferred the more intimate interaction with passengers and crew that came with a smaller group. By the end of the second day, we knew everyone’s name and where each person was from. A tangible group spirit developed over the course of the seven days. At the end of the week, a list of email addresses was compiled so we could exchange photographs and stay in touch.
• If considering a spring bike-and-barge tour, make allowances for the unpredictability of nature. If feasting on the vibrant colours of the flowering field bulbs is part of the appeal, pitch to the middle of the season (e.g., the third week of April).
• Expect rain, and temperatures of anywhere between 10 and 30 degrees. Dress in layers and don’t skimp on good quality rain gear.
• Helmets aren’t mandatory in the Netherlands for this type of cycling, so bringing a helmet or renting one is optional.
• Assemble a small first-aid kit to take out cycling, and include a variety of band-aids, as well as antiseptic wipes and antiseptic cream.
• Bring a pocket shopping bag to carry gear to and from the panniers. The process of loading and unloading of the bikes needs to move quickly, especially if it’s raining.
• Wi-Fi on the barge was very slow, and limited to one hour per day just before supper. Staying connected to the cellular network can be very useful. I used it to check the weather, stay in touch with home, and research stops along the way. It was handy to call a taxi and our accommodation hosts before and after the tour. It’s critical if volunteering as a ‘sweep,’ or travelling independently from the group. If arriving at Schiphol, there are several options. I chose Lebara and my 20-euro investment bought a SIM card, 1GB of data and 7,50 euro calling credit. I wasn’t disappointed and was very pleased with the service.

There are several companies offering cycling tours in the Netherlands. If they’re as good as Cycletours, or as great as the crew on the Liza Marleen, expect a memorable experience.

For more photographs, check out the album below. If you’re considering a bike-and-boat tour of the Danube, you might be interested in Cycling the Danube: a four-country tour by bike and boat .

If you found this post helpful, please share it by selecting one or more of the social media buttons below. Have you taken a bike-and-barge tour?  Please comment on your experience or share a link to your blog or photos in the comments. Thank you.

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15 Comments

This sounds like a greatest hits tour of The Netherlands! Would love to cycle there.

I was reading the report again today, while it’s grey and rainy in Holland. But…. the daffodils are already blooming, even one carnation shows it’s beautiful colours!! I cannot wait to start guiding.

I wish you a happy New Year and many new biking adventures.

All the best,

Wow this would definitely be a great activity for people who love to keep fit while travelling! I would enjoy doing this, but I’m not sure if my calves would cope!

Thank you for such a detailed guide! I’m so desperate to see the tulips one year. I especially like how you broke this up by days. Will be coming back to this when I finally get to go.

I have not been to Netherlands yet, but this is a great blog with so much information on what to do. Apart from the spectacular tulips and other flowers, there seems to be so much to do using cycle tours to keep fit. Bookmarking your blog for future reference.:-)

This looks like it would be a great way to see the Netherlands. Love the photo with the large clogs

I was too afraid to cycle in Amsterdam but I think a tour like this would have helepd a lot. I’ll try it next time!

This sounds like such a great way to experience Holland, especially during the tulip season. I also love that they get your height prior so your bike is just right 👏🏽

So beautiful Need a general idea of costs to #days. This determines if I can consider your tour. Thank you, Frances

Hi Frances. Here’s a description of the itinerary, number of days, and cost (from the company’s website): https://cycletours.com/cycling-holidays/countries/the-netherlands/tulip-tour/ I notice there are quite a few other companies offering similar tours. Good luck with your research.

Hi Anne, Great report! I’m here now doing the southern tour and enjoying dry and sunny weather! There’s nothing on the website about tipping at the end. Is this a expected practice here in the Netherlands? The service is outstanding!

Trying to figure out the cost of your trips. Where do I find tha information?

This might help: https://cycletours.com/cycling-holidays/countries/the-netherlands/

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

• A Hipster’s Guide to Amsterdam-Noord – Things to Do | Drifter Planet - […] Cycling is a very important part of Dutch culture, hence literally the entire Netherlands is built in such a…
• Cycling Holiday: 12 Expert Bloggers Share Their Top Destinations - Snap Travel Blog - […] I was first introduced to bike-and-boat tours on the Danube. The boats tend to be larger than the smaller…
• A Hipster’s Guide to Amsterdam-Noord – Things to Do | Urge For Travel - […] Cycling is a very important part of Dutch culture, hence literally the entire Netherlands is built in such a…

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Netherlands

Our boat bike tours in netherlands.

Discover the Wadden Sea by bike & ship

Pretty harbor towns Enkhuizen & Stavoren

Texel & Terschelling islands bike trips

Sailing ship with max. 26 passengers

• Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
• Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
• Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
• Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
• Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
• Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs

A sailing adventure on a three-/four-mast ship

Tulip fields in South & North Holland

Visit the Wadden Island of Texel

Sailing ships with max. 38 passengers

Discover the unique nature of Friesland

Small historic cities and wide views

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wadden Sea

Small ship with max. 24 passengers

Our travel program for 2025 is ready! Book now to guarantee your place!

North Holland’s flat polder landscapes

Visit Texel Island’s sandy beaches

Romantic harbor villages incl. Enkhuizen

Ship with max. 96 passengers

North Holland’s flat landscapes

Beautiful beaches of Texel Island

Quaint harbor villages incl. Enkhuizen

Boutique ship with max. 24 passengers

Incl. visits Ecomare & Planetarium Eise Eisinga

4-Mast Sailing ship with max. 38 passengers

Bike through the Green Heart of Holland

Historical cities Amsterdam & Rotterdam

Kinderdijk’s windmills & Zaanse Schans

Ships with max. 112 passengers

A spring break overflowing with flowers

Historical cities of Amsterdam & Haarlem

Flower market, Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans

Ship with max. 44 passengers

Colorful Holland & Flanders bike tours

World-famous Amsterdam, Antwerp & Bruges

Enjoy a romantic canal trip in Ghent

Barges with 20 to max. 40 passengers

Discover magical green river landscapes

Historical cities Utrecht & Maastricht

Vibrant Limburg province hospitality

Barges with max. 20 passengers

Bike and barge tours Netherlands; explore the Dutch way

Most people will probably have preconceptions of the Netherlands, whether this is luscious fields full of tulips in spring, Amsterdam’s stately canals lined with Golden Era-townhouses or windmills and quaint medieval towns where Dutch artists created masterpieces… Bike and barge tours in the Netherlands combine all of these elements and more to give you a deeper insight into Dutch culture and the country’s verdant and varied landscapes.

What’s more, these tours make the most of the traditional forms of local transport — biking through the country’s (almost) 35,000 kilometers of cycle lanes and cruising through its vast network of rivers, canals, lakes, and marine waters.

Cycle and sail through Holland… or is that the Netherlands?

Holland and the Netherlands are one and the same, right? “Nee!”, say the Dutch.

Holland is but one region of the Netherlands; admittedly a very important one, made of the two provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland, and containing the three largest Dutch cities — the capital Amsterdam, the port and architecture city Rotterdam and politics center The Hague. Nevertheless, our Bike and barge tours Netherlands do, of course, come here!

Take, for example, our Holland Tulip Tours , on which guests cycle between the vast blooming flower parks and historical cities of North and South Holland, and sleep in their comfortable barge quarters in the evenings. But it would be criminal to suggest that these are the only bike and barge tours that the Netherlands has to offer!

Bike and barge tours in other regions of the Netherlands

We offer cycling tours coupled with cozy boating accommodation/transportation in the Wadden Sea and its gorgeous islands in the north , from Amsterdam to Germany on the majestic Rhine River, and through the green riverscapes and polders of the country’s heart while journeying towards one of the contry’s oldest cities, Maastricht , the vibrant southern city on the River Meuse, almost surrounded by Belgium and Germany.

Still not quite what you’re looking for? No problems. We offer 22 wonderful bike and barge tours through the Netherlands, so take a closer look or get in touch with our team!

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Countryside Bike Tour

Countryside bike tour details:.

• Price: € 40,- (special prices for kids)
• Duration: about 4 hours
• Distance: about 30 km’s (18 miles)
• Starting: March – Okt Daily @ 09.30
• Meeting point: Spuistraat 30, close to Central Station
• Small groups: Never more then 12 person per group, usually less!
• What we’ll see: Scenic landscapes, dams & dikes, the villages Durgerdam and Ransdorp, a windmill, cows, sheep, birds and more Dutch wildlife.

Tour About’s

The countryside bike tour is the perfect break away from Amsterdam! Ride your bike out of the hustle and bustle of the city through the fields and farmlands of Holland. Cycle over dams and dykes and bike through picturesque villages and scenic landscapes. Enjoy a refreshment break halfway through the tour and get a taste of the world’s best apple pie. Discover Amsterdam’s oldest chalk windmill and spot the big five of Holland on this Dutch safari.

This is a fun and active bike tour. You will learn about watermanagement, the Dutch farming industry and windmills. Join us on this relaxing tour and enjoy a perfect morning out in the fields. Hop on and we bike the extra mile for you!

Country Bike Tour ‘s Itinerary

Scenic landscapes, cute villages, dams and dykes….

This tour starts daily at 09.30 am at one of our offices in central Amsterdam. After a quick 2 minute ride we hop on a ferry and cross the water of the IJ-lake. From the north banks of the city it’s a short ride into the fields and farmlands of the Waterland region. This area lays below sea level. Learn about watermanagement and the infrastructure of dams and dikes. Your guide will tell you how the Dutch manage to live below sea level and keep their feet dry.

The scenic bike lanes of this cycle tour of Holland will take us further into the countryside, headed to the picturesque villages of Nieuwendam and Durgerdam. Take your time to get your pictures and learn about the history of these fishermen villages at the shore of the Southern Sea.

The coffee break…

Enjoy a refreshment break at the cute restaurant of the small farmer’s village ‘Holysloot’ halfway through the bike ride. It’s the perfect place to relax a little, use the facilities and ask your guide everything you would like to know. The apple pie they make here is world famous in the region and the perfect fuel to keep us going. We have had people that would only do the countryside tour for a slice of this pie.

Ransdorp and Amsterdam’s windmill…

After the break, the tour is headed to Ransdorp with it’s remarkable church tower. This former capital of the Waterland region is a true landmark in the area and one of the most picturesque villages in Holland. Learn about it’s fascinating history and take your pictures with the iconic tower.

Before we cycle back to the city we get to see one of the hightlights of our countryside tour: Amsterdam’s most beautiful windmill! This iconic construction from 1792 is a remarkable landmark on the north banks of Amsterdam. Learn about the windmill industry that made Holland a strong economic power and take your pictures before heading back to the city.

At the windmill of Amsterdam.

Difficulty level

On this 4 hour gentle cycle trip we cover about 30 kilometers (18.5 miles). Since our country is as flat as a pancake, most people would consider our countryside tour a leisurely bike ride. Please note though that this tour still requiers a moderate fitness level and equal cycling skills. 30 km is a fair distance. Please be aware of this. Do you want to go at your own pace or would you prefer to be with your own party? Consider a Private Tour!

This could be you, crossing a field with cows to continue cyling through Holland’s countryside.  ????

This Countryside Bike Tour is also available as a Private Tour! Click for more info!

Countryside bike tour

March – Okt Daily @ 09.30

small groups

• Price: € 36,- (special prices for kids)

Enjoy a refreshment break at the cute restaurant of the small farmer’s village ‘Holysloot’ halfway through the bike ride. It’s the perfect place to relax a little, use the facilities and ask your guide everything you would like to know. The apple pie they make here is world famous in the region and the perfect fuel to keep us going. We have had people that would only do the countryside tour for a slice of this pie. ????

March – Oct Daily @09.30

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Holland Bike Tour

Tulips, Windmills, Beer, and Cheese

Our Levels range from 1-4. Learn more .

Tour Highlights

• In April and May, explore the town of Lisse when tulips are in bloom at Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden
• Admire iconic Dutch windmills, then visit a working one to find out how they function
• Indulge in epicurean experiences, including a Gouda cheesemaking demonstration, dinner in the home of a Utrecht local, and a Michelin-starred meal
• Listen to a local historian’s lesser-known accounts of WWII-era Holland
• Visit a  botter  shipyard to see how artisans craft and maintain these traditional fishing vessels

Gouda and Edam cheeses, Dutch pancakes, sweets like apple cake and stroopwafel , smoked sausages, and bitterballen

World-renowned lagers and traditional Trappist ales

As featured in:

Welcome to the Netherlands

Meet our guides at the Zwolle train station where the adventure begins. Our bikes are waiting for us in Elburg, a scenic nearby town surrounded by 13th-century fortifications. Enjoy a light lunch of bitterballen and local delicacies before a bike fitting and safety talk, then cycle from the town gates into the countryside. Quiet, scenic bike paths and forest roads lead us to our first hotel: the Relais and Châteaux property Hotel Landgoede Het Roode Koper. Hear from a local historian how the people of this area risked their lives to hide Jewish citizens during WWII. Tonight, an elegant dinner sets the tone for the incredible week ahead.

Meals : Lunch / Dinner Destinations : Elburg, Vierhouten Accomplished : 20 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 423 feet / 129 meters Longer Option : 29 miles / 47 km, elevation gain: 617 feet / 188 meters Accommodations : Het Roode Koper

Off to Spakenburg for Shipyards and Clogs

Today we head southeast towards the bustling city of Utrecht. Our route begins in the countryside and takes us along the Zeedijk sea dike to the scenic seaport of Spakenburg, a historic fishing village since the Middle Ages. After lunch, a local welcomes us to his botter shipyard to see how artisans craft and maintain these traditional fishing vessels. Cycle or shuttle to our hotel for some downtime before one of our favorite local dining experiences.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Destinations : Ermelo, Spakenburg, Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Utrecht Accomplished : 24 miles / 39 km, elevation gain: 620 feet / 189 meters Longer Option: 47 miles / 76 km, elevation gain: 840 feet / 256 meters Accommodations :  Grand Hotel Karel V Utrecht

The Windmill Loop

Today we head north along Utrecht’s waterways and through the countryside dotted with tidy villages and brick castles. We pause at a working windmill and take a look inside to better understand how these ubiquitous structures keep the locals’ feet dry by pumping water away from the lowlands. Continue pedaling along the Rijn back towards Utrecht and enjoy lunch next to the canal. Utrecht offers all the appeal of Amsterdam, but remains relatively under the radar—see what we love about this city as you spend the rest of the day exploring cobbled streets and canals, then choose a restaurant for tonight’s dinner on your own.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch Destinations : Utrecht, Maarssenbroek, Loosdrecht Accomplished : 27 miles / 43 km, elevation gain: 420 feet / 128 meters Longer Option : 38 miles / 61 km, elevation gain: 617 feet / 188 meters Accommodations :  Grand Hotel Karel V Utrecht

Utrecht to Gouda

Cycle past Kasteel de Haar, one of the most beautiful castles in Holland, on our way to the town of Gouda, a city made famous for smoking pipes and stunning 15th-century Gothic architecture—but mostly for its cheese. Spin along verdant country lanes and pique your appetite for cheese with a tasting at a local cheese aging warehouse. After a short ride down the road, the main course is lunch at a quaint Dutch farm. Ride the rest of the way or transfer to our next hotel, the luxurious Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda. For dinner, your guides have chosen one of their favorite restaurants in town.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Destinations : Lisse, Gouda Accomplished : 21 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 364 feet / 111 meters Longer Option : 32 miles / 52 km, elevation gain: 485 feet / 148 meters Accommodations : Weeshuis Gouda

Tulips in Bloom

Prepare for one of the most colorful rides of your life in the tulip capital of the world. After a short transfer to Lisse, the day kicks off with a visit to Keukenhof Gardens and a private tour of these expansive flower fields accompanied by an official Keukenhof gardener. We’ll pedal through fields of tulips to a hearty lunch on the canal, then ride the rest of the way back to Gouda. Tonight, toast to our wonderful week together and enjoy a final celebratory dinner at our hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Destinations : Lisse, Gouda Accomplished :  21 miles / 35 km, elevation gain: 364 feet / 111 meters Longer Option: 32 miles / 52 km, elevation gain: 485 feet / 148 meters Accommodations : Weeshuis Gouda

Goodbye Holland!

Today we’ll bid the Netherlands dag as we say goodbye to this beautiful country after a long, leisurely breakfast. Your guides will transfer you to the Gouda train station, where they will see you off.

Meals : Breakfast

DuVine itineraries may be subject to slight route changes, hotel substitutions, and other modifications.

Arrival Details

Departure details, travelers take note.

If traveling in the spring, we suggest packing weather-appropriate gear in case of rain showers.

Dates + Availability

Any scheduled tour can be made private. Your group, your dates. Go Private

A Single Supplement is applied to secure a private room for solo travelers.  Learn more .

• Dates Price Special Events  
• Jul 28 – Aug 2 $4,895 Featuring Summer Itinerary Book Now
• Aug 18 – 23 $4,895 Featuring Summer Itinerary Book Now
• Apr 6 – 11 $5,095 Book Now
• Apr 13 – 18 $5,095 Book Now
• Apr 22 – 27 $5,095 Book Now

To reserve call +1 888 396 5383

• May 4 – 9 $5,095 Book Now
• Jun 29 – Jul 4 $5,095 Book Now
• Jul 27 – Aug 1 $5,095 Book Now
• Aug 3 – 8 $5,095 Book Now
• Aug 17 – 22 $5,095 Book Now

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Inclusions + Details

Accommodations

• Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region
• Luggage transfers
• Daily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails
• 4 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments
• Carefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal
• Wine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary
• Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events
• Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service
• Top-of-the-line bicycle selection
• Bike helmet
• Complimentary DuVine gear including a custom cycling jersey, DuVine t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag
• GPS in most destinations
• Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge
• Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts
• Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points
• Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance
• Dinner on one free night
• Gratuities for DuVine guides
• Travel Protection

See our FAQs page for answers to common questions.

Synapse 2 RLE

Manufacturer: Cannondale

Included in trip price

Quick 1 Disc

Type: Hybrid

257 AMP AL TWO

Manufacturer: BMC

Type: Hybrid E-Bike

• Tour Guides

Arien Coppock

Christiaan Hoenderkamp

Hans van der Hulst

David Lefevre

Lien Degrieck

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Amsterdam Extended Countryside E-Bike Tour

• 4 hours | 13 miles
• From €59 EUR

4 hours | 13 miles From €59 EUR Amsterdam

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• Day tours by bike

Discover the natural beauty of the Netherlands

Embark on a remarkable Amsterdam countryside e-bike tour and delve into the authentic Dutch experience! This captivating extended journey will take you along the IJ Boulevard, on a ferry to Noord, along the North Holland Canal past the Admiral windmill, and through picturesque polder landscapes and the wonderful Waterland region. Bike through the sublime village and town of Broek and Monnickendam, and dive into delightful Dutch traditions at an authentic cheese- and clog-making farm.

Your exquisite electric bike tour begins with a ride along the idyllic IJ Boulevard towards the ferry to Noord. Cycle northwards through stunning Dutch landscapes and admire the awe-inspiring Admiral windmill - an iconic Dutch sight that makes for a classic photo opportunity.

As you make your way through the medieval village of Broek in the wondrous Waterland region, discover how the pretty polders of Holland are defined by the many dykes and ditches that give the landscape true character.

Your delightful day tour will eventually arrive at an enticing cheese- and clog-making farm in the Dutch countryside, perfect for delving into Dutch traditions in an authentic atmosphere. Here, you’ll savor a sumptuous Gouda tasting, marvel at the clog-making demonstration, and tour the gorgeous gift shop for those one-of-a-kind Dutch souvenirs to bring back home!

On your return ride to the city center, you’ll savor sublime sightseeing opportunities in the marvelous historic town of Monnickendam, squeezing every ounce of beauty out of your blissful bicycle tour.

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IJ Boulevard, Noord, North Holland Canal, The Admiral windmill, Polder landscapes, Broek, Waterland, Cheese farm, Cheese tasting, Clog-making demonstration, Monnickendam

What’s included

• High-quality Dutch bike
• Rain Jackets in case of rain
• Local private guide
• Cheese tasting
• Clog-making demonstration

Meeting place & directions

Mike's Tours Amsterdam Oosterdoksstraat 106, 1011 DK Amsterdam

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Best bike tour in Amsterdam

· amsterdam extended countryside e-bike tour.

Amazing bike ride in the countryside near Amsterdam with gorgeous scenery! If you have to choose one bike tour in Amsterdam, I’d highly recommend this one. Our guide was helpful, informative and made the whole experience very fun. If you are a novice biker or want a leisurely ride, I’d suggest the e-bike since it was the perfect way to see the sights without breaking a sweat. Great tour for solo travelers.

• 5/5 Bikes + equipment
• 5/5 Scenery
• 5/5 Local tour company services
• 5/5 Route selection
• 5/5 Guides (if applicable)

View tour More reviews

A wonderful way to get a taste of the Amsterdam surroundings.

We loved every minute of our tour, the riding, the stops, the views, the group! I would highly rate this activity for everyone who's able and who pays a visit to the beautiful Netherlands!

Related Day Tours

Amsterdam Hidden Gems Bike Tour

7 miles, 4 hours from €55 EUR

Enjoy a holistic adventure on the Amsterdam Hidden Gems Bike Tour! In 4 hours, this guided day tour explores the alternative arts scene as well as the beating heart of the city, uncovering what constitutes the authentic Amsterdam identity. Experience a… More

Amsterdam City Bike Tour

7.5 miles, 3 hours from €37 EUR

Discover Amsterdam’s most iconic treasures on this bike tour of the city! Enjoy the benefits of bike rental and a family-friendly day tour suitable for children. Amsterdam isn’t called the “Venice of the North” for nothing &ndash… More

Amsterdam Compact Countryside Bike Tour

14 miles, 3.5 hours from €44 EUR

Embark on a remarkable Amsterdam countryside bike tour and delve into the authentic Dutch experience! This captivating compact tour will take you along the IJ Boulevard, on a ferry to Noord, along the North Holland Canal past the Admiral windmill, and… More

Amsterdam City E-Bike Tour

5 miles, 2 hours from €49 EUR

Discover Amsterdam’s most iconic treasures on this e-bike tour of the city, with the added flexibility of bike rental! Amsterdam isn’t called the “Venice of the North” for nothing – canals course through the… More

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Tulip Tours

Why travelers love it

On our tulip tours, we take care of everything to make sure you see the sensational colors of Holland’s iconic tulips – and experience the charm and culture of the Netherlands

Highlights of our special bike tours in Holland include a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof gardens, a flower park growing over 6 million tulips. We also offer some trips to the world’s largest flower auction at Aalsmeer.

Special bike tours in Holland

Our tulip bike tours in Holland will take you beside rural fields, along canals, through traditional villages, and past iconic windmills. Visits to cities like Amsterdam, Leiden, Gouda, Zaandam, and Haarlem will make sure you experience the culture and cuisine of the Netherlands!

Enjoy our tulip tours in Holland

We provide four bike and barge trips, one luxury hotel and bike tour and one bike and sail tour in Holland. Between April and mid-May we offer special Tulip Tours. You’ll cycle through hectares of spring flowers and tulips, learn all about growing tulips and stroll through regions with a characteristic and age-old Dutch landscape. With its endless miles of paved bicycle paths and flat terrain, our bike tours in Holland are ideal, relaxing, and safe for cyclists of all ages. We advise you to bring your camera for some of the most memorable photos in your collection!

The best bike tour for you

Not sure yet which Tulip Tour is best for you? We are standing by to assist you with any questions or requests you may have about our different bike tours. We love working closely with you to ensure you choose the right trip suited exactly up to your expectations. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.

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5 of the best road trips to take in the Netherlands

May 14, 2024 • 7 min read

Explore more of the Netherlands by car (or bike) with these top driving routes © Karl Hendon / Getty Images

Beyond the Netherlands ’ biggest and best-known cities, a patchwork of farmland, fields, villages and towns laced by canals, polders, dykes and windmills unfolds across the flat, low-lying Dutch landscapes.

These road trips will give you a taste of the Netherlands’ exquisite scenery, age-old traditions and ingenious innovations. With state-of-the-art roads, driving is an ideal way to make spontaneous stops and discoveries. The country’s short distances and extensive cycling paths offer the option to hop off or even swap out the car completely and travel these routes by bike.

Ready to explore the Netherlands? Here are the places that should be on your agenda  

1. Through the bulb fields

Best road trip for colorful photo ops Haarlem–Leiden; 64km (40 miles); allow one day

Time it right to travel through a kaleidoscope of color on this glorious route, which takes in the best of the Bollenstreek bulb-growing region. Leaving the cobbled streets and gabled buildings of  Haarlem , you’ll soon pass open fields and flower farms. On the northwestern edge of pretty Lisse, the  Keukenhof Gardens put on showstopping displays of blooms (some 7 million) during spring.

Throughout the year, you can visit Keukenhof’s castle gardens free of charge, and find out more about the Netherlands’ national flower at Lisse’s Museum De Zwarte Tulp (Museum of the Black Tulip). Turning west takes you to coastal Noordwijk, with its white-sand dunes roamed by fallow deer, foxes, speckled green sand lizards and a cacophony of birdlife. From here, it’s a half-hour drive south to historic  Leiden , hometown of Rembrandt as well as the Hortus Botanicus Leiden , the Netherlands’ oldest botanic gardens.

Planning tip: Tulip season runs from around mid-March to mid-May, when the Keukenhof Gardens are open (book tickets in advance). This route is also lovely during the dahlia flowering season from mid-August to mid-October. Check the Bollenstreek’s  flower map to see what’s in bloom, and for flower fields that you can enter (the map also flags production fields, which you can capture from outside instead).

Want to explore the tulip fields by bike? Here's how to do it

2. The Dutch cheese route

Best road trip for cheese lovers Gouda–Alkmaar; 126km (78 miles); allow one to two days

Feast on delectable Dutch cheese along this route linking the Netherlands’ trio of historic cheese towns.

Charming, canal-woven Gouda has been the center of the surrounding valley’s cheese trade since the Middle Ages. A recreated cheese market takes place in front of the historic waag (weighing house) weekly in spring and summer. If you miss it, you can learn about Gouda’s cheese history at its interactive Cheese Experience .

North past lush pastures and the spinning windmills of traditional working village  Zaanse Schans , swing by the former fishing village of Volendam, with cheese producers that you can visit on its southern edge. Endearingly kitschy old-time attractions like traditional Dutch national costume dress-ups line Volendam’s boat-filled waterfront. Just north again, Edam is a treasure with cobbled streets, hand-operated drawbridges, and warehouses (in its 17th-century heyday, there were over three dozen shipyards here). Discover production techniques and taste samples at Edam’s cheese purveyors, and/or catch the town’s engagingly re-enacted weekly summer cheese market .

A half-hour-or-so drive northwest through classic polder landscapes, Alkmaar was awarded weighing rights after repelling occupying Spanish troops in 1573 by opening the locks and flooding the area with seawater. It too holds a recreated cheese market weekly in spring and summer, when porters bring in cheeses for inspection by white-smocked dealers then whisk them off to be weighed. A refreshing place to finish is the Nationaal Biermuseum in the old De Boom brewery, with a canal-side tasting room.

Detour: To sample sheep and goats milk cheeses at producer Kaasboerderij Wezenspyk on the bucolic island of Texel , continue some 40 minutes north of Alkmaar to port town Den Helder and catch a 20-minute car ferry ( prebook in high summer).

Pick the right time for your visit to the Netherlands with our seasonal guide

3. Hanseatic League route

Best road trip for medieval architecture and history Doesburg–Elburg; 138km (86 miles); allow one to two days

Hanseatic history lingers in the medieval streets along the Netherlands’ eastern river, the IJssel. Back when Amsterdam and Rotterdam were still small villages, these nine historically linked cities were part of the powerful league of northern European merchant guilds and market towns, which dominated trade from the 13th to the 15th centuries.

Begin in fortified Doesburg, famed for mustard that’s been produced and traded here since 1457 (mustard soup is a local speciality) and the Netherlands’ oldest public house and one-time weighing house, the 1478 Stadsbierhuys de Waag. Pass through apple orchards and strawberry farms en route to Zutphen (aka Torenstad, the “town of towers”) and on to Deventer, with its striking  Gothic hall-church built between 1450 and 1525. Head to Hattem, then splendid Zwolle, bounded by a star-shaped canal and city walls. Travel through maize fields and dairy pastures to Hasselt and on to Kampen’s ensemble of medieval gates, houses and towers, on the lower reaches of the IJssel.

End your journey in Elburg, with its small, square-shaped historic center. This fortified former fishing town once sat on the shoreline of the Wadden Sea, before the early 20th-century construction of the Netherlands’ longest dyke, the 32km (20 mile) Afsluitdijk, creating the freshwater IJsselmeer lake. Across the water at the lake’s southern end lies the Netherlands’ newest province, Flevoland, reclaimed in the 1950s and ‘60s.

4. On the trail of Van Gogh

Best road trip for art lovers Zundert–Hoge Veluwe National Park; 195km (121 miles); allow one to two days

Once you’ve seen the world’s greatest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s works at Amsterdam’s  Van Gogh Museum , it’s rewarding to delve deeper into the artist’s early life and works on this pilgrimage through varied and little-visited countryside.

Start in Zundert, where Vincent was born on March 30, 1853 and spent his earliest years. Vincent’s father was a vicar at Zundert’s squat, red-brick Dutch Reformed church – look for the bronze monument of Vincent and his brother Theo out front. Zundert hosts the world’s largest flower parade on the first Sunday of September. A 20-minute drive north through fields ablaze with dahlias in late summer is the town of Etten-Leur, where Vincent had his first studio; the Van Gogh Church here highlights his artistic beginnings and holds a copy of the 1881 document first registering him as an artist.

Approaching Eindhoven ’s rural northeastern edge, amid crop fields of maize, sugar beets and potatoes, is the small village of Nuenen. It’s here that Vincent began producing art in earnest. Appearing in several of his works are the Opwetten Watermill (now a restaurant) and 1884-built De Roosdonck (still a working windmill). Nuenen’s Van Gogh Roosegaarde cycle path twinkles after dark like his iconic starry nights.  

Flower and fruit farms and forested nature reserves skirt the edge of Arnhem to this trip’s showpiece. Within the rambling Hoge Veluwe National Park , amid sculpture-studded gardens, the  Kröller-Müller Museum 's exceptional collection of Van Gogh’s works is second in the world only to his eponymous museum in Amsterdam.

5. Friesland’s Elfstedentocht (Eleven cities tour)

Best road trip for getting off the beaten track Leeuwarden–Leeuwarden; 225km (140 miles); allow two days

Part of Frisian tradition for centuries, the 1909-founded Elfstedentocht ice-skating tour along frozen canals, rivers and lakes is the world’s largest on natural ice. These days it holds near-mythical status, as it’s only able to take place when the ice is thick enough, which is increasingly rare due to the warming climate. The last tour was 1997 but hopes remain high every year. This driving loop traces its route as it takes in all 11 of Friesland ’s historic cities.

From the provincial capital Leeuwarden , with its Roman heritage and herringbone brick streets, travel through green polder grassland grazed by black-and-white Holstein-Friesian cattle to Sneek, guarded by its fairy-tale early 17th-century defensive gate the Waterpoort. Next up is IJlst, followed by the moated, fortified city of Sloten. Continue to windswept Stavoren on the shores of the IJsselmeer lake, then Hindeloupen, with its narrow streets, wooden bridges and sea captains’ houses. Travel to Workkum and onward to Bolsward. From Harlingen on the Wadden Sea, continue past fields of wheat, potatoes and flax to reach Franeker and Dokkum, before wrapping up back in Leeuwarden.

Detour: Along the Friesland coast, across the Wadden Sea’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed intertidal zone of mudflats, the crescent-like chain of  Frisian Islands can be accessed by ferry from Harlingen.

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Passing Thru Travel

Exploring 10 Cities Around the World by Bike – Pedal-Powered Discoveries 2024

Posted: February 25, 2024 | Last updated: February 25, 2024

Sustainable city cycling tours offer an eco-friendly and intimate way to explore urban landscapes. These tours allow you to navigate through the heart of cities, often uncovering hidden gems that are not accessible by car or bus. From the bustling streets of Amsterdam to the historic lanes of Kyoto, cycling tours provide a unique perspective on city life, culture, and architecture. This guide takes you on a two-wheeled journey through some of the best cities in the world to explore by bike, each offering a distinct and memorable experience.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

In Amsterdam, cycling is more than a mode of transport; it’s a way of life. The city’s flat terrain, dedicated bike lanes, and respectful traffic culture make it ideal for exploring on two wheels. A bike tour here lets you experience the city like a local, weaving through historic canals, past iconic windmills, and through vibrant neighborhoods like the Jordaan. You’ll discover hidden courtyards and bustling marketplaces and perhaps pause for a coffee at a canal-side café. Cycling in Amsterdam offers a blend of leisure and exploration, allowing you to cover more ground than walking while enjoying the city’s sights up close.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Jordaan neighborhood to glimpse local Amsterdam life away from the tourist crowds.

When To Travel: Late spring to early fall offers pleasant weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. The city center is easily accessible by train, and bike rentals are widely available.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen’s reputation as a bike-friendly city is well-earned. Its extensive network of bike lanes and the Danish culture of cycling make it a joy to explore on two wheels. A bike tour in Copenhagen might include the historic Nyhavn harbor, the whimsical Tivoli Gardens, and the modern architecture of the Ørestad district. Riding through Copenhagen, you’ll experience the city’s commitment to sustainability and quality of life. The tour is not just about seeing the sights; it’s about feeling the city’s pulse and understanding why Copenhagen is often ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world.

Insider’s Tip: Ride through the Assistens Cemetery, a peaceful and beautiful park where famous Danes like Hans Christian Andersen are buried.

When To Travel: May to September for the best cycling weather.

How To Get There: Copenhagen Airport is well-connected internationally, with easy public transport access to the city center.

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s rich history and vibrant culture make it a fascinating city to explore by bike. The city’s flat landscape and comprehensive network of bike paths allow for easy and safe navigation. A cycling tour in Berlin can take you through the remnants of the Berlin Wall, the lush expanses of the Tiergarten, and the bustling squares of Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz.

Along the way, you’ll encounter street art, historic landmarks, and the eclectic mix of modern and traditional architecture that defines Berlin. Cycling here offers a unique perspective on the city’s past and present, connecting you with its stories and spirit.

Insider’s Tip: Visit the Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport turned public park, for a unique cycling experience.

When To Travel: Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer tourists.

How To Get There: Two airports serve Berlin, with excellent public transportation links to the city center.

4. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, with its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and tranquil gardens, is a city steeped in history. Exploring Kyoto by bike allows you to move at your own pace, visit famous sites like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and discover hidden alleys and local neighborhoods. Cycling in Kyoto is a journey through time, where modern streets give way to historic districts, and each turn brings a new discovery. The city’s respect for tradition and nature makes it a uniquely serene urban cycling experience.

Insider’s Tip: Take a detour to the Philosopher’s Path, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

When To Travel: Spring for cherry blossoms and fall for colorful foliage.

How To Get There: Fly into Kansai International Airport and take a train or bus to Kyoto. Bike rentals are readily available throughout the city.

5. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s diverse landscape, from Gothic architecture in the old city to modernist landmarks and Mediterranean beaches, makes it an exhilarating city to explore by bike. A cycling tour here can take you through the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter, along the vibrant Las Ramblas, and to the famous Sagrada Familia. You’ll experience the city’s artistic flair and lively atmosphere firsthand. Cycling in Barcelona is not just about sightseeing; it’s about immersing yourself in the city’s dynamic culture and enjoying the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Insider’s Tip: Cycle up to Montjuic for panoramic views of the city and the sea.

When To Travel: Late spring and early fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.

How To Get There: Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the main gateway, with easy transport options to the city center.

6. Portland, Oregon, USA

Portland’s reputation as one of America’s most bike-friendly cities is evident in its extensive bike lanes and trails network. A bike tour in Portland can include the vibrant downtown area, the serene Waterfront Park, and the quirky neighborhoods that give the city its unique character. With stops at local markets, artisan coffee shops, and craft breweries, you’ll discover Portland’s commitment to sustainability and community. Cycling in Portland is an opportunity to experience the city’s green ethos and creative spirit up close.

Insider’s Tip: Check out the Eastbank Esplanade for a scenic ride along the river.

When To Travel: Summer for the best weather and numerous cycling events.

How To Get There: Fly into Portland International Airport. The city center is easily accessible by public transport, and bike rentals are available throughout Portland.

7. Montreal, Canada

Montreal combines the charm of a French village with the energy of a cosmopolitan city, and exploring it by bike allows you to experience this blend firsthand. A cycling tour in Montreal might include the historic streets of Old Montreal, the bustling Atwater Market, and the scenic Lachine Canal. The city’s bike paths, like the Route Verte, make navigating easy and safe. Cycling in Montreal offers a unique way to experience the city’s diverse neighborhoods, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene.

Insider’s Tip: Ride to the top of Mount Royal for a stunning view of the city.

When To Travel: Late spring to early fall for the best cycling conditions.

How To Get There: Montreal-Trudeau Airport is the main entry point, with good public transportation options to the city.

8. San Francisco, California, USA

San Francisco’s iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods make it a fascinating city to explore by bike. Despite its famous hills, there are plenty of flat and scenic routes, especially along the waterfront and the city’s many parks. A bike tour in San Francisco might include the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Painted Ladies of Alamo Square. Cycling here allows you to experience the city’s unique blend of natural beauty, urban culture, and innovative spirit.

Insider’s Tip: Cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito and take the ferry back for a unique experience.

When To Travel: Late spring and early fall offer the most comfortable weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into San Francisco International Airport. The city is well-connected by public transport, and bike rentals are widely available.

9. Vienna, Austria

Vienna’s grand imperial history and vibrant contemporary culture are best experienced on a bike. The city’s extensive network of bike paths takes you past historic palaces, through charming neighborhoods, and along the blue Danube. A bike tour in Vienna might include the Hofburg Palace, the Prater amusement park, and the trendy districts of Neubau and Mariahilf. Cycling in Vienna is a journey through a city that seamlessly blends its past with the present.

Insider’s Tip: Take a leisurely ride in the Prater, a large public park with a long, tree-lined main avenue perfect for cycling.

When To Travel: Spring and early fall offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

How To Get There: Vienna International Airport is the main gateway, with excellent public transportation links to the city center.

10. Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne’s eclectic mix of art, culture, and cuisine makes it an exciting city to discover by bike. A cycling tour here can include the artsy laneways, beautiful parks like the Royal Botanic Gardens, and the vibrant beachside suburb of St Kilda. Melbourne’s flat terrain and well-developed bike paths make it easy to navigate, and you’ll quickly discover why it’s often ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the Yarra River trail for scenic views and a peaceful ride away from the city bustle.

When To Travel: Fall (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer the best weather for cycling.

How To Get There: Fly into Melbourne Airport. The city has a comprehensive public transport system, and bike hire is readily available.

The Bottom Line

Exploring cities by bike offers a unique perspective on urban landscapes and promotes a sustainable and healthy way of traveling. Each city on this list offers its own unique charm and attractions, best experienced at the leisurely pace of a bike ride. Remember, cycling tours are not just about physical activity; they’re about connecting with the city, its people, and its culture in an intimate and eco-friendly way. So, grab your helmet, hop on a bike, and start pedaling your way through some of the world’s most bike-friendly cities.

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The post Exploring 10 Cities Around the World by Bike – Pedal-Powered Discoveries 2024 republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / PR Image Factory.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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