Cycling in the Netherlands

Bike and barge tours in Holland

13 tours see all tours

In brief

Cyclists' paradise

Holland is the perfect destination for a cycling holiday. The network of bike paths is extensive: more than 37,000 kilometers of safe and well-marked routes allow easy cycling between the cities and the countryside. You can see the magnificent polder landscapes, tulip fields, farms, cheese factories and interesting historic villages. Not to mention Holland’s more than 1,000 traditional windmills and the historic city centers of Amsterdam, Delft, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht.

To discover

The enviable bicycle network

The Netherlands has invested heavily (and continues to do so!) in the national bicycle network. With a population of 17 million people and 23 million bicycles, the country already has more bicycles than inhabitants. But continuous improvements keep making the bike network even better, attracting even more cyclists to the roads. In short, the Netherlands is a bit of a dream for cyclists: to ride safely, surrounded by beautiful scenery and supported by cyclist-friendly infrastructure.

The "low lands" stolen from water

René Descartes said, “God created the world, but the Dutch created Holland.” How? By constructing over the centuries so-called “polders,” the low-lying lands conquered from water, obtained by artificially draining the sea and marshes. Almost a quarter of the country’s land area consists of polders, around which canals, dams and mills have been developed. Riding a bike, you notice this fascinating lowland even more: have you ever ridden on a bike path that is 20 feet below sea level?

The Keukenhof garden and the tulips

It is the most famous garden in Holland and the largest park in the world dedicated to flowering bulbs. It’s only 30 km from Amsterdam, but when you get there you feel like you are in heaven! A good 32 hectares dedicated exclusively to a single category of plants, with nearly 7 million tulips (as well as daffodils, hyacinths and other varieties of flowers) that bloom in spring, showing off their magnificent colors to visitors. It is a must-see landscape, perfect for unforgettable photos.

Tours

Bike and barge in the Netherlands (13 tours)

This beautiful part of Europe is perfect for a holiday along rivers, canals and coastal routes, with cycling by day and overnight stays in a floating hotel that follows cyclists stage by stage. The cabin will be yours for the whole week, and breakfasts and dinners are served on board, where you’ll be welcomed by the captain and crew. You can also enjoy leisure time on the boat in the salon or on the sun deck, and if one day you don’t feel like cycling, you can relax on the boat all day!

Tulips in Holland (2 tours)

In spring, Holland is tinged with a thousand colors and it is magical!

Cycle through landscapes carpeted with flowers, visit the huge Keukenhof park (open just two months a year) and enjoy the heady scent of the blooms. You will also have time to visit a few cities, including Haarlem and Leiden.

Set off with us on this unmissable spring trip!

FAQ

Our promise to those who travel with us is this: cycle easy, travel light. These words capture the essence of what we do. Choose your favourite cycling holiday in Holland and leave the rest to us: itinerary, handpicked accommodation, luggage transfer between stops and multilingual dedicated assistance. If you choose a self-guided cycling tour, you follow the stages at your own pace with route maps; if you join a group tour, just follow your guide.

It is pretty much always the right time to go cycling in the Netherlands. From March to October, there is so much to see, from the modern cities in the south to the wilderness in the north. However, if you want to see the tulips in bloom, then spring is the best time to visit!

Yes, absolutely. The cycle paths are clearly signposted, straightforward and flat. Along the routes, even the youngest children can enjoy windmills, nature parks and child-friendly towns. Find out how Dutch cycle routes work.

Here are some suggestions. You could explore the beaches and dunes of Texel Island in the north, take a tour of a Dutch city between Amsterdam and Utrecht, or enjoy a bike and boat tour in the heart of Holland. Or how about the iconic tulip tour in spring?

The routes are almost always easy and accessible to all, thanks to the completely flat terrain. The only potential difficulties are weather-related, such as rain or wind. However, if you’re feeling unsure, you can always opt for an electric bike.

You can rent the bike that suits you best — it will be ready and waiting at your starting point. You can choose between an e-bike and a standard bike and, if you’re travelling with family, there are plenty of accessories for children of all ages, from child seats to bike trailers. On some trips you can also bring your own bicycle. Check the trip page for full details on available bikes.

Yes, on almost all our trips you can rent an electric bike — a great help when the stages are hilly or when the heat kicks in. If you want to find out more before deciding, our blog has everything you need to know about e-bikes: how they work and why you might want to choose one.

Wearing a helmet while cycling in the Netherlands is not required by law. For your safety, we always recommend wearing one, so make sure to bring yours.

Every bike and barge tour includes: accommodation in a barge with breakfast and other meals, luggage transfer, route materials and multilingual assistance. Depending on the trip, you can add extra services to your quote, such as bike rental, meals, extra nights and transfers.

From the moment you book until you’re back home, we are here for any question or concern. Our support line is available 7 days a week, from 8 AM to 8 PM. If you choose a group tour, you can count on the tour leader.

We strongly recommend it. A good policy should cover medical expenses, trip cancellation and cycling-specific incidents. Travel insurance is not included in the tour price and must be arranged independently before your trip.

It is simple: choose your trip, get your quote, and book directly online by filling in the required details and paying a deposit by credit card or bank transfer. Within 3 working days we will send you a confirmation email or an update. If you have any questions or doubts, get in touch. We are available by phone or email.

Assistance

Luggage transportation
Travel itineraries include luggage transport service: you leave your bags at the front desk each morning to find them at your next lodging. Traveling light makes all the difference!
 
Tour information
We send it to you before you leave: it contains practical information, details on how to reach the starting point, list of hotels, and answers to any frequent questions.
On an independent trip you will also receive detailed maps and roadbooks, in hard copy or digital format, to follow the route on your own.
On the other hand, if you choose a group trip, you won’t have to worry about the route: the chaperone will lead the participants!
 
Need help?
We plan your trip carefully to prevent any mishaps, but if you need assistance you’ll have our support numbers available 7 days a week.

Our tips

Tulips in bloom and King's Day

If you want to admire a festive country in bloom, remember that every year in April, the Netherlands celebrates King’s Day, the birthday of their ruler Willem-Alexander. Music, street parties, markets and other events involve citizens and tourists alike, in a blaze of orange, the nation’s symbolic color. What about the tulips? Needless to say, they are everywhere! Between late March and mid-May, the sublime bloom of these beautiful flowers will make your trip even more beautiful! All about the tulip bloom in Holland

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Holidays on cycle paths and the best cycle tourism routes in Italy and Europe, featuring accommodation in selected facilities, luggage transport services, informational materials, bike rentals, and dedicated assistance.

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