Holland & Belgium Biking New!
- 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 Wijdewormer to Santpoort, located on the edge of a scenic coastal forest 
A Michelin-starred restaurant hosts us for a delectable meal Pedal south to the birthplace of Rembrandt, the beautiful city of Leiden, set on the Old Rhine River A warm stroopwafel (syrup-filled waffle) may tempt you off your bike 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 We’re treated to a tour of the old city, which dates back to the Middle Ages Discover how Gouda cheese is made and taste a wedge of the distinctive orange rounds Continuing south, delight in a visit to the World Heritage site of Kinderdijk, known for its 19 windmills once used to drain the surrounding floodplain.
Days 4-6 Uncover the captivating history and culture of two countries in a single trip Journey to Middelburg, one of Holland's oldest towns 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 A tall frothy bier may be the perfect way to unwind. Proost! (Cheers!) Visit a World War I battle site immortalized in the famed poem In Flander Fields With 40 chocolate shops, Bruges is a mecca for connoisseurs Enjoy an easygoing pedal to the Flemish village of Oostkerke, brimming with chalk-white houses.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
This dual-country trip offers an exquisite mix of highlights with broad appeal. The bike routes are superb, following a mix of flat peaceful country roads, dijk (dike) walls and scenic fietspaden (bicycling paths). There’s a wealth of historic spots to enjoy, from the World Heritage site of Kinderdijk to the romantic central square of Bruges. And glorious hotels, including Hotel de Tuilerieën, which has hosted celebrities and royalty.- Regional Manager
Premiere Inns
Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg
Santpoort (1 night) A five-star historic country estate situated amid the lakes, forests and dunes of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.
Paleis Hotel
The Hague (2 nights) This former 17th-century home is now a stylish boutique hotel ideally positioned among the cafés, restaurants and shops of the historic city center.
Hotel de Tuilerieen
Bruges (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.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 21 miles
- No elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 25, 38 miles
- No elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 19, 30, 43 miles
- No elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 21, 31 miles
- No elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 20, 30, 50 miles
- No elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 20 miles
- No elevation gain
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For 33 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.
