Dutch Tulips in Spring

Classic

1. 1. Day one

   

   Arrive Amsterdam

   Arrive in Amsterdam and settle into the Residence Le Coin right in the city centre close to The Amstel and Rembrandsplein. The 17th- century canals of Amsterdam are on the UNESCO World Heritage List and a delight to wander around. But the city holds much more to explore than just historic canals. Why not visit the revitalised Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum or the Stedelijk Museum. Or, maybe Anne Frank's House is a 'must see' for you?

2. 2. Day two

   

   Weesp to Edam

   Take an early train from Amsterdam to Weesp (20 minutes) to meet your host who will brief you on your itinerary, run through your route directions and make sure that your bicycle is correctly fitted. Weesp is an enchanting, historic town with a clocktower-capped harbour front. Set off for the Muiderslot castle, built in 1285, that stands guard over what used to be open sea. The next stretch is particularly scenic, taking in the promenade of traditional houses set atop the dike in Durgerdam, and pretty, rural villages such as Ransdorp and Uitdam. Zuiderwoude, with its tea house and garden, makes a great stop for refreshment en route to Marken. An isolated island until 1957, expect heritage green wooden houses and perhaps the sight of locals in traditional costume. Take a short ferry (30 minutes) to the fishing village of Volendam, before cycling to picturesque Edam. While renowned worldwide for its cheese, it also has distinctive sailing boats, fabulous architecture and relics that echo its medieval heyday.

   27 miles (43 km)

3. 3. Day three

   

   Edam to Alkmaar

   Cycle through the Beemster polder, home to dairy farms with majestic antique farmhouses, source of the eponymous cheese, on your way to Middenbeemster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Imagine the 49 windmills that were responsible for keeping this polder dry. The picturesque village of De Rijp is a great place for a coffee break, or lunch, and why not visit the arboretum and botanical garden Die Langh Huys? Closer to Alkmaar, you cycle through sweeping tulip fields providing an overwhelming colour explosion. Alkmaar is the ‘other’ cheese capital of Holland and has had weekly cheese markets since the 17th century (Friday mornings, starting in April). Its fascinating sites including Grote or Sint-Laurenskerk with its two world famous organs and highly decorated caseworks, the Stedelijk Museum with its fabulous collection of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Dutch paintings, and beer museum De Boom (with tastings).

   26 miles (42 km)

4. 4. Day four

   

   Alkmaar to Haarlem

   Another tulip highlight on your route is the historical flower bulb garden ‘Hortus Bulborum’. It is run by volunteers and dedicated to the preservation of ancient flower bulb varieties, so a real delight. Another (optional) highlight is Zaanse Schans. In the Dutch Golden Age, thousands of windmills powered thriving industrial operations, like saws for ship building and mustard making. You'll find several still in operation here as well as the green timbered houses that define this region, a historic chocolate and biscuit factory, a cheese factory and a clog workshop. After crossing the impressive North Sea Canal, you come to the fortified village of Spaarndam and then to Haarlem. This is an elegant historic town where you’ll find the Frans Hals Museum, Teylers Museum, ‘hofjes’ with alms houses, Corrie ten Boom House and other delights.

   26 or 31 miles (42 or 49 km)

5. 5. Day five

   

   Haarlem to Leiden

   Cycle through verdant forests towards the beach town of Zandvoort and join the coastal cycle path through the sand dunes. Progressing inland again, you'll soon find yourself amidst swathes of daffodils, hyacinths and tulips in the breathtaking ‘bulb region’. The pinnacle is Keukenhof, the world's largest flower garden, ablaze in colourful blooms, where more than seven million bulbs are planted annually. When you’re ready, progress to lively Leiden, home to the country’s oldest university, to stroll along atmospheric canals and the Burcht van Leiden mediaeval fortification. Don't miss the de Valk windmill, the Lakenhal’s fine art collection, the Hortus Botanicus, originally laid out in 1590, with its 10,000 botanical species, and the National Museum of Antiquities with its exceptional Egyptian collection including the Nubian Temple of Naffeh. Leiden is the final destination of your tour. Your local host will be at your disposal for the end of the tour so you can enjoy exploring this lovely place.

   22 or 27 miles (36 or 44 km)

6. 6. Day six

   Depart Leiden

   Enjoy your final breakfast and depart at your leisure. There is a direct train connection from Leiden to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (15 minutes) or to Amsterdam, which takes as little as 25 minutes.