The Flatlands
If you ever needed a reminder that much of Holland sits below sea level, the province of North Holland will soon give your memory a jog. A peninsular flanked by the North Sea and Lake IJsselmeer (which was itself once part of the sea), North Holland is the wettest and flattest part of Holland. It's also home to some of the most unique sights and sounds to be found in the country, making it the perfect backdrop for our bike tour. From its famed polders and dykes to sand dunes and cities, North Holland has plenty to experience as you peddle along. Our cycle tour of the peninsular takes in the various different landscapes to be found in the region, including the scenic coastline, the vast polders, picturesque towns like Volendam and Edam, and the world-famous canals of Amsterdam. Comfortable accommodation is provided at the end of each day, with luggage transfer being included as standard.
North Holland Peninsular Tour - Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival (Optional start & finish in Amsterdam and GPS)
Our tour begins in the town of Alkmaar, where we will stay overnight in a hotel. Free parking is available for those driving to the hotel, while a regular train service connects Alkmaar to Amsterdam and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, for those arriving by air or rail.
Sample hotel: Golden Tulip Alkmaar or Grand Hotel Alkmaar
Day 2: Alkmaar - Volendam (60 km)
Our first day of cycling takes us coast to coast across North Holland. Starting in Alkmaar close to the North Sea, we'll head for the town of Volendam and Markermeer, a lake in the east. Along the way we'll take in the likes of Heiloo, Schermer, Beemster, and Edam. Heiloo is home to fascinating sand dunes while Schermer offers views of the impressive polders that are famous in this region. Beemster was Holland's first polder and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic city of Edam features a range of picturesque buildings that date back centuries. It's also home to the famous Edam cheese, which can be sampled at the city's traditional cheese market in the summer months.
Sample hotel: Hotel Old Dutch or Hotel Spaander
Day 3: Volendam - Amsterdam (33 km)
Today's bike ride takes us towards the world-famous city of Amsterdam, with plenty of wonderful sights to enjoy along the way. Our journey carries us alongside the Markermeer, a large but shallow lake that separates North Holland from the province of Flevoland. Linked to Lake IJssemeer, the Markermeer also used to be an inlet of the North Sea. As we ride we'll witness the seemingly haphazard planning of Voldendam, which is in stark contrast to the precise and deliberate polders found within the region. We'll enjoy a cafe break at De Dijk before joining the 800,000 other cyclists in Amsterdam. The rest of the day is for exploring the "Venice of the North" and its many romantic canals. You can head out on your own to take in the city's many tourist sites and hidden secrets.
Sample hotel: Hotel Casa400 or Westcord Art Hotel
Day 4: Amsterdam - Alkmaar (60 km)
On our final day of cycling we'll go full circle and return to Almaar, via some truly beautiful locales. We'll make a point of passing through Zaanse Schans, a neighborhood in the town of Zaandam like no other. Here you'll find windmills that are centuries-old as well as picturesque wooden bridges and buildings. As you gaze upon this idyllic neighborhood, you'll soon realize why it is one of the region's most popular tourist destinations. As well as looking pretty, Zaanse Schans also has plenty to keep you occupied. From tin and clog-making to cheese and pancakes, you'll enjoy the time you spend here. Back on our bikes, we'll head for Alkmaar, with the seaside acting as our backdrop.
Sample hotel: Golden Tulip Alkmaar or Grand Hotel Alkmaar
Day 5: Departure
Breakfast is served before it's time to return home.
Riding Distances
Total distance: 140 km
Average distance: 47 km
Shortest distance: 30 km
Longest distance: 55 km
Time in the Year
From April 1st to September 26th.
Price
404 Euro per person
Price includes:
4 nights‘ double/twin room bed & breakfast accommodation in *** or **** hotels
Luggage transfer between hotels
Tour book with detailed route descriptions and maps
Panniers for carrying things you need on the road
Emergency hotline operating 7 days a week from 7:00 to 23:00
Optional services:
GPS (Only if you start & finish in Amsterdam) - 10 Euro
7 gear bike hire - 48 euro (for other options please go to our bike hire page)
Road Service - 10 euro
Bike theft insurance - 3 euro per day (6 euro for electric bikes)
Single room - 120 Euro
Half board accommodation - 110 euro
Extra night - 70 euro
Discounts / Group prices:
3 people sharing a room:
A child aged 0-4 sharing a room with their parents is free of charge
A child aged 4-12 sharing a room with their parents enjoys a 20% discount
3 people over 12 years old sharing a room enjoy a 3% discount
Groups:
A group of 5-6 people enjoys a 5% discount per person
A group of 7-8 people enjoys a 7% discount per person
A group of 9 people or more enjoys a 10% discount per person
