It’s not just the golden coast or emerald green polders with their wrap-around skies which have really inspired our gentle cycling holidays in Holland – it’s the amazing network of waterways too.
All the self-guided cycling tours in our new Amsterdam and the Netherlands portfolio are bike and boat holidays, combining daily linear or circular cycle rides with short stretches of canal, river or inland lake cruising by classic Dutch barge or riverboat.
We haven’t been able to resist nipping across the Belgian border to share the wonders of Flanders too from Ruben’s city of Antwerp to the medieval marvels of Ghent and Bruges.
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Click on the map to find out more about our cycling tours in Belgium and our selected regions of Holland.
Click here for cycling tours in Holland.
Why these parts of Holland and Belgium? Well now, let’s see…
Gabled cities from a golden era. Guildhalls and gateways, belfries and bridges. The shimmer of the Ijselmeer as the sun goes down and the glint of a promise in the ‘Silver City’ of Schoonhaven. Island life on Texel – a land of two wheels and seals. The colourful cheese-markets at Alkmaar and Volendam and that all round red mecca, Edam. Windmill after windmill along the Kinderdijk and flatlands stretching out as far as the eye can see, and beyond. Complex locks and walls of water. A diamond capital and pearl of Flanders. Intricate lace, lovingly made. Chocolate to melt your soul. Fresh mussels and seafood specialities together with a local frite or two. Riverside paths and canal side banks just made for bikes. Green and pleasant lands.
Great places to stay…
Our ‘Bike & Boat’ tours in Holland and Belgium are a great way to see and stay in lots of different destinations. And because you don’t spend any time packing and unpacking your luggage at every different place, there’s more time for cycling, sightseeing or simply relaxing on board.
The tours feature a range of classic Dutch barges and riverboats with upgrades available to upper deck cabins as an option on some vessels. Each floating accommodation includes comfortable cabins with private en-suite facilities and has an on-board restaurant, lounge and bar. One barge even has a jacuzzi – just a little something extra to look forward at the end of the cycling day as well as that cold beer, glass of wine or guilt-free pastry!
Making sure you get a taste of the place
Our boat and cycling holidays in Holland and Belgium are arranged mainly on a half-board basis with packed lunches and afternoon coffee provided. Occasionally, place when moored in cities like Bruges or Antwerp, evening meals are at your leisure in town (local restaurant tips provided) so you can get a real taste for the place.
Good friends to support you along your way…
As much as we might like to, we can’t cut ourselves into pieces and welcome you personally all-around Europe. In Holland and Belgium, we work in partnership with local experts who share our commitment to quality, service and great cycling. Together, we ensure that the route notes prepared during our own latest experiences are up-to-date and that accommodation and service continues to meet our high standards. We are proud of our partners and delighted that you will be welcomed by friends.
Getting to the start of your adventure
Our bike and boat holidays start from either Amsterdam or Bruges. Although there are constant changes in the world of passenger transport: we have knowledge to share about how to get to Holland by rail, ferry, tunnel or air. We are pleased to talk through all travel arrangements, including transfers from stations and parking for your vehicle.
