Classic Holland Cycle Tour with 8 Reviews by Utracks

7 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Relaxed

Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Starts

Amsterdam, Holland

Ends

Amsterdam, Holland

Highlights

Discovering the cities of Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden and Gouda

Exploring picturesque, typical Dutch countryside - polders, windmills, lakes and rivers

Sampling exquisite chocolates, waffles and beer in atmospheric cafes and bars

Cycling at your own pace on a fantastic self guided itinerary

The great mix of cultural gems and idyllic countryside

Itinerary

Cycle through the heart of the Netherlands and savor its quintessential charm on the Classic Holland Cycle tour. Beginning and ending in Amsterdam, this 7-day self-guided bicycle trip blends leisurely rides with the freedom to explore at your own pace. Highlights include the picturesque cities of Delft, Gouda, Haarlem, and Leiden, each radiating classic Dutch character with their canals, historic buildings, and vibrant markets. Designed with a relaxed pace, this tour is particularly well-suited for seniors and seasoned travelers seeking a comfortable, enriching experience. Daily routes are gentle and brief, leaving ample opportunity to sample local cheese, admire iconic windmills, or simply enjoy a coffee in a scenic square. As you pedal between bustling urban centers and serene countryside, you'll pass through fields of springtime flowers, tranquil polders, and alongside rivers and lakes—each landscape offering a new facet of Dutch beauty. With included accommodations, transport, and meals, this private tour package ensures a seamless and authentic Dutch cycling adventure. The unique selling point: a thoughtfully curated itinerary that allows for immersive cultural encounters and laid-back exploration, making it an ideal introduction to Holland's heritage and landscapes.

day 1 - Arrive Amsterdam

Make your own way to Amsterdam and check into the first hotel. Amsterdam is one of Europe's crown jewels - there is so much to do and see here. If you arrive early make sure you go for a walk to marvel at the 17th century townhouses in the World Heritage listed canal district. The Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark or a canal cruise are just some of the things you can do and see in Amsterdam. If you prefer to roam off the beaten track, saunter up Brouwersgracht or hire a canal bike and see the city from the water.

The usual hotel is a comfortable 3* in Amsterdam. There's the option to upgrade to a neighbouring 4* hotel - must be requested at time of booking (day 1 &/or day 6), a supplement applies,

day 2 - Cycle to Haarlem (30km/18.7mi)

If you haven't already visited the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank's house we recommend going early this morning to beat the queues. Later, say "tot ziens!” to amazing Amsterdam and start cycling. The urban buzz will soon change to the peace and quiet of the countryside. This region is called Zuid-Kennemerland, a low-lying peat landscape where clouds are reflected in the water and reeds sway in the wind.

The steam mill Cruquius, just before you cycle into Haarlem, is a National Monument and 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', abound, and Haarlem is home to the oldest hofje dating from 1395.

In April and early May, you have the option of cycling a longer route (60km/37mi) where you can see the tulip fields.

Accommodation upgrade - experience the old world charm of the Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg in nearby Santpoort, a manor house with a beautiful park, including dinner - please request at time of booking, a supplement applies. If accommodation in Haarlem is full we will book you here and the supplement will apply.

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Explore Haarlem before continuing your cycle to Leiden (43km/26.5mi)

Haarlem, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, deserves to be explored extensively before your bicycle tour today. A famous photo spot is the small white drawbridge over the Spaarne, with the two gabled houses in the background. On the main square you will find the Grote Kerk with the organ that Mozart played when he visited Haarlem. The Frans Hals museum has unique art from the Golden Age, including works by Haarlem painters Frans Hals, Jacob van Ruisdael and Pieter Saenredam.

After exploring Haarlem, get ready for your bike ride. You'll cycle 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 has a 13km long sandy beach. Surrounded by beautiful forest areas, rugged dunes and the flower bulb region near De Keukenhof, Noordwijk is also referred to as the flower resort of Europe. Formula 1 fans know the CM.com Circuit Zandvoort, which is known as an 'Old School' circuit, with fast, undulating and challenging corners formed by the natural dunes. With a track length of 4.3km it is one of the shorter circuits on the F1 calendar.

In the late afternoon you will arrive in Leiden, another historic city rich in attractions. 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.

If you want to spend a day at the world famous Keukenhof flower exhibition, we recommend booking an extra night in Leiden (must be done at the time of booking - supplement applies).

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Cycle past windmills, polders and farmhouses en route to Delft (29km/18mi)

After leaving lively Leiden, peace and quiet will reign once more in today’s typical Dutch scenery. As you cycle you'll notice the orderly rectangles in the man-made polder landscape (mostly peat land reclamations). Pass by shining lakes and green pastures, old windmills and farmhouses as you pedal to the famous city of Delft, whose melancholy charm 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 the city (no original paintings on show here). Overnight in Delft.

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Continue through Holland's 'Green Heart' to Gouda (34km/21mi)

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, distant horizons and 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. Not only renowned for its cheese, Gouda is also famous for stroopwaffels (syrup waffles - try one hot!) and candles. Overnight in Gouda*.

*Due to limited availability, if Gouda is booked out you will stay in either Bodegraven or Oudewater.

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Return to Amsterdam (68km/42.3mi)

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, get back on your bike and set off on the longest leg of the tour. Once again you will be cycling through the rural 'Green Heart'. The scenery is punctuated by rivers, polders and lakes (bird lovers, be sure to bring your binoculars!). You'll pass small villages, lakes and meadows today. Do stop to sample a Dutch style apple tart! Continue to Amsterdam following the beautiful Amstel River. Overnight Amsterdam.

Note: If today's distance is too long you can cycle to Woerden (38km/23.8mi) then take a train into Amsterdam (frequent services throughout the day, approx. 40 mins).

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Trip concludes

The trip concludes in Amsterdam after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request - please ask for our rates. Amsterdam gets very busy, book early.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

6 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

Meals

6 breakfasts: Breakfasts are continental style and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices

Others

Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks plus printed roadbook provided locallyLuggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess24 speed bike rental with pannier, helmet, repair kit and lock (electric bike available on request - supplement applies)Tourist taxEmergency hotline

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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4.8

based on 8 reviews

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