Slow Travel & Tulips Holland
Netherlands Bike Tours
Bike & savor the most famous Dutch highlights with plenty of time to enjoy them!
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7 days
- Prices from€1225 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This bike tour in Holland is a combination of biking and sightseeing, designed for the slow travel-minded cyclists who want to savor the sites!
The itinerary includes biking through the flower fields of Holland, ablaze with color from the end of March through the first week of May. Starting with crocus season in March, followed by the blooming of the daffodils and hyacinths, the crowning glory are the tulips ablaze with colors! Adding to the tour highlights is a visit to the Keukenhof, open from March 23 to May 14, 2023.
This tour is fabulous throughout the year, not just during Tulip season. There are hidden gems all along the Dutch coast and the lowlands south of Amsterdam.
You decide on your days off if you want to visit museums, meander about, or do some shopping as well. So slow down and smell the roses...or Tulips!
Highlights
- The famous polder area above Amsterdam
- Picturesque villages of Edam, Volendam, Marken, and Monnickendam
- Famous Zaanse Schans windmills
- Impressive historic towns of Haarlem and Leiden
- And lastly (in spring of course), the fabulous flower fields and the famous Keukenhof flower garden
See a complete list of our bike tours in the Netherlands.
Itinerary
Day 1: Weesp - Edam, 30 miles (48 km)
Day 2: Edam and visit of Volendam - Marken possible
Day 3: Edam - Haarlem, 30 miles (48 km)
Day 4: Stay in Haarlem and visit the city or maybe the Dutch coast
Day 5: Haarlem - Leiden, 28 miles (45 km)
Day 6: Stay in Leiden and enjoy this historic town
Day 7: Leiden - Abcoude, 30 miles (48 km)All distances are approximate. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions.
Day 1: Weesp - Edam, 30 mi. (48 km)
The historic town of Weesp lies just outside Amsterdam, towards the northern peninsula of the ‘Noord Holland’ province and just a short train ride from Amsterdam. In the morning, you will get a thorough explanation of the tour including a demonstration of the pre-programmed GPS for a relaxed and stress-free tour. Your cycling itinerary today will allow you to enjoy Lake IJsselmeer and the small villages along the way. A highlight will be the small fishing village of Monnickendam, an important port in earlier centuries and still a major tourist highlight. After passing some cheese farms, where you can have an optional visit, you will arrive in Edam, world-famous for its Edam cheese!Accommodation: De Fortuna, Edam
Day 2: Edam and visit of Volendam - Marken possible
Have breakfast at your hotel before exploring the charming town of Edam. Brimming with half-timbered houses, the town still hosts a colorful cheese market (every Wednesday in July and August). Take your bike for a relaxed ride to Volendam, well known for its old fishing boats and the traditional clothing still worn by some residents. There is a regular ferry connection to Marken, a peninsula nearby in lake IJsselmeer. Marken has characteristic wooden houses and is well worth a visit!Accommodation: De Fortuna, Edam
Day 3: Edam - Haarlem 30 mi. (48 km
The first part of today’s tour takes you through a relatively new reclaimed polder land. This area north of Amsterdam is called Waterland and you'll soon understand why! Lovely bike lanes along never-ending canals will bring you to the famous Zaanse Schans where the windmills and houses remain from the 17th Century. It was during this period thousands of windmills powered saws in the vicinity of Zaandam. Finally, leaving the northern peninsula and passing by the cozy village of Spaarndam, you will arrive in one of the most interesting towns of Holland; Haarlem.
Accommodation: Lion D'Or
Day 4: Stay in Haarlem
Haarlem is a city full of old Dutch charm. The cobbled streets are lined with historic buildings, grand churches, and museums with plenty of antique shops and cafes to tempt you. If weather conditions permit, take your bike for a ride through the lovely forest areas lined with mansions up to the Dutch coast.Accommodation: Lion D'Or
Day 5: Haarlem - Leiden 28 mi. (45 km)
If you are cycling in April or the beginning of May, your trip will be full of color as you ride through the fabulous flower fields of Holland. You will also pass by the world-renowned Keukenhof and can stop for a visit (or wait until tomorrow and return by public transportation for an entire day to explore.) Please note, tickets to the Keukenhof are not included and should be purchased in advance! After mid-May, the ride will take you through the coastal area and the lovely villages of Katwijk aan Zee and Noordwijk aan Zee. This coastal bike path is a unique experience as cars are not allowed at all in this area; just you, your bike, and the ever-present sound of the sea.Accommodation: Nieuw Minerva
Day 6: Stay in Leiden
The city of Leiden has often been called the most beautiful city in the Netherlands. This isn’t surprising considering its rich history is still visible everywhere in the charming city center. Home to the oldest university in the country, Leiden features many interesting tourist attractions and a variety of museums and art galleries. It is also just a short train ride from the Den Haag; the seat of government in the Netherlands and the capital of South Holland. Again, if you are booking this tour during Tulip season, you can use public transportation to provide yourself enough time to really enjoy the "World's Garden" or if you prefer to bike, it will be about 45 km. Please let us know!Accommodation: Nieuw Minerva
Day 7: Leiden - Abcoude, 30 mi. (48 km)
The final bike ride is quite pleasant, passing through the lowlands south of Amsterdam, which are relatively quiet. Small villages, canals, windmills, and lakes accompany you along the way, and the beautiful farms with grazing cows lend to the peaceful ambiance. Finally, in Abcoude, your tour will come to an end. Abcoude is just south of Amsterdam and connected by a short train trip.Perhaps you would like to book a night in Abcoude? We can offer you two options, you decide. One is a 3-star standard hotel in town (Hotel Abcoude) and the other is a unique boutique hotel in the former train station with a lovely restaurant (Hotel de Witte Dame).
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Map
Hotels & Bikes
You will be accommodated in excellent 3 and 4-star hotels. For example, in Edam, you will stay in a 3-star hotel situated in the picturesque historic center. In Haarlem, you will stay in a classic city hotel just a few minutes walk for the market square. In the itinerary, you will find the name of the preferred hotel but please note that you final hotel list will be based on availability. If the preferred hotel is not available, you will be accommodated in an establishment of equal standard.
Bicycles
Hybrid bike
Your bicycle will be prepared for your arrival, taking into account your gender, height, personal requirements, and your accessory reservation. The rental bikes available are 8 speed multi-geared adult bikes, in both men's and ladies' models, and are manufactured by Koga. Their top-class aluminum hybrid models are built according to our own critical standards and specifications and are the best rental bikes you will find in Holland. Included with the bike rental:
- A toolkit
- Tire repair kit
- Mini-pump
- Cable-lock
- Water bottle
- Breakdown assistance
Electric bike
The Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor offers optimum service life and reliability. The seamless integration of strength, rotation, and speed sensors results in spectacular intuitive support. The E-bike is provided with 400Wh Li-ion batteries with the longest life cycle available and supports your daily bike trip without any problem. Charging is only necessary at night.
Children’s bike’s and accessories
A wide range of bikes and trailers are available and suitable for children of all ages.
Bike Assortment Age Child trailer 1-3 years Child seat 2-4 years Trailer bike/tag along 4-6 years Follow me 7-8 years Child tandem 3-8 years 20" child bike 7-8 years 24 " child bike 8-11 years 26 " child bike 11-13 years Inclusions
What’s Included
- Hotel accommodation for 6 nights
- Breakfast buffets
- Luggage transfer
- Welcome meeting
- 8-speed hybrid bicycle including water resistant handlebar bag & breakdown assistance
- Door to door route description on GPS device & maps
- Additional tourist information
- Bike protection (€45 deductible)
What’s Not Included
- Lunches & dinners
- Beverages
- Train tickets from Amsterdam to Weesp & from Abcoude to Amsterdam
- Entrance to the Keukenhof Flower Garden
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily arrivals from April 1 to September 30, 2023*
*Please note: This tour is offered from peak Tulip season all the way through to the end of summer in Holland. Tulip season in Holland begins at the end of March and generally extends to the middle of May but is dependent on temperatures and the weather. Going early or late in the season may affect what is in bloom. For those traveling after tulip season, you will enjoy slow travel and hidden gems all along the Dutch coast and the lowlands south of Amsterdam!
During the period around the Dutch Grand Prix, pricing on this tour will be adjusted. Please inquire about pricing for these travel dates.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2023
Twin/double $ 2058 £ 1080 $ 1,824 € 1225 ₪ 4971 ¥ 187454 NZ$ 2218 NOK 14996 kr 14571 $ 1,341 Single supplement On request Minimum of two participants required.
Extra Options
Electric bike rental $ 168 £ 88 $ 149 € 100 ₪ 406 ¥ 15302 NZ$ 181 NOK 1224 kr 1189 $ 109 Extra nights On request Extra Info
Airport Info
Fly to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). This tour is designed to allow you to arrive to Amsterdam and spend a day or two there before beginning your tour.
Local Travel
The Amsterdam Schiphol train station is located directly below the airport. Customer service desks are situated close to the red and white checkered cube at Schiphol Plaza. Staff at the desk will also be able to provide you with train departure information and general information on traveling by train in Holland. Train from the airport to Weesp is about 15 minutes. You will be met at the train station by our local representative for your bike fitting and tour presentation. Your luggage will be transferred to your first hotel.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. Please note that the best time to see the tulips is of course in the spring! Tulip season in Holland generally begins at theend of Marchand can extend to the middle of May but is dependent on temperatures and the weather. Going early or late in the season may affect what is in bloom. The Netherlands is a country that boasts a typical maritime climate with mild summers. Spring and fall can be unpredictable in regards to high/low temperatures and of course, since this is Holland, always bring rain gear. Because the Netherlands is flat, wind can be a factor.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to research travel requirements and to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, blank visa pages required for your destination (s), and any other requirement.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU citizens: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and the destination country.
EU-citizens: (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months from the end of your tour.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Extra Stay
This tour is designed so that you can spend time in Amsterdam before or after your tour. If you prefer to book a night in Weesp, we can suggest a hotel, book it for you, and arrange the bike delivery and welcome meeting to occur at your first hotel. At the end of your tour, you can also request a night in Abocude. Extra nights pricing varies according to time of booking.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Tulip Cycling.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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