Although the Dutch didn’t invent the bicycle, almost everyone in the country (including the king) rides one; the cycling infrastructure in both villages and throughout the countryside is superb. Cycling from the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam to the charming village of Bruges, Belgium, you will experience the best of these two countries. From the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Kinderdijk windmills to the chocolate makers in Bruges, this is a unique journey in Europe.
Only Great Explorations:
Holland probably has more bike paths and routes in cities and countryside than any country in the world. And lots of locals ride their bikes (60% of all trips in Amsterdam are by bike!). This means that as you depart cities (of any size) you will see bike paths heading off in many directions. Rather than provide route instructions, we have found it easier to provide gps of our route for those that like to use. Be prepared to stop more frequently than you might in countries with more open road and thrill in the fact that Holland has created these bike paths and signed routes to make it a pleasure to cycle. Please note that on our Luxe trip, some of the hotels are more modest than elsewhere because of limited options along this route.
Straight Talk
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 1
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 2
Gouda, Netherlands
Day 3
Dordrecht, Netherlands
Day 4
Willemstad, Netherlands
Day 5
Schuddebeurs, Netherlands
Day 6
Bruges, Belgium
Day 7
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| May 19-26 | May 18-25 |
| May 26-Jun 2 | May 25-Jun 1 |
| Jun 8-15 | Jun 15-22 |
| Jun 16-23 | Jun 22-29 |
| Jun 23-30 | Sep 14-21 |
| Sep 15-22 | Sep 21-28 |
| Sep 22-29 |
Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
20-40+ mi daily
Van supported
TerrainFlat and scenic
CostLand Cost
US $4,600
Includes 7B/4L/6D
Single Supplement
US $1,160
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
Racing Bikes: US $480
E-Bikes*: US $560
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
Our tour begins in Amsterdam which is easily reached by air, you will want to fly into Schiphol Airport.
Arrival in Amsterdam
Our official meeting time is at 7 pm in Amsterdam. If you arrive earlier, our hotel is close to museums and popular sights so you can easily stroll through the city before we meet. After a welcome reception at 7 pm, we will dine at a favourite restaurant.
Amsterdam to Gouda
Our route from Amsterdam begins along a quiet cycling path south along the Amstel River. Pass stately homes and gardens and on the river, rowing boats glide silently past. Lunch will be at a roadside bistro midway through the day. Arrive to Gouda, a village with a myriad of canals, a colourful market (and superb cheese). We will visit the city with a local guide to learn the fascinating history of this region, followed by dinner at Bij Ons, a local favourite.
Distance: 77 km; elevation gain: 0 m
Gouda to Dordrecht
Today, we will cycle to the Unesco village of Kinderdijk, where 19 windmills have been standing majestically since 1740. These windmills were used to drain excess water from the low-lying polder to the River Lek. We reach Dordrecht via a short ferry ride. We typically arrive early afternoon – should you wish to visit Rotterdam it is just 30 minutes away by catamaran ferry. Dordrecht is one of Holland’s oldest towns and is completely surrounded by water. We will meet up for an optional walking tour and then enjoy dinner at an acclaimed restaurant where fresh fish never tasted better.
Distance: 43 km; elevation gain: 0 m
Dordrecht to Willemstad
Today, we will cycle through De Biesbosch National Park, one of the last freshwater tide areas in Europe and a rich flora and fauna wetland area. We make our way along quiet roads and bike paths to Zevenbergen where another fabulous lunch awaits and then continue to the charming village of Willemstad, a small historical village with well preserved fortifications. Visit the former mansion of Mauritz, the son of William of Orange or enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the many cafes that line the quaint harbour.
Distance: 46 km; elevation gain: 0 m
Willemstad to Schuddebeurs
We depart Willemstad and make our way to the charming village of Oude-Tonge. Zeeland is an archipelago of islands, inlets, and polders. Along the Grevelingenmeer beaches, watch the colourful sails of kites and windsurfers. After lunch at a local restaurant in Bruinisse, we make our way through apple, pear and cherry orchards and horse ranches. Taste wine at a vineyard that specializes in Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc varietals conveniently located a few km from our hotel. Dine tonight in the sublime dining room of the hotel.
Distance: 46 km; elevation gain: 0 m
Schuddebeurs to Middelburg
Start out the day by exploring nearby village of Zierikzee, where the city gate last closed for the night in 1866. Explore the Centrum, town hall and former prison, now a museum and then we make our way through Oosterschelde (Eastern Scheldt) National Park, the largest of the 20 National Parks in Netherlands and boasting remarkable bird life. From here, our route follows the North Sea coast where kilometers of sand dunes and splendid beaches stretch as far as the eye can see. Enjoy lunch while watching the aerial acrobatics of kite surfers who flock here for the onshore winds. Late afternoon, visit the utterly charming village of Veere, with a Scottish connection that you will learn as we tour the historic houses center. Arrive to Middelburg, a pleasant and prosperous town with a vibrant center.
Distance: 44 km; elevation gain: 0 m
Middelburg to Brugge
Start the day with a ferry ride to the village of Breskens and to the market town of Sluis (we typically plan our trips to make market day) before cycling into Belgium and its enigmatic villages of Damme and then Bruges, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ and one of the most enchanting cities in Europe. We will discover its treasures on a walking tour with a local guide and then celebrate our trip finish with a celebratory dinner.
Distance: 60 km; elevation gain: 0 m
Depart
After breakfast, depart at your leisure for onward travel. Trains depart for Amsterdam regularly.
Set in Amsterdam’s fashion and museum district, this upscale hotel in a late 19th century former school building has rooms around a courtyard, a trendy bar and a fine restaurant occupying the former school gym, serving exciting “New Dutch’ cuisine.
Next to the famed Jerusalem Chapel, this 16th-century orphanage is now home to 25 charming suites that make up this Relais & Chateaux property. The restaurant on-site, LIZZ, has gotten rave reviews.
This 4-star hotel is partly comprised of the former water tower and has bags of character. The guest rooms have breathtaking views and the property boasts incredible gardens, a hip restaurant and more.
We loved this hotel as soon as we walked in. With its contemporary and hip vibe, there is a warm welcome and comfortable guest rooms. With its Dutch colonial style and great restaurant on site, this is the ideal place to stay in Willemstad.
*Classic Accommodation
This is a memorable and distinctive inn with a quiet setting with an excellent in-house dining room so you don’t need to leave the warmth of this property to dine.
*Classic Accommodation
Located directly across from the Abbey of Middelburg, this boutique hotel has just 28 unique rooms and an excellent gourmet restaurant. There is a sauna and Jacuzzi and plunge pool to enjoy. Voted Best Hotel in Zeeland.
This 4-star hotel has an enviable location in the heart of Bruges and is managed by owner Thierry Lemahieu. The rooms are comfortable and breakfast is superb. There is a lounge bar to enjoy and there is a multitude of cafes and trendy restaurants a short walk away. Recommended by CN Traveller.
Tour Reviews
“Route, guides, bikes were excellent. Gouda was excellent. Zierikzee was very nice too. Best bikes we have had on any trip so far. Great cycling infrastructure. Interesting countryside (dikes, tulips and canal network) and medieval history. Our guides were absolutely fantastic.”
“A stand out for us has always been the guides on GE trips. They are competent, considerate and sincere. Loved their personalities, support, enthusiasm and care along the route. Willemstad – beautiful gem of a town and the meals there were excellent and the charm of the hotel was lovely. Best hybrid I’ve ever ridden on a GE trip. Our Travel Advisor handled the trip bookings very well. Also, the terrain, scenery and excellent bike paths in the Netherlands was outstanding.”
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