Journey from the Middle Ages to the Golden Age of the ‘Lowlands’ following the coastal route rich in beautiful natural landscapes.
Starting in the capital city of The Netherlands, Amsterdam is known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk.
Cycling is key to the country's character, and the numerous bike paths and priority given to cyclists makes this the perfect destination to explore on two wheels.
From the river landscapes, medieval towns and windmills of South Holland to the nature sanctuary of the Zeeland islands, and from world-class museums with Dutch masters and modern art to the world's largest flood defence system, there is so much to discover. And then there's deliciously fresh seafood, and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe waiting at the end.
The favourable location and connection to the sea led the first Count of Flanders to make Bruges his seat of power, and in the early Middle Ages the famous Flemish cloth (made largely from English wool) boosted the region's economy, Busy traders gathered from all over Europe - you could hear every imaginable language and by the 14th Century, Bruges was one of the most important trading centres in Northwest Europe. Despite its later decline as the connnection to the sea silted up and trade shifted to Antwerp, Bruges today is a UNESCO World Heritage City with much of its historic beauty preserved.
You will stay in characterful boutique hotels in the heart of the old towns with time to explore and absorb the flavour of the Low Countries as you cycle from Amsterdam to Bruges.
Holiday details
Price
- Luxury
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from £2,940 per person
Based on two people sharing a room
Duration
6 nights
Start & Finish
Starts Amsterdam finishes Bruges from 6th May to 29th September 2026.
Hotels
- Luxury
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Centrally located traditional and boutique 4* hotels with a 5* finale in Bruges.
Holiday type
Self-guided so you are free to explore at your own pace. More info...
Activity level
Gentle cycling (4) More info...
Electric bikes
Available
Mileage
5 days of cycling - 22-34 miles per day
Terrain
Flat on cycle paths and minor roads
What’s included?
Ensuite accommodation every night with breakfast. The services of our friendly local Hosts. Luggage transfers between hotels. Touring bikes and accessories. 24/7 phone contact number. Adventure Handbook with our local tips. GPS Routes on an App with waterproof phone holder. Guidebook or OS maps. Protection of your funds. Advice, help and guidance planning your trip.
Read About Our Trips for further details
Traffic-free
90%
Options
- Add extra nights in Amsterdam, Bruges or any stop along the route.
- Start in Bruges and cycle to Amsterdam
- Upgrade to 5* hotel in Amsterdam.
Itinerary day-by-day
Luxury
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1. Day one
Arrive in Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam and settle into the Dikker and Thijs Hotel centrally located overlooking the Prinsengracht, one of the city's most scenic canals. The 17th-Century canals of Amsterdam are on the UNESCO World Heritage List and a delight to wander along. But the city holds much more to explore than just historic canals. Why not visit the revitalised Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or Anne Franks House? You may just want to book one or more extra nights!
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2. Day two
Haarlem to Leiden
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Haarlem, not far from Amsterdam. Here you’ll meet your local host who will brief you on your itinerary, assist with your route directions and make sure that your bicycle is correctly fitted. Haarlem is an elegant city with an atmospheric main square, the Frans Hals Museum and the De Adriaan windmill. Cycle through the forest to the coastal cycle path through the sand dunes. On the nearby beaches you will find pavilions that are perfect for a refreshment break. Turning inland again, you’ll arrive in Leiden. It is a vibrant historic city, home to the oldest university in the country (dating back to 1575). There is a lot of atmosphere with canals, monumental houses, a botanical garden, the "Burcht" castle, the De Valk windmill and Rembrandt's studio.
22 0r 27 miles (23 or 44 km)
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3. Day three
Leiden to Brielle
Follow the Vliet canal, with the possibility of a short detour to the Duivenvoorde Palace, to arrive in the ancient city of Delft. Take time to explore its pretty canals lined with tall buildings and learn about the story of Johannes Vermeer and his "Girl with a Pearl Earring." It is also a great place for a lunch stop. Back in the saddle, you can find several attractive historic port towns that have played an important role in the maritime success of this part of Holland. After visiting the old village of Maassluis, you cross the Nieuwe Maas river by ferry, and then you are only a short distance away from Brielle. With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, its well-preserved fortifications tell the story of many battles, including a key role in the Eighty Years' War between Holland and Spain in the 16th century.
31 or 34 miles (50 or 55 km)
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4. Day four
Brielle to Zierikzee
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 paradise for waterfowl and you might even spot flamingos! After a catastrophic flood in 1953, an ingenious "Delta Plan" was created to protect this area, and its storm surge barriers are part of the world's largest flood defense system. Zierikzee, has almost 600 monuments and is one of the most picturesque towns in this province. The quaint harbour is still home to several traditional sailing boats. It is also a great place to enjoy the delicious mussels and oysters from Zeeland.
34 miles (55 km)
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5. Day five
Zierikzee to Middelburg
Today maybe the most beautiful ride of your tour! Enjoy views of the Oosterschelde and the North Sea, the coastline marked by sand dunes with waving grasses. The Neeltje Jans Museum and the charming town of Veere are well worth a visit. Middelburg, today's final destination and provincial capital, also has a lot to offer. Learn more about its history in the imposing ancient abbey, and an evening stroll through the many small alleys will definitely be a memorable highlight.
31 miles (50 km)
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6. Day six
Middelburg to Bruges
The last day adds more special memories as you take the ferry across the Westerschelde - the gateway to the port of Antwerp. Then ride through another pretty walled town, Sluis, near the border with Belgium. The last part of the day takes you along a beautiful canal lined with towering trees and the picturesque art village of Damme. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bruges is Belgium's major attraction – its rich and historic character has been beautifully restored with many gold-covered elements. Here you will meet one of our representatives again to pick up your equipment. Be sure to taste a delicious Belgian beer and the unique chocolates of Dominique and Julius Persoone, arguably Belgium’s most famous chocolatiers
31 miles (50 km)
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7. Day seven
Depart Bruges
After a last explore of this beautiful city, depart at your leisure or stay an extra night or two!