Arrive in Groningen, check in then take off to see the city. Rest and relax on a terrace at the Vismarkt or climb up Martini Tower for fab views of the city.

Today calls for quintessential Groningen countryside. Cycling out of Groningen city, you burst into an open landscape with immense views interrupted occasionally with sites like Ten Boer, Stedum and the newly famous Loppersum. You’ll have to skip the borg at Rusthoven (closed due to earthquake damage) but make sure to pause at Ekenstein and Appingedam. Then press onward toward the seawall, Roodeschool and the striking blue-and-white tower at Uithuizermeeden. Visit villas at two grand estates, Rensumaborg and Menkemaborg, and replenish with refreshment on a terrace.

Wake up to the beauty of North Groningen, where flat land stretches out toward the Wadden Sea dotted by occasional mounds of the Wierden. Today’s short route takes you further north to open land along the Zeedijk and views of the salt marshes. The Wadden Route would not be complete without a trip to Noordpolderzijl, the Netherlands’ smallest seaport, and break for coffee and cake at 't Zielhoes. Circling inland you stumble upon Kantens, Middelstum and the mound villages of Onderdendam and Warffum. Both routes lead into the real Hogeland as you ride via Den Andel to Pieterburen, with its seal sanctuary and Pieterpad trailhead. Continuing to the Catholic enclave at Kloosterburen, you meet the mound village of Ulrum and Lauwersmeer National Park. Then catch the 3:30 pm or 6:30 pm boat to Schiermonnikoog.

We always try to book our standard hotel for the regular rate. However, due to the popularity of Schiermonnikoog, we may have to change to another, more expensive hotel on the island. This will be done in consultation. We therefore recommend booking early to avoid price increases.

The call of seagulls and salty island air, with the Wad to one side and the North Sea beach to the other. Grey-green beach grasses stretch out as far as the eye can see, broken briefly by a white or red lighthouse on the horizon. One sole tiny village can be reached only by bike and the challenge here is to choose, with so much to do and so little time! Take a saltwater dip, stop for lunch at Paviljoen Paal 3, hit the beach for seal-spotting on the Balg, paddle in the Berkenplas, see the sun sink into the sea over dinner or browse at boutiques in the village. Still not tired? ‘De Tox’ Bar stays open until late. Or curl up with a good book and rest up for tomorrow.

Catch the morning boat back to shore and follow the lock system on a jaunt into the neighbouring province. Roll along with the open Lauwersmeer on your left, lush green meadows on your right and Scottish highland and Konik horses ahead. Then suddenly it’s all water, boats and white sails and you find yourself in Friesland! Lauwersmeer National Park leads to Zoutkamp Harbour and the monumental mound village of Niehove, once voted the most beautiful village in the Netherlands by Elsevier Weekblad magazine. Pause for a meal at the renowned Piloersemaborg, then park your bike in Zuidhorn for the night.

The last ride takes you through Westerkwartier, a miniature landscape with its very own personality sandwiched between Friesland and Drenthe. Small meadows line traditional wood canals and wetlands are dotted with raised moors. The villages of Leek and Peize sit higher up on sandy ridges running west to east. Glide through this intriguing ‘bocage’ landscape, a veritable patchwork of fields, passing Kop van Drenthe and the Paterswoldsemeer on your way back into the city.

Sad to be back so soon? Book an extra night for another great day in the city. Then celebrate with dinner there, or on the shores of Lake Paterswoldse.

After breakfast, your cycling holiday has come to an end.