Remember Hans Brinker, the Dutch boy who placed a miraculous finger on a hole in the dike to save his country? Can you envision a picture postcard of majestic windmills under a great blue sky? Do you feel a nostalgic longing for all things typically Dutch? The wooden clogs, canals, bicycles, pancakes, tulip fields, polders and traditional costume? It will all come alive before your very eyes on this specially-designed tour! Your trip starts and ends in Amsterdam, allowing ample opportunity to explore the city, monuments and museums. We’ve kept cycling distances short to give you more time at top tourist attractions such as Zaanse Schans and Volendam. The shining countryside is a flat, wide open oasis of peace. For those romantic souls who can’t get enough of everything reminiscent of times past, this holiday promises to be a real treat.
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
Try to arrange for an early arrival! You’ll want an entire day just to wander the 17th-century canal district, gazing up at the beautiful old townhouses and taking in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 2: Amsterdam > Haarlem/Santpoort ~ 30 km
Get an early start and beat the queues at the Van Gogh or Anne Frank museum. At the end of the morning, say "tot ziens!” to amazing Amsterdam and mount your bike to journey through Kennemerland where a great variety of lovely countryside awaits: vast polders, wild(life) gardens, country estates, woods and beautiful peatland. You will stay the night in the elegant city of Haarlem. The attractive city centre offers lots of possibilities for shopping, delving into art and culture, or relaxing in cafes and restaurants. In April and early May, you have the option of cycling a longer route of ca. 60 km where you can see the tulip fields.
Day 3: Haarlem/Santpoort > Zaandam ~ 37 km
Start the day in historic Haarlem and get a glimpse of Golden Age painting at the Frans Hals Museum. Or try the exquisite Teylers Museum, the Netherlands’ oldest, open since 1784. At midday, jump back on your bike and ride the banks of the River Spaarne to pretty Spaarndam and the IJdijk. Tiny ancient houses perch atop the dike, high and dry, while others sit safe and snug behind it. Reputedly the oldest lock in the world, Kolksluis is still in working order, standing at its breath-taking location. Pause to honour dear little Hans Brinker, the brave boy who -according to legend- stuck his finger in a hole the dike thus avoiding a great flood and certain doom. Pedalling onward along the River Zaan you come upon adorable green wooden houses, with white lace curtains in the windows. Several prime windmills stand in gorgeous rows at pictureperfect Zaanse Schans. Stop to take pictures, visit the wooden shoe workshops and find out how to make Dutch cheese. Then take a break and nibble on a well-deserved pancake.
Day 4: Zaandam > Volendam ~ 31 km
A few cranks of the shaft cover the short stretch to Het Twiske recreational park, a favourite spot for summer get-aways. On hot days, city dwellers flee Amsterdam and cycle out to the lake for a dip. Next, a varied landscape of woods, meadows and lakes accompanies you to Monnickendam and today’s cycling route concludes in the festive fishing port of Volendam. Browse decorating boutiques, shop for great finds and relax at an outdoor cafe overlooking the water.
Day 5: Volendam > Amsterdam ~ 35 km
Volendam’s red brick houses and quaint old quarter lead to an intriguing museum depicting the history, culture and folklore of this close-knit community. The permanent exhibit includes inspiring period rooms, traditional costumes and jewellery and a section on eel fishery, complete with model boats. Delight in the art collection with its mind-boggling cigar band mosaics. Circling back to the city via the isle of Marken, you’ll be in Amsterdam in time for a bit more sight-seeing.
Day 6: Return home
Your cycling holiday draws to a close this morning after breakfast and it is time to go home.
