Waterlandschap - 7 days

Utrecht and the green heart of Holland by bike

This cycling route will take you through the green heart of the Netherlands, a typical Dutch nature area. In this region, nature is very appreciated and protected. You will enjoy the tranquility and charm of the Dutch landscapes while admiring the cows, mills and traditional farms. Your stay begins and ends in the welcoming city of Utrecht. This is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world !

Points of interest:

• Traditional villages
• Dutch Culture
• Kromme Mijdrecht river
• Nieuwkoopse Plassen Nature Reserve
• Gouda cheese

Day 1 : Arrival in Utrecht - 16 km

From day one, visit the city center of Utrecht which is definitely worth a visit, through a short but attractive bike tour! It is a city with a lot of charm, crossed by many canals, a bit like in Amsterdam, but without the influx of tourists! Enjoy its historic center and its festive and relaxed atmosphere along the canals.

Day 2 : Muiderberg - Weesp - 41 km

After spending the night in Utrecht, you will follow the banks of the Vecht passing through the pretty villages of Maarssen, Breukelen, Loenen, Vreeland en Nigtevecht! Charming traditional villages reflecting Dutch culture! In the picturesque village of Oud-Zuilen, you will have the opportunity to visit a castle dating from the Middle Ages! Then return to your hotel located in the heart of the historic town of Weesp.

Day 3 : Nieuwkoop - 50 km

The next day, follow the Little Gein River through the rural area of ​​southern Amsterdam. You will pass famous windmills to the colorful village of Abcoude! Continue your journey along the river Kromme Mijdrecht, you will reach the ponds of Nieuwkoopse Plassen, a natural and authentic space where you will discover all the flora of this territory. You will find your hotel along the De Meije river.

Day 4 : Loop around Nieuwkoop and / or Leiden - 47 or 64 km

Depart today to the heart of the village of Nieuwkoop. You will have the possibility of making a stopover in Leiden.

Day 5 : Gouda - 26 km

The next day, drive to the attractive town of Gouda, a town famous for its Gouda cheese. Gouda also has a historic center where you can enjoy its many cheese markets. Gouga is also known for its charming monuments and canals!

Day 6 : Schoonhoven or Kinderdijk - 51 or 58 km

Today you will still have the opportunity to enjoy the city of Gouda and you will have plenty of time to wander through its charming streets. The day's visits will be divided into 2 choices.

• discovery of the silver town of Schoonhoven, located by the De Lek river
• Visit of the famous village of Kinderdijk, known for its Unesco heritage windmills.

Day 7 : Utrecht - 58/62 km / Departure

The last day will take you over the dikes of the Hollandse IJssel to Oudewater! This route which follows the Hollandsche IJssel will give you picturesque views of rivers with marshy banks and of farms below the dike. You will end your cycling holiday in Holland passing through Woerden and Haarzuilens Castle, before returning to Utrecht.

General informations :

• 7 days and 6 nights
• Standard version accommodation comfort level: 2 and 3 * (local standards)
• Child rates: contact us

The dates :

Departures every day from 01/03 to 31/10/2023
 

Included :

• Self-guided loop circuit
• 6 nights in B&B or hotel in Weesp and Gouda
• Route description with maps
• Luggage transport to Utrecht.

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than those included in the program
• Tourist tax to be paid on site.

The options :

• half board
• extra nights in Utrecht
• Insurance

Levels :

1 2 3 4 5 6
 
Ground :

Flat terrain. Cycle tracks all along the circuit.
 
Weather :

Sunny, a little windy, pleasant temperatures from April to September.
 
Technicality :

Cycling: 15 to 59 km per day or 1 to 5 hours of cycling.
Circuit with national signs of the Netherlands, map reading desired.
 
Bibliography :

- Utrecht by bike map
 
 
Additional nights :

An additional night in Utrecht is offered at the start and end of the tour.
 
Food :

- Breakfasts: generous (coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, butter, bread, jam, orange juice)
- Lunch: not included
- Dinner: at the hotel or restaurant nearby
 
The bike :

- Rental bike: mountain bike or hybrid bike with 21 speeds. If you rent a bicycle, it will be given to you upon arrival. A security deposit will be requested.
At the end of the tour, you will need to leave this bike at the hotel and notify reception.
 
- Personal bike: We do not recommend bikes with small tires. Hybrid bikes and mountain bikes are excellent. Remember to check your bicycle before setting off.
At the end of the circuit, you will have to take care of your bike.
 
Assistance :

Assistance in the event of breakdown (except punctures for which we do not intervene).
 
Luggage:

They are transported by a courier or by our correspondent and limited to one piece of luggage per person (max. 20 kg).
 
Roadbook :

We will provide you with detailed maps and a description of the routes, sent to your home before departure. We will also give you vouchers for hotels and restaurants as well as luggage tags.
 
Transport :

- By train: SNCF station in Paris Nord on the TGV Thalys line.
- By car: Utrecht is 40 km from Amsterdam and Amsterdam is 500 km north of Paris.
- By plane: International airport in Amsterdam.
 
Parking :

Possibility of parking for 18 €.
 
Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance. To learn more about insurance, click here.