Holland - Past & Present

Day 1: Amerongen 
Day 2:  WW2 Route (51 km)
Day 3: Wageningen Route (42 km)
Day 4: Rhine Route (38 km)
Day 5: Buren Culemborg Route (53 km)
Day 6: Castle Route (35 km)
Day 7: Departure

All distances are approximate. Due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.

Day 1: Amerongen
Arrive and settle into your accommodations at the Napoleon Schuur, located in the historic center of Amerongen. Plan on strolling this quaint village and visiting the Amerongen Castle here. Hours are 11 - 5.

Day 2: WWII, 32 mi. (51 km)
This route mainly covers an area where heavy battles were fought at the beginning of WWII. You will cycle near the "water line", an area the Dutch had flooded to stop the Germans. History tells the story. The "Hollandic Water Line" was a Dutch defense tactic used for centuries. First conceived in 1629, it was constructed and revamped throughout history. The Dutch realized that flooding low-lying areas formed an excellent defense against enemy troops. Earth and brick fortifications were added throughout the years.

At the advent of WWII, this line of defense was simply too vulnerable to modern artillery and bombs to withstand a protracted siege and efforts began to prepare a new water line, the Grebbe Water Line.

Both water lines failed to hold back the German forces. Hitler thought that Holland would fall in a day, but the struggle lasted five. Holland was forced into surrender by the aerial bombing of Rotterdam, and the threat of the same for Utrecht and Amsterdam.

Also on this day, you will visit a modern-day farm in Holland, getting a taste of the Holland of today. The farm is an example of precision agriculture that uses robots and computerized programs to optimize production. You will enjoy a tour of the farm.

Highlights:

• Museum Grebbelinie
• Museumbunker

Day 3: Wageningen Route, 26 mi. (42 km) 
The theme of Holland of yesterday is continued as your guide expands further on the history of the area.  You will also explore more of the Holland of today. Amerongen, where you will be based, is a little paradise of tranquility, tucked away in a pristine national reserve.  You will be cycling on a  wonderful cycling network, through small cities, towns, and bergs. There are cyclists everywhere living everyday life-commuting to school, tending gardens, shopping, and enjoying coffee in the bustling squares  It is a very peaceful and safe environment. This is the other Holland, apart from Amsterdam, this is authentic Holland.

Wageningen stands distinguished for its internationally acclaimed agricultural university and holds a significant position within the "food valley," a thriving global hub of culinary innovation. This dynamic ecosystem encompasses over 1,510 international food enterprises and 20 dedicated research institutions. Notably, Wageningen University & Research (WUR) secured its position as the premier global institution for agricultural sciences, a recognition bestowed by U.S. News & World Report in 2016.

On the agenda as well is Rhenen, where the German troops broke through the Dutch defense during WWII in May 1940. In 1945, the town was damaged again during the liberation of the country from German occupation. Many or all of the Dutch soldiers who were killed by the Germans near Rhenen lie buried in the Cemetery of Honor.

Other museums and points of interest in Wageningen:

• Soil museum
• Belmont Arboretum
• Het Depot (Sculptures Gallery)
• Cunera Church, built between 1492 - 1531

Day 4: Rhine Route, 24 mi. (38 km)
You cycle predominantly through the Betuwe, a region renowned for its historical, geographical, and agricultural significance. Nestled within the delta shaped by the Rhine and Meuse Rivers, this highly fertile area boasts bountiful fruit orchards and fertile soil. It serves as a prime illustration of Dutch agri-food cooperation, earning its place as a notable food valley. In the waning months of World War II, the region earned the monikers "Men's Island" or "Manneneiland" as the evacuation of its civilian populace during Operation Market Garden left behind only soldiers.

Highlights:

• Castle Duurstede,
• Windmill Rijn en Lek
• Museum Dorestad

Day 5: Buren Culemborg Route, 32 mi. (53 km) 
Most of this route meanders atop the dike that follows the course of the River Rhine, traversing historic towns along its path. Notably, two of these towns, Buren and Culemborg, exude an ambiance where time appears to have been frozen. Among the attractions in Buren is a museum named "Buren en Oranje," dedicated to the town's connection with the Royal Dutch family, famously known as "the House of Orange."

Highlights:

• Marechaussee Museum
• Oranje Museum
• Elisabeth Weeshuis Museum
• Elvis Presley Museum
• Museum Jan van Riebeeckhuis

Day 6: Castle Route (35 km)
Nowhere else in the Netherlands can you encounter such an abundance of castles as in the region north of the Rhine River. A significant number of these castles continue to serve as residences for the noble families and their descendants. The farmsteads integrated within the castle estates are distinguishable by their uniquely colored shutters, each family adorning their buildings with their distinct hues. Additionally, segments of this very region fall within the boundaries of three distinct government-managed nature reserves, each imposing stringent regulations on land utilization.

Highlights:

• Museum Huis Doorn
• Von Gimborn Arboretum

Day 7: Departure

These routes can be done in any order.

If you are interested in a 100% WWII-themed tour,  you can combine this tour and your stay in Amerongen with a stay in Osterbeek. Please take a look at our World War II Reflections tour! In this case, you can take a taxi or be transferred to Oosterbeek, the perfect base to continue your journey into history.

Looking for more? View all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news, or look at our full list of bike tours in Europe.

You will be accommodated in the boutique hotel, Napoleon Schuur, next to the entrance of the National Park Utrechtse Heuvelrug.