Beyond the quaint canals of Amsterdam, The Netherlands’ pristine northern territories open their arms with irresistible wonders and charm. Cycle on well-marked bicycle paths along the Zuiderzee, past windmills, through forests and emerald green pastures, to remote hamlets and cobblestone villages. Along the way, flowers greet us at every turn. We know you’ll enjoy this easygoing bicycle tour in what we consider our homeland!
Emerald pastures, wildflower-strewn meadows, cobblestone villages, and working windmills create the quintessential Dutch backdrop on this seven-day adventure through Holland’s pristine northern territory. Our expert guides invite you to relax and enjoy the refreshing sea breezes, luxurious inns, and tasty local fare while we handle the details of this unforgettable journey through Holland’s quintessential pastoral scenes and quaint harbor towns.
Wind your way through the cresting dunes and lovely neighborhoods of Haarlem
Traverse canals by wooden drawbridge in the seafaring town of Schermerhorn
Ferry to Stavoren and bike the quiet roads along Lake IJsselmeer to the old port of Hindeloopen
Pedal through dense forest to Giethoorn, coined the Venice of the North for its narrow canals, thatched houses and humpback bridges
Take in the sweet aroma of tulips, hyacinth and daffodils in the kaleidoscopic gardens of the Keukenhof, where over six-million bulbs flower each spring
Choose from hundreds of different pancakes at a Dutch pancake restaurant in Odoorn
Sip a garden aperitif and savor fresh wilde zalm (wild salmon) and salade van spinkrab (spider crab salad) before retiring to the comfort of the historic Chateau de Havixhorst
The windmills: There's no better way to take in Holland's breathtaking landscape than cycling past the windmills.
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The Van Gogh Museum: With more than 200 paintings, this museum houses the world's largest collection of Vincent van Gogh artwork.
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The street markets: The beautiful buildings and surroundings are the perfect setting to find just about anything you need and want - clothes, food, tulips, art, and even wooden shoes.
We meet in the morning in Amsterdam. After a short transfer out of town, start biking near Haarlem. Get ready for an incredible bike ride along the coast. Manicured bike paths lead the way through cresting dunes and lively beach resorts, then wind through some of the loveliest neighborhoods in all of Holland. There’s also the possibility to visit the Keukenhof tulip fields in the spring. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with the rest of the group.
About Hotel Lion d’Or
Located in the heart of the fascinating medieval city of Haarlem, Hotel Lion d’Or combines service, style, and comfort with rich history. Established around 1810, this 4-star hotel offers modern appointments with up-to-date amenities, plus a bar and brasserie.
Start biking in De Rijp, a colorful town with green gabled houses and a long whaling heritage. After visiting a working windmill, cycle over canals and wooden drawbridges to sea-faring towns like Schermerhorn and Hoorn. For lunch, enjoy local fare at a cafe in Hoorn. Spend tonight near the picture-perfect harbor of Enkhuizen.
About Hotel Suydersee
A delightful oasis for relaxation and ideal location for escaping from busy cities, Hotel Suydersee is right in the center of a typical historic harbor town and has been recently remodeled. You’ll be near the famous outdoor Zuiderzee museum, the polder land for biking, old canals for sport fishing and canoeing, and the largest lake of Holland for sailing and surfing.
Board the ferry to Stavoren, then bicycle along Lake IJsselmeer on small roads and dikes to the old port of Hindeloopen. It’s the perfect chance to learn a bit of history and visit charming towns steeped in tradition. Settle for the night overlooking the yachts of Lemmer. Take advantage of a night on your own to explore the town center.
About Hotel Iselmar
A modern hotel overlooking the marina, Hotel Iselmar offers luxury, relaxation and superb cuisine. At the hotel’s restaurant, you’ll savor French-Mediterranean cuisine as you take in splendid views over the yachting boats. The hotel offers spacious rooms, four bowling alleys, two racket-ball (squash) courts, an indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish steam bath.
Today’s carefree bike ride leads through forests and watery landscapes highlighted by a visit to Giethoorn. Known as the Venice of Holland, it is a wonderful canal-laced village with thatched houses and humpback bridges. This evening we’ll stay at the grand Kasteel de Havixhorst.
About Chateau De Havixhorst
An excellent, quiet and luxurious hotel, Chateau De Havixhorst offers eight enormous suites elegantly furnished with bath and separate shower. The hotel’s restaurant serves outstanding food and the wine cellar offers a huge choice of excellent wines.
Start the day greeting hundreds of storks and peacocks at a bird sanctuary on the grounds of your hotel. Then spin along forested bicycle paths through dreamy hamlets tucked deep in the woods. Visit the craft village in Orvelte before continuing on to peaceful Odoorn and our cozy hotel. Tonight in Odoorn, enjoy a dinner of savory Dutch pancakes.
About Hotel De Hunzebergen
Amidst woodlands and heath fields you can find the luxurious 4-star Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant De Hunzebergen. The rooms are decorated in a stylish, contemporary way and offer a view of the park or the driveway. True relaxation is achieved in the state of the art Beauty & Wellness center. Take a swim in the pool (indoor and outdoor), visit the sauna or relax in the Turkish steam bath and spa bath. A fitness room and a tennis court are also available. The hotel has four bowling lanes. Culinary delights are in abundance in the restaurant Hunzebergen. Weather permitting, dinner is also served on the beautiful terrace.
Today’s ride travels on dramatic moors dappled with purple heather and dotted with prehistoric stone beds. Later, head over to the outdoor market in Emmen and visit its outstanding, prize-winning zoo. Then follow fertile pastures and dense woodlands to the thatched village of Eext. Back in Odoorn, share memories of the trip as everyone enjoys a farewell dinner together.
Enjoy breakfast before your guide transfers you to Amsterdam for your departure home. The two-and-a-half-hour shuttle will give you plenty of time to relax and reflect on your trip before heading home.
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Prior to the trip, arrive at your own convenience in Amsterdam. On Day 1, we meet you in the lobby of Sir Albert Hotel in Amsterdam at 8:30 a.m. After a briefing and a short transfer to Haarlem, the cycling begins. After breakfast on Day 7, we take you to the airport, train station, or the hotel of your choice in Amsterdam (2.5 hour transfer).
Activities
Cycling:
Day 1 bicycle mileage options: 17 / 29
Day 2 bicycle mileage options: 15 / 31
Day 3 bicycle mileage options: 26 / 36 / 39
Day 4 bicycle mileage options: 35 / 40 / 50
Day 5 bicycle mileage options: 28 / 40
Day 6 bicycle mileage options: 17 / 27
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They take the time to explain the local history and daily sightseeing and route options. Each route has been carefully planned to include options to please each traveler’s interests. Austin Adventures guides are available to help you select the distance that’s right for you and to offer advice and assistance as you desire.
Cultural Discoveries
We’ll show you how to pick up a raw herring by its tail and eat it the Dutch way. Don’t miss the smoked eel either, as this is one of the most delicious tasting fish. Visit a 17th-century working windmill in Schermerhorn. Did you know that 40% of the country lies below sea level? In early spring, our visit to the famous Keukenhof garden offers a tulip tour like no other, with six million bulbs in flower. See and experience for yourself the incredible infrastructure the Dutch built for the cycling community.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All breakfasts. Lunches and dinners as listed by day. Snacks along the route.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Bikes, helmets and other necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local guide and expert gratuities.
Not Included in Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Europe Expert
Adam Beecham
Want to know how to make fast friends in foreign places and how to get the most out of a destination by experiencing it like a local? Ask Adam, a longtime Austin Adventures guide who now serves as European Operations Manager in Holland. He caught the travel bug during a semester abroad in New Zealand and Australia and quickly discovered he never wanted to stop experiencing—and more importantly, sharing—the wonder of travel. He taught English in China, managed a resort in Mexico, and now lives with his wife and child in Amsterdam, ensuring guests have the best guides and experiences possible on their European adventures.
