Holland


Quintessential Dutch landscapes

The low-lying Netherlands are a triumph of engineering with vast tracts of reclaimed land, known as polders, protected by massive dikes. Picturesque windmills are still used to pump water from the land into the country’s network of canals which, linked to some of Europeans great rivers, the Rhine, the Maas and the Scheldt, helped Holland develop into one of the world’s greatest trading nations. As a result, art and culture flourished and nowhere is this more visible than in historic Amsterdam, home to some of the country’s most impressive architecture and stunning art treasures.

> Rivers & Castles, from Arnhem to Gouda (grade 1-2)


Amsterdam - city of bicycles

Wherever you go, from the smallest village to the largest city, you will be warmly welcomed. The Dutch are justly proud of their country and their local traditions and they will delight in sharing their culture with you. Our routes provide the opportunity to visit two very famous cheese-making towns to experience the traditional markets of Edam and Gouda. Elsewhere, you may come across a colourful herring festival in one of the small fishing ports (late spring), the tulip festival (early May) or a Dutch dance festival, where the local inhabitants wear traditional costumes and serve local delicacies to the many visitors.

> Dutch Discovery - Windmills, Edam & Amsterdam (grade 1-2)


Quiet lanes beside picturesque canals

It is no surprise in a country where there are more bicycles than people that each town and city has designated cycle lanes keeping cyclists away from the traffic while the countryside is crisscrossed with miles of well-signposted cycle routes. Here, it is easy to cover relatively large distances through quintessential Dutch landscapes of gently-turning windmills, brightly coloured tulip fields (usually in flower from April to May only) and along dikes which afford idyllic views of the seashore and across pretty countryside in all directions. Many tracks follow canals that lead you through traditional villages, historic towns and into the heart of Amsterdam, ‘the dam on the River Amstel’. Explore on foot, by bicycle or take a cruise on the canal to visit this city’s many historic and fascinating places of interest.

Have a look at our favourite top ten days specially selected from our cycling holidays.

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