
Netherlands Biking
With abundant fietspaden (bicycle paths) and flat terrain, Holland is a cyclist's dream. As you ride through Dutch landscapes immortalized by the Old Masters, with cobblestone streets and picturesque windmills, you'll discover a spellbinding countryside laced with canals and punctuated by tile-roofed villages. Marvel at the works of Rembrandt, Vermeer and van Gogh, indulge in delicious and hearty Dutch cuisine, and luxuriate in hotels reminiscent of the 17th-century Golden Age. Best of all, you'll get to know the Dutch people, who are always happy to show off their country and share the path with fellow cyclists.
Days 1-2 arnhem
Rendezvous in Arnhem
Shuttle to De Hoge Veluwe National Park and explore the 13,000-acre nature preserve by bike
Surround yourself with masterpieces at the Kröller Müller Art Museum, renowned for its outdoor sculpture garden and extensive van Gogh collection
Follow bike paths through the lush countryside, passing 14th-century castles and stopping at the Airborne Museum and the World War II cemetery in Oosterbeek.
Days 3-4 bosch en duin
Against a backdrop straight out of a Dutch painting, cycle along a dike wall that parallels the Neder Rijn River
Indulge your sweet tooth with an appelgebak (apple tart) in the lively town of Rhenen
Admire elegant Castle Amerongen, encircled by two moats
Board a boat for a private cruise up the scenic Vecht River to Breukelen
On a tour of a family-run cheese farm, sample delectable boerenkaas, commonly known as Gouda
Perhaps indulge in a spa treatment at our luxurious hotel.
Days 5-6 Voorborg
Spin through the World Heritage site of Kinderdijk, known for its 19 windmills once used to drain the surrounding floodplain
Savor local treats as you wander amid food stalls and Gothic structures in Gouda's market square
Enjoy a tour of Gouda with a local guide
Pedal to our stunning hotel in Voorborg
Enjoy a final bike ride in the urban parks surrounding our hotel.
HEAVENLY RETREATS: Premiere Inns
Groot Warnsborn (2 nights): A stylish country manor house in a tranquil wooded setting, featuring luxuriously appointed rooms with classic touches.
De Hoefslag (2 nights): This elegant member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World combines English country style with a Mediterranean flavor and presents a Michelin-starred restaurant and beautiful gardens.
Hotel Savelberg (1 night): This Relais & Châteaux property offers beautifully decorated rooms and is renowned for its innovative kitchen with a fantastic wine list.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
2 Route Options Available
- 7, 16 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4
5 Route Options available
- Morning routes: 15, 31 miles
- Afternoon routes: 8, 16, 22 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- 19, 30, 46 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 2 to 3
2 Route Options Available
- 23, 40 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- 6, 20, 45 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- 16 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
We bike on a mix of roadways and bike paths.
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Biking through the Netherlands is the perfect trip with small kids: flat, bike paths everywhere like no other country in the world, lots of true "Back Roads," plenty of activities for kids and a beautiful country to enjoy.- Coral Gables, FL

I must say this was one of the best trips we've ever taken. Although I've loved touring the major European cities, getting out into the country and experiencing what life is really like for those who live there, was refreshing and fascinating. The stresses and worries of everyday life melted away with each mile biked, bringing us home feeling relaxed and like we had truly taken a vacation!- Livingston, NJ

The Netherlands trip exceeded my expectations. The "fietspads" were fabulous to ride on and it was great not having any traffic to contend with. My husband and I have widely varying bike skills and this trip was perfect for us. I could get my speed and miles in and he could cruise for his 20-25 miles per day. The countryside was gorgeous - far better than I thought it would be.- River Forest, IL

Great trip...exceeded our expectations...our family includes 18, 23, 53 and 54 year olds and we all enjoyed! Great leaders...great job. Wonderful time! Sarasota, FL

This was a really, really fun trip that met all of my expectations. Holland is a great place for cycling.- Davis, CA
