Discovering Holland’s Hidden Gems

Day 1: Amersfoort - Harderwijk,  22 to 28 miles (35 to 45 km)
Day 2: Harderwijk - Apeldoorn 22 to 26 miles (35 to 41 km)
Day 3: Apeldoorn - Otterlo 22 to 26 miles (35 to 41 km)
Day 4: Loop of the Hoge Veluwe National Park from Otterlo, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 5: Otterlo - Arnhem, 20 mi. (32 km)

Day 1: Amersfoort - Harderwijk, 22 to 28 mi. (35 to 45 km)
After your in depth tour orientation, cycle through the medieval town of Amersfoort. Founded in the 13th century, this became a centre of pilgrimage as well as the beer trade, and many of its ancient features still survive including the city gates, Muurhuizen (‘houses in the city walls’), lovely squares and canals. It’s also the birth place of the pioneer of abstract art, Piet Mondriaan (the family’s home is now a museum with his earlier works).

On the way to Harderwijk, you can choose between a direct route via the town of Nijkerk, a lovely place for a coffee or lunch break, or cycle via the traditional fishing village of Spakenburg. A strong sense of the past pervades with every view of its port, fishermen’s houses and old sailing vessels, and the historic shipyard is its treasure. The museum which showcases Spakenburg’s traditional costume is also highly recommended.

Cycling along the shore of lake IJsselmeer, you’ll arrive in the old town of Harderwijk. One of the nine medieval Hansa League towns in the Netherlands, Harderwijk gained great status and wealth and its history comes alive as you wander through the beautiful streets. Recommended is a visit to the Palingmuseum (Eel Museum; free entry) and buy some freshly smoked eel from its fish shop next door.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Marktzicht

Day 2: Harderwijk - Apeldoorn, 22 to 26 mi. (35 to 41 km)
Leaving Harderwijk, you’ll enter a fascinating natural region. The Veluwe was formed in one of the last ice ages, some 200,000 years ago, when glaciers pushed sand from the Rhine and Maas delta sideways, creating an area of (small) hills reaching heights of up to 110 meters (360'). Its landscapes include woodland, heath, some small lakes and Europe's largest sand drifts.

Visit the sheepfold with a flock of over 300 sheep, established to maintain the heathland of the Ermelosche Heide, one of several in the Veluwe region. Cycling through wonderful forest, you’ll get to the village of Hoog Soeren, which is great for a lunch break, for example at the Aardhuis (Earth House) in the royal domain ‘Het Loo’. Soon, you’ll get to the grand royal palace of ‘Het Loo’ with its magnificent Dutch Baroque-style gardens.

You finish in the elegant town of Apeldoorn, where you’ll find nature park Berg & Bos, great for an evening stroll (free entry).

Sample accommodation: Hotel Het Loo

Day 3: Apeldoorn - Otterlo, 22 to 26 mi. (35 to 41 km)
This morning, continue your cycle route through the Veluwe region. There is a bit of a climb out of Apeldoorn (at least by Dutch standards) before coming to the Art Deco building of Radio Kootwijk, the remainder of a large transmitter park built in the early 20th century. Animals to look out for on your way are wild boar, red deer, mouflons, roe deer, badgers and pine martens – they may be quite timid but it makes spotting one even more satisfying. Today's destination is the welcoming, small-scale village of Otterlo. It was the scene of the last major battle of WWII in the Netherlands, marked by the monument for the liberation of the Veluwe by the Canadian Army (Irish Regiment). Otterlo also hosts the Dutch Tile Museum with a large and versatile collection of decorated wall tiles and tile tableaus from the late Middle Ages to contemporary ceramics.

Sample accommodation: Kruller Hotel

Day 4: Loop of the Hoge Veluwe National Park from Otterlo, 16 mi. (26 km)
A visit to the Hoge Veluwe National Park easily fills an entire day. Besides scenic cycling, the main highlight, no doubt, will be the world’s finest Van Gogh collection and masterpieces by the likes of Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso and Piet Mondriaan in the world-class Kröller-Müller Museum at the centre of the park. In the sculpture garden, you will stroll past works by Barbara Hepworth, Jean Dubuffet, Marta Pan and others.

The park’s main visitor center, Museonder, is an attraction itself, with interactive displays on the flora and fauna and the park's different environments, both above and below the ground. At the northern edge of the park is the lakeside country house designed for the Kröller-Müller family, including the whole interior and furniture, by renowned architect H.P. Berlage in a style associated with Art Nouveau.

Sample accommodation: Kruller Hotel

Day 5: Otterlo - Arnhem, 20 mi. (32 km)
Today, you’ll leave the Veluwe behind. There is one more beautiful and stately woodland area, Planken Wambuis, with wild horses, before you enter the typical green, vibrant river scenery of the Rhine valley. 

Here, Operation Market Garden, one of the largest Allied operations of WWII, descended into a desperate, protracted battle with German forces. It was not until the following spring before they were able to help liberate the Netherlands and end WWII. A fitting place to visit on your route is the Airborne Museum in Oosterbeek. Or if you would like one last look at a whole variety of typical Dutch houses, farms and other buildings, visit the Openlucht Museum (Open Air Museum) on your way into Arnhem, your final destination. A representative will meet you for your personal end-of-tour meeting. There is a direct train connection back to Amsterdam (1 hour).

If you’re looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike tours in Europe or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.

You will be accommodated in lovely 3 and 4-star hotels. On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred hotel.

Bicycles

Standard Bike

Your bicycle will be prepared for your arrival, taking into account your gender, height, personal requirements, and your accessory reservation. The rental bikes available are 8 speed multi-geared adult bikes, in both men's and ladies' models, and are manufactured by Koga. Their top-class aluminum standard models are built according to our own critical standards and specifications and are the best rental bikes you will find in Holland. Included with the bike rental:

• A toolkit
• Tire repair kit
• Mini-pump
• Cable-lock
• Water bottle
• Breakdown assistance