If you are travelling by public transport please note that the train will get you only as far as Rotterdam or Middelburg. There is a regular bus service to Burgh-Haamstede for the last leg of your journey. The “airport” in the vicinity of the hotel is used as a take-off runway for gliders. There’s no noise nuisance, only a slight whirring sound.

You can choose the order yourself in which you want to cycle the day tours.

Today you will cross the Oosterschelde sea-arm riding atop the Storm Surge Barrier. The 62 steel gates in the barrier are nearly always open, letting in seawater, but can be closed if a big storm is brewing to protect the hinterland from flooding. Designing and building this barrier was an extraordinary feat of hydraulic engineering. The sea-arm and its coastline have been given ‘National Park’ status to help preserve marine flora and fauna. So far, it continues to attract divers, tourists and bird spotters. Pay a visit to Delta Park Neeltje Jans, a top tourist attraction. At the centre of the park is the Delta Expo which explains everything you ever wanted to know about the Delta Works designed to prevent a repeat of the catastrophic 1953 flood. There’s also a saltwater aquarium, a sea lion show and more. You will find Delta Park Neeltje Jans halfway across the Storm Surge Barrier Oosterscheldekering. Today’s route continues on the isle of Noord-Beveland, the smallest and most tranquil of Zeeland’s islands. Catch a ferry to the isle of Walcheren. The picturesque village of Veere (1296) is a good place to have a fine lunch of locally caught seafood. Originally a fishing port, it soon started to prosper thanks to shipping and trade. For centuries there were close ties with Scotland: trading relations and even royal relations. Veere had sole rights to import and trade Scottish goods in the Netherlands. In return the Scots were granted all kinds of privileges in the town of Veere. Can you find their traces? If you have a sweet tooth, visit the traditional sweet shop to purchase Zeeuwse Babbelaars, typical for Zeeland.

Today on this cycling route, you will discover the island of Schouwen-Duiveland with its wide variety of natural landscapes, flowers and birds. Be enchanted by white beaches, green dunes, forests and vast meadows. The cycle route leads you through the town of Brouwershaven. This town lies directly on Lake Grevelingen, making it a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts in summer. A stroll through the historic centre and marina is recommended. Then continue through meadows and small villages before heading towards the famous seaside resort of Renesse, well-loved for its beautiful beaches. Sit down at one of the charming beach pavilions for a well-earned cup of coffee and a big piece of apple tart. From Renesse, it's a short bike ride back to your hotel. Back in twin villages Burgh and Haamstede, there is yet more to see. Museum De Burghse Schoole, in an 1843 school building, is open most afternoons. One room has been turned back into an old-fashioned class room, perfect in every detail. In the other room there’s a permanent exhibition explaining all about the origins of Burgh. 

Cross 6 km Brouwers Dam to the isle of Goeree-Overflakkee. The dam is part of the Delta Works and separates Lake Grevelingenmeer from the North Sea. There is no tide or current in the lake so the water is very clear. A sluice was built into the dam to let seawater into the lake ensuring the continuation of mussel and oyster farming. Ouddorp village attracts holiday makers and water sports enthusiasts. Sit down at one of the many pavement cafes and ask for “bolus”, tender cinnamon pastry covered in sticky syrup, a Zeeland speciality. Some bakeries still sell “palingbroodje”. It’s like a sausage roll only it’s filled with eel (fish) instead of sausage. It’s a Zeeland speciality traditionally eaten warm, on special occasions, with a cup of tea. Your last stop is Slot Haamstede, which encompasses a moated (haunted!) castle, a country estate, woods and a nature reserve grazed by Shetland ponies. 

Dedicate this day to visiting Zierikzee, one of the cultural highlights of this holiday. Many centuries ago the town grew prosperous thanks to trade and shipping. After it fell into decline there were no resources to demolish and replace the old houses. So they still stand today, for all to admire. Five hundred and sixty-eight lovingly restored monuments and a medieval street plan. Try one of the city walks and keep your camera at the ready. Maritiem Museum recounts stories of the town’s seafaring and trading glory days. It is housed in the former prison. Stadhuismuseum focuses on the relationship between town, sea and countryside. You then head back along the northern shore of the Eastern Scheldt. Bird lovers will enjoy cycling through the Tureluur Nature Park. A few kilometres south of Burgh-Haamstede a lonely church tower is the only remnant of what was once the village of Koudekerke, washed away in the waves. The church tower, called Plompe Toren, has been turned into a tiny visitor’s centre focussing on local history, legend and wildlife. Climb the tower for interesting views. The mudflats are submerged at high tide, but at low tide you can see them. This is when the sea leaves behind a banquet for the many species of waders that then come to forage. The mudflats are also a welcome place for seals to rest in the sunshine. Can you spot any? Some people get lucky and see harbour porpoises (related to the dolphin) swimming along the coast. 

After breakfast, it’s time to go home.