Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
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Discover the Highlights of Holland on this gentle circular cycling trip, starting and ending in the delightful city of Amsterdam with its UNESCO World Heritage canal ring area, its bustling squares and cultural hotspots, including the Anne Frank and Van Gogh museums. The varied countryside of Holland beckons with a mix of rectangular polders (low-lying land reclaimed from rivers and protected by dykes), woodland, country estates and wild gardens. Cycle through beautiful traditional villages, past windmills and farmhouses and on to the famous flower fields near Haarlem (visit in April and early May for the full effect of the blooms).
As well as Amsterdam and the archetypal countryside of the Netherlands, you get to explore the cities of Zandvoort, The Hague, Rotterdam, Gouda, & Utrecht, all with their own histories and cultural characters. On the North Sea coast, extensive dunes and sandy beaches invite you to sunbathe, or you can simply stroll along the promenades. Art and culture lovers will find exciting museums and shopping fans will get their money's worth in trendy Rotterdam. Don't forget to try the famous delicacies, Gouda cheese and syrup waffles are just two of them. Gouda, as well as being the venue for the famous summer cheese market (Thursday mornings April - August), has a fabulous, gothic town hall in the main square, romantic canals and even more food options with warm syrup waffles - perfect to try after a day of cycling.
Wander around the iconic and surprisingly peaceful 17th century canal ring area of the city (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). For hustle and bustle, make your way to the city's famous squares or head off the beaten track along Brouwersgracht. Alternatively find out what the city looks like from the canals.
You stay at Westcord Fashion Hotel.
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Less than 5km from the Old Town, this lovely hotel offers trendy and well-appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy the Wellcome Wellness centre which features an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym. The Grand Cafe serves all-day dining. You can also visit the restaurant Mme Coco for a delicious culinary evening. The chic SKYY Bar offers panoramic city views and serves a range of wines and exotic cocktails, as well as a 5 course dinner at the chef's table.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Room upgrades and extra nights: Contact us for details.
Get an early start today and beat the queues at the Van Gogh or Anne Frank museum. Then, say 'farewell' or 'tot ziens!' to Amsterdam and ride through Kennemerland with its lovely variety of countryside, from vast polders and country estates to woods and beautiful peatland. The attractive city centre of Haarlem offers a wealth of shopping, art and culture, or the option to just relax in cafes and restaurants. In this idyllic town, you will also find some of Holland's characteristic windmills, canals and drawbridges. The last stretch will take you to the coast and Zandvoort, where the extensive sandy beaches will tempt you to take a swim.
You stay at Beach Hotel.
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Just 100m from the beach, this charming hotel gives you the opportunity to enjoy a sunset stroll by the sea. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the terrace and the evenings can be spent at the hotel beach bar.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Today takes you along the North Sea coast where wonderful beach promenades will once again tempt you to take a dip in the cool water. In spring, a short detour to Keukenhof is worthwhile, where more than 7 million tulips, hyacinths and daffodils can be admired. Today's destination is The Hague where wide sandy beaches, green parks and beautiful dunes characterise the city. Those interested in art and culture will also get their fill thanks to the wide range of museums.
You stay at Stadsvilla Hotel Mozaic.
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Housed in two beautiful buildings, Stadsvilla Hotel Mozaic offers luxury and modern design in The Hague. You can enjoy a homely atmosphere with a personal service and comfortable rooms during your stay.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
You will now head inland again, away from the coast. On your way, you will quickly reach Delft. This university town is famous far beyond its borders for Delft porcelain. In the Vermeer Centre, you can admire works by the painter Johannes Vermeer. The numerous cafes and restaurants will tempt you to linger here before moving onto the trendy harbour metropolis of Rotterdam, a paradise for shopping fans.
You stay at SS Rotterdam.
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Stay onboard a former Holland-America Line ship permanently docked in Rotterdam; a very unique experience! Where the steamship cabins used to be, you will enjoy a cosy guest room with private en-suite. The ship houses a modern restaurant, ambient wine bar, and spacious terrace finished with a small outdoor pool on top deck.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
After breakfast, you will still have time for a short stroll through Rotterdam. You will be captivated by the modern architecture. Once on your bike, you will quickly reach the windmills of Kinderdijk. The 19 impressive buildings are among the most popular postcard motifs in the Netherlands. The famous windmills were built as early as 1740 and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The rest of the tour takes you through the water-rich and picturesque countryside to Gouda.
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. Gouda is also famous for making syrup waffles (try one hot!) and candles. If you're travelling in summer, plan your trip so that you can witness the traditional Thursday morning cheese market (early April till last Thursday in August).
You stay at Best Western City Plus.
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Located just 600m from the Markt, and next to the Gouwe River, this modern hotel offers 101 sound-proofed rooms all decorated with a warm, stylish colour palate. Each floor has its own colour - red for the City Arms and the flag of Gouda; yellow for the colour of the famous Gouda cheese and blue for the city's waterways, bridges and locks. Each room has its own name and a photograph referring to a special landmark in Gouda. The hotel has a Bistro-Bar where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
The medieval town Gouda is not only famous for its cheese, but also for its syrup waffles. You can convince yourself of their quality at breakfast! Today's stage takes you into the green heart of the Netherlands. You will pass through extensive natural landscapes, picturesque villages and vast polders. In the historic city centre of Utrecht, you can end the cycling stage with a refreshing beer. Numerous restaurants and bars invite you in.
You stay at Hotel Mitland.
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The contemporary Hotel Mitland is situated in a delightful park just 10 minutes cycle from the city centre. The hotel has 142 luxurious furnished rooms and 4 themed suites (Holland, Swan Lake, Romantic and Old Dutch Masters). The restaurant offers wonderful views of the old De Bilt fortress. The hotel has excellent facilities including a 9-lane bowling alley with bar, indoor swimming pool, fitness room, a brasserie with bar and some fabulous lakeview terraces.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Picturesque parks, canals, historic buildings and many interesting museums await you in Utrecht. Following the course of the Utrechtse Vecht, your cycle tour continues. The region surrounding this idyllic river offers a lot of culture and history. The beautiful landscape is complemented by a rich gastronomic culture. At the end of the day, you will once again reach the starting point of your cycling tour, the Dutch capital Amsterdam.
You stay at Westcord Fashion Hotel.
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Less than 5km from the Old Town, this lovely hotel offers trendy and well-appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy the Wellcome Wellness centre which features an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym. The Grand Cafe serves all-day dining. You can also visit the restaurant Mme Coco for a delicious culinary evening. The chic SKYY Bar offers panoramic city views and serves a range of wines and exotic cocktails, as well as a 5 course dinner at the chef's table.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Room upgrades and extra nights: Contact us for details.
After a hearty breakfast, depart Amsterdam.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Westcord Art Hotel, Amsterdam.
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The Westcord Art Hotel in Amsterdam is a contemporary hotel that offers both 3 and 4 star accommodations, depending on the room category you stay in. Located just a 15 minute walk (or 5 minute bus ride) from the city centre, all rooms and suites have excellent facilities as well as unique artwork on the walls by Amsterdam artist Chiel van Zelst. There is also an art collection by famous Dutch artist Herman Brood in the hotel lobby.
The hotel offers a Terrace Bar and a Brasserie for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as leisure facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, picnic area, sun terrace and gardens.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from AU$959.
These flight inclusive prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from AU$959.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
Navigation App
