The trip commences in enchanting Bruges, known as the 'Pearl of Flanders'. With most of its medieval architecture intact, the town remains exceptionally well preserved and gives a sense of times gone by when it was at the centre of the European wool and cloth trade. After checking in to your hotel, we recommend heading to the Markt for some delicious waffles, chocolates or beer. Optional upgrade available in Bruges to a more centrally located 4* hotel - supplement applies, must be requested a time of booking.

Meals:  Nil

After a hearty breakfast you start cycling to the charming little town of Damme on the banks of the Damse Vaart. Continue to the border and enter Zeeland, a Dutch province marked by light, wind, water and lots of space. It is mostly made up of islands so bridges and ferries will be taking you across the waters as you head north east. Picture-book towns with ancient houses and cobbled streets are lined up for the coming days. But first you will pass through Zeelandic Flanders with its winding country roads, pollard willows, wet meadows and scattered villages. Later, at Breskens you hop on a local ferry (the ferry crossing must be reserved online in advance, link provided on booking). and cross to the maritime town of Vlissingen. A little further north, you will discover the splendour of Middelburg, capital of Zeeland. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the most important centres of trade in the Netherlands. The usual standard hotel is in Middelburg, optional hotel upgrade available to stay at Vlissingen 4* hotel - must be requested at time of booking.

Meals:  B

Today you discover the charming village of Veere. From 1541 everything that was exported to Holland from Scotland (mainly wool) came ashore and was distributed from Veere, which brought the town not only prosperity but also a very lively Scottish expat community that stayed for 300 years. Walk in their footsteps as you take a tour of the sights. A wander down the narrow streets of Zierikzee is an absolute delight. Quaint little old houses take you back in time to the town's glory days when ships set sail for the Baltic and Mediterranean seas to sell salt, wool, fish, grain and red dye.

Meals:  B

Enjoying your last day in Zeeland, traverse a patchwork landscape of vast polders, idyllic countryside, rolling dunes and golden sand flats. Round off the day in Willemstad, a fortified town shaped like a seven-point star.

Meals:  B

The result of a major flood in 1421, Biesbosch is one of the few remaining wetland habitats in Europe where the ecosystem has adapted both to saltwater coming in from the sea through tidal creeks, and to fresh water coming from the rivers. It’s an ever-changing labyrinth of creeks and rivulets encompassing countless little islands of willow woods and reeds, a paradise for birds. Pedalling on, you will reach one of the oldest towns in Holland: Dordrecht, completely surrounded by water. The area around the marina is a true gem. This oldest part of town counts over a thousand historical buildings and three nostalgic canals. Please note you will only cycle through de Biesbosch park on days that the ferry departs (not a daily service, payable locally, card only). If the ferry does not go you will follow an alternative route.

Meals:  B

Hit the trail once again and set off for the village of Kinderdijk where nineteen majestic windmills present a unique spectacle. They were used to drain excess water from the low-lying polder up into the River Lek. As you ride towards Gouda, cruising at about 2m below sea level, enjoy pastoral countryside and wonderful cloudscapes. For centuries, people flocked from far and wide to buy livestock, meat, turf, seed, cheese etc, at weekly and annual markets in Gouda. We recommend a stroll around the old part of town to soak up the yesteryear atmosphere including all the way around St John’s church and the market square, boasting a 15th-century town hall and a Weighing House (“Waag”). *if we are unable to accommodate you in Gouda due to availability, you will stay in Bodegraven or Oudewater.

Meals:  B

Today you head into the “Groene Hart” (green heart) of Holland, a pleasant rural area of low-lying polders with peat meadows and grazing cattle. It’s a flat, open, spacious landscape where church spires and windmills touch the horizon and clouds are reflected in lakes and canals. Your trip ends in Amsterdam, famous for its 400-year-old canal district. The city is brimming with things to see and do. Street artists and performers draw crowds on Dam, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, there's a multitude of museums including “Het Grachtenhuis” (Museum of the Canals), Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum and the Maritime Museum, or take a canal cruise to see the sights from the water. Optional upgrade available to 4* hotel in Amsterdam - must be requested at time of booking. Both hotels are near Spaarndammerbuurt, a great base from which to explore interesting Expressionist architecture, nearby Westerpark and the busy city and canals.

Meals:  B

The trip concludes this morning in Amsterdam after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request.

Meals:  B