Amsterdam to Bruges: Cycling through South Holland and Zeeland

Day 1: Abcoude – Gouda
33 miles/53 km

Your tour starts this morning with your personal welcome and introduction in Abcoude.

South of Abcoude, the river Vecht is lined with castles and the country houses built by wealthy 17th century merchants from Amsterdam. The historic village centers of Loenen and Breukelen are worth a visit and the perfect spot for a coffee break. Next, cycle through typical Dutch lowland ‘polders’ – including some of the windmills that used to keep them dry – to picturesque Woerden. This is the perfect place for lunch on a cozy terrace and don’t forget to look at the imposing castle. The final part of this route takes you between the scenic lakes of Reeuwijk!
Overnight in Gouda.

Day 2: Gouda – Dordrecht
29 miles/47 km

Make sure you explore the old city of Gouda with its imposing city hall and pretty canals. There is a cheese museum and, on Thursday mornings, the ancient cheese market on the central square. With a packet of Gouda stroopwafels in your pannier, the journey continues to the 19 Kinderdijk windmills.

This monumental UNESCO World Heritage Site makes an iconic backdrop for photographs of your ride! After a visit to the mills, continue to the historic port city of Dordrecht, the oldest city in Holland. Villa Augustus, your stay for the night, is located in a former water tower surrounded by beautiful gardens, where they grow most of the produce for their own restaurant.
Overnight in Dordrecht.

Day 3: Dordrecht – Willemstad
27 or 34 miles/47 or 54 km + ferry

Riding along the cycle path just outside Dordrecht, you enjoy great views of one of the last extensive areas of freshwater tidal wetlands in Northwestern Europe, the Biesbosch National Park. It consists of a large network of rivers and smaller creeks with islands. Passing through the Dordtsche Kil tunnel, you'll arrive in a wide-open area of farmland with the small village of Strijen as a beautiful setting for your lunch break.

Finally, take the ferry* or cross the bridge over the impressive Hollandsch Diep, part of the Rhine valley. The small historic town of Willemstad, on the opposite bank of the river, is your destination for the day. Its wellpreserved fortifications tell the story of the battles fought here during the Eighty Years War in the 16th century.
Overnight in Willemstad.

*The ferry sails: in May/Jun/Sep on Saturdays and Sundays; in Jul/Aug from Wednesday through Sunday. The ferry departs every 2 hours, and in case you miss it, you are able to cycle across at the bridge (adding 5 miles/7.5 km to your daily mileage).

Day 4: Willemstad – Zierikzee
35 miles/57 km

The province of Zeeland in the southwest of the Netherlands is characterized by its many islands and estuaries with beautiful cycle paths along the water. The area is a haven for water fowl and you might even spot the odd flamingo! After a disastrous flood in 1953, an ingenious "delta plan" was created to protect this area, and its storm surge bariers form part of the world’s largest flood defence system.

Zierikzee, with its almost 600 monuments, is one of the most scenic towns in this province and its picturesque harbour is still home to several traditional sailing ships. It’s also a great place to savour the delicious mussels and oysters from Zeeland
Overnight in Zierikzee.

Day 5: Zierikzee – Middelburg
32 miles/51 km

Perhaps the most beautiful ride of your tour! Enjoy the view of the Oosterschelde and the North Sea, the coastline marked by sand dunes with waving grass. The Neeltje Jans Museum and the picturesque town of Veere are more than worth a visit. Middelburg, the final destination today and provincial capital, also has a lot to offer. Discover more of its history in the imposing, ancient abbey and an evening stroll through the numerous small alleyways will certainly be a highlight of this tour.
Overnight in Middelburg.

Day 6: Middelburg – Bruges
32 miles/52 km + ferry

The last day adds other great memories. In the coastal town of Vlissingen you'll take the ferry to cross the Westerschelde (not included), which is the gateway to the port of Antwerp. Large cargo ships pass while you sail smoothly to the southernmost part of the Netherlands, Zeeuws Vlaanderen. Then cycle through another pretty, fortified town, Sluis, just on the border with Belgium, which is known for its culinary treats inspired by its southern neighbors.

The last part of the ride takes you along an amazing canal lined with huge trees. The picturesque art village of Damme, a mini-version of nearby Bruges, is a fascinating final stop. Bruges, a UNESCO monument, is Belgium's major attraction and a must-see city. Its rich, historic character has been beautifully restored with plenty of gold-covered features.

Here, you will meet one of our representatives again to pick up your equipment in the late afternoon. In the evening, make sure you enjoy a delicious Belgian beer and taste the unique chocolates of Dominique Personne, arguably Belgium's most famous chocolate maker.
Overnight in Bruges.

Day 7: Bruges

The tour finishes after breakfast.

Don't want the adventure to end? Explore Bruges in greater detail on our of our brilliant Bruges day tours!