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 Kinderdijk to the chocolate makers in Bruges, this is a unique journey in Europe.
You have an option to stay two nights in Amsterdam or one night in Amsterdam and one night in Haarlem
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. You will navigate using the GPS routes that we provide, as well as the posted signs. 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
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 1
Haarlem, Netherlands
Day 2
Gouda, Netherlands
Day 3
Dordrecht, Netherlands
Day 4
Willemstad, Netherlands
Day 5
Schuddebeurs, Netherlands
Day 6
Middelburg, Netherlands
Day 7
Brugge, Belgium
Day 8+9
| Any start date between April 1 and October 31 |
|---|
Custom trips also available.
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelEasygoing / Moderate
TerrainFlat and scenic
CostClassic Accommodation: US $3,245
Single Supplement: US $820
Luxe Accommodation: US $4,045
Single Supplement: US $1,020
Premier Deluxe Accommodation: US $4,575
Single Supplement: US $1,150
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $440
Racing Bikes: US $540
E-Bikes: US$640
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.
| Destination | Belgium, Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Level | Moderate |
Your tour begins from Amsterdam which is well-served by international airlines.
We will provide you more information with your confirmation package.
Arrival in Amsterdam
Our Area Manager can meet you anytime between 2-6 pm at your hotel to provide the bikes. Should you wish to ride a warm-up ride on this day, we provide an optional 15 km loop through Vondelpark and along canals through the city center, passing many of the historical sites etc. Should you prefer to stroll, our hotel is close to museums and popular sights so you can walk easily. Our City guide for Amsterdam recommends several excellent restaurants for you to choose between.
Amsterdam to Haarlem
It’s a short ride to the quintessential Dutch town of Haarlem but there is an add-on loop to the coast, where paved trails weave through sand dunes and along the sea. Haarlem’s historic center is lined with canals filled with landmarks that hometown artists painted.
Ride Distance: 40 km, elevation gain n/a
Haarlem to Gouda
Cycle south through what is known as the Green Heart of Holland, a region filled with farm fields, dykes and windmills. The real highlight is the Keukenhof Gardens, which started as the small kitchen garden of a 15th-century countess and now bills itself as the most beautiful spring garden in the world, designed to showcase the art of Dutch bulb growers. The gardens cover 70 acres (28 hectares) of wooded parkland with nine miles (14 kilometers) of walking paths that wind around ponds, a windmill, greenhouse pavilions holding indoor displays, and more than seven million bulbs planted three layers deep to ensure a blaze of color from the end of March to mid-May. Arriving to Gouda, a village with a myriad of canals, a colourful market on Thursday mornings (and that superb cheese). 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.
Ride Distance: 61 km, elevation gain 110 m.*
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
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
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
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
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
Depart for onward travel.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Volkshotel Amsterdam is a creative hotel in a former newspaper headquarters with modern rooms, lively communal spaces, and a rooftop with panoramic city views.
Note – for those preferring more luxurious digs, the College Hotel is a great upgrade.
At 4-star hotel ML you will stay overnight in the lively, monumental center of Haarlem. This historic hotel breathes the atmosphere of the past, but in a modern, stylish and comfortable setting.
Set in a former redbrick factory building, this hotel overlooks the canal with modern interior and large airy rooms, chic bar and restaurant.
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.
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.
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.
This is our newest discovery in Middelburg. 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.
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.
Set in Amsterdam’s fashion and museum district, this upscale hotel in a late 19th century former school building has rooms around a courtyard, a trendy bar and a fine restaurant occupying the former school gym, serving exciting “New Dutch’ cuisine.
Their spacious rooms are elegantly furnished to your desire and decorated to delight. Start your day with a delicious breakfast in their charming and peaceful breakfast room.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located directly across from the Abbey of Middelburg, 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.
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.
This ultra-stylish canal haven boasts a perfect location along one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals with many of the city’s best museums, shops and cafes nearby. “Originally a theatre, then a Catholic poorhouse and bakery, The Dylan was created by London hotelier and designer Anoushka Hempel as a heady mix of traditional and modern, yin and yang, light and dark, East meets West.” (i-escape).
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.
Tour Reviews
There are no reviews yet.
Leave a Review