Scenic Coastal Route from Amsterdam to Bruges

Day 1: Abcoude - Gouda, 31 or 34 miles (50 or 55 km)
Day 2: Gouda - Delft, 29 miles (45 km)
Day 3: Delft - Brielle, 25 or 28 miles (40 or 45 km)
Day 4: Brielle - Zierikzee, 34 miles (55 km) 
Day 5: Zierikzee - Middelburg, 31 miles (50 km)
Day 6: Middelburg - Bruges, 31 miles (50 km) plus ferry crossing
Day 7: Departure from Bruges

All distances are approximate. The itinerary may be subject to changes before and/or during your holiday due to weather, road restrictions, etc.

This tour can be enjoyed in reverse or add extra overnights within the itinerary!

Day 1: Abcoude - Gouda, 31 to 34 mi. (50 to 55 km)
The tour begins in charming Abcoude, a historic town that boasts several remarkable monumental buildings. South of Abcoude is one of the Netherlands' most beautiful and richest regions. The scenic river Vecht is lined with castles and country houses built by wealthy 17th-century merchants from Amsterdam, often with elegant gardens. The historic village centers of Loenen and Breukelen are worth a visit too and are the perfect spot for a morning break. Next, enter a landscape of typical Dutch lowland ‘polders’ on your way to Woerden, an ancient town with another impressive castle, a substantial windmill, and several good cafés for lunch. Your final destination today is Gouda, which has a beautiful old market square and is the birthplace of the philosopher Erasmus, as well as of the ‘stroopwafel’ delicacy. And of course, it’s famous for cheese! (the weekly cheese market is on Thursday mornings.)

Sample accommodation:  Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis
Located next to the famed Jerusalem Chapel, this 16th-century converted orphanage captures the city’s rich heritage. Yet it is not only the old and authentic that you will find at this design hotel. Delighting your senses with world-class dining, chef Remco Kuijpers’ fresh creations and focus on local ingredients add the final touch to your stay at this magical place

Day 2: Gouda - Delft, 28 mi. (45 km)
Cycle through Holland’s ‘Green Heart’ and the lovely towns of Moordrecht and Zevenhuizen, then cross the river Rotte (which Rotterdam got its name from) and pass another group of monumental windmills. Near Bleiswijk you will enter an area which is packed with greenhouses for growing flowers and vegetables. You finish your scenic ride today in the ancient city of Delft. Take time to explore its pretty canals lined with grand buildings and find the history of Johannes Vermeer and his ‘Girl with the pearl earring’. And if you have worked up a thirst today, there are several craft breweries in Delft that produce very tasty beers.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Arsenaal
As the name implies, the hotel was once an old arsenal. The hotel's website reads: "Every stone has its own story to tell and every window looks onto another past. This peninsula between the waters of the Oude and Nieuwe Delft is steeped in history. You can still sense the trading spirit and smell the spices from ‘the East.’ Every step in this rediscovered icon takes you back in time and every tread brings you closer to the origins of Delft."

Day 3: Delft - Brielle, 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
Leaving Delft, cycle along a scenic canal towards the port of Rotterdam. You’ll find several attractive historic port towns along the coast which formed the foundations for their successful modern offshoot. After visiting the picturesque town of Maassluis, you cross the Nieuwe Maas river by ferry and then it’s just a short ride to Brielle. This city's history goes back to the Middle Ages and its well-preserved fortifications tell the story of many battles, including a key role during the Eighty Years War between Holland and Spain in the 16th century.

Sample accommodation: Poorter Boutique Hotel
This beautiful boutique hotel with an intimate, warm atmosphere is located In the center of the historic fortified city of Brielle. It is one of the oldest buildings in Brielle. Each of the luxurious rooms reflects the ambiance of the 16th century but with today’s comforts.

Day 4: Brielle - Zierikzee, 34 mi. (55 km)
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 haven for waterfowl and you might even spot the odd flamingo! After a disastrous flood in 1953, an ingenious "delta plan" was created to protect this area, and its storm surge barriers form part of the world’s largest flood defense system.

Zierikzee, with its almost 600 monuments, is one of the most scenic towns in this province and its picturesque harbor is still home to several traditional sailing ships. It’s also a great place to savor the delicious mussels and oysters from Zeeland.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Mondragon
Hotel Mondragon has been a historic icon in Zierikzee, famed far and wide for over a century. The glamorous baroque architecture brings the past alive. 

Day 5: Zierikzee - Middelburg, 31 mi. (50 km)
Today is perhaps the most beautiful ride of all. You can enjoy the view of the Oosterschelde and the North Sea all day long. The Neeltje Jans Museum and the picturesque town of Veere are more than worth a visit. Middelburg the final destination and also the provincial capital has a lot to offer. An evening stroll through the many small alleys will be one of the many highlights of this tour.

Sample accommodation: B&B ‘t Poorthuys
The luxurious B&B is located in a beautiful listed building from around 1530, a former doctor’s house is in the Koepoortstraat in the old historic center of the city of Middelburg. 

Day 6: Middelburg - Bruges, 31, mi. (50 km)
The last day adds more great memories. In the coastal town of Vlissingen, take the ferry across the Westerschelde, the gateway to the port of Antwerp. Large cargo ships pass while you sail smoothly to the southernmost part of the Netherlands, Zeeuws Vlaanderen. Then cycle through another quaint fortified town, Sluis, just on the border with Belgium, which is known for its culinary treats inspired by its southern neighbors. The last part of the ride takes you along an amazing canal lined with huge trees. The picturesque art village of Damme, a mini-version of nearby Bruges, is a fascinating final stop. Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Belgium’s major attraction and a must-see city. Its rich, historic character has been beautifully restored with plenty of gold-covered features. Here, you will meet one of our representatives again to pick up your equipment in the late afternoon. In the evening, make sure you enjoy a delicious Belgian beer and taste the unique chocolates of Dominique and Julius Personne, arguably Belgium’s most famous chocolate makers.

Sample accommodation: Martin’s Relais Boutique Hotel
Martin’s Relais, full of personality and antiques, offers a truly exceptional

Day 7: Departure from Bruges
Departure from Bruges 

You will be accommodated in historic and boutique 4-star accommodations on your tour. On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred hotel.

Bicycles

Standard Touring Bike

Koga F3

This model has everything a sporty urban bike requires!

• Lightweight aluminum frame with alloy forks (available in men's and women's frames)
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Shimano Nexus 8 Revo C6000 - 8 speeds
• Selle Royal Saddle
• Gates Belt Drive
• Schwalbe Puncture Resistant Tires
• Front and rear fenders

Accessories

• Basic toolkit
• Tire repair kit
• Mini-pump
• Water bottle
• Cable-lock
• Pannier

Electric Bike

Koga E Nova

This E-bike is fitted with a powerful Bosch Active Plus central motor, a cleverly integrated battery in the luggage rack.

• Aluminum frame (available only in women's)
• Battery Capacity: 300 wh
• Bosch Active Line Motor
• Shimano Nexus gearing
• 8 speed
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• Koga Saddle
• Schwalbe Tires

Accessories

• Basic toolkit
• Tire repair kit
• Mini-pump
• Water bottle
• Cable-lock
• Pannier