Stephanie will meet you where it’s most convenient for you—either at Schiphol Airport if you’re arriving from overseas, in Amsterdam, or at the Alphen aan den Rijn train station. After a short transfer to Alphen aan den Rijn, we’ll check into your hotel. If your room isn’t ready yet, we’ll leave your bags safely until you can settle in. After lunch, we’ll head by train to nearby Leiden, where you’ll be properly fitted to your bike and made comfortable for the journey ahead. You’ll also have the opportunity to practice loading your bike onto the train and using the elevator at the station, ensuring you’re ready for any future train transfers during the tour. Upon our return to Alphen aan den Rijn, Stephanie will lead a relaxed, 45-minute introductory bike ride through the picturesque polder, with plenty of photo opportunities at classic Dutch windmills along the way.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, Stephanie will meet you to begin a scenic loop ride through the peaceful polderland just beyond Alphen. As we pedal through this tranquil countryside, you’ll pass lush green pastures, grazing dairy cows, and centuries-old farms. Along the way, we’ll stop at the world’s only fully operational four-windmill corridor, where you’ll gain insight into the Netherlands’ ingenious water management system. Midway through our ride, we’ll pause for lunch at a charming windmill café, where you can savor delicious local specialties and perhaps enjoy a refreshing regional brew. As we make our way back to Alphen, we’ll visit one of Stephanie’s favorite dairy farms to meet friendly cows, sample fresh milk straight from the Melk Tap, and indulge in homemade treats. Back in town, you’ll have time to unwind before a relaxed dinner at one of Alphen’s inviting neighborhood restaurants – Stephanie will be happy to offer recommendations based on your tastes.

Stephanie will meet you at your hotel to begin our journey north to Texel, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest of the Wadden Sea’s barrier islands. We’ll depart for the train station at 8:30, allowing plenty of time to get ourselves and our bikes ready for the first leg of our trip to Utrecht. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to a connecting train bound for Den Helder. From there, a short bike ride takes us to the ferry terminal, where we’ll enjoy a scenic cruise across the Wadden Sea to Texel. Once on the island, we’ll embark on a leisurely ride through Texel’s picturesque landscapes, focusing on its southern region. Along the way, we’ll visit a local cheese farm to sample some of Texel’s famous dairy delights. There will be options for lunch en route, and for those interested, we can also stop at the Texel Brewery to taste their well-loved craft brews. With its mix of coastal scenery, rich farmland, and charming local flavors, today’s ride offers the perfect introduction to this remarkable island.

Today you will discover more of the beauty of Texel on our scenic circular ride that showcases the island’s diverse landscapes, rich history, and abundant wildlife. Pedal through the windswept dunes of Texel Dunes National Park, where heather fields, forests, and sandy beaches create a stunning backdrop. Along the way, spot Highland cattle, wild ponies, and migratory birds that thrive in this unique ecosystem. Visit the historic fishing village of Oudeschild, home to the Kaap Skil Museum, where shipwreck treasures and maritime tales bring Texel’s seafaring past to life. A stop in Den Burg offers a chance to explore charming streets and cozy cafés before continuing on. Along our route, we’ll visit Ecomare, a renowned wildlife sanctuary where rescued seals and insights into the Wadden Sea’s fragile ecosystem await. At Texel’s northernmost point, the iconic Lighthouse of Eierland offers breathtaking views of the surrounding seascape.

After breakfast, we’ll check out of our hotel and cycle to the ferry for our return journey to Den Helder. From there, we’ll follow the peaceful Ijsselmeer coastline, pedaling toward the impressive Afsluitdijk. Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and engineering marvel of this iconic dike, which unites western and eastern Friesland. Our ride continues to the charming town of Medemblik, where we’ll pause for lunch and explore the historic Kasteel Radboud, a medieval fortress with stories to tell. From there, we’ll make our way to Enkhuizen, a town steeped in maritime history. Depending on our arrival time, we may have the opportunity to visit the Zuiderzee Museum, where you can step back into the 17th century and experience Enkhuizen’s golden age as a thriving Dutch East India Company hub.

After breakfast, we’ll set off on a scenic ride to Alkmaar, cycling past classic Dutch landscapes of windmills, vineyards, and farmland. As we make our way through the countryside, you’ll experience the peaceful charm of North Holland’s rural beauty. We’ll arrive in Alkmaar with plenty of time to explore its historic old town, just steps from our hotel. Stephanie will lead a leisurely walk along the picturesque canals, stopping at landmarks such as Grote Sint-Laurenskerk, the iconic Molen van Piet, and Waagplein, home to the historic cheese weigh station and the Cheese Museum. As the day winds down, we’ll gather for happy hour to sample the unique Alkmaar Blond Bier, a local specialty brewed with whey – a perfect way to toast the day’s adventures!

Departing from Alkmaar, we’ll embark on a picturesque ride through the heart of North Holland, a region known for its charming villages, expansive farmland, and iconic windmills. As we pedal south, we’ll gradually make our way toward the coast, where the landscape transforms into a breathtaking mix of rolling dunes, coastal forests, and sandy beaches. Our route takes us through some of the Netherlands’ most scenic and protected nature reserves, offering stunning ocean views and a chance to spot wildlife, including deer and migratory birds. This coastal region is a favorite among Dutch cyclists for its well-maintained bike paths and peaceful, wind-swept beauty. By afternoon, we’ll arrive in the lively seaside town of Zandvoort, where we’ll settle in for the next two nights, with time to explore its charming beach cafés, stroll along its promenade, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the famous Zandvoort Circuit racetrack.

Today’s ride takes us south along the scenic North Sea coastline toward Noordwijk, passing through windswept dunes and expansive sandy beaches. If open, we’ll stop to explore the Atlantic Wall, a fascinating remnant of World War II—a vast network of coastal fortifications built by Nazi Germany to defend against an Allied invasion. From there, we’ll head inland, cycling through the beautiful dune landscapes of Noordhollands Duinreservaat and National Park Zuid-Kennemerland, two of the Netherlands’ most stunning nature reserves. We will cycle along the perimeter of the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen (AWD), where we can appreciate this vital water catchment area that has supplied Amsterdam with fresh drinking water since 1853. The reserve is also a haven for wildlife, home to diverse flora, migratory birds, and a large population of fallow deer. You will have the option to park your bikes for a brief walk inside the reserve.

Today, you’ll have the option to enjoy one last scenic ride from Zandvoort to Leiden Centraal, with highlights including a visit to the Cruquius Museum—a fascinating site dedicated to the history of water management—and a stop at a local tulip bulb farm. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to soak in the beautiful Dutch countryside, one last time before we say “Tot ziens!” If you are visiting outside of tulip season, you can still bring a piece of the Netherlands home with you! Consider ordering tulip bulbs to be shipped to your doorstep, so you can plant your own vibrant garden as a reminder of the beauty you experienced on your journey through the Dutch countryside.

Alternatively, depending on your onward travel plans, we can take a morning train from Zandvoort to Leiden to return the bikes to the rental shop. From Leiden, several convenient transportation options are available to reach Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, or any other destinations you may want to explore before continuing your journey.