Cycle through southern Holland

Welcome to Delft, one of the most charming historic cities in the Netherlands. Here, nearly everything is associated with the world-famous blue and white Delft pottery and the artist Johannes Vermeer. Stroll along the idyllic canals, explore the cobblestone streets and be sure to visit the Vermeer Centre, where you can gain an insight into the artist's life and the history of the city. The well-preserved old town is a perfect introduction to Dutch culture. If you arrive via Amsterdam, we are happy to help you book extra nights so that you can visit this attractive city before the cycling begins.

After breakfast you leave Delft and follow quiet cycle paths through the so-called Green Heart – an open landscape of small villages, pastures and waterways. Today's destination is Gouda, the city that gave its name to one of the world's most famous cheeses. Besides cheese, you will find beautiful churches, historic buildings, classic stroopwafels and a long tradition of craftsmanship. If you plan your trip right, you can also experience the traditional cheese market on Thursday mornings.

Before setting off, we recommend a visit to the Cheese Experience Museum. Today's stage runs through a cultural landscape shaped by generations of struggle against the water. Dikes, windmills and reclaimed land tell the story of how the Netherlands was created. Along the way you pass lakes that formed after peat extraction before reaching the lively university city of Leiden. Here you will find picturesque canals, the botanical garden and the chance to end the day with a boat trip through the city's waterways.

The last cycling day once again offers classic Dutch views with green pastures, picturesque canals and windmills. The open polder landscape feels almost endless before Delft appears on the horizon again. Once back, there is time to visit Royal Delft or stroll through the historic old town and enjoy the atmosphere one last evening.

After breakfast it is time to say tot ziens to the Netherlands. If time allows, you can take a final walk along Delft's canals before heading home.