Dutch Delights: Slow Travel, Windmills, and Tulips

Day 1: Weesp - Edam, 21 miles (34 km)
Day 2: Edam - Hoorn, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 3: Hoorn - Medemblik, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 4: Medemblik - Alkmaar, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 5: Alkmaar - Zaandam, 24 mi. (39 km)

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.

Day 1: Weesp - Edam, 21 mi. (34 km)
Weesp is one of Holland’s hidden gems with grand houses from the 17th and 18th centuries and no less than three windmills. After your indepth tour orientation, cycle through the historic center of the fortified town on your way to the shore of the IJsselmeer lake which used to be open sea (Zuiderzee) and the entrance to the harbor of Amsterdam. Your next stop is Marken. Now connected to the mainland by a dike, it was an isolated island until 1957 with typical green wooden houses and the traditional costume that is still worn by some locals. Then, take a short ferry ride to the fishing village of Volendam, where you can taste the deliciously prepared fresh catch, and ride to nearby Edam. This picturesque waterside village, famous for its cheese as well as it’s traditional sailing boats, is a great place to stay the night.

Sample accommodation: Hotel & Restaurant De Fortuna 

Day 2: Edam - Hoorn, 20 mi. (32 km)
If you are in Edam on Wednesday morning in July or August, you can visit the weekly cheese market before you set off on today’s ride. Cycle through the green lowland ‘polders’ on your way to picturesque Middenbeemster, a UNESCO world heritage site. Imagine the 49 windmills that were responsible for keeping the land dry. Rich Amsterdam merchants built magnificent houses here, with beautifully landscaped gardens, and its shady central square is a great place for a coffee or lunch break. Your final destination today is Hoorn. Founded around AD 1000, Hoorn has a rich history and was one of the most prominent ports in the East Indian spice trade during the Dutch Golden Age which is still evident in many beautiful historic houses. Its port is a popular area with several cosy cafés and restaurants and home to a substantial fleet of traditional sailing vessels.

Sample accommodation: Hotel De Magneet

Day 3: Hoorn - Medemblik, 20 mi. (32 km)
If you want to take it easy today, there is a great option to ride to Medemblik on one of the beautifully restored steam trains making its way along canals and a patchwork of farmers’ fields (does not operate on Mondays).  During tulip season, you can find large fields with explosions of colors just outside Hoorn. It’s a scenic ride with monumental farm houses and sweeping landscapes on your way to Medemblik, which has for centuries occupied a key strategic position on the Zuiderzee – later the IJsselmeer lake – and boasts an impressive castle from 1288, alledgedly built on the foundations of the even older castle of King Radboud. It has a bustling harbor with charming houses and other attractions include the steam engine and bakery museums. 

Sample accommodation: Hotel Medemblik

Day 4: Medemblik - Alkmaar, 23 mi. (37 km)
Leave Medemblik behind and turn once again to the lowland ‘polders’ on your way to Broek op Langedijk. Visit the ancient ‘floating’ auction where fruit and vegetables are brought to market on boats, sailing through the auction building. Next, you cycle past several striking windmills and imposing historic farms dotted across the green landscape. Later, you’ll arrive in the ‘other’ cheese capital of Holland, Alkmaar, which has had weekly cheese markets since the 17th century (every Friday morning from April through to September and on Tuesday evening in July and August). Alkmaar played a pivotal role in the 80-years war with Spain in the 16th century, which led to the establishment of the Dutch Republic. It boasts hundreds of monumental buildings along it’s ancient canals and another highlight is beer museum ‘De Boom’ where you can taste a delicious selection of craft beers.

Sample accommodation: Fallon Hotel 

Day 5: Alkmaar - Zaandam, 24 mi. (39 km)
On your way out of Alkmaar, during tulip season, you will find a patchwork of brightly colored tulip fields. You'll ride through lowland ‘polders’, crossing rives and canals on several small ferries (one operated by yourself manually). The picturesque village of De Rijp has a choice of attractive cafés and restaurants – perfect for a refreshment stop. The main highlight today must be the Zaanse Schans. In the Dutch ‘Golden Age’, thousands of windmills here powered saws that processed wood for the shipbuilding and paper industries - you will find several still working. There are also the green-timbered houses that define this region, a historic chocolate and biscuit factory, a cheese farm and clog workshop. Your tour ends in Zaandam, a historic town with a charming center. One of our representaties will be on hand for a personal end-of-tour meeting. There is an easy connection back to Amsterdam (15 minutes) or you can extend your stay!

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 charming 3 and 4-star hotels located in the heart of the historic old towns. In the itinerary, you will find the name of the preferred hotel but please note that you final hotel list will be based on availability. If the preferred hotel is not available, you will be accommodated in an establishment of equal standard.

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

Electric bike

The Bosch Active Line Plus mid-drive motor offers optimum service life and reliability. The seamless integration of strength, rotation, and speed sensors results in spectacular intuitive support. The E-bike is provided with 400Wh Li-ion batteries with the longest life cycle available and supports your daily bike trip without any problem. Charging is only necessary at night.

Road bike

Also available are Giant road bikes. They are lightweight and have either aluminum or carbon frames. Together with high-quality Shimano components and different types of cleat pedals, these road bikes are suitable for long-distance riding.

Children’s bike’s and accessories

A wide range of bikes and trailers are available and suitable for children of all ages.

Bike Assortment	Age
Child trailer	1-3 years
Child seat	2-4 years
Trailer bike/tag along	4-6 years
Follow me	7-8 years
Child tandem	3-8 years
20" child bike	7-8 years
24 " child bike	8-11 years
26 " child bike	11-13 years