Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsGolden Tulip Hotel in Alkmaar
The Golden Tulip is a beautiful hotel that boasts stylish décor and several modern amenities such as a hot tub and a bar and lounge.
Discover Amsterdam and the villages of North Holland on this self-guided cycling tour
Discover the beauty of the North Holland province on the 5-day self-guided North Holland Peninsula Cycling Tour.
Cycle from coast to coast on this mesmerizing cycling holiday that takes you across the spellbinding landscapes of North Holland. The tour begins in Alkmaar, a city famous for its cheese that boasts a stunning historic center and charming shopping districts. The route then heads south on a gorgeous inland stretch to historical Zandaam, where you’ll see the famous Zaanse Schans neighbourhood before continuing to Amsterdam. The world is your oyster in Amsterdam—spend an evening and morning soaking up the vibes of the progressive capital where art and history abound. You’ll then cruise the west coast, enjoying a scenic coastal ride to Volendam. A final stretch takes you inland, back to Alkmaar, where the loop concludes.
This spectacular tour introduces cyclists to Holland at its finest, with scenes of the quintessential polders, meadows, dunes, and dikes accompanying you on each ride. Hop off your bike in charming Zuiderzee villages for a taste of small-town Dutch culture, and savour local specialty products like the artisan cheese of Alkmaar.
With so much to see and do in North Holland, the only thing left to decide is when you’ll go! Book this magical cycling tour on the North Holland Peninsula today!
Your North Holland Peninsula Cycling Tour begins in Holland’s “city of cheese,” Alkmaar! Check into your accommodations and explore the unique town that offers much more than just delectable cheese. Stroll the Alkmaar’s old town center with its marvellous architecture and several historical monuments. Alkmaar is also home to superb shopping districts with streets lined with cozy cafes and unique shops. If museums are your thing, check out Alkmaar’s Beer Museum or Cheese Museum.
Whatever you get up to in Alkmaar today, follow it up with a good night’s rest to prepare for your first day of cycling tomorrow.
Enjoy breakfast, then hop in the saddle for a mesmerizing ride along the east coast to Amsterdam.
Your first destination is Zaandam, where you’ll check out the famous Zaanse Schans neighbourhood, with magnificent 17th- and 18th-century wooden homes painted in dark green and several charming bridges and windmills.
Back on your bike, you’ll ride to Amsterdam to your hotel. Once settled, begin your exploration of the vibrant city with a visit to the famous former home of Anne Frank, where she wrote her worldwide published diary. Or enjoy a joy ride through the bike-friendly streets, cruising alongside the city’s network of canals. The progressive capital boasts no shortage of things to see and do—the only trouble is choosing what to do first.
Following a delightful night in the capital, you’ll depart this morning to Volendam. A scenic route unfolds along Lake Markermeer, guiding you through idyllic Dutch villages like Durgerdam.
Once in Volendam, you’ll find a charming small fishing village with deep catholic roots and quaint streets lined with lovely stone houses. Enjoy the rest of the day here perusing the streets, and be sure to take a trip down to the historic harbour.
Another day of cycling on the gorgeous east coast is on the horizon today. Seize your final ride to return to Alkmaar.
With the cool sea breeze at your back, you’ll head north along the coast before cutting inland to return to Alkmaar. Enjoy your final evening in Alkmaar, reminiscing on the memories made over a farewell dinner.
This morning, your cycling tour of North Holland comes to an end. Check out and head to the airport to depart.
This self-guided cycling tour in North Holland is run as a custom tour, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.
Note there is a surcharge of $25USD to stay in Amsterdam on Saturdays (departures on Friday). Prices below are per person:
This tour is based in 3-star and 4-star hotels that offer modern amenities to make your stay pleasant and comfortable. Accommodations are well-located and offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible (please enquire about the pricing). Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
The Golden Tulip is a beautiful hotel that boasts stylish décor and several modern amenities such as a hot tub and a bar and lounge.
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 charming hotel located nearby several restaurants, bars and cafes, bringing the best of Volendam to your doorstep.
The Golden Tulip is a beautiful hotel that boasts stylish décor and several modern amenities such as a hot tub and a bar and lounge.
4 breakfasts are included. 4 dinners can be added for a supplement.
Accommodations for 4 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Alkmaar are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour. Your bike rental and airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
How hard is the North Holland Peninsula Cycling Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You should be comfortable cycling for distances up to 60 kilometres a day on mostly flat terrain.
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?
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 North Holland Peninsula Cycling Tour?
4 breakfasts are included. 4 dinners can be added for a supplement of 130 EUR.
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 Alkmaar to start this tour?
Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). You can reach Alkmaar by train, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Where does the North Holland Peninsula Cycling Tour end?
The tour ends in Alkmaar. You can return to Amsterdam by train, which takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. 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. Bikes available are 21-gear hybrid bikes, 27-gear premium touring bikes, race bikes, tandem bikes or e-Bikes.
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?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for the Netherlands?
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.
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 3 / 5. You should be comfortable cycling for distances up to 60 kilometres a day on mostly flat terrain.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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