ADULT ONLY

Netherlands Biking Adventure

  • 7 Days
  • Avg Group Size: 12
  • Activity Level 2
    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

  • Trip Start: Amsterdam
  • Trip End: Amsterdam
holland biking adventure tour

Netherlands tulip fields, picturesque windmills, charming villages and meadows full of life are yours to explore on our Netherlands Biking Adventure.

There's only one way to truly grasp the endless beauty and warm culture of the Netherlands, and that's by joining a Holland biking adventure tour. Starting and finishing in Amsterdam, two expert local guides will lead the way as you bike through some of the most picturesque landscapes your imagination could muster up. From the tulip fields of Keukenhof to the Venice of the North, Giethoorn, each day brings you on fascinating trails that'll leave you happily exhausted. Along the way, dine on traditional Dutch cuisine and stay in accommodations hand-picked for their charm and endless views. If you're ready for a biking trip that'll rival all others, hop aboard our 7-day Holland biking adventure tour.

Download Our Handy Trip Itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip.

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY PDF

Netherlands Biking Adventure ~ Itinerary

Trip Start: Amsterdam Trip End: Amsterdam

Download our Handy Trip itinerary

Our Trip Itinerary contains all the exciting details you can expect to do on our trips. Get a clear picture of the adventures on this trip

  • Day 1Arrive in Amsterdam, cycle near Haarlem and along the coast

  • Day 2Bike from De Rijp to Enkhuizen, visit a windmill

  • Day 3Ferry to Stavoren, cycle along lake Ijsselmeer

  • Day 4Cycle through the canal-laced village of Giethoorn

  • Day 5Visit a bird sanctuary, cycle through dreamy hamlets to Exloo

  • Day 6Ride through moors to the village of Eext, visit Emmen outdoor market

  • Day 7Transfer to Amsterdam, depart home

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Amsterdam, cycle near Haarlem and along the coast

    #59727

    We meet in the morning in Amsterdam. After a short transfer out of town, start biking near Haarlem, and get ready for an incredible bike ride along the coast. Manicured bike paths lead the way through cresting dunes and lively beach resorts, then wind through some of the loveliest neighborhoods in all of Holland. There’s also the possibility to visit the Keukenhof tulip fields in the spring.

    Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner with the rest of the group.
    Accommodation: Grand Hotel Frans Hals Amrâth, Amsterdam
    Meals: Dinner

    Biking: Up to 29 miles (46.6 kilometers), easy

  • Day 2

    Bike from De Rijp to Enkhuizen, visit a windmill

    #59728

    Start biking in De Rijp, a colorful town with green gabled houses and a long whaling heritage. After visiting a working windmill, cycle over canals and wooden drawbridges to seafaring towns like Schermerhorn and Hoorn. For lunch, enjoy local fare at a cafe in Hoorn. Spend tonight near the picture-perfect harbor of Enkhuizen.
    Accommodation: Hotel Suydersee, Enkhuizen
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Biking: Up to 31 miles (50 kilometers), easy

  • Day 3

    Ferry to Stavoren, cycle along lake Ijsselmeer

    #59729

    Board the ferry to Stavoren, then bicycle along Lake IJsselmeer on small roads and dikes to the old port of Hindeloopen. It’s the perfect chance to learn a bit of history and visit charming towns steeped in tradition. Settle for the night overlooking the yachts of Lemmer.

    Take advantage of a night on your own to explore the town center.
    Accommodation: Hotel Iselmar, Lemmer
    Meals: Breakfast

    Biking: Up to 39 miles (63 kilometers), easy

  • Day 4

    Cycle through the canal-laced village of Giethoorn

    #59730

    Today’s carefree bike ride leads through forests and watery landscapes highlighted by a visit to Giethoorn. Known as the Venice of Holland, it is a wonderful canal-laced village with thatched houses and humpback bridges.

    This evening we’ll stay at the grand Kasteel de Havixhorst.
    Accommodation: Chateau De Havixhorst, Staphorst
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Biking: Up to 50 miles (80 kilometers), easy

  • Day 5

    Visit a bird sanctuary, cycle through dreamy hamlets to Exloo

    #59731

    Start the day greeting hundreds of storks and peacocks at a bird sanctuary on the grounds of your hotel. Then spin along forested bicycle paths through dreamy hamlets tucked deep in the woods.

    Visit the craft village in Orvelte before continuing on to peaceful Exloo and our cozy hotel, and later a dinner of savory Dutch pancakes.
    Accommodation: Hotel De Hunzebergen, Exloo
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Biking: Up to 40 miles (64 kilometers), easy

  • Day 6

    Ride through moors to the village of Eext, visit Emmen outdoor market

    #59732

    Today’s ride travels on dramatic moors dappled with purple heather and dotted with prehistoric stone beds. Later, head over to the outdoor market in Emmen and visit its outstanding, prize-winning zoo. Then follow fertile pastures and dense woodlands to the thatched village of Eext.

    Back in Exloo, share memories of the trip as everyone enjoy a farewell dinner together.
    Accommodation: Hotel De Hunzebergen, Exloo
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    Biking: Up to 27 miles (43 kilometers), easy

  • Day 7

    Transfer to Amsterdam, depart home

    Enjoy breakfast before your guide transfers you to Amsterdam for your departure home. The two-and-a-half-hour shuttle will give you plenty of time to relax and reflect on your trip before heading home.
    Accommodation: Not applicable
    Meals: Breakfast

    *Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate.

Netherlands Biking Adventure Departure Dates

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Included

  • Our own highly experienced guides and leader, with you from start to finish
  • Industry-leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • Your own ‘Account’, an online space with everything required for your adventure
  • Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team to answer your queries - just a phone call, email or chat away
  • Customer Service pre-trip phone calls to ensure you’re 'trip ready'
  • All accommodations for the duration of your trip
  • All meals except where indicated in the itinerary
  • Unlimited snacks to keep you fueled
  • Flights as outlined in the itinerary
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities, including bikes (where bike rides are applicable)
  • All gratuities for hotels, restaurants, and activities
  • All park and other entry fees
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!

What Our Guests Say

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Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here.

*Terms & conditions apply – read more here

 

Your Netherlands Guides

Useful Info

Where does the trip start?

On the first morning of the trip we'll pick you up at the Hotel Estherea at 8:30am. You are welcome to book your pre-trip stay at this hotel directly or any other hotel in Amsterdam, though you must make your own way to this pick-up point at the pre-designated time.

Where does the trip end?

Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Amsterdam Airport in time for flights below, Amsterdam train station or a hotel of your choice in Central Amsterdam around 12:30pm.

What flights would you recommend?

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Amsterdam at least the day before your trip starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the host city prior to your trip start.

Departure: Flying out on the last day of the trip, we recommend departing from Amsterdam after 2pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

What are the accommodations we stay at on this trip?

We have selected the accommodation on your trip for the stunning settings, unique character and adventuresome feel – it’s not designed as a tour of the fanciest hotels in The Netherlands. We prefer to stay in quaint, comfortable B&B’s, often in the heart of a charming village to explore.

While each of the hotels will have laundry services available, these will be very expensive and often not the same day service. We recommend bringing enough clothing for the entire duration of your trip.

How much luggage can I bring on this trip?  

You are allowed one piece of luggage on your trip, plus a daypack. Your main piece of luggage should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and can be anything from a duffle bag to a sports bag with wheels or a suitcase. You'll also want a good quality backpack sized 25-30 liters (2000 cubic inches) to use throughout the days.

You may also like to bring along a small camelbak to carry your water in and a layer of clothing for when you're on the bike trail.

Can you tell me more about the bike and gear included?

We most commonly use the Cannondale Adventure 800 Rigid, with straight or racing handlebars, 27 speeds and seat suspension.

If you want to bring your own cycling gear such as cycling shoes, pedals, helmet or seat (no seat stems please!) we’d be happy to help fit them for you - note; if you’re bringing your own shoes please also bring your own pedals, to be sure they match! All bikes come supplied with the following equipment: safety flag, rear rack and pannier, front bag with map holder, a water bottle cage, flat or toe cage pedals, helmets (small/ medium/large/XL) and water bottles, though we don’t provide electrolytes.

Is tipping expected in Europe?

Tipping is not expected in Europe however you might want to tip a little extra if you feel someone gave really fantastic service, but it's not really necessary. Many of our people also choose to tip their Active Adventures Europe trip leaders and local guides and we recommend USD$20 per day, per guest, per Trip Leader/guide. You are welcome to tip an equivalent amount in the local currency. There are plenty of ATM’s and banks in the larger towns of Europe.

How do rooming arrangements work?

Trip prices are based on shared arrangements (typically two guests per room), unless otherwise stated. For solo travelers, we’ll pair you with another person of the same gender to share rooms and if there’s no one suitable to share with, there’s no forced single supplement. However, if you specifically request your own rooms, you can opt to pay the single supplement. Solo travelers who book within 120 days of departure, where there are no other solo travelers willing to share, will be required to pay the single supplement.

For Family Vacation bookings, families consisting of four guests traveling with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

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