Classic Holland Cycle
Classic Holland Cycle
Classic Holland Cycle
7 Days Starting and ending in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting: Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, Gouda
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UCH
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Classic Holland Cycle" tour and explore the enchanting landscapes and vibrant cities of Holland at your own pace. This self-guided cycling adventure takes you through the picturesque countryside, visiting iconic cities like Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, and Gouda. Delight in sampling exquisite chocolates, waffles, and beer in atmospheric cafes and bars, and marvel at the beauty of tulip fields, windmills, and historic townhouses. With 6 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, daily luggage transfers, and a comprehensive digital information pack, this tour offers a seamless and immersive experience. Enjoy the freedom of cycling with a 24-speed bike, complete with pannier, helmet, and repair kit, as you discover the heart of Dutch culture and scenery.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Amsterdam
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: hotel
Make your own way to Amsterdam and check into the first hotel. Amsterdam is one of the crown jewels of Europe and there is so much to do and see here. If you arrive early make sure you go for a walk to marvel at the 17th century townhouses in the World Heritage listed canal district. The Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark or a canal cruise are just some of the things you can do and see in Amsterdam.
Day 2 : Cycle To Haarlem (30Km/18.7Mi)
Location: Haarlem
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
If you haven't already visited the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank's house we recommended doing so early this morning in order to beat the queues. Later in the morning, say "tot ziens!” to amazing Amsterdam and start cycling through Kennemerland, where a great variety of lovely countryside awaits. You will see vast polders, wild(life) gardens, country estates, woods and beautiful peat land on your way to the elegant city of Haarlem. Its attractive city centre offers a wealth of possibilities for shopping, delving into art and culture, or relaxing in a café or restaurant.
In April and early May, you have the option of cycling a longer route (60km/37mi) where you can see the tulip fields.
Optional Accommodation upgrade - experience the old world charm of the Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg in Santpoort (near Haarlem) including dinner - please request at time of booking. Supplement applies.
Day 3 : Visit The Frans Hals Museum Before Continuing Your Cycle To Leiden (43Km/26.5Mi)
Location: Leiden
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Downtown Haarlem deserves to be explored thoroughly. We recommend a city walk to discover its hidden "hofjes” - a square of tiny almshouses set around an idyllic courtyard, often built by the church or a private charity to house single older women. Also dating back to the Dutch Golden Age, the works of Haarlem painter Frans Hals (group portraiture) and his townsmen including Jacob Ruysdael (land and seascapes) and Pieter Saenredam (church interiors) are on display at the Frans Hals museum. In the afternoon get set for a colourful bike trip through the Dune and Bulb region. If you're cycling before mid-May you'll see the bulb flower fields in their full splendour! Tulips, crocuses, daffodils and hyacinths are grown here commercially (for bulb export) and temporarily transform the landscape into one of the country’s best-loved tourist attractions. Overnight in Leiden, the oldest university town in the Netherlands. It has a very busy cultural events calendar and a friendly city centre with canals, monuments, windmills and museums to explore. The historical botanical gardens also deserve a special mention.
Note: If you want to spend a day at the world famous Keukenhof flower exhibition, we recommend booking an extra night in Leiden (must be done at the time of booking - supplement applies).
Day 4 : Cycle Past Windmills, Polders And Farmhouses En Route To Delft (29Km/18Mi)
Location: Delft
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After leaving lively Leiden, peace and quiet will reign once more in today’s typical Dutch scenery. As you cycle you'll notice the orderly rectangles in the man-made polder landscape (mostly peat land reclamations). Pass by shining lakes and green pastures, old windmills and farmhouses as you pedal to the famous city of Delft, whose melancholy charm is breathtaking. Most will associate Delft with its blue and white hand-painted pottery: Delftware. But did you know that painter Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) lived in Delft all his life? The Vermeer Centre gives illuminating insights into his life, works and the city (no original paintings on show here). Overnight in Delft.
Day 5 : Continue Through Holland's 'Green Heart' To Gouda (34Km/21Mi)
Location: Gouda
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This stretch of the tour takes you through the Green Heart - a stronghold against urban sprawl in Randstad conurbation. Balancing atop polder dikes, delight in characteristic villages, distant horizons and pleasingly strict rectangles cut by ditches in fields of vibrant green. 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. Not only renowned for its cheese, Gouda is also famous for stroopwaffels (syrup waffles - try one hot!) and candles. If you’re travelling over the summer, we suggest planning your trip so that you can witness the traditional Thursday morning cheese market on the start of Day 6 (early April until the last Thursday in August). Overnight in Gouda*.
* Due to limited availability, if we are unable to accommodate in Gouda, we will book an overnight in the towns of Bodegraven, Oudewater or Woerden.
Day 6 : Return To Amsterdam (68Km/42.3Mi)
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, get back on your bike and set off on the longest leg of the tour. Once again you will be cycling through the rural Green Heart. On the way, the scenery is punctuated by rivers, polders and lakes (bird lovers, be sure to bring your binoculars!). You'll pass small villages, lakes and meadows today. Do stop to sample a Dutch style apple tart! Continue on your way to Amsterdam following the beautiful Amstel River. Overnight Amsterdam.
Note: If today's distance is too long you can cycle to Woerden (38km/23.8mi) then take a train into Amsterdam (frequent services throughout the day, approx. 40 mins)
Day 7 : Trip Concludes
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes in Amsterdam after breakfast.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
6 nights hotels -
6 breakfasts
Breakfasts are continental style and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices.
-
6 nights in 3-4 star hotels
Accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
-
Information pack
Provided digitally including route notes & navigational app for use with your smartphone, and a printed pack at the joining hotel.
-
Luggage transfer
Luggage transfer between hotels - limited to 1 piece of luggage per person weighing a max 20kg. A charge for extra luggage items must be booked and paid before departure.
-
24 speed bike rental
Includes pannier, helmet, repair kit and lock (electric bike available on request - supplement applies).
-
Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance.
What's Not Included
-
Travel to and from Amsterdam
Travel to and from Amsterdam is not included.
-
Meals not listed as included
Meals not listed as included, drinks.
A dinner package is available (must be pre-booked) which includes a 3 course dinner each night - supplement applies. -
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
-
Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday.
-
Solo traveler supplement
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room.
-
Entrance fees
Entrance fees not listed as included.
-
Transfers
Transfers not listed as included.
-
Transfers by taxi or public transport
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage.
-
Ferries
Allow 1 to 2 EUR per ferry.
-
Excess luggage
Supplement applies.
Each piece of extra luggage will be charged a supplement, max weight of 20kg applies (for work safety rules). -
Optional bike breakdown assistance
With this you have guaranteed quick help in case of a breakdown while cycling, 7 days a week.
Supplement applies, must be requested at time of booking. -
Handlebar phone holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to more easily follow the route using the GPX files.
-
Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Grading
This trip involves 5 days cycling between 29 and 80km/18 and 50mi per day (although there are options to shorten the longest day) usually along paved cycle paths and quiet county roads across generally flat terrain. The well-posted cycle route is generally low traffic and often car-free. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is graded introductory and is considered suitable for beginners. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list and we do provide one for each client.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel to and from Amsterdam is included, with a 24-speed bike rental provided for the duration of the tour, complete with pannier, helmet, repair kit, and lock.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels with ensuite facilities, ensuring a restful stay after each day of cycling.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
-
What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 6 continental style breakfasts, which usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices.
-
Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer between hotels is provided. It is limited to 1 piece of luggage per person weighing a maximum of 20kg. A charge applies for extra luggage items, which must be booked and paid for before departure.
-
What kind of bike is provided for the tour?
A 24-speed bike with a pannier, helmet, repair kit, and lock is provided. An electric bike is available on request for an additional supplement.
-
Is there any emergency support available during the tour?
Yes, an emergency hotline is available for the duration of the tour.
-
Are there any optional upgrades or additional services available?
Yes, there are several optional upgrades and additional services available, including an accommodation upgrade in Haarlem, a dinner package, bike breakdown assistance, and an extra night in Leiden to visit the Keukenhof flower exhibition.
-
What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you should carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
-
Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
-
What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?
The trip is graded as introductory and is considered suitable for beginners. The cycling routes are generally flat and well-posted, with low traffic and often car-free paths.
-
What happens if I need to skip a stage of the cycling route?
If you need to skip a stage, transfers by taxi or public transport are available, but they are not included in the tour package.
-
How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
-
What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
-
I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Monday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 07, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025Friday - Thursday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025Friday - Thursday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Apr 24, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 03, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 05, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Apr 30, 2025 - May 06, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
May 01, 2025 - May 07, 2025Friday - Thursday
May 02, 2025 - May 08, 2025Sunday - Saturday
May 04, 2025 - May 10, 2025Tuesday - Monday
May 06, 2025 - May 12, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
May 07, 2025 - May 13, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
May 08, 2025 - May 14, 2025Friday - Thursday
May 09, 2025 - May 15, 2025Sunday - Saturday
May 11, 2025 - May 17, 2025Tuesday - Monday
May 13, 2025 - May 19, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
May 14, 2025 - May 20, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
May 15, 2025 - May 21, 2025Friday - Thursday
May 16, 2025 - May 22, 2025Sunday - Saturday
May 18, 2025 - May 24, 2025Tuesday - Monday
May 20, 2025 - May 26, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
May 21, 2025 - May 27, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
May 22, 2025 - May 28, 2025Friday - Thursday
May 23, 2025 - May 29, 2025Tuesday - Monday
May 27, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
May 28, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 10, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025Friday - Thursday
Jun 13, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jun 26, 2025 - Jul 02, 2025Friday - Thursday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 05, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 08, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 03, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Friday - Thursday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 14, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025Friday - Thursday
Jul 11, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Jul 15, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 22, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 17, 2025 - Jul 23, 2025Friday - Thursday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 24, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 26, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 28, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jul 23, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 24, 2025 - Jul 30, 2025Friday - Thursday
Jul 25, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 02, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Jul 29, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 05, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Jul 31, 2025 - Aug 06, 2025Friday - Thursday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 09, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Aug 05, 2025 - Aug 11, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 13, 2025Friday - Thursday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 19, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Friday - Thursday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 27, 2025Friday - Thursday
Aug 22, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 02, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Aug 28, 2025 - Sep 03, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Sep 02, 2025 - Sep 08, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Friday - Thursday
Sep 05, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 17, 2025Friday - Thursday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Sep 16, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Thursday - Wednesday
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 24, 2025Friday - Thursday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Sep 24, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.