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4.8/5 (29 reviews)

7-Day Netherlands Tulips & Windmills Captivating Bike Tour

Discover sweeping fields of vivid spring flowers, quaint cobblestone villages, iconic windmills and the charming culture of northern Holland on this bike tour. Go beyond the famed Keukenhof flower gardens to experience tulip fields, windmills and canals.

Start - End: Amsterdam - Amsterdam

Total trip: 7 days

Average group size: 12 people

from USD 4,199/pp including taxes and fees

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Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour guest riding through field
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour Windmill and Canoe
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour Riding through town
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour tulip field
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour bike path next to farm
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour guest riding through field
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour Windmill and Canoe
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour Riding through town
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour tulip field
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour bike path next to farm
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour Canal filled with docked boats
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour House next to the canal
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour Guests riding along
Netherlands Tulips, Windmills & Villages Bike Tour Hindloopen cobbles

Experience the Netherlands in bloom with tulip fields, windmills, canals, and scenic riding.

Picture this: you’re cycling through an endless sea of vibrant tulips with vivid reds, yellows, and purples stretching to the horizon. A soft spring breeze, iconic Dutch windmills, and the sweet scent of flowers fill the air as perfectly paved bike paths carry you through the landscape. This is the Netherlands at its most magical.


Following the world’s best bike path network, the route winds across gently flat terrain that welcomes riders of all levels. Along the way, storybook towns and unforgettable landscapes unfold — including Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of the North,” where canals replace roads and thatched-roof houses line the water’s edge. A visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens reveals more than seven million blooming bulbs at the height of spring.


Days unfold at an easy, joyful pace. Historic dikes lead the way past quiet forests dotted with ancient dolmens, across charming wooden drawbridges, and into former seafaring towns like Hoorn and Enkhuizen, rich with maritime history. Along the journey, "gezelligheid" comes to life — that warm Dutch feeling of comfort, connection, and belonging. It’s found in cozy cafés, family-run cheese farms, and welcoming villages … and it’s a feeling that lingers long after leaving this captivating landscape.

Trip Highlights

Day by day on tour

Check out the map below for the scenic route you'll take on this bike tour.

We'll meet in Haarlem — a delightful history-rich village that's a short train ride from Amsterdam and only 10 miles from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. Start biking in Haarlem, and get ready for an incredible spin along the coast. Manicured bike paths lead the way through cresting dunes and lively beach resorts. Then wind through some of the loveliest neighborhoods in all of Holland. There’s also the possibility to visit the world-famous Keukenhof gardens filled with spectacular tulips and other vivid spring flowers. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of a magical trip.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Frans Hals Amrâth, Haarlem
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 29.5 miles (47.5 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 719 feet (219 meters) ascent, 719 feet (219 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Your day starts in the storied town of De Rijp, a colorful village with green gabled houses and a long whaling heritage … but which, due to feats of engineering and land reclamation, is no longer on the coast! After passing numerous windmills, cycle along the dike over canals and wooden drawbridges to former seafaring towns like Schermerhorn and Hoorn. After lunch, you cycle through tulip fields which grow perfectly in the Dutch “polders” — land that was formerly under the sea. Spend tonight near the picture-perfect harbor of Enkhuizen. Dinner is together.
Accommodation: Hotel Suydersee, Enkhuizen
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 31.6 miles (50.8 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 431 feet (131 meters) ascent, 429 feet (131 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Wake up for a stroll through time, as you explore the open-air museum of Enkhuizen — a reconstructed village made from historical buildings from around the Netherlands … complete with roll playing actors dressed as they would have hundreds of years ago. Then transfer to cycle along Lake IJsselmeer on small roads and dikes to the old port of Hindeloopen. It’s the perfect chance to learn a bit of history and visit charming towns steeped in tradition. Settle in for the night overlooking the yachts of Lemmer. Take advantage of a night on your own to explore the town center and find a place for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Iselmar, Lemmer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking:  21.3 miles (34.3 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 358 feet (109 meters) ascent, 358 feet (109 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Today’s carefree bike ride sees you cycling through more tulip fields … and eventually through forests and watery landscapes. Stop in the charming village of Blokzijl — yet another town whose history was along the sea, but its backdrop has now been replaced with beautiful canals and cobbled streets. Next, you cycle to Giethoorn, known as the Venice of Holland. It’s a wonderful canal-laced village with thatched houses and many small, arched “humpback” bridges — and dotted with highly manicured and fragrant gardens. 

Dinner is with the group at the Chateaux, with views of the pristine statue garden and the dreamy moat in what will be one of the most memorable meals of the week.
Accommodation: Kasteel de Havixhorst, De Schiphorst
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 45.5 miles (73.2 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 592 feet (180 meters) ascent, 573 feet (175 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

After breakfast, take a short walk behind the château to the Lokkerij, a conservation project dedicated to restoring the local stork population. Here, you’ll encounter hundreds of storks and experience an unforgettable feeding demonstration, while your guide shares the history of the project and introduces the birds that will accompany you—clattering overhead—throughout the day’s ride.

Spin along forested bicycle paths through dreamy hamlets tucked deep in the woods. Marvel at the miles of canals dug out by the area‘s peat farmers centuries ago. Visit the craft village in Orvelte before continuing on to peaceful Exloo and your cozy hotel. Dinner is together with the group.
Accommodation: Hotel De Hunzebergen, Exloo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 43.7 miles (70.3 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 865 feet (264 meters) ascent, 815 feet (248 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Today’s ride takes you through dramatic moors — heathlands dappled with purple heather and dotted with prehistoric stone beds. Later, head over to Emmen and visit its outstanding, prize-winning zoo. Then follow fertile pastures and dense woodlands to the thatched village of Eext. Back in Exloo, share memories of the trip as everyone enjoys a farewell dinner together.
Accommodation: Hotel De Hunzebergen, Exloo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 29.2 miles (47 kilometers)
Elevation Gain/Loss: 512 feet (156 meters) ascent, 509 feet (155 meters) descent
Terrain: Easier

Enjoy breakfast before your guide transfers you to Amsterdam for your departure home. The two-and-a-half-hour shuttle will give you plenty of time to relax and reflect on your trip before heading home.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast

Inns

Grand Hotel Frans Hals Amrath on Netherlands bike tour

Grand Hotel Frans Hals Amrâth, Haarlem

This 4-star hotel sits right in the heart of Haarlem's city center, with a beautiful lounge and atmospheric hotel bar. You're just 30 minutes from Amsterdam and within easy reach of the stunning beaches at Zandvoort and Bloemendaal.

Hotel Suydersee on Netherlands bike tour

Hotel Suydersee, Enkhuizen

Located in the lively center of Enkhuizen, this contemporary hotel is known for personal attention and warm hospitality. Modern deluxe rooms — some with balconies—are just a short walk from the train station and local shops.

Fletcher Familiehotel De Hunzebergen

This family‑friendly hotel blends beautiful natural surroundings with comfortable facilities, making it a welcoming base for your Netherlands cycling adventure. Nestled near forests and scenic bike paths, it’s the ideal spot to relax and recharge after a day of riding through tulip fields, charming villages, and iconic Dutch landscapes.

Kasteel de Havixhorst, De Schiphorst on Netherlands Tulips & Windmills captivating bike tour

Kasteel de Havixhorst, De Schiphorst

Right on the water in Lemmer, Hotel Iselmar offers easy access to the Frisian Lakes and charming harbor views. The cozy, comfortable rooms and friendly, laid-back atmosphere make it a relaxing stop. You're steps from quiet lakeside paths and the town's inviting cafés — perfect for recharging before tomorrow's adventure.

Hotel islemar in Lemmer on the Netherlands Tulips & Windmills Captivating Bike Tour

Hotel Iselmar, Lemmer

Hotel Iselmar sits right on the water in Lemmer, giving you easy access to the Frisian Lakes and charming harbor views. Cozy, comfortable rooms and a friendly, laid-back vibe make it a relaxing stop after a day on the bike. You’re steps from quiet lakeside paths and the town’s inviting cafés. A perfect place to recharge before tomorrow's ride.

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FAQs

We know you might have a few questions before you book. Our Frequently Asked Questions cover useful information to help you feel ready for the ride.

On the first day of your tour please meet at the Frans Hals Amrath Hotel  in Harleem at 9:30am. Come dressed for cycling - after a quick briefing, you'll head out on your first ride. You're welcome to book your pre-tour stay at this hotel or any other hotel in Amsterdam, though you'll need to make your own way to the Frans Hals Amrath Hotel by the designated time.

 Your tour ends with drop-offs at either the Amsterdam Airport (around 12pm in time for afternoon flights), Amsterdam train station or a hotel of your choice in Central Amsterdam (around 12:30pm).

Arrival: We recommend arriving in Amsterdam at least the day before your tour starts. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city before the tour begins.

Departure: If flying out on the last day, we recommend departing from Amsterdam after 2pm. Earlier flight times will require a separate transfer booked at your own expense.

You'll stay in a carefully curated mix of comfortable hotels and charming inns throughout the Netherlands. Each property is selected for its welcoming atmosphere, quality, and convenient location — perfect for relaxing after a day of cycling. Expect clean, modern rooms with private bathrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, and hearty breakfasts to fuel your rides. From historic châteaus in peaceful countryside settings to contemporary hotels in lively town centers, every accommodation reflects the warmth and character of Dutch hospitality.

You’ll need a solid level of fitness for this tour. By far the best way to get in shape for riding a bicycle is by riding a bicycle! Build up gradually by riding more each time and be regular in your schedule. Practice using the low (easiest pedalling) gears on your bicycle and keep your legs moving quickly (a pace of 70-90 rpm is recommended). This is called “spinning,” and it takes much of the pressure off your knees, while still being the best exercise for conditioning and strengthening. Stationary bikes, rowing machines, NordicTrack-type exercisers, aerobics, and jogging are all excellent ways to get in condition as well. And don’t forget to stretch before and after your workouts.

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What's included

  • 6 nights’ accommodation
  • 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
  • You’re supported from start to finish by our highly experienced guides and leaders
  • Industry leading Guest-to-Guide ratio (averaging 6:1)
  • All activities outlined in the itinerary
  • Delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to keep you fueled
  • All necessary equipment (well-maintained and safe) for activities
  • Branded t-shirt and bag
  • Gravel bikes with drop handlebars, Hybrid with flat-bar handlebars, or E-Bikes - equipped with a front handlebar bag or rear carrier, branded water bottle, mirror, and flat pedals
  • Ride with GPS for navigation along with the detailed maps and itineraries
  • Transportation in our air-conditioned vans - safe, clean, modern, and comfortable!
  • Your queries answered by our knowledgeable Customer Care Team - only a call, chat, or email away
  • You’re “trip ready” with our Customer Care Team’s calls prior to your trip
  • “My Account” - your own online space with everything required for your adventure

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