Amsterdam to Brussels

Your cycling holiday begins in Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most captivating cities. Bursting with culture, history and vibrant charm, it’s the perfect place to start your adventure. Arrive early and take a stroll through the 17th-century canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its elegant townhouses and picturesque waterways.

If you have time to spare, explore Amsterdam’s world-famous attractions: wander through the Red Light District, which draws millions of curious visitors each year, or soak up the lively atmosphere at Rembrandtplein, where street performers and cafés create a welcoming buzz.

The first stage of your cycling route leads you through the Green Heart of Holland, a region rich in waterways and natural beauty. This is a true cycling paradise, characterised by sweeping peat meadows, traditional polder landscapes, charming farming villages and historic towns such as Oudewater. In centuries past, women accused of witchcraft travelled here from across Europe, hoping to prove their innocence at the famous weighing house.

Your journey ends in the medieval city of Gouda, renowned for its beautifully preserved town centre. Wander past the historic town hall and the impressive St. John’s Church, then treat yourself to local delicacies. No visit to Gouda is complete without sampling its world-famous cheese and freshly baked stroopwafels (syrup waffles), both beloved Dutch specialities.

Please note: depending on availability, overnight accommodation may be arranged in Oudewater instead of Gouda.

From Gouda, your cycling journey continues through the Green Heart of Holland towards the charming village of Kinderdijk. Here you’ll discover the iconic site of 19 traditional windmills, standing proudly in rows since 1740. Built to pump excess water from the low-lying polders into the River Lek, these UNESCO-listed windmills are a symbol of Dutch ingenuity. One of the mills is open to visitors, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s water management history.

Your destination for the day is Papendrecht, just a short ferry ride from one of the Netherlands’ oldest cities, Dordrecht. Completely encircled by rivers, Dordrecht boasts historic harbours, elegant bridges and a wealth of monumental buildings that showcase its rich trading past. Your hotel in Papendrecht lies only 3km from Dordrecht’s vibrant city centre, on the scenic north bank of the river.

This morning, your cycling route leads you past one of the few remaining freshwater tidal wetlands in Europe: the stunning Biesbosch National Park. If the ferry is running, you’ll cross directly through the park, a paradise for nature lovers with its winding creeks and lush greenery. Please note: the ferry does not operate daily; on non-sailing days, an alternative cycling route will be provided.

From here, you’ll ride across a striking one-kilometre bridge high above the Hollands Diep river, entering the southern province of Brabant. As you cycle through its welcoming villages, you’ll be tempted to pause for a coffee and a generous slice of traditional fruit tart, a beloved local speciality.

Your final destination today is the historic town of Bergen op Zoom, with over 800 years of history to explore. Wander its narrow streets, charming squares, and admire the wealth of monuments that reflect its rich and eventful past. Before settling down at one of the lively pavement cafés, be sure to visit the magnificent Markiezenhof, a late-Gothic palace dating back to 1485. Once home to the local nobility, it now serves as a museum and archive, and is considered the town’s greatest treasure.

Today’s cycling route takes you through a predominantly wooded landscape, leading you towards the Belgian border. Here, you’ll pass through the scenic De Zoom–Kalmthoutse Heide, a beautiful cross-border nature reserve of heathland, woods and wetlands, perfect for a peaceful break in nature.

From there, the route guides you along the Scheldekaaien (the quays of the River Scheldt) straight into the historic heart of Antwerp. As Belgium’s largest city in Flanders and its most important port, Antwerp combines a rich past with a vibrant modern atmosphere. Explore the medieval town centre, then branch out to the trendy districts of ’t Zuid and Het Eilandje, both buzzing with art, culture and lively cafés.

For beer enthusiasts, a visit to the iconic De Koninck Brewery is a must. Brewing since 1833, it now boasts a modern visitor centre where you can learn about the brewing process and sample its signature beer, the famous “Bollekes”.

Cycling through the countryside south of Antwerp, you’ll reach Rumst, where the rivers Nete and Dijle merge to form the Rupel—Belgium’s shortest river at just 10 km in length. Following the River Dijle, your route takes you straight into the historic town of Mechelen, arriving beneath the striking tower of St. Rumbold’s Cathedral. This is an ideal spot to pause for lunch—don’t forget to try the world-famous Belgian fries, widely considered the best in the world.

Continuing along the Dijle, you’ll end the day in the vibrant university city of Leuven (Louvain). This lively town combines medieval heritage with youthful energy, its oldest houses dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Be sure to visit the Grand Béguinage, founded in 1234 as a community for unmarried women and now part of the university campus. Other highlights include the early-Gothic St. John the Baptist Church (1304).

Round off your day at Leuven’s bustling Oude Markt (Old Market Square). Nicknamed “the longest bar in the world”, this lively square is lined with countless cafés and bars—perfect for sampling Belgian beer and soaking up the city’s atmosphere.

Today’s route takes you through the rolling hills of Belgian Brabant and into the vast Sonian Forest, offering peaceful woodland trails before approaching the lively capital of Belgium. If you prefer not to cycle all the way into the city, you can easily hop on a train at one of the stations along the route.

Your destination is Brussels, a city renowned for its mix of history, culture and gastronomy. At its heart lies the breathtaking Grote Markt (Grand Place), often considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Just a short stroll away, the quirky statue of Manneken Pis continues to attract visitors from all over the world.

A visit to Brussels wouldn’t be complete without indulging in its culinary delights: enjoy hot waffles, sample rich Belgian chocolate, try local beers, or savour traditional dishes in one of the many restaurants. With its museums, galleries, and endless shopping opportunities, Brussels offers something for everyone. One thing is certain—this city cannot be experienced fully in just a single day.

Departure from Brussels or spend extra nights in the city or the surrounding region.

Arrival: Amsterdam

Departure: Brussels

Nearest arrival airport(s): Amsterdam or Rotterdam

Nearest departure airport(s): Brussels or Charleroi

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Amsterdam by rail.

Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request. Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.