Although the Dutch didn’t invent the bicycle, almost everyone in the country (including the queen) rides one; the cycling infrastructure in both villages and throughout the countryside is superb. Cycling from the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam to the charming village of Bruges, Belgium, you will experience the best of these two countries. From the Unesco World Heritage site of the Keukenhof gardens to the chocolate makers in Bruges, this is a unique journey in Europe.


Holland probably has more bike paths and routes in cities and countryside than any country in the world. And lots of locals ride their bikes (60% of all trips in Amsterdam are by bike!). This means that as you depart cities (of any size) you will see bike paths heading off in many directions. Rather than provide route instructions, we have found it easier to explain the signage to people and provide very detailed maps (1:50,000 scale) and gps of our route for those that like to use. Be prepared to stop more frequently than you might in countries with more open road and thrill in the fact that Holland has created these bike paths and signed routes to make it a pleasure to cycle.

Straight Talk

Location

Gouda

Gouda, Netherlands

Day 1

Dordrecht

Dordrecht, Netherlands

Day 2

Willemstad

Willemstad, Netherlands

Day 3

Schuddebeurs

Schuddebeurs, Netherlands

Day 4

Middleburg

Middelburg, Netherlands

Day 5

Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

Day 6

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

6 nights hotels
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers and shuttles as specified
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and map
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Walking tours with a local guide in each of Gouda and Bruges available on request
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits

Particulars

EVENT DATES

Any start date between April 1 and October 31
Custom trips also available.

TOTAL DAYS

7 days / 6 nights with 5 days biking

ARRIVE / DEPART

Amsterdam (Gouda) / Bruges

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

TERRAIN

Flat and scenic

COST

Classic Accommodation: US $2,250
Single Supplement: US $570

Luxe Accommodation: US $2,750
Single Supplement: US $690

Premier Deluxe Accommodation: US $3,150
Single Supplement: US $790

Bike Rentals

Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$280

E-Bikes: US$480

E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us at info@randonneetours.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.
Your tour begins from Amsterdam which is well-served by international airlines. We will provide you more information with your confirmation package.

1

Day 1

Arrival in Gouda

Take time to visit the 15th century town hall and St. Jans Church with its stain-glass windows and the pedestrian streets inside the historical center or take time to see the famous Gouda cheese made. Our Area Manager will meet you at 6 pm to provide the bikes and orientation.
Hotel: BW City Hotel, Gouda

2

Day 2

Gouda to Dordrecht 

Today, we will cycle to the Unesco village of Kinderdijk, where 19 windmills have been standing majestically since 1740. These windmills were used to drain excess water from the low-lying polder to the River Lek. We reach Dordrecht via a short ferry ride. We typically arrive early afternoon – should you wish to visit Rotterdam it is just 30 minutes away by catamaran ferry. Dordrecht is one of Holland’s oldest towns and is completely surrounded by water.
Ride Distance: 43 km, elevation gain n/a

3

Day 3

Dordrecht to Willemstad 

Today, we will cycle through De Biesbosch National Park, one of the last freshwater tide areas in Europe and a rich flora and fauna wetland area. We make our way along quiet roads and bike paths to Zevenbergen where another fabulous lunch awaits and then continue to the charming village of Willemstad, a small historical village with well preserved fortifications. Visit the former mansion of Mauritz, the son of William of Orange or enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the many cafes that line the quaint harbour.
Ride Distance: 46 km, elevation gain – n/a

4

Day 4

Willemstad to Schuddebeurs

We depart Willemstad and make our way to the charming village of Oude-Tonge. Zeeland is an archipelago of islands, inlets, and polders. Along the Grevelingenmeer beaches, watch the colourful sails of kites and windsurfers. After lunch at a local restaurant in Bruinisse, we make our way through apple, pear and cherry orchards and horse ranches. Taste wine at a vineyard that specializes in Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc varietals conveniently located a few km from our hotel. Dine tonight in the sublime dining room of the hotel.
Ride Distance: 46 km, elevation gain – n/a

5

Day 5

Schuddebeurs to Middelburg

Start out the day by exploring nearby village of Zierikzee, where the city gate last closed for the night in 1866. Explore the Centrum, town hall and former prison, now a museum and then we make our way through Oosterschelde (Eastern Scheldt) National Park, the largest of the 20 National Parks in Netherlands and boasting remarkable bird life. From here, our route follows the North Sea coast where kilometers of sand dunes and splendid beaches stretch as far as the eye can see. Enjoy lunch while watching the aerial acrobatics of kite surfers who flock here for the onshore winds. Late afternoon, visit the utterly charming village of Veere, with a Scottish connection that you will learn as we tour the historic houses center. Arrive to Middleburg, a pleasant and prosperous town with a vibrant center.
Ride Distance: 44 km, elevation gain – n/a

6

Day 6

Middleburg to Brugge

Start the day with a ferry ride to the village of Breskens and to the market town of Sluis before cycling into Belgium and its enigmatic villages of Damme and then Bruges, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ and one of the most enchanting cities in Europe.
Ride Distance: 60 km, elevation gain – n/a

7

Day 7

Depart – you can depart at your leisure anytime after breakfast for onward travel

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

Classic

Best Western Gouda, Gouda

Set in a former redbrick factory building, this hotel overlooks the canal with modern interior and large airy rooms, chic bar and restaurant.


Stadshotel Steegoversloot , Dordrecht

This hotel is a stroll away from the Dordrechts museum. The room decor is hip and colourful with exposed beams, and some have balconies. There is a nice terrace and bohemian bakery where breakfast is served.


Hotel Mauritz, Willemstad

We loved this hotel as soon as we walked in. With its contemporary and hip vibe, there is a warm welcome and comfortable guest rooms. With its Dutch colonial style and great restaurant on site, this is the ideal place to stay in Willemstad.


Hostellerie Schuddebeurs, Schuddebeurs

This is a memorable and distinctive inn with a quiet setting with an excellent in-house dining room so you don’t need to leave the warmth of this property to dine.


Hotel Loskade 45, Middleburg

This is our newest discovery in Middleburg. Family run hotel & brasserie right in the heart of the historic town. We love this modest, yet charming hotel for it's decor, friendly welcome and ambience.


Hotel Ter Duinen, Bruges

A charming hotel with bags of character. Contemporary sun lit rooms all in natural tones. Gorgeous Conservatory breakfast rooms and innercourtyard. An understated spot with plenty of charisma.


Luxe

Weeshuis Gouda, Gouda

Next to the famed Jerusalem Chapel, this 16th-century orphanage is now home to 25 charming suites that make up this Relais & Chateaux property. The restaurant on-site, LIZZ, has gotten rave reviews.


Villa Augustus, Dordrecht

This 4-star hotel is partly comprised of the former water tower and has bags of character. The guest rooms have breathtaking views and the property boasts incredible gardens, a hip restaurant and more.


Hotel Mauritz, Willemstad (Classic)

We loved this hotel as soon as we walked in. With its contemporary and hip vibe, there is a warm welcome and comfortable guest rooms. With its Dutch colonial style and great restaurant on site, this is the ideal place to stay in Willemstad.


Hostellerie Schuddebeurs, Schuddebeurs (Classic)

This is a memorable and distinctive inn with a quiet setting with an excellent in-house dining room so you don’t need to leave the warmth of this property to dine.


Hotel Roosevelt, Middleburg

Located directly across from the Abbey of Middleburg, this boutique hotel has just 28 unique rooms and an excellent gourmet restaurant. There is a sauna and Jacuzzi and plunge pool to enjoy. Voted Best Hotel in Zeeland.


Hotel Prinsenhof, Bruges

This 4-star hotel has an enviable location in the heart of Bruges and is managed by owner Thierry Lemahieu. The rooms are comfortable and breakfast is superb. There is a lounge bar to enjoy and there is a multitude of cafes and trendy restaurants a short walk away. Recommended by CN Traveller.


Premier Deluxe

Hotel De Orangerie, Bruges

A beautifully ivy clad house on the canal bank. Traditional elegrant living areas, rooms and suites have high ceilings, fireplaces, wooden beams and chintz fabrics. Lovely breakfast and lunch terrace. A romantic spot with plenty of charm. Member: Small Luxury Hotels of the World. (US$100 pp sur-charge for Premier Deluxe option in Bruges)



Randonnee Tours 2017 Photo Contest - Faces Category - Holland
Randonnee tours offers cycling and hiking trips in Holland
Trip starting at
USD $2,250