Holland & Belgium Biking
- Uncover the captivating history and culture of two countries in a single trip
- Windmills, canals, pitch-roofed farmhouses and vast skies - scenery straight out of a Dutch masterpiece
- Luxuriate in hotels reminiscent of the 17th-century Golden Age
- "Beauty lies in the hands of the beer holder" - sample Belgium’s national treasure
From the Dutch Countryside to Beautiful Bruges
"A Dutchman without a bike is like a fish without water" so the saying goes. In Holland, with nearly one bicycle for every person, everyone rides - even the queen. And in bike-crazy Belgium, home of cycling great Eddie Merckx, passion for le vélo is legendary. You'll find it all makes sense, the Dutch and Belgian zeal for two wheels. You'll find it in the pastoral flat-as-a-pannekoek landscape, amid the flower fields and silent canals. And in the timeless towns and storybook villages. You'll even find it post-ride - whether in the form of a fine Belgian Lambic or a pot of steamed mussels. Come bike with us in Holland and Belgium. And feel the love.
Days
1-2 Timeless scenery straight out of a Dutch masterpiece 
Begin with a leisurely ride from Bergen to Santpoort, located on the edge of a scenic coastal forest Emerald-green fields and horse farms lead the way to The Hague, our home for the next two nights.
Day
3 Bike through hamlets and countryside to Gouda, where the beloved cheese originates Delight in a visit to the World Heritage site of Kinderdijk, known for its 19 windmills once used to drain the surrounding floodplain Continuing north, discover how Gouda cheese is made and taste a wedge of the distinctive orange rounds Biking is a way of life in this region and it's a joy to join the locals as you cruise through the region, passing dikes and quaint villages.
Days
4-6 Uncover the captivating history and culture of two countries in a single trip Bike over the border - welcome to Belgium! It's a scenic spin to romantic Bruges - nearly car-free and ideal for exploring on foot Discover the nooks and crannies of this stunningly preserved medieval city of narrow cobblestone streets, steep-gabled brick houses, lofty spires and meandering canals Enjoy an easygoing pedal to the Flemish village of Diksmuide, once the heart of Belgian resistance in World War I.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
We love Backroads and tell everyone that they are the best vacations our family has had. We have four kids and it is not often that everyone loves the same thing. We anticipate our next trip with pleasure.- Mercer Island, WA
This is a great place for a Backroads trip, with easy, flat riding and interesting things to see and learn.- New Bern, NC
I think what sets BR apart from other travel groups is the quality of the leaders. They are young, interesting, bright, and fun to be with. I feel like I'm traveling with a close relative and not someone I just met. It amazes me how special each and every one of the leaders have been. Whatever you are doing when you screen your applicants, just keep doing it.- Cincinnati, OH
Premiere Inns
Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg
Santpoort, Holland (1 night) A historic country estate situated within a national park, and featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Hotel des Indes
The Hague, Holland (2 nights) Built in 1858 to host aristocrats and heads of state, this opulent former palace is set on the shady Lange Voorhout among the cafés, restaurants and shops of the historic city center.
Hotel de Tuilerieën
Bruges, Belgium (2 nights) A sumptuously elegant hotel - originally a 15th-century noble residence - overlooking Den Dyver, the most picturesque canal in Bruges. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool)
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This Trip Is Rated Level 1-4
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 7 | 0 | 22 | 0 | ||||||
| 2 | 12* | 0 | 42 | 0 | ||||||
| 3 | 14 | 0 | 25* | 0 | 40* | 0 | ||||
| 4 | 20* | 0 | 30* | 0 | 42 | 0 | ||||
| 5 | 19* | 0 | 28* | 0 | 60 | 0 | ||||
| 6 | 17 | 0 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
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For 34 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Holland & Belgium tour experts. See our award-winning Europe At Large biking tours, Europe At Large walking and hiking tours and Europe At Large multisport tours.
