Utrecht is one of Europe’s most charming cities and was named by Lonely Planet in their “Best in Travel 2026.” Stroll along the picturesque canals with its cozy cafés, restaurants, and boutique shops. Don’t miss the iconic Dom Tower—climb its 465 steps for a stunning panoramic view of the city. Utrecht is also the hometown of renowned designer and architect Gerrit Rietveld (1888–1964); you can explore his works at the Central Museum and the Rietveld Schröder House. For a different perspective, take a boat tour along the Oudegracht to learn about the historic wharf cellars and experience the city from the water.

You start in the heart of Utrecht, leaving the city bustle behind and cycle along quiet paths that follow the Vecht River. After Breukelen, the route takes you through het Groene Hart – the Green Heart. It’s an open landscape where you see cows graze, and windmills across the dikes. As you near Woerden, the scenery shifts. This historic town is a perfect spot to pause and soak up the atmosphere. Your day today ends in Oudewater, a town full of character — monumental buildings, stepped gables, narrow streets, and a lovely market square.

From Oudewater, you cycle toward Gouda, the city of cheese. If it’s Thursday (April–August) you’re lucky, don’t miss the famous cheese market from 10:00 to 12:30. Sample some cheese and a warm, handmade stroopwafel before continuing to Kinderdijk, home to 19 iconic windmills dating back to 1740. They once pumped water from the low-lying polders into the Lek River. One mill is open to visitors — a perfect spot for a closer look. Your journey ends today in Papendrecht, just a short ferry ride from Dordrecht, one of the Netherlands’ oldest cities. Explore the historic center, try local river fish, or enjoy a craft beer at Stadsbrouwerij Dordrecht. 

If you haven’t had time yesterday to visit the city of Dordrecht, take some time to do it in the morning. Dordrecht is officially the oldest city in Holland, and his medieval centre is full of old merchant houses, narrow streets and picturesque canals. Worth a visit!

Today you can choose between 2 routes: the standard route is 69 km and you will cross the Moerdijk Bridge. Alternatively, if you don't mind the extra kilometers, you can cycle through De Biesbosch National Park, one of Europe’s last freshwater tidal areas. The route through the Biesbosch National Park route is 79 km. (Please be aware the ferry at the Biesbosch National Park does not go daily).

Continue cycling and stop in a village for coffee and a generous slice of fruit cake before heading to Bergen op Zoom, a city with over 800 years of history. Wander its charming lanes and squares, see the Markiezenhof, a late-Gothic city palace from 1485, now a museum. Sample some local flavors along the way: Krabbelèr liqueur coffee at Slijterij de Zeeland, Bergse anchovies from Van Dort, or a beer at ’t Locomotiefke.

Note: Cycling through De Biesbosch depends on the ferry schedule, so check in advance and take the standard route if needed.

Today’s route leads through peaceful, wooded landscapes. Near the Dutch–Belgian border, take a break at Kalmthoutse Heide, a stunning cross-border nature reserve. At the end of the day, you will reach Antwerp, a vibrant city full of history and energy. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady to see Rubens’ masterpieces, then explore the Central Station and Grote Markt, where history comes alive. For art and culture, wander the neighborhoods of Borgerhout, Het Zuid, het Eilandje, and Zurenborg. Treat yourself to some Belgian chocolates and fries, and if you’re here during summer, you can enjoy the ‘Zomer van Antwerpen’, the summer festival with open-air performances. For a classic Belgian beer experience, visit the De Koninck Brewery and sample their local favorite, the “Bolleke.”

Fashion city, Diamond city, Port city, there are many ways in which Belgium's largest city is described. Be sure to use the morning to visit one of this city's highlights. After the ferry crossing, the pretty part of the route begins. Cycle through the floodplains of the Scheldt. This is Flanders' biggest flood control area with reduced tides. Near Bazel, a real polder village, you will admire Castle Wissekerke, a fairytale moated castle with an elegant wrought-iron suspension bridge. After Temse you will leave the Scheldt and follow the Durme Valley, an undulating green landscape, upstream. And now your reward is in sight: Ghent! In lively Ghent, you will be overwhelmed by the beauty of this city and you will undoubtedly run out of time to see and experience everything in this 'most beautiful city in Belgium', as the Belgians themselves call it. The Old Town of Ghent is like an open-air museum. It is also a UNESCO Creative City of Music. Some local specialties to try: Tierenteyn Mustard, Gentse Waterzooi, Cuberdons (“Gentse nose”), and enjoy Belgian beers at cozy spots like Dolle Griet.

Note: If you think this day is too long, you can split the stage in two and spend a night in Dendermonde! The stages would then be: Antwerp–Dendermonde (60 km) and Dendermonde–Ghent (50 km). For more information and prices, please contact us. 

Today's itinerary includes a delightful stage through the Meetjesland region, a beautiful cycling area in Flanders. Shortly after leaving Ghent, you'll reach the Oude Kale Valley, one of the best-preserved nature reserves in this region. Via Aalter, you'll pass the castles of Maria-Aalter and Bulskamp, and cycle through the Bulskampveld Landscape Park. The route then follows the Ghent Canal to Bruges, where you'll enter the city. Explore the historic center and feel like you're in an open-air museum before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, this dutch and belgium trip has come to an end.