Cycling Around Holland, 7 days

Cycling in The Netherlands combines several all-time favourite cities; Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft and Gouda, each unique and brimming with typical old-world Dutch character. The ride is perfect for a first-time cycling overseas trip or for those looking to slow down the pace.

Each day’s cycling distance is manageable, allowing you time to explore and take in the highlights of each city or linger enroute over a cheese tasting or coffee. Between the cities, the cycling route meanders through the quiet Dutch countryside. Encounter polders, windmills, fields of flowers, lakes and rivers. The itinerary really does provide a week’s experience of the classic Dutch cultural and countryside gems.

Duration: 7 days

Itinerary

Highlights
~ Discover the cities of Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden and Gouda.
~ Opportunities to take breaks in atmospheric cafes and bars.
~ Explore the picturesque, typical Dutch countryside.
~ Cycle at your own pace if you wish with digital maps.

Day 1 Arrive Amsterdam

Check into the first hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Amsterdam is one of the crown jewels of Europe and there is so much to do and see here. If time permits, 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 canal cruise are just some things you may do and see in Amsterdam.

Meal: Nil
Stay: 3* / 4* hotel

Day 2 Amsterdam – Haarlem

This morning, say “tot ziens!” to amazing Amsterdam and start cycling through Kennemerland, where a great variety of lovely countryside awaits. See vast polders, wild(life) gardens, country estates, woods and beautiful peat land on your way to the elegant city of Haarlem.

The steam mill Cruquius, a National Monument for the steam history of the engine within, has 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.

Roam the lovely downtown Haarlem, from impressive Grote Markt square, to the idyllic courtyards and white drawbridge on the River Spaarne. Haarlem is home to the oldest hofje dating from 1395.

Meal: Breakfast
Stay: 3* / 4* hotel
Cycling Distance: approx. 30 KM

Day 3 Haarlem – Leiden

Haarlem, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, deserves to be explored extensively. Famous photo spot is the small white drawbridge over the Spaarne with the two gabled houses in the background. On the market, see the Grote Kerk with the organ that Mozart played on when he visited Haarlem.

Get ready to peddle 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. Noordwijk is a seaside resort of international stature with a 13-KM long sandy beach. Surrounded by beautiful forest areas, rugged dunes and the flower bulb region near De Keukenhof, it is also referred to as the flower resort of Europe. Formula 1 fans know the CM.com – Circuit Zandvoort, which is known as a real “Old School” circuit, with fast, undulating and challenging corners formed by the natural dunes. With a track length of 4.3 KM, it is one of the shorter circuits on the F1 calendar. Almost nowhere else do drivers race past race fans so often!

Arrive in Leiden, another beautiful historic city. The 17th-century houses and characteristic canals are beautiful. Also worth a visit are the oldest university in the Netherlands, the historic botanical garden and the Gothic St. Pieterskerk.

Meal: Breakfast
Stay: 3* / 4* hotel
Cycling Distance: approx. 43 KM

Day 4 Leiden – Delft

Peace and quiet will reign once more in today’s typical Dutch scenery as you depart lively Leiden. Whilst cycling, see 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).

Meal: Breakfast
Stay: 3* / 4* hotel
Cycling Distance: approx. 29 KM

Day 5 Delft – Gouda Ride through Holland’s “Green Heart”

This stretch 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 pleasingly strict rectangles cut by ditches in 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.

Meal: Breakfast
Stay: 3* / 4* hotel
Cycling Distance: approx. 34 KM

Day 6 Gouda – Amsterdam

After a hearty breakfast, get back on your bike and set off on the longest ride of the trip.

Visit the traditional Thursday morning cheese market before departing Gouda.

Once again, cycle through rural Green Heart. On the way, the scenery is punctuated by rivers, polders and lakes (bird lovers, be sure to bring your binoculars!). Pass small villages, lakes and meadows. Do stop to sample a Dutch style apple tart! Continue to Amsterdam following the beautiful Amstel River.

Meal: Breakfast
Stay: 3* / 4* hotel
Cycling Distance: approx. 68 KM

Note: if today’s distance is too long: cycle to Woerden (38 KM) then take a train into Amsterdam at your own expense (frequent services throughout the day, approx. 40-minute ride).

Day 7 Depart Amsterdam

Simply rest and relax until it’s time for your onward journey or check out (1100 hours) and the tour concludes.

Meal: Breakfast

Inclusions

~ 6 nights in 3-4* accommodation (may be non-airconditioned) on twin/double occupancy;

~ 6 breakfasts;

~ hybrid bicycle rental;

~ luggage transfers – limited to 1 piece of luggage per person weighing a maximum. 20 KG and not exceeding 28-inch in size;

~ carefully planned and detailed route description (1 per room);

~ bicycle theft insurance;

~ bicycle repair service;

~ digital cycling route map;

~ emergency service hotline during cycling, day 2 to day 6.

Exclusions

~ air/land travel to Amsterdam, The Netherlands;

~ visa arrangement;

~ lunches and dinners;

~ entry to museums and attractions;

~ tourist city tax;

~ ferry crossings, EUR 1 or EUR 2 per ferry ride;

~ unscheduled transfers;

~ personal travel insurance;

~ expenditure of personal effects;

~ anything not specified in the trip inclusion and itinerary.

Important Notes

~ Non – refundable deposit, 30% of total trip quoted value is required at the time of booking.

~ Price may subject to change at the time of booking confirmation. You will be informed if there is any price increase, and you may withdraw within 3 days of notification. As such, your deposit will be fully refunded.

~ Full or balance payment is 60 days prior to departure.

~ Only book your air ticket to Amsterdam, Netherlands when you have been informed to do so.

~ Should you require a visa to enter Netherlands, it is your responsibility to obtain such document before departure. Check your entry requirement and apply for your visa HERE if you require.

~ Expect to cycle between 29 and 70 KM average per day (although there are options to shorten the longest day). Ride along paved cycle paths and quiet county roads across generally flat terrain. The well-posted cycle route is generally low traffic and often car-free. In and out of the cities there may be some traffic. The trip is considered suitable for beginners.

~ The 24-speed bicycle rental comes with a pannier bag (and a small repair kit) to carry your gear while cycling. We cannot guarantee there are bottle holders on bicycles. Cyclists may keep their water bottles inside the pannier bag.

~ Although helmets are not mandatory in the Netherlands, all cyclists are strongly recommended to wear helmets (compulsory on Travel Wander trips) and covered shoes when cycling for your safety.

~ Trip grading is an indication of the difficulty of the activities included. Preparation and engaging in regular exercise to maintain good physical condition and active lifestyle prior to the trip will be most beneficial in ensuring you have full enjoyment of the trip. We are glad to discuss your concerns and answer your queries.

~ Our utmost priority is always the safety of the cyclists. Therefore inclusion of the itinerary may be altered due to (not limited to) bad weather, local conditions, accommodation book out, the skill levels of the cyclists and/or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control. We reserve the right to make changes necessary and there will be no refund should you decide to discontinue with the trip.

~ Because cycling requires a certain level of cardio and stamina exertion, it is not suitable for cyclists with chronic and/or acute disease. Please consider your physical condition before booking. Cyclists must ensure they are medically and physically able to cycle.

~ If cyclist presents difficulty in completing the ride of the day, we strongly discourage the cyclist from continuing for the day with top priority on the safety of the cyclist and team in mind. The cyclist can fast track to the next accommodation making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. There is no refund on this portion of the trip.

~ Cyclist may choose to terminate the ride early during any time of the planned cycling day or make it a rest day, and fast track to the next accommodation by making use of public transportation (where available) or booking private transfer at cyclist’s own expense. Should the cyclist wish to partake in other activities or sightseeing on the rest day, it will be at the cyclist’s own expense. There is no refund on this portion of the trip.

~ Purchasing comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. See HERE for details.

~ By making a payment to Travel Wander LLP, you (and on behalf of the rest of travelling companions) acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to Travel Wander’s Booking Conditions and Other Important Information: Cancellation and Amendment, Modes of Payment, Privacy Policy, Indemnity Policy, and Terms & Conditions.

Activity	Cycling
Cycling Grade	Grade 2+ – Beginner Plus
Season	03 – March, 04 – April, 05 – May, 06 – June, 07 – July, 08 – August, 09 – September, 10 – October
Country	The Netherlands

Cycling Around Holland, 7 days