7-Day Netherlands Tulips & Windmills Captivating Bike Tour

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, EnkhuizenView More
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, LemmerView More
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 SchiphorstView More
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, ExlooView More
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, ExlooView More
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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