Dutch Bulbfields Short Break

Arrive early in Amsterdam and take time to wander through the stunning and unexpectedly tranquil seventeenth-century canal ring, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area, with its elegant townhouses and tree-lined waterways, offers a charming introduction to the city’s rich history and culture.

If you thrive on energy and excitement, head to Amsterdam’s famous squares – Dam Square, Rembrandtplein, and Leidseplein – where you’ll find lively cafés, street performers, and vibrant nightlife.

For a more relaxed start to your cycling holiday in the Netherlands, venture off the beaten path along Brouwersgracht, one of the city’s most picturesque canals. Alternatively, hire a canal bike and experience Amsterdam from a completely different perspective – gliding across the water while soaking up the city’s iconic architecture and atmosphere.

It might be tempting to linger in Amsterdam, but today marks an exciting milestone on your cycling holiday in the Netherlands – your very first encounter with the world-famous tulip fields! Set off early to leave behind the lively buzz of the capital and pedal into the scenic South Kennemerland region, a peaceful landscape of waterways, meadows, and charming Dutch villages.

Your first stop is Cruquius, a remarkable steam-driven pumping station that offers a fascinating insight into the Netherlands’ mastery of water management. Designated a Rijksmonument and recognised as an Anchor Point of the European Route of Industrial Heritage (ERIH), Cruquius is believed to house the largest steam engine – and certainly the largest beam engine – ever constructed. The successful reclamation of the Haarlemmermeer using steam power marked a pivotal moment in the Dutch Industrial Revolution.

From Cruquius, continue your cycling route around Haarlem, passing through peaceful countryside and the charming village of Bennebroek, where you’ll catch your first colourful glimpse of the tulip fields in bloom.

Round off your day exploring the delightful city of Haarlem. Stroll across the Grote Markt, admire the graceful white drawbridge on the River Spaarne, and discover the city’s enchanting hofjes – secluded courtyards that date back centuries, including the oldest one from 1395. Haarlem’s historic beauty makes it a true highlight of any Netherlands cycling tour.

Occasionally, accommodation may be arranged in Santpoort, just 7 km outside Haarlem, depending on availability. Here, you’ll stay in a charming manor house hotel, Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg, surrounded by tranquil parkland and nature. The overnight stay includes dinner, offering the perfect way to unwind after a rewarding day on the bike.

Downtown Haarlem is a treasure trove of history and charm, and it’s well worth taking the time to explore it thoroughly before continuing your cycling holiday in the Netherlands. We recommend a leisurely city walk to uncover Haarlem’s hidden hofjes – peaceful courtyards surrounded by small almshouses, many dating back to the Dutch Golden Age. Traditionally built by churches or private benefactors, these serene enclaves once provided homes for elderly single women and remain some of Haarlem’s most picturesque spots.

Art lovers should not miss the Frans Hals Museum, home to masterpieces by Frans Hals, the celebrated portrait artist, as well as works by his Haarlem contemporaries Jacob Ruysdael, known for his landscapes and seascapes, and Pieter Saenredam, famed for his luminous church interiors.

In the afternoon, set off on a colourful cycling route through the Dune and Bulb Region, one of the most breathtaking stretches of your Netherlands cycling tour. To witness the tulip fields in full bloom, plan your visit before mid-May, when the landscape bursts into vibrant colour with rows of tulips, crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths grown for export. This area becomes a living canvas, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the Netherlands’ most beloved attractions.

If you’d like to experience the world-famous Keukenhof Flower Exhibition (www.keukenhof.nl).

We recommend adding an extra night in Leiden to your itinerary. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in this spectacular seasonal showcase. Top tip: book your Keukenhof tickets online in advance to avoid queues and make the most of your visit.

Your final day of this unforgettable cycling holiday in the Netherlands leads you back to Amsterdam through some of the country’s most peaceful and picturesque landscapes. The route passes by several tranquil lakes and winds its way across the lush, rural Green Heart – an area known for its meadows, waterways, and traditional Dutch charm.

As you approach Amsterdam, you’ll follow the scenic River Amstel, whose banks are dotted with pretty villages, historic windmills, and elegant country houses. This serene and verdant route offers one of the most enjoyable and relaxing ways to return to the capital at the end of your cycling tour of Holland.

It’s no coincidence that Amsterdam takes its name from this very river. The city began life in the 13th century as a humble fishing village built around a dam at the mouth of the Amstel. The oldest part of the city lies near the Oude Kerk (Old Church), often called Amsterdam’s living room. As the city’s oldest building, it stands as a timeless reminder of Amsterdam’s humble origins and its deep connection to the waterways that shaped its history.

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

Please note: a minimum stay of 2 nights in a row is required in the hotel in Amsterdam on the following dates (and a higher price will be charged):
April 3 until 5 (included) 2026
April 17 &18 (included) 2026
April 24 until 27 (included) 2026

Arrival: Amsterdam

Departure: Amsterdam

Nearest Arrival airport: Amsterdam Schiphol or Eindhoven

Nearest Departure airport: Amsterdam Schiphol or Eindhoven

We also recommend travelling by train to all 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.