2025 Early Bird SaleFinal WeekSave Now
Duration
7 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 6 nights hotels
Meals
  • 6 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

$1270 USD

Adult$1207USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: UCH

Trip highlights


  • Discovering the cities of Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden and Gouda
  • Sampling exquisite chocolates, waffles and beer in atmospheric cafes and bars
  • Exploring the picturesque, typical Dutch countryside
  • Cycling at your own pace on a fantastic self guided itinerary

If you're looking for the quintessential Dutch cycling experience, look no further. This self guided cycling trip in The Netherlands combines several all-time favourite cities; Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft and Gouda, each unique and brimming with typical old world Dutch character. The ride is perfect for a first time cycle trip or for those looking to slow down the pace. Each day's cycling distance is relatively short, allowing you time to explore out of the saddle and take in the highlights of each city or linger en route over a cheese tasting or coffee. Between the cities, the cycling route meanders through the quiet Dutch countryside, where you will encounter polders, windmills, fields of flowers (in the spring time), lakes and rivers. The itinerary really does provide a week long experience of the classic Dutch cultural and countryside gems.

Trip Grading

introductory

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Make your own way to Amsterdam and check into the first hotel. Amsterdam is one of the crown jewels of Europe and there is so much to do and see here. If you arrive early make sure you go for a walk to marvel at the 17th century townhouses in the World Heritage listed canal district. The Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark or a canal cruise are just some of the things you can do and see in Amsterdam.

Meals:  Nil

If you haven't already visited the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank's house we recommended doing so early this morning in order to beat the queues. Later in the morning, say "tot ziens!” to amazing Amsterdam and start cycling through Kennemerland, where a great variety of lovely countryside awaits. You will see vast polders, wild(life) gardens, country estates, woods and beautiful peat land on your way to the elegant city of Haarlem. Its attractive city centre offers a wealth of possibilities for shopping, delving into art and culture, or relaxing in a café or restaurant. In April and early May, you have the option of cycling a longer route (60km/37mi) where you can see the tulip fields. Optional Accommodation upgrade - experience the old world charm of the Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg in Santpoort (near Haarlem) including dinner - please request at time of booking. Supplement applies.

Meals:  B

Downtown Haarlem deserves to be explored thoroughly. We recommend a city walk to discover its hidden "hofjes” - a square of tiny almshouses set around an idyllic courtyard, often built by the church or a private charity to house single older women. Also dating back to the Dutch Golden Age, the works of Haarlem painter Frans Hals (group portraiture) and his townsmen including Jacob Ruysdael (land and seascapes) and Pieter Saenredam (church interiors) are on display at the Frans Hals museum. In the afternoon get set for a colourful bike trip through the Dune and Bulb region. If you're cycling before mid-May you'll see the bulb flower fields in their full splendour! Tulips, crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths are grown here commercially (for bulb export) and temporarily transform the landscape into one of the country’s best-loved tourist attractions. Overnight in Leiden, the oldest university town in the Netherlands. It has a very busy cultural events calendar and a friendly city centre with canals, monuments, windmills and museums to explore. The historical botanical gardens also deserve a special mention. Note: If you want to spend a day at the world famous Keukenhof flower exhibition, we recommend booking an extra night in Leiden (must be done at the time of booking - supplement applies).

Meals:  B

After leaving lively Leiden, peace and quiet will reign once more in today’s typical Dutch scenery. As you cycle you'll notice the orderly rectangles in the man-made polder landscape (mostly peat land reclamations). Pass by shining lakes and green pastures, old windmills and farmhouses as you pedal to the famous city of Delft, whose melancholy charm is breathtaking. Most will associate Delft with its blue and white hand-painted pottery: Delftware. But did you know that painter Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) lived in Delft all his life? The Vermeer Centre gives illuminating insights into his life, works and the city (no original paintings on show here). Overnight in Delft.

Meals:  B

This stretch of the tour takes you through the Green Heart - a stronghold against urban sprawl in Randstad conurbation. Balancing atop polder dikes, delight in characteristic villages, distant horizons and pleasingly strict rectangles cut by ditches in fields of vibrant green. As you wander around the city of Gouda at the end of the day, don’t miss the Gothic town hall (1450), the Weighing House (1667), the romantic inner city canals and the stained glass windows in St John’s Church. Not only renowned for its cheese, Gouda is also famous for stroopwaffels (syrup waffles - try one hot!) and candles. If you’re travelling over the summer, we suggest planning your trip so that you can witness the traditional Thursday morning cheese market on the start of Day 6 (early April until the last Thursday in August). Overnight in Gouda*. * Due to limited availability, if we are unable to accommodate in Gouda, we will book an overnight in the towns of Bodegraven, Oudewater or Woerden.

Meals:  B

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, get back on your bike and set off on the longest leg of the tour. Once again you will be cycling through the rural Green Heart. On the way, the scenery is punctuated by rivers, polders and lakes (bird lovers, be sure to bring your binoculars!). You'll pass small villages, lakes and meadows today. Do stop to sample a Dutch style apple tart! Continue on your way to Amsterdam following the beautiful Amstel River. Overnight Amsterdam. Note: If today's distance is too long you can cycle to Woerden (38km/23.8mi) then take a train into Amsterdam (frequent services throughout the day, approx. 40 mins)

Meals:  B

The trip concludes in Amsterdam after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 6 breakfasts: Breakfasts are continental style and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices
  • 6 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Information pack provided digitally including route notes & navigational app for use with your smartphone, and a printed pack at the joining hotel
  • Luggage transfer between hotels - limited to 1 piece of luggage per person weighing a max 20kg. A charge for extra luggage items must be booked and paid before departure. Please note that small bags cannot be attached to the main luggage - they will be charged as separate pieces of luggage.
  • 24 speed bike rental with pannier, helmet, repair kit and lock (electric bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Amsterdam
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks. A dinner package is available (must be pre-booked) which includes a 3 course dinner each night - supplement applies
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide - this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Ferries - allow 1 to 2 EUR per ferry
  • Excess luggage - supplement applies. Each piece of extra luggage will be charged a supplement, max weight of 20kg applies (for work safety rules).
  • Optional bike breakdown assistance: with this you have guaranteed quick help in case of a breakdown while cycling, 7 days a week. Supplement applies, must be requested at time of booking
  • We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder - to more easily follow the route using the GPX files
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

introductory  

This trip involves 5 days cycling between 29 and 80km/18 and 50mi per day (although there are options to shorten the longest day) usually along paved cycle paths and quiet county roads across generally flat terrain. The well-posted cycle route is generally low traffic and often car-free. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera/rain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is graded introductory and is considered suitable for beginners. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list and we do provide one for each client.


Departure dates

Daily except Mondays and Saturdays from 1 Apr to 24 Sep (except select days in May, Jun, Jul and Aug)

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1207USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Bike insurance, standard bikeUSD$23
  • Optional Bike Breakdown AssistanceUSD$31
  • Excess luggage (per piece, max 20kg per piece)USD$36
  • Bike insurance, e-bikeUSD$47
  • E-bike supplementUSD$120
  • Single supplementUSD$570
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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