Amsterdam to Bruges: Cycling through South Holland and Zeeland
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Sweeping landscapes, monumental towns and heroic histories
A journey from the 17th-century Golden Age to the modern day, simply on a bicycle.
The hotel-based version of this classic route gives you more time to discover the places and meet the men and women who made history here. You’ll be riding on the country’s extensive network of safe and scenic cycle paths and staying in superior, characterful hotels in the hearts of the old towns.
From the river landscapes and windmills of Zuid Holland to the natural sanctuary of the Zeeland isles, and from street art in the oldest city in Holland (no, it’s not Amsterdam) to the world’s largest flood defence system, there is so much to take in. And then there’s deliciously fresh seafood, and one of the most beautiful cities waiting at the end.
Please note: this route can also be cycled in the opposite direction.
Highlights
- The historic cities and towns of Amsterdam, Gouda, Dordrecht, Middelburg and Bruges
- The smaller historic towns of Woerden and Zierikzee
- The picturesque villages of Willemstad, Veere, Sluis and Damme
- Dutch polder landscape with canals, lakes, and the UNESCO monument of the Kinderdijk windmill group
- Biesbosch nature reserve
- Zeeland province with its magnificent coastal areas, dams and bridges
Learn More
Learn more about self-guided tours.
Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Amsterdam and Bruges.
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Traveler photos
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Daily program
Please note: this tour begins on a cycling day. The tour operator recommends arriving a day earlier and booking a pre-tour overnight in Amsterdam. If you want to get into the rhythm of the ride early on, explore our Amsterdam day tours!
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! -
Accommodation
Hotels
These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.
Gouda: City Hotel Gouda
Dordrecht: Villa Augustus
Willemstad: Mauritz hotel
Zierikzee: Hotel Hector
Middelburg: Cityhotel Wood
Bruges: Martin’s Brugge
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Bikes
The bikes available and included in the cost of the tour are:
- Koga 8-speed standard touring bikes
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Sturdy child bikes (20", 24" and 26")
The bikes available to rent (must be reserved at the time of booking):
- Electric bikes
Tandem bikes, child trailers, tag-alongs, and road bikes are available upon request (additional fees may apply).
All bikes are equipped with a route package including:
- Handlebar bag
- Repair kit
- Pump
- Water bottle
- Cable lock
Additional equipment available upon request for an additional charge:
- Saddle bags
- Helmet
- Poncho
- Luggage trailer
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Helmets:
Helmets are not mandatory on this tour, but available upon request for an additional charge. We recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
Daily arrivals between May 6 to September 26, 2025 (except Mondays).
- Tour Package 2025 May 6–Sep 26 from € 22252025 departures: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays May 6–Sep 26
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Tour Package Double occupancy € 2225 Single occupancy € 3048 Solo traveler € 3870 Bike Rentals Price Standard touring bike Included Electric bike € 177 Extra Nights Price Abcoude Double occupancy € 190 Bruges Double occupancy € 195
Included services
- 6 nights in double rooms (shower/toilet) in superior hotels
- Breakfast/breakfast buffet
- Personal tour briefing and equipment delivery in Abcoude; End-of-tour meeting and bike pick up in Bruges
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- Breakdown assistance
- Hotline for assistance during tour
- Top-class aluminum standard multi-speed bicycle with handlebar bag
- GPS with itinerary (per group) or Navigational app
In the period around the Dutch Grand Prix pricing on this tour will be adjusted. Please inquire about pricing for these travel dates.
Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
Surface and terrain
Most of the cycling will be flat and along paved routes and cycle paths. The cycling is sometimes interrupted by ferry rides across canals or rivers. On Day 5, the Oosterschelde storm barier forms part of the route. Depending on the wind direction, the dam can be a bit more strenuous to cross.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Schiphol airport
Nearest train station: Abcoude (20 minutes from Ams Central Station)Tour end
Nearest airport: Oostende or Brussels, Belgium
Nearest train station: Bruges, BelgiumReviews
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★★★★★ susan mcbryant 3 months ago
The best!
Thoughful bike routes, great accommodations, beautiful scenery. This trip was seamless and we would highly recommend it to anyone.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Flavia 3 months ago
Great experience!
We did not expect to get to know the places in such a calm and relaxing way. We specially enjoyed cycling along the canals and the seaside. The plan was flexible enough to organize some small detours and to stop along the way any time we especially liked a place.
- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2024
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Monica Lindemann 5 months ago
Glorious cycling through the Netherlands
We, husband and I took the 7 day cycle from Amsterdam (Weesp) to Bruges with Tulip Cycling in May 2024. We are from Australia and this is the 3rd trip we've booked through the Biketours.com website. We loved this cycling trip. The Netherlands is the perfect country for a cycling holiday - flat and for the most part we rode on dedicated cycleways. Brilliant! Pieter from Tulip Cycling met us on day 1 in Weesp for our briefing. The GPS, maps and information was all in order and we had no problem navigating our way to Bruges. All the accommodation was great - very comfortable, some quirky elements and great breakfast buffets. We particularly enjoyed our stay in the old water tower, Villa Augustus, in Dortrecht. Make sure you book dinner there! My tips for the trip: take your swimmers and micro towel for a swim on days 4 or 5 in the Holland Delta or North Sea. Take binoculars for all the fabulous bird life. The ferry stop to Willemstad is a little non-descript and tricky to find, but it is there at the end of a dirt road near an old fort. A young couple run both the ferry and the little cafe at the fort. It's free to wander the fort while waiting for the ferry. Pack picnic lunches and snacks. Be aware that public toilets generally don't exist - even in parks or picnic areas. Order mussels for lunch in Sluis. Pack rain gear - including pants. Dutch ice cream, cheese and beer are all top notch :-) Highly recommend this tour. Lots to see, great accommodation, flat, safe cycleways and very well organised.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Mary Juno 5 months ago
Beyond All Expectations
This trip was SO MUCH FUN. My partner and I are not experienced cyclers (just recreational cyclers), and this was our first long distance bike trip. It had sounded like a brilliant idea months earlier, but when the day came we were a bit nervous and wondered what we'd gotten ourselves into. When we met our local contact, Pieter, in Abcoude, he put us right at ease. He kindly explained the GPS, maps, and bikes to us and assured us we could contact him if needed. He was funny and charming and we liked him very much. We set off through Holland and were so charmed by the beautiful countryside, medieval towns, delicious food, and friendly people. And we were thrilled with the hotel choices -- each one was stylish and comfortable (especially Villa Augustus in Dordrecht) with great restaurants either in the hotel or very nearby, and our luggage was always waiting for us in our room when we arrived after the day's ride. Holland is a great place to bike as a) it's flat, and b) the bike paths are (almost always) separate from the roads, making it safe and easy to navigate. Arriving in Bruges at the end of our trip felt like a dream.
Overall we were very impressed with biketours. They thought of everything and made it easy for us to just show up and ride! We will definitely do another trip with biketours.com
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was the first.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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BikeTours.com staff reply from jan July 15, 2024
Reviews like this make our day. Truly! Giving people memories of a lifetime never gets old. Have a great rest of your summer!
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★★★★★ Pedro Carlisle 5 months ago
Beginner trip
Great bikes and support from Tulip cycling, excellent routes and sightseeing. Hotels were all fine save for Martins in Bruges which I would not recommend, and out of character with rest. All in all a great trip
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★★★★★ Pedro Carlisle 6 months ago
Beginner trip
Great bikes and support from Tulip cycling, excellent routes and sightseeing. Hotels were all fine save for Martins in Bruges which I would not recommend, and out of character with rest. All in all a great trip
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★★★★★ Wendy Geiger 7 months ago
Lovely Tour of South Holland and Bruges
This was my first supported bike travel vacation and it was lovely. Although the GPS stopped working on day 4, we were able to use the previously downloaded Maps on Ride with GPS. Luckily I brought my phone holder so it was convenient. There were some routes that were a bit more complex than necessary with the route going off on a tangent and then coming back to the original roadway- most likely to provide more scenic byways or to add mileage. We were often able to stop along the way at a cafe to have a drink or dessert or even lunch. I recommend using the ebikes for Holland due to the wind. We had great weather in early/mid- May but missed the blooming tulips. Next time we'll go in April to see the tulips (although the weather might offer more rain). We had beautiful weather with sun and 70 degree days (one into the 80s) with only 1-1/2 days with rain. Loved that someone took our bags on to the hotels for us and the charming B&Bs were luxury. Loved, loved, loved the last B&B (De Zomere) in Bruges. It was quite unique and my sister and her hubby were jealous of the accommodations as they were placed in the non-descript Martin's hotel along with half of Bruges' tourists! I would recommend for future bike tours that you list bringing along some anti-chafing "butter" for your derriere. The upright position of the bikes is a different sensation for those of us used to Road bikes and it made for a few uncomfortable days in the saddle. Overall, a wonderful way to spend part of a vacation.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 11-16, 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Frank Boyle September 20, 2023
Beautiful & flat ride across the Netherlands
The scenery was spectacular, as was immersion into the historic towns and restaurants. The local tour company was particularly wonderful, reimbursing us no questions asked for the cost of repairing a worn out tire. I HIGHLY recommend downloading the optional GPX file to your phone and making sure you can use it before you arrive, we found it much easier to see the tricky navigation turns on the phone than on the small (and often hard to see) screen of the small Garmin GPS device provided.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Andrew Avramides June 25, 2023
Discovery of Netherlands
Great way to experience Holland-beautiful countryside and easy cycling-.Beautiful location for our stays and lovely towns
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Marcia Orbelian June 23, 2023
Lovely countryside tour
Was so enjoyable biking through the green landscapes and farmlands! The GPS bike routing worked great. We felt safe and comfortable on the paved bike trails. All hotels were just fine; we particularly enjoyed our houseboat accommodations. Three cheers for Tulip Tours excellently planned trip!
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 26 to June 3, 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- four (4)
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Terry Edeli June 14, 2023
Amazing
Lovely trip. The itinerary was expertly planned for the scenic and carefree routes. Hotels were great. Bikes excellent. Super service.
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★★★★★ Karen Goodkin June 9, 2023
Water, windmills and tall skinny houses
Loved everything about this trip. The route took us through beautiful areas, all avoiding cars and large roads. Accommodations were excellent and the choice of towns and small cities for overnight stays were charming and worth our while. Distinctive too. Bikes were incredible! All in all, an excellent bike trip.
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★★★★★ Geraldine Donato June 5, 2023
Couldn’t have been better!
We did a self-guided tour with a 2-hour “tutorial” from Peter of Tulip Tours before we started out. He made sure we were fit properly to our bikes and understood everything about the navigation system so our ride was seamless! We planned an extra night in a couple of cities so we could enjoy more of the local activities and food (!) and decided to do more of that on our next tour. All the hotels were located convenient to town centers except the water hotel in Dordrecht, which was uniquely wonderful. Thank you to Tulip Tours for a wonderful biking experience in Holland and Belgium!!
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- 10
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Patricia Rose May 29, 2023
Bucket List to Bruges
A beautiful way to truly see the Netherlands! Our self-guided group of eight cyclists pedaled from Amsterdam to Bruges. Pleased how everything flowed so seamlessly. The bicycles, panniers, GPS and route maps provided by Tulip Cycling were top notch. Would recommend this tour for any level of cycling.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 2023
- How many tours have you completed?
- Five
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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