Immerse in the Netherlands and Belgium on this whimsical self-guided cycling tour
Enjoy an in-depth cycling tour of several Dutch provinces and get a taste of Belgium in West Flanders on the 8-day self-guided Amsterdam to Bruges Cycling Tour.
Be captivated by this scenic cycling route that unfolds on high-quality bike paths, leading you through the unique Dutch provinces of South Holland, North Brabant, Zeeland, and Friesland, before crossing the border to Bruges, Belgium.
Kick off the tour with an exciting exploration of the progressive Dutch capital, Amsterdam, where you’ll find yourself swept up in the remarkable contrast of old and new that blends seamlessly in the dynamic city. Peruse the 400-year-old Canal District, or spend the afternoon entranced by one of the city’s world-famous museums. The route unfolds south, through the quirky cheese town of Gouda, where you’ll find yourself charmed by much more than just delicious cheese. Then, pedal alongside willow woodlands and zig-zagging creeks to Willemstad before taking on the fairy-tale towns of Zeeland in Zierikzee and Middelburg. A pleasant ferry ride marks your departure from the Netherlands as you sail to Zeelandic Flanders, where you’ll ride peaceful country lanes to the charming village of Damme, before continuing to Bruges, where the tour concludes.
Hand-picked accommodations along the route in a selection of both modern and historical 3- and 4-star hotels will introduce you to top-tier hospitality in both the Netherlands and Belgium. Enjoy unique international dining experiences along the way in world-class cities, and delve into gastronomic traditions during stays in small rural towns.
Cross two of Europe’s most beautiful countries off your list with the Cycling Amsterdam to Bruges Tour. Discover the magic of the Netherlands and Belgium on this mesmerizing cycling adventure.
Your cycling adventure starts with a bang in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam. Check into your hotel before heading out to explore this magnificent city.
From world-famous museums, like the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum, to the 400-year-old Canal District, Amsterdam won't disappoint. Soak up the vibes of this eclectic city, then tuck down for a good night's rest in preparation for your first day of riding tomorrow, which has you bound for the cheese city of Gouda.
Rise this morning, ready to take on an epic first day of cycling. This morning after breakfast, you’ll cruise into the peaceful, wide-open lands of the spellbinding Green Heart—a world of green pastoral landscapes, peat meadows, and low-lying polders.
Several sparkling lakes and ancient canals pave the way to Gouda, where you’ll find your next accommodations. As you may have guessed, Gouda is famous worldwide for its delightful cheese, but the town is also home to beautiful historic architecture and a charming old market square. Enjoy your evening in this cheese town, and prepare for another exhilarating ride tomorrow, where you can work off all the cheese consumed here.
This morning, you’ll return to cycling the Green Heart, first to the lovely village of Kinderdijk, where you’ll find a row of ancient windmills standing since 1740. Then, continue the route to one of the Netherlands’ oldest towns, and by virtue, one of its most charming, Dordrecht. Wrapped by rivers, Dordecht boasts a pretty harbour and several historic buildings.
A short ferry ride will then bring you to today’s destination, Papendrecht, a riverside town that makes for a truly serene setting.
Leaving the pretty riverside town of Papendrecht this morning, you'll encounter a unique wetland habitat of the Biesbosch National Park, a maze of meandering creeks and rivulets around several tiny islands made of willows and reeds. Pause anywhere along the route, and you're sure to spot some of the diverse birds that call Biesbosch home.
Continue the route to your next stop in the lovely fortified town of Willemstad.
This morning, you’ll set out for the wide-open landscapes of Zeeland. Zeeland is a world of its own, made up of light, water, and wind. Several small islands navigable by bridges and ferries pave the way through this fairy-tale land.
Take in the vast polders, serene countryside, and rolling dunes as you ride to Noordgouwe.
Soak up some last moments in historical Zierikzee this morning, perhaps strolling down to the old harbour where ships once set sail for the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas with salt, wool, and fish in tow for sale.
Then, ride to the charming village of Veere. Once the prime hub for receiving imports from Scotland, this little town was once called home by a jolly Scottish expat community who stayed for nearly 300 years. Hop off your bike to explore the town sights, then continue the route to the splendid capital of Zeeland, Middelburg.
The day has finally arrived for your momentous crossing into Belgium. Set out this morning for Vlissingen, where you’ll catch a ferry to Zeelandic Flanders. Bordered by Belgium to the south, the region comprises winding country roads and meadows, peppered with sleepy rural villages.
Cross the border into Belgium, arriving in the whimsical little town of Damme, perched on the banks of the Damse Vaart. A final ride will have you sailing into Bruges, the pearl of Flanders.
You’ll be enchanted by the well-preserved medieval architecture peaceful cobbled streets of this Belgian town. Enjoy the final evening of the tour here, taking in the ancient market squares and dreamy canals, perhaps celebrating the completion of the tour with a few drinks in one of the city’s several cozy pubs.
After a wonderful week of cycling and a storehouse of memories made, your tour comes to an end this morning after breakfast. Check-out of your accommodation and head to the airport to depart.
This self-guided cycling tour is run as a fixed departure tour in April, May, and September and as a custom tour in June, July, and August. The price per person depends on how many people are in your group.
The departures are available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in April, May and September; and dailyly in June, July and August.
Prices below are per person:
* - Some additional charges might apply. Please inquire for more info.
This tour is based on hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3- and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Guests may have access to amenities such as swimming pools, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on. All accommodations are private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $250USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Located in the Westerpark district, the Westcord Art Hotel is the perfect base for exploring Amsterdam, only a 10-minute ride from the city center. Theatre Amsterdam is located within walking distance, making it the optimal place to catch a show.
A gorgeous, newly renovated hotel designed with Gouda’s rich and fascinating history in mind.
A modern hotel with stylish décor, the Apollo hotel boasts beautiful views overlooking the canal and several excellent amenities like room service, a minibar, and a bar and lounge.
Located within the fortification of Willemstad, this small, charming hotel is within walking distance of several attractions in Willemstad. Guests will have great dining experiences in the Grand Café of Mauritz.
Hotel Schuddebeurs is located centrally in Noordgouwe in a historic stone building encased in pretty trees. The tranquil hotel offers guests a wide ray of amenities, including a solarium and a bar and lounge.
The Hotel Aan de Dam is located in a charming, historical building dating to 1500 that boasts remarkable architecture. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and feature a minibar.
Centrally located in Bruges, you’ll want for nothing during your stay at the Hotel Velotel. A gym and stylish bar and lounge make for an excellent stay here.
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Amsterdam and after the tour in Bruges are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Luggage transportation during the tour is included (luggage is 1 piece per person and a max of 20 kilos). Your bike rental and airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
How hard is the Amsterdam to Bruges Cycling Tour?
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. You should be comfortable cycling distances of up to 80 kilometres in a day, with plenty of opportunities for breaks and refreshments. The terrain is almost entirely flat, making for a pleasant, smooth ride.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills, and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to the Netherlands and Belgium?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Amsterdam to Bruges Cycling Tour?
7 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Amsterdam to start this tour?
Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). You can take the Amsterdam express shuttle to the city center. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Where does the Amsterdam to Bruges Cycling Tour end?
The tour ends in Bruges. You can return to Amsterdam by train, which takes approximately 4 hours. From the city center, you can take the airport express shuttle to get to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are 21-gear hybrid bikes, 17-gear premium bikes, e-bikes, or road bikes.
What equipment does bike rental include?
All bike rentals come with a chain lock and repair kit. Hybrid bikes and e-bikes also include a saddlebag.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to the Netherlands and Belgium?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for the Netherlands and Belgium?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Netherlands for this tour?
The best time to travel to the Netherlands and Belgium for this cycling tour is from May to September, when the weather is at its best. This tour is available from April to September, allowing you the option to travel during the spring, summer, or early fall.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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Google ReviewStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. You should be comfortable cycling distances of up to 80 kilometres in a day, with plenty of opportunities for breaks and refreshments. The terrain is almost entirely flat, making for a pleasant, smooth ride.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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