Cycle, sail and discover Holland
Flat lands, endless bike paths and water wherever you look. Welcome to cycling heaven! The Netherlands is the #1 cycling country in the world. So what better way to experience it than from the saddle?
Cycling holidays in the Netherlands
With Cycletours, you don't just travel through Holland, you live it. Picture yourself cycling beside canals, with the wind in your hair. Windmills turning lazily above patchwork-green polders. And the scent of fresh bread drifting from a village bakery as you roll into another postcard-perfect town.
While you explore by bike, your comfortable hotel barge follows the waterways to your next destination. At the end of the day, pleasantly tired and full of new impressions, you step back on board. Your cabin is ready. Dinner is waiting. The sun's setting over the water. And all you need to do is relax. Now that's how holidays should feel.
Why choose Cycletours?
- Unique bike & barge tours
- Carefully planned routes
- Quiet and safe bike paths
- No luggage to carry
- Sleeping on a comfortable barge
- E-bike rental available
- Authentic Dutch experiences
- Local tour guides
Which bike trips in Holland can you choose?
Our bike trips in Holland take you of course past the famous highlights. But also into quieter corners that most visitors never even know exist. Think hidden villages, empty polder roads and views you rarely see on any Google image. Most of our Dutch cycling holidays start and/or finish in the heart of Amsterdam. From there, experience the beauty of our scenic countryside.
Tulip tours
Purple, yellow, red, pink: between April and mid-May, the Netherlands turns into one giant colour explosion. The tulips are in full bloom and you can see them with your own eyes during our special bike and barge tulip tours. Keukenhof included, obviously!
You'll cycle straight through the world-famous bulb region, with tulip fields stretching out on either side. Rows upon rows of colour, as far as the eye can see, you'll barely believe it's real. And then there's Keukenhof itself: the legendary Dutch flower garden that only opens its gates for a few precious weeks each year. Entry is included in the tour, so don’t worry. You'll also pedal past centuries-old Dutch icons, such as the windmills of Zaanse Schans and the mills of Kinderdijk. Just like you've seen on Instagram, only better in real life.
Along the way, you'll also wander through charming historic Dutch towns like Delft, Leiden, Haarlem and Alkmaar. Each with its own postcard-perfect charm. And after a full day in the saddle, you'll step back aboard your cosy hotel ship. Put your feet up, grab a drink and a snack, and watch the beautiful Dutch landscapes drift by from the water.
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We wanted to explore the Netherlands and the tulip fields. My overall experience was amazing. The information provided was clear and easy to follow. The cabin was a bit too warm, we had a hard time keeping it cold. But the beds were very comfortable and we were happy that the cabin was cleaned every day. The staff was a 10 out of 10, so enthousiastic and kind. The tulips were the highlight of the tour. Thank you! Thank you!
Amsterdam
Think of the Netherlands, and Amsterdam probably springs to mind first. This is one of Europe's most exciting cities, with centuries-old canals, world-class art galleries such as the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and a history stretching back to the 12th century.
Set off from the famous canal rings and, before you know it, you're gliding through peaceful polders, past windmills, and onwards to the dunes and wide beaches of North Holland and Texel. Or make Amsterdam the start of a journey towards Belgium: pedal through green river landscapes to Antwerp, Ghent and medieval Bruges, or follow the winding dykes of Zeeland, passing Kinderdijk and the mighty Delta Works.
Whichever bike tour you choose, your hotel barge sails quietly ahead while you cycle freely, wind at your back. Before setting off, take a day to explore Amsterdam on foot: wander the Jordaan's cosy pubs and quirky shops, relax in Vondelpark, browse the Spiegel district's antique shops, and visit the Anne Frank House. Along the way, discover the stories of famous Dutch icons, from Rembrandt to Van Gogh.
Bike and barge tours in the Netherlands
Away from the North Sea coast, the Netherlands reveals a completely different side of itself. Thanks to the mostly flat terrain and excellent cycle paths, these routes are wonderfully accessible, giving you plenty of time to look around and enjoy the journey.
Follow the meandering Rhine and IJssel rivers past castles, country estates and historic Hanseatic towns such as Deventer and Kampen. Or head north into Friesland, where sailing boats drift across broad lakes, small towns rise between green meadows and water is never far away. Prefer classic Dutch cities and countryside? The Southern Tour takes you through Haarlem, Leiden, Delft and Gouda before reaching the famous windmills of Kinderdijk. Three routes. Three very different views of the Netherlands. All easy to explore by bike, and all unmistakably Dutch.
Get in touch
Dreaming of one of our bicycle barge tours in Holland, but not sure which route suits you best? Our cycling experts are happy to help. Whether you have questions about the daily distances, e-bikes, life on board or the different regions, we are happy to help!
phone: +31 20 521 84 90(*)
e-mail: information@cycletours.nl
(*)Country code from the USA and Canada: 01131
FAQ
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What is included in the bike & hotel tours?
In the bike and hotel tours the following services are included: overnight stays, bike rental, route descriptions, luggage transport, service hotline, a tour guid (on a guided tour only).
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Are Dutch cycling holidays suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The Netherlands is one of the easiest and most enjoyable places to discover by bike, even if this is your first cycling holiday. The landscape is mostly flat, cycle paths are excellent and the daily routes are designed for enjoying the journey rather than chasing speed or distance.
You can ride at a comfortable pace, pause for coffee beside a canal, stop to photograph a windmill or spend a little longer exploring a historic town. There is no need to rush. On many tours, e-bikes are available if you would like a little extra support along the way, and depending on the trip you can cycle with a local guide or follow the route independently.
You certainly do not need to be an experienced or particularly fast cyclist. A basic level of fitness, confidence on a bike and a sense of curiosity are usually all you need. The rest is about settling into the rhythm of the road and enjoying just how wonderfully easy cycling in the Netherlands can feel.
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What is the best time for a cycling holiday in the Netherlands?
The best time for a cycling holiday in the Netherlands is from April to September. In spring, you cycle through fresh green landscapes and colourful flower fields, with the famous tulips usually at their best in April and mid-May. June, July and August offer warm weather and long days, perfect for unhurried rides and evenings on deck. Prefer quieter cycle paths and a softer golden light? September is a wonderful choice. Whichever month you choose, bring a light rain jacket. Dutch weather has a habit of changing its mind. Let's say that's part of the experience.
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What kind of group will I cycle with?
You will share your cycling holiday with a friendly, international group of travellers who all have one thing in common: they want to experience Europe in an active and relaxed way. Guests often come from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia and other European countries. Some travel as a couple or with friends, while others join on their own. The atmosphere soon feels easy and sociable as you cycle together, stop for coffee and share the day’s stories over dinner on board.
Most hotel barges welcome between 10 and 24 guests. On larger ships, a guided cycling group never has more than 26 riders. Depending on the tour, you can cycle with the local tour guide or follow the route independently at your own pace. -
Can I rent a bike or e-bike
Yes, you can rent a comfortable touring bike or e-bike for your Cycletours holiday. Your rental bike is adjusted to your height and comes with a helmet, pannier, lock and water bottle, so you can simply hop on your bike and start exploring. E-bikes offer welcome support on longer rides or breezy days, but availability is limited, so we recommend reserving yours when you book. Please note that private e-bikes cannot usually be taken aboard our hotel barges for safety reasons.
Read more about our bike rental
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How long are the daily cycling stages?
The average daily distance on our Bike & Barge tours in the Netherlands is 50 kilometers (32 miles). But don’t forget that Dutch countryside is very flat and the stages, taken at a leisurely pace, take seven to eight hours including a number of breaks and visits.The time spent on your bicycle is about 4 hours per day.
You find the average daily distance on the tour page under 'Summary'.