In a country where everyone (even the queen) rides a bicycle, it is no wonder the cycling paths and signage are the envy of cyclists the world over. Our 7 day trip starts just west of Amsterdam in the charming village of Haarlem which borders the National Park Zuid-Kennemarland and the Atlantic. From here, cycle south along the coast, through the famous gardens at Keukenhof to Leiden with its ancient university and numerous museums and art galleries. Continuing south, reach Delft, where Johannes Vermeer lived and worked his entire life and the famous Delft pottery is still made by hand. From Delft continue to Gouda, the cheese capital of Holland with its lovely architecture and thriving markets. Along the way, enjoy cycling along canals and dedicated cycling paths – our route has been designed to provide an easy-going tour to allow time to take in the rich culture and art that the Netherlands has on offer.
Note: although we admire locals able to ride traditional heavy Dutch bikes, our tours feature light-weight performance hybrid and racing bikes, comparable with what we offer elsewhere in Europe. Despite the terrain being flat, we think a light-weight performance bike can make a big difference in how much you enjoy the cycling.
Haarlem, Netherlands
Day 1+2
Leiden, Netherlands
Day 3+4
Delft, Netherlands
Day 5
Gouda, Netherlands
Day 6+7+8
| Start any date between Apr 1 and Oct 31. |
|---|
| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelEasy-going
This is one of our easiest tours
40-70 km (25-44 mi) daily average
TerrainFlat and scenic
CostClassic Accommodation: US $2,845
Single Supplement: US $720
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,465
Single Supplement: US $870
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
Racing Bikes: US $480
E-Bikes*: US $560
*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 | Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Level | Moderate |
Getting There
Your trip starts from Haarlem which can be easily reached from Schiphol airport or Amsterdam (10 minute train).
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
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.
Once a printing foundry, this historic brick hotel exudes an atmosphere from the past but in a modern, stylish and comfortable setting. The restaurant occupies the courtyard and adjoining rooms, with an open kitchen where you can witness the passion in the food prepared here.
This 4-star hotel, built in 1611 overlooks one of the city’s most beautiful canals, as well as the city theatre. There are just 5 guest rooms, pretty breakfast room and a spa & wellness area to enjoy as well as a roof terrace.
Hotel Grand Canal is located a red brick building from 1565 on one of the oldest canals of Delft. It features 18 charming rooms all of them overlooking the canal.
Set in a former redbrick factory building, this hotel overlooks the canal with modern interior and large airy rooms, chic bar and restaurant.
This 4-star hotel is located in the historic center, a stroll from Teyers Museum and St. Bove Cathedral. This is the top luxury hotel in Haarlem.
In a restored 15th-century canal side house, this distinctive boutique hotel features just 14 individually decorated, rustic-chic suites with exposed wood beams. Breakfast is served in a lounge bar and there is a restaurant on site.
Consistently rated the #1 hotel in Rotterdam, this 4-star luxurious hotel was formerly the Customs House and is located at the trendy left bank with views of the Erasmus Bridge, and near Luxor Theatre, National Photo museum and Museum Quarter as well as the top restaurants in the city. Straight Talk: Rotterdam is a fabulous city, but has some traffic of course, alleviated by the well-planned bike lanes.
This boutique 4-star hotel combines a historic building (once the armory building) with thoughtful renovation into a lovely hotel and gathering place - the restaurant and bar are lively spots and add to the conviviality.
Tour Reviews
“I liked that routes were creative going through small back lanes and beautiful gardens. And that we avoided busy roads and kept along the canals. The hotels were very luxurious and a nice treat at the end of the day.”
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