There’s so much to see and do in Amsterdam. Have you seen the new and improved Rijksmuseum? The Maritime Museum, Van Gogh, Anne Frank…? Pick and choose

Waterland awaits, with wet meadows, wooden bridges and windswept reeds and rushes. Waterlandsmuseum “De Speelklok” in the pretty village of Monnickendam explains (in English) the history of this extraordinary cultural landscape. Then cycle up the shore of Lake Markermeer to friendly Volendam. The quaint stone houses in the distinctive heart of the catholic fishing village seem to have been drawn up without an organized street plan. "De Dijk”, overlooking the harbour, is lined with souvenir shops, pavement cafes and restaurants.

Then it continues up the coast to Edam, Hoorn and then Enkhuizen. Beautiful buildings are reminders of the prosperous 17th century Golden Age when they were affluent harbour towns, focussed on trade and shipbuilding. For centuries, small, round, salty cheeses produced by dairy farmers in neighbouring polders were shipped out of Edam and exported all over Europe. For six weeks in summer a traditional Wednesday-morning cheese-market is put on for tourists (10.30 -12.30 hrs). If you’re into cheese, opt to plan your trip around this Edam spectacle. In Zuiderzee Museum, in Enkhuizen, learn all about the days when ships from villages on the Zuiderzee sailed the seven seas trading in bulbs and spices. The biggest attraction is a re-created Zuiderzee village of old, boasting adorable local architecture.  

In the morning you will cross the IJsselmeer by ferry to the Frisian town of Stavoren. From here you can make a tour of scenic Hindeloopen. Cycling further through the wooded, hilly countryside of Gaasterland, you will reach the portal town of Lemmer. Pass the Lemmer steam pumping station before crossing the Weerribben. This National Park is a unique peat land area with an exceptional wealth of characteristic flora and fauna. Your hotel is in Giethoorn, the spectacularly pretty "Venice of the North", with its myriad arched bridges, boats and thatched farmhouses.

From Giethoorn you will cycle to the Hanseatic city of Kampen, situated on the IJssel river. Via the attractive fortress city of Elburg, and passing many small lakes, you will reach your goal of Harderwijk.

Set those wheels in motion and pedal along the shores of Randmeren lakes.  Arkemheen-Eemland is a National Heritage Landscape. The area was surrounded by dikes in the year 1360 to stop crop fields from being flooded. Arkemheen polder is so special because the original lots are still intact. The lots are divided by creeks, remainders of Zuiderzee tidal streams. Some plant species still recall the influence of salt water. Part of the polder is being preserved as a bird habitat for “Natura 2000”. The visitors’ centre has more information. Should you have an abiding interest in the Age of Steam, you may like to visit steam-driven pumping station Hertog Reijnout. It controlled water levels in the low-lying polder from 1883 till 1983. From here follow the southern shore of the IJsselmeer until you reach Muiden, where you will find the medieval castle of Muiderslot. From here, it is a short ride to Amsterdam, where you will cycle through the city centre. A pleasant cycle along the former estuary brings you to Waterland, with its bird-rich peat meadows, ancient canals and watercourses. 

The cycling holiday draws to a close. After breakfast at your hotel, it is time to go home.