The Netherlands: Holland’s Golden Age Towns & the North Sea
This bike tour through North Holland’s tulip country takes you to serene canals, Renaissance-era cities, cheese markets, untouched dunes, and breathtaking fields of springtime blooms.
Self-Guided Biking
- Daily Mileage: 11 - 43|
- Biking: 1 - 4 hr
Starting From
9-day Air Package
$2,745
6-day Bike Tour Only
$1,845
Per person, double occupancy

The Netherlands: Holland’s Golden Age Towns & the North Sea
Discover the pleasures of cycling North Holland’s tulip country from Enkhuizen on the scenic IJsselmeer to historic Haarlem. This colorful canvas boasts stunning brushstrokes—serene canals spanned by quaint bridges, urban centers dotted with Renaissance architecture and thriving ports. Here, tranquil paths and roadside lanes were made for biking, crisscrossing blissful meadows, tidy farms and breathtaking fields of springtime blooms, a vast secret garden far from tourist crowds. Ride the historic triangle where Dutch merchants prospered during the Golden Age. Trace untouched dunes and pine forests along the North Sea to the chic artists’ haven of Bergen. And linger as you wish during this Self-Guided Bicycling Vacation in the Netherlands at cheese markets in Hoorn, Schagen and Alkmaar or over coffee and cake in a charming windmill.What to Expect
This tour is easy and is ideal for beginning and experienced cyclists, with wind creating any challenge. Routes are either dedicated bike lanes (alongside streets) or dedicated bike paths, traversing tulip fields and dunes and following the IJsselmeer Lake and canals. The traffic is busiest when entering and exiting the cities of Haarlem and Hoorn. Please verify your bike selection for this tour as it is not always possible to change bikes once you arrive on tour. Travel with your friends and family—we can accommodate multiple guests on this self-guided vacation. Our 24/7 support system is available if needed.
- Daily Mileage: 11 - 43|
- Biking: 1 - 4 hr
Cycling
Cyclists
System
Tour Highlights
- Ride in a country where bicycles are woven into everyday life, following a network of planned bike paths and lanes along a flat landscape.
- Stay in historic Enkhuizen, threaded with narrow canals and quaint bridges, Renaissance architecture, and a pretty port overlooking the IJsselmeer.
- Explore the “Golden Age” city of Haarlem, anchored by Grote Markt, called Holland’s prettiest square, and its splendid Grote Kerk.
- Pedal the tranquil Dutch countryside past meadows, tended gardens, tulip fields, fertile farms and windmills, all linked by waterways and bike paths.
- Enjoy the springtime blooms in North Holland where the locals enjoy them, far from the overcrowded bloom centers of the south.
- Cycle to North Sea beaches and follow bike paths into a national park framed by dunes, pine forests and grassland.
- Sample cheeses and other products of North Holland as we’ve timed your visit to coincide with market days in Hoorn, Schagen, Alkmaar, and Haarlem.
Average High /
Low Temperature (°F):
May61º/46º
Jun66º/52º
Jul69º/55º
Aug70º/55º
Sep64º/51º
Oct57º/46º
Average
Precipitation:
May2.0 in
Jun2.4 in
Jul2.9 in
Aug2.4 in
Sep3.2 in
Oct4.1 in
Air Package | Tour Only |
|
---|---|---|
Roundtrip international airfare | ||
Detailed information for your independent travel to/from arrival and departure airports | ||
One night in Amsterdam and one night in Haarlem in conveniently located hotels with breakfasts included | ||
5 nights in boutique hotels | ||
5 meals: 5 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 0 dinners |

Road Bicycle (Carbon frame)
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Step-Through (Mixte Hybrid) Comfort Bicycle
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Step-Over (Diamond) Comfort Bicycle
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Electric-Assisted Bicycle (E-bike)
See More >Self-Guided Biking Packages Include:
Custom VBT bike, helmet, and bike bag
Welcome orientation and bike fitting with local host
Luggage transfers
Ride with GPS and daily route notes
VBT Road Book with destination information
24/7 support system
Flat kit and multi-tool
Your choice of VBT branded gear for your adventure
Accommodations

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