Embark on a cultural and pastoral exploration by bike through North Holland
Experience the best of North Holland on this enthralling 6-day self-guided cycling tour beginning and ending in Amsterdam.
The Cycling the Best of Holland Tour combines easy, short cycling routes featuring iconic cities and towns, inviting you to experience as much on foot as by bike. Beginning and ending in the Netherlands’ capital, Amsterdam, you’ll get an authentic taste for the vibrant city with ample time to explore its unique districts and historic sites. Setting out on two wheels, you’ll ride in the serene countryside of the Zuid-Kennemerland region, where you’ll trade the buzzing streets of Amsterdam for quiet country lanes, lined with sparkling lakes and green fields. After an afternoon and morning spent exploring historic Haarlem, you’ll continue along the banks of the River Zaam to Zaandam, where you’ll enjoy perusing historic neighbourhoods like Zaanse Schans and can even try your hand at cheese-making. Before returning to Amsterdam, you’ll enjoy a night in Volendam, a charming Dutch village famous for its colourful wooden houses and picturesque harbour.
Finally, after several exciting days of exploring North Holland, you’ll return to Amsterdam to enjoy some further sightseeing in the capital before your tour ends.
Accommodations on this tour have been hand-picked for optimal comfort and accessibility to the towns and cities explored. You’ll enjoy daily breakfast, with the option to upgrade to half-board (breakfast and dinner).
Get the best of both worlds on the Cycling the Best of Holland Tour, where you’ll explore the highlights by bike and on foot.
Highlights of the Cycling the Best of Holland Tour
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Cycling the Best of Holland Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive
Amsterdam is a city worth arriving early to spend time exploring its fascinating districts and sites. Your tour begins in the vibrant capital, a world of exquisite art and architecture with endless highlights and hidden corners to explore.
Check into your hotel, then head out on a walk to get a feel for the remarkable city. For a taste of the high-life, stroll the glitzy Oud-Zuid district, or admire some historical architecture in the canal district, an entire area designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight Location: Hotel Amsterdam
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore Amsterdam and Ride the Countryside to Haarlem
Rise ready to take on another exciting morning exploring the capital. Check out one of the city's several museums this morning, or find a balmy spot at the Rembrandtplein, soaking up the unique vibes of one of the city's major squares in central Amsterdam.
This afternoon, you'll hop on your bikes, leaving the urban buzz behind as you pedal your way through the peaceful rural landscapes of Zuid-Kennemerland, making your way to Haarlem. Arrive at your hotel in Haarlem, then stroll to take in the historic city. You'll discover a charming town, connected by elegant courtyards, known as "hofjes."
If taking this tour in April and early May, the option of extending today's route to visit the tulip fields is highly recommended.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Haarlem
Distance: 29km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle the Spaarne Riverbanks to Zaandam
Steal a few last moments to explore Haarlem this morning if you haven’t done so already. The Frans Hals museum, which houses exquisite paintings from the Golden Age, is well worth a visit.
At midday, you’ll return to your wheels to trace the pretty banks of the River Spaarne, bound for the charming village of Spaarndam and the Ijdijk (dike). Take in the quaint old houses here as well as the Kolksluis, claimed by some to be the oldest lock in the world.
Back on your bike, you’ll continue through the Zaan region, pedalling alongside rows of typical wooden houses painted green with white lace curtains on display in each window. Once in Zaandam, known for its famous windmills, head to the famous Zaanse Schans neighbourhood, where you’ll uncover a historical world of wooden houses, barns, windmills, and workshops. Learn to make wooden shoes or Dutch cheese from the masters themselves, then sit down for a well-deserved typical pancake to top off a magical day.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Zaandam
Distance: 34km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Cycle Twiske Park and Volendam via Monnickendam
The enchantment continues today with another marvellous day of riding and exploring on foot. First up is the Het Twiske Park, where visitors and locals alike flock on hot summer days for a refreshing dip in the lake.
Then, ride through pretty woods, alongside meadows and sparkling lakes to Monnickendam. Continue towards Volendam, where today’s ride concludes at the town’s lively fishing port. Peruse the gift shops here, then post up at one of the cute cafes overlooking the water.
Get a good night’s rest after a lovely evening in Volendam, as tomorrow’s final ride to Amsterdam is on the horizon.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Volendam
Distance: 34km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Complete Cycling Loop
Before leaving Volendam this morning, head to the old quarter with its quaint red-brick homes. Here you'll find Volendam's Museum, which is worth checking out. The museum showcases the community's fascinating history, folklore, and culture.
Your final ride unfolds on the isle of Marken as you return to Amsterdam to complete the loop. You'll arrive with plenty of time to continue your sightseeing adventure from Day 2. Soak up the unique charm of this alluring city and enjoy a farewell dinner this evening, toasting to a magical five days spent exploring North Holland.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Amsterdam
Distance: 36km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Depart
This morning, your tour comes to an end. Enjoy one final breakfast and then check out to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available daily (with some exceptions), from March 29th to September 25th .
- Single room: from $1,175 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $775 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on the Cycling the Best of Holland Tour
This tour is based on hotels. Hotels on this tour are 3-star and 4-star and offer either basic or modern amenities to ensure you have a pleasant and comfortable stay. Accommodations are well-located and offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Westcord Art Hotel in Amsterdam ★★★
Located in the Westerpark district, the Westcord Art Hotel is the perfect base for exploring Amsterdam, only a 10-minute ride from the city center. Theatre Amsterdam is located within walking distance, making it the optimal place to catch a show.
Hotel Lion d'Or in Haarlem ★★★★
This hotel combines the best of local history, contemporary ambience, and city allure. The city’s popular Haarlemse Hofjes are within walking distance, making for the perfect opportunity to set out on a stroll around the hotel.
Best Western Zaan Inn in Zaandam ★★★
This comfortable, modern hotel that embodies the historical spirit of the Zaan region is conveniently located next to the Zaandam train station.
Westcord Art Hotel in Amsterdam ★★★
Located in the Westerpark district, the Westcord Art Hotel is the perfect base for exploring Amsterdam, only a 10-minute ride from the city center. Theatre Amsterdam is located within walking distance, making it the optimal place to catch a show.
What’s Included in the Cycling the Best of Holland Tour?
Meals
5 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Amsterdam are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour. Your bike rental and airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
Also Included
- Detailed route notes and maps
- Tourist information on all places of interest
- Tourist city tax
- Phone service hotline (including weekends)
- Luggage transfer
Not included
- Bike rental and GPS
- Guide services
- Flights to and from Amsterdam
- Ferry tickets
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
Optional Extras
- Bike rental
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Additional services and biking equipment rental
- Airport transfers
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about Cycling the Best of Holland Tour
Operating since 2017, Dutch Biketours knows how to immerse travellers in Dutch life–best done on a bike, of course! Their experienced staff can lead your trip planning, or they can take your ideas and tailor a custom itinerary that reveals the charm of the Netherlands.
Learn MoreCycling the Best of Holland Tour Route Map
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