The Netherlands Old Towns Tour

After making your own way to Utrecht, acquaint yourself with this pleasant town. Lying in the heart of the Netherlands, you will find a forest and the small River Kromme Rijn. Take a stroll into the city centre and visit many shops, museums, and a welcoming nightlife.

Your first day of cycling takes you to the Netherland’s capital of Amsterdam. Pedal along the peaceful banks of the River Vecht. The area is dotted with stately homes and summerhouses, which wealthy Amsterdam merchants made in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Finally arrive in the ever-popular Amsterdam, this city has so many things to offer and reasons to fall in love, find your reason!

Time to say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam and head to the beach resort for the night of Zandvoort. On route will pass pretty buildings, pay close attention to their gables. You will also go via Zuid-kennemerland, a vibrant and natural area.

Today’s ride will take you through the dune and bulb region. The huge dunes create a barrier which protects inland from the sea, and they are also a great home for numerous plant and animal species. The best time to visit this area is April, where you can see daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips sprouting from behind the dunes. By the sea there are some exciting resorts and beaches to visit. Just before reaching The Hague / Den Haag you will pass Scheveningen. Once you do arrive there, you will not be shy of things to do!

Going along the River Schie, the first destination you will reach is Delft. This has a historical town centre with amazing buildings and canal systems. When asked about Delft the most common thing to spring to mind are Delftware (blue and white pottery), the royal family Van Orange-Nassau, and the painter Johannes Vermeer. Next you will head onto the town of Schiedam, have a taste of its famous gin (jenever) and learn about learn about the history of its production. As you arrive in Rotterdam in the evening you will see its cosmopolitan skyline and Europe’s biggest port. There’s no reason not to visit the popular Old Harbour (Oude Haven) for an evening out. See the city and surroundings from above in the Euromast Tower.

Spend the morning in Rotterdam enjoying the buildings, art, harbour tours, a maritime museum, and copious shops. Then set off for Gouda, which you will reach via Kinderdijk. You will see the famous windmills at serene Kinderdijk, which is also a UNESCO World heritage site. You could alternatively take a shorter route of 45km which goes directly from Kinderdijk.

Your last day of cycling will provide woods, stately homes, parks, rivers, polders, lakes, and marshy fens. Some of the choices of stops include a cheese dairy or De Haar Castle. Finally end up in your destination of Utrecht. If you didn’t have time on the first day, visit the nice Museum Quarter and canal Oude Gracht. The wharfs here really make it a lovely setting to sit in a café.

Have one last breakfast and then say goodbye to your trip!