Holland Biking 8 Days

Haarlem
Located just 10 minute train ride west of the centre of Amsterdam, you can also reach direct from the airport. Haarlem’s historic center is beautiful, dotted with charming hofjes (courtyards), and has a young, lively population. Museums are plentiful, including the beloved and world famous Teylers Museum, the best sort of small museum, based on the taste of an eccentric private collector. The town center is adorned with the imposing Grote Kerk, often painted by the masters of the Golden Age.

Haarlem
Ride east to explore the fortifications of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, now a Unesco World Heritage site and then through the dunes of the National Park Zuid-Kennemerland to the seaside resort of Zandvoort. Back in Haarlem, enjoy a 2nd night in this historic city, often described as a miniature Amsterdam.
Ride Distance: 40 km.*

Leiden
Ride south from Haarlem to the Keukenhof gardens which in season (April & May) boast more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths filling 32 hectares with color and fragrance. If out of tulip season, it still makes a beautiful ride. In the quintessential Dutch town of Leiden, admire lovely canals overhung with lime trees, cobbled streets, traditional brick and gabbled homes from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Ride Distance: 40 km or 80 km.*

Leiden
Ride a route around the lakes in the Kaag en Braassem region, which are all connected by rivers and canals with many windmills. Birthplace of Rembrandt, there are many museums and galleries to visit. Leiden is also home to the nation’s oldest and most prestigious university, but it is said that Leiden couldn’t be pompous if it tried.
Ride Distance: 36 km or 50 km or 61 km.*

Delft
It is a short ride to Delft to allow those who want to sightsee plenty of time but we have an extra loop ride if you wish to spend more time cycling. Delft is arguably one of the most charming towns in all of the Netherlands and possesses a peaceful calm that recalls the quieter pace of the Golden age of the 17th century. Back then the town counted among its citizens the artist Johannes Vermeer, who decided one spring day to paint the city gates and landscape across the Kolk harbor from a house’s window on the Schieweg (now the Hooikade). The result was the 1660 View of Delft, famously called by Marcel Proust “the most beautiful painting in the world.” (you can see it in The Hague). Read the NY Times article about Vermeer’s hometown. In addition to art, Delft has been producing white and blue earthenware potter since the 16th century and you can still visit the workshops to see these artisans hand-painting pottery.
Ride Distance: 25 km or 65 km.*

Gouda/ Woerden
From Delft, ride east to Gouda is known for its cheese (made here since the middle ages) and architecture – the 15th century Stadhuis is the oldest town hall in the Netherlands and the impressive Church of St. John has 16th century stain glass that is truly magnificent. If on a Thursday, the lively cheese market brings visitors to town. Enjoy some Gouda stroopwafel at one of the many cafes for lunch. The Classic tour stays in Gouda at the BW Gouda and the luxe tour continues to the village of Woerden and the luxurious Hotel Stadshotel.
Ride Distance: 35 km or 60 km.*

Gouda/Woerden
From Gouda, the Classic trip enjoys a leisurely loop through the surrounding countryside of Gouda, with an add-on option to the Reeuwijk lakes, 13 in total that are separated by narrow roads ideal for cycling.  The Luxe trip, from Woerden enjoys a loop towards Utrecht, founded as a Roman fortress almost 2000 years ago. Today, it is another charming city with lovely canals and interesting sites including Catherine’s Convent, with an impressive collection of historic manuscripts and medieval artwork. Those interested in architecture will want to visit the Rietveld Schroder House, built in 1924 and now an official World Heritage Site. On the return trip to Worden, visit to an extraordinary castle, Kasteel De Haar. Enjoy a fine meal at your hotel restaurant and toast an incredible week of touring the Netherlands.
Ride Distance: 30 km or 41 km.*

Depart at your leisure. Trains from Gouda and Worden to Amsterdam are frequent.

*Note: Distances of cycling routes will vary depending on specific hotels confirmed. On layover days, there is the option to cycle less (or not at all); there is often the option to cycle longer distances if wanted.