Cycle through Holland's highlights

Welcome to Amsterdam and the beginning of your cycling holiday. If you arrive early, there's plenty of time to discover the city's famous 17th-century canal ring, which is on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Stroll along the narrow canals, settle down at a café or visit the city's lively squares such as Dam, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Those who want to see Amsterdam from a different perspective can rent a pedal boat or take a boat trip through the canals.

Overnight in Amsterdam

Before leaving Amsterdam, there's an opportunity to visit the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank's House. Then the cycling begins through the varied landscape of Kennemerland with open polder fields, nature reserves, forests and rural environments. Today's destination is the elegant city of Haarlem, whose historic center offers shopping, museums and a wide selection of restaurants. During tulip season in April and early May, there's an opportunity to choose a longer route (about 60 km) that passes blooming tulip fields.

Overnight in Haarlem / Santpoort

The morning can be devoted to some of Haarlem's main attractions, for example the Frans Hals Museum or Teylers Museum. Then you follow the river Spaarne towards the small town of Spaarndam and continue along historic embankments and locks. You pass the place where the legend of Hans Brinker is said to have taken place before reaching Zaanse Schans, one of the Netherlands' most iconic destinations. Here the windmills stand in a row and you can visit wooden shoe makers, cheese makers and enjoy a classic Dutch pancake before the last kilometer of the day to Zaandam.

Overnight in Zaandam

Today's stage begins through the recreation area Het Twiske where lakes, forests and meadows alternate. Then you continue through an open landscape towards the historic town of Monnickendam before reaching Volendam by the IJsselmeer. The colorful fishing harbor is one of the Netherlands' most popular destinations with small shops, cafés and a lovely waterfront promenade.

Overnight in Volendam

Before leaving Volendam, you can visit the town's museum and learn more about fishing traditions, local culture and the characteristic folk costumes. Then the cycling continues via the island of Marken before the route leads back towards Amsterdam. Once there, there's time for additional museum visits, shopping or a final evening along the atmospheric canals.

Overnight in Amsterdam

After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to the Netherlands. If time allows, you can take the opportunity to enjoy a final stroll along Amsterdam's canals before the journey home.