Immerse in spellbinding natural landscapes and towns on this self-guided cycling journey
See the best of Holland on the Pearls of Holland Cycling Tour, a 7-day self-guided cycling holiday that invites you to explore the capital, Amsterdam, and several historic cities of North and South Holland.
The tour begins in the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, where you'll enjoy a full day of exploring the cities famous highlights like the Van Gogh and Anne Frank Museum and its hidden treasures like the peaceful Canal District. It's then off to the historical Haarlem, where you'll ride through expansive countryside dotted with country estates, beautiful peatland, and vast polders. As a true hub of art and culture, Haarlem is home to much to explore and sightsee. Up next is Leiden, before cruising by the famous blooming fields of tulips and daffodils that span to the horizon (the ideal time for this is early May). Delft and Gouda make for a well-rounded tour, introducing you to two more unique cities before returning to Amsterdam.
Experience the pristine beauty of Holland as you cycle its rural Green Heart with beautiful pastoral landscapes and quaint villages. Overnight stays in modern, primarily 4-star hotels make for a tour characterized by amazing adventures by bike and exceptional modern accommodations.
Discover the best of North and South Holland on two wheels. Book your spot on the Pearls of Holland Cycling Tour today!
Highlights of the Pearls of Holland Cycling Tour
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Pearls of Holland Cycling Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive
Your tour begins in the Netherlands’ wondrous capital of Amsterdam. Settle into your accommodation, and then set out to explore this dynamic city. Take a stroll through the 17th-century Canal District, where you’ll find yourself swept up in a Holland of old. Then, trade the peaceful canal trails for the buzzing atmosphere of the city’s famous squares: Dam, Rembrandtplein, and Leidseplein.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Amsterdam
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore Amsterdam and Ride to Haarlem
This morning, before departing Amsterdam, head to the Van Gogh or Anne Frank Museum, both top highlights of the city, then hop in the saddle for a wonderful ride to Haarlem.
Enveloped by the vast green countryside of Kennemerland, you’ll pedal a mesmerizing route today alongside polders, country estates, blooming gardens, and gorgeous peatland. Arrive in the elegant city of Haarlem, and check out the shops, art, and colourful culture of this vibrant city.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Haarlem
Distance: 29km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cycle from Haarlem to Leiden
After breakfast, head out to visit more sights in Haarlem. If you haven’t done so already, the city’s famous “hofjes” (squares with almshouses set around a courtyard) are a must-see.
This afternoon offers a beautiful ride through the Dune and Bulb Region. Leading up to mid-May, this route pops with tulips and vast fields of flowers in full bloom, making up one of Holland’s most-loved attractions.
Arrive in Leiden, the oldest university town in the Netherlands. Leiden is known for its bounty of cultural events and its spectacular botanical gardens. Enjoy the afternoon and evening here at your leisure, and get ready for another exciting ride tomorrow to Delft.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Leiden
Distance: 38km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Typical Dutch Scenery on the Ride to Delft
Enjoy a hearty breakfast this morning, then set out on your bike through gleaming green pastures, passing ancient windmills and rustic farmhouses along the way.
Arriving in historical Delft, you’ll find yourself swept up in a world of old Dutch charm. Famous for its hand-painted blue and white pottery known as Delftware, Delft is a city with deep roots in art and history, and the perfect place to observe some of Holland’s historical art.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Delft
Distance: 24km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Cycle the Green Heart of Holland
Today’s ride is characterized by breathtaking scenery, as you cruise the Holland’s Green Heart on two wheels. Polder dikes, traditional villages, and rich green fields pave the way to Gouda, the next stop on this adventure.
Gouda, known as “cheese town,” is a remarkable city, home to an impressive 15th-century Gothic town hall and several other fascinating historical sites. Spend the remainder of your day exploring, making sure to delight in some of the town’s famous Gouda cheese.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gouda
Distance: 34km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Final Ride to Amsterdam
Depart Gouda after breakfast this morning, embarking on the longest leg of the tour. The scenery continues to impress as you return to Amsterdam via the rural Green Heart. Sparkling lakes and rivers line your route as you pass through tiny villages and whiz past sprawling meadows.
Hop off your bike to savour a Dutch apple tart along the way, the perfect refuel for the lengthy journey. Trace the lovely river Amstel as you ride into Amsterdam, coming full circle on this mesmerizing cycling adventure.
Enjoy your final evening in the iconic capital, savouring the last moments of your tour, and enjoying a splendid farewell dinner, toasting to an epic week of cycling in Holland.
Should the prospect of 68 km be rather daunting, you can book an extra night in Woerden between Gouda and Amsterdam (making two legs: 38 km and 49 km).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Amsterdam
Distance: 72km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Depart
Your tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Check-out of your accommodations and head to the airport 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 24rd .
- Single room: from $1,495 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $950 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 Pearls of Holland Cycling 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 of $225 USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible.
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 Hotel in Leiden ★★★
This is an exceptional centrally-located hotel that boasts a cozy bar and lounge and in-house restaurant.
Best Western Museumhotel in Delft ★★★★
Style and history sum up this comfortable modern hotel in Delft that offers modern amenities and contemporary décor.
Best Western Hotel in Gouda ★★★★
A gorgeous, newly renovated hotel designed with Gouda’s rich and fascinating history in mind.
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 Pearls of Holland Cycling Tour Tour?
Meals
6 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 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 your luggage is included throughout the tour (1 piece of luggage, max 20 kilos per person). 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
- GPS tracks (on request)
- Tourist city tax
- Phone hotline 7 days/week
Not included
- Bike rental
- Guide services
- Flights to and from Amsterdam
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
Optional Extras
- Bike rental:
- Child bike
- Hybrid bike
- Premium hybrid bike
- E-Bike
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Additional services and biking equipment rental:
- Theft insurance (hybrid and child bike)
- Theft insurance (premium and e-bike)
- Bike road assistance
- Helmet rental
- Trailer rental
- GPS rental
- Airport transfers
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions
Frequently Asked Questions about Pearls of Holland Cycling 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 MoreMap of Pearls of Holland Cycling Tour
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