A dream bike ride through Europe, from the canals of Amsterdam to the Eifeltower of Paris. These two European cities with big importance for history, world-famous buildings and museums are the start and the finish of this journey through 3 countries.
In between you will discover famous and beautiful towns like Gouda, Antwerp and Ghent as you cycle through varied landscapes. You will experience great cycling in European cycle paradise Holland with water, windmills and a perfect cyclepaths system. Medieval cities and villages in Belgium with great food, beer and chocolate. And then of course France, beautiful France with it's very wide spectrum of food and wines.
Your holiday starts in Amsterdam, one of the crown-jewels of Europe. With so much to see and do, you couldn’t wish for a more vibrant way to kick off your holiday. If you arrive early, make sure to go for a walk to marvel at the townhouses in the 17th-century canal district (listed as World Heritage). Have you got time and energy left? Opt to saunter down the infamous red-light district which attracts millions of curious tourists every year; or enjoy the street performers on friendly Rembrandtplein.
! Bikes are not allowed on the train from Paris to Amsterdam (or vice versa). We therefore strongly recommend to book this trip with rental bikes, so you can leave the rental bikes at the hotel in Paris at the end of the trip.
The first leg of the route takes you through the Green Heart of Holland, abounding in water. It is a true cycling paradise, with characteristic peat and polder landscapes, small farming communities and picturesque historical villages. End the day in medieval Gouda. Amble through the beautifully preserved town centre and visit the old town hall and St. John’s church. Stop off at a bakery to buy fresh syrup waffles (Gouda is the hometown of syrup waffles) and Gouda cheese - perhaps the world’s most famous type of cheese.
For availability reasons it's possible you will stay in Bodegraven instead of Gouda.
Today’s highlight is one of the Netherlands’ most popular tourist attractions: Kinderdijk, a world-famous complex of windmills. Nineteen historical windmills reach to the skies in the epitome of classical Dutch countryside. You can visit an authentic workshop and find out how these mills were built and how they work. Have you always wanted to be a miller? This is where you can still learn the trade! You will cycle through Dordrecht, one of the Netherlands’ oldest towns. A visit to the scenic harbour quarter with its wonderful historical buildings should not be missed. The route will take you right past one of the few remaining fresh-water tidal areas in Europe: Biesbosch National Park. Upon crossing Hollands Diep river by ferry, you will find yourself in the south of the Netherlands. In village after village, Brabant hospitality will entice you to stop for a cup of coffee and big slice of fruit tart. Today’s destination is Breda.
Please note: Biesbosch Park can only be cycled on days the ferry runs. There is an alternate route for days with no ferry departure.
Breda is the main city of Nassau in Holland, boasting many imposing monuments. The ancestors of our royal family converted Breda to a beautiful city with richly decorated buildings. The landscape along today’s cycling route is predominantly woody. On the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, catch your breath in De Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide, a lovely cross-border nature reserve. The route takes you right into the historical and touristic heart of Antwerp. It’s the largest town in Flanders and Belgium’s most important port city. After viewing the historical town center you might like to venture to the hip and trendy parts of the city: ‘t Zuid and Het Eilandje. Have you worked up a thirst for Belgian beer? Consider visiting De Koninck beer brewery. It has been going strong since 1833 and has a new visitors centre welcoming guests wishing to look around and do some tasting. This brewery is best known for its ‘Bollekes’
Cycling South, along the banks of the river Scheldt you will start on the LF2 Cities Cycle Route. The wide Schelde is not only a natural, but also a tourist attraction. By switching to the LF5 you head towards Dendermonde and Ghent. The bushes and polders show the wild and pure nature here. At the end of the day the sparkling cultural city of Ghent is waiting for you. The Belgians call Ghent their most beautiful city and the city will undoubtedly charm you.
You may be interested in spending an extra day in the lively city of Ghent. Wander through the delightful historical centre and then sit down at a pavement café. Or visit one of the interesting museums. If this sounds appealing, just mention - on the booking form – that you wish to book an additional night in Ghent. The cost is €70 per person staying in a double room and includes breakfast. Please note: if you book a day of rest in Ghent, your vacation starts a day earlier. The arrival date in Paris remains the same.
You can mention you want an extra night in Ghent in the remark field of the booking form.
The river Scheldt is still your guide as you cycle to the old town of Oudenaarde (AD 974). Also centre of the famous classic cycle race "Ronde van Vlaanderen". The former towing paths along the banks have been transformed to smooth cycle paths, so occasionally leafy and then through the open fields of Flanders. Down the road do try one of the most famous Belgian local products "Geraardsbergse mattentaart", a pie with an ancient history of making. Directly after Kluisbergen you leave Flanders and you will enter the province of Wallonia with just a 20 km to go to Tournai.
Today we also offer you two alternative routes that go through the Flemish Ardennes, in case you don't want to follow the river all day long.
While leaving the 5 bell-towers of Tournai behind you, ride the last on the Belgian cycle path along the Scheldt, before arriving in France. This day offers a pleasant ride through to the Parc Naturel Régional Scarpe-Escaut, the first French regional park. Here, Belgium and France link with the barges on Escaut river, between lands and waters where you pedal through to the forests, marshes and ponds populated with various species. You will discover the mining villages classified by UNESCO, the agricultural landscapes. Passing through typical villages and hamlets, you reach the town of Cambrai, peaceful city of Art and History. Take advantage of it to discover its streets, where half-timbered houses, rich private mansions, Flemish mansions mingle with pleasure. And don't leave without having tasted the famous "Bétises de Cambrai" or other local specialties!
Today, you leave Cambrai by lodging the Canal de Saint-Quentin (inaugurated in 1810 by the Emperor Napoleon 1st), discover the Haute Vallée de l’Escaut. Here is a jewel: the abbey of Vaucelles (XII century). As it is presented to you today, the abbey remains an unusual construction both in its dimensions and the quality of its restoration. A few pedaling strokes and you pass the sources of l’Escaut, the famous river that you follow for kilometers and whose course flows into the North Sea in Netherlands. If you want, you can take the 6 km longer route to visit the interesting canal tunnel and the Touage museum. The route takes you through small hilly roads between villages devoted to agriculture and memorial sites of the Great War: cemeteries, memorials and vestiges of the Hindenburg line. Find the canal and its cycle path to finally reach Saint Quentin. Discover its streets with Art Deco houses, the details of which deserve to be spotted. It is the style adopted during the rebuilding of the city, which was hardly destroyed during the Great War and once again became a dynamic city, the economic capital of Haute Picardie.
On the way to Compiegne, through the fertile valley of the Oise. The itinerary takes again the cycle path of the canals, to the discovery of Chauny. You cross vast natural areas with more than 200 species of birds. Continue towards Noyon, the route continues along the canal. Noyon is listed as a city of Art and History: medieval atmosphere around the cathedral which saw the coronation of Hugues Capet in 987. Then return to the shared tracks where a stop at the abbey of Ourscamp is recommended. When cycling through the woods of Compiègne, you will go past the "Clairière de l'Armstice", where the armistice (and the actual end) of the First Great War was signed. (and Hitler as revenge forced the French to sign the surrender treaty in 1940). Then you reach Compiègne, a large town bordering the forest, furrowed by charming and shopping streets and museums with varied collections.
The program of the day: Prestigious castle, medieval towns and large forest area! Your journey starts in the forest of Compiègne to go via Pierrefonds and its enchanting castle to the abbey of Saint Jean aux Bois, with its well preserved abbey grounds, city gates and 850year old oak tree. The route continues alongside a number of Gallo Roman ruins to the Automne Valley, followed by the climb to the beautiful village of Néry. Via the forest of Halatte you’ll arrive in Senlis. Do you have some energy left? Cycle an additional 15 km through the forest of Halatte via Chantilly to Senlis. Chantilly is known for its castle (sometimes compared to a castle of the Loire), its Great Stables, its porcelain, its lace and its gastronomy (yes the famous cream Chantilly would have been invented here).
Last day by bike before arriving in the City of Light, the culmination of your journey! Leave Senlis and cycle in the forest for an itinerary in the heart of nature. No crossing of village to the doors of the region “Ile de France”: guaranteed change of scenery with its great pines! From Gressy to Paris, the route follows the nice cycle track of the Canal de l’Ourcq, a rural setting on the last 30 kilometers for a safe entrance into Paris, far from cars! Crossing the capital along the Canal de l’Ourcq and Canal Saint-Martin really allows us to dive into a history book, an open-air museum.
Those who want to end this tour in style, can cycle an optional 24 km and safe route through the city. Your hotel is your starting point. The route goes along the river Seine (and the Notre Dame) towards the Eiffeltower and back.
End of your trip after breakfast. We advise you to extend your stay in order to take the time to visit the beautiful city of Paris.
Starting dates:
2025: 19th June, 31st July, 14th August and 4th September
ATTENTION: Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 6 participants. We reserve the right to cancel a confirmed booking up to 9 weeks before departure if we don't reach the minimum number of participants.
Please note: a minimum stay of 2 nights in a row is required in the hotel in Amsterdam on the following dates (and a higher price will be charged):
April 18-20 2025
April 25-26 2025
May 29-31 2025
June 6-8 2025
June 21-22 2025
June 24-25 2025
August 29-31 2025
Price pp | € | |
Double room, breakfast | 1,450.00 | |
Single room, breakfast | 2,230.00 | |
Extra night double room, breakfast only | 105.00 | |
Upgrades pp/night | € | |
NH Collection Antwerp Centre, Antwerpen | 20.00 | |
Westcord Art Hotel, Amsterdam | 10.00 | |
Surcharge per person | € | |
Stay in Amsterdam on Saturday | 25.00 | |
Stay in Amsterdam from:
18 Apr 2025 - 20 Apr 2025 25 Apr 2025 - 26 Apr 2025 29 May 2025 - 31 May 2025 06 Jun 2025 - 08 Jun 2025 21 Jun 2025 - 22 Jun 2025 24 Jun 2025 - 25 Jun 2025 29 Aug 2025 - 31 Aug 2025 |
40.00 | |
Rental bike | € | |
Premium bike | 286.00 | |
E-bike | 330.00 | |
Extra services | € | |
E-bike theft insurance | € 6.00 x 11 | 66.00 |
Theft insurance premium bike | € 6.00 x 11 | 66.00 |
Extra luggage | € 5.00 x 11 | 55.00 |
SGR | per piece | 5.00 |
Starting Point:
Amsterdam
Upgrades:
Amsterdam 4****
Extra night in Paris (breakfast only):
Based on a double room €105 per person
Based on a single room €180 per person
Flights:
You can fly to Amsterdam Schiphol and return from Paris Charles de Gaulle or Paris Orly.
Train:
To get back to Amsterdam there is a fast train Eurostar that takes you in 3 hours and 17 minutes back to Amsterdam. Bookable 3 month in advance starting at € 39,- one way p.p. During weekdays this train runs every 2 hours. You can not take a bike on this train (we take care of the rentalbikes)
The hotels and the B&B on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. A list of the accomodation we work with appears below. If a certain accomodation is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will try to request a comparable alternative if possible.
When selecting the accomodation, we try to take into account as much as possible a safe and closed bicycle shed. However, we cannot do this with all of them guarantee and this partly depends on the number of bicycles of other guests.
E-bikes have a small electric motor and battery, which can be recharged at hotels. You still have to pedal: an e-bike just makes pedaling much easier. Some experience with e-bikes is recommended, as the bikes accelerate faster and are heavier than regular bikes (due to the electric motor). An e-bike weighs about 25 pounds. The range on a full battery is +/- 100 KM. For the e-bike we recommend a minimum height of 160 cm.
All our rental bikes come with a bell.
All our adult bikes come with hand brakes.
Helmets are included with bike rental.
All our bikes come with both front- and rear lights. You need to push the button on the lamp and it will flash three times. This means that the lights will automatically start working when it gets dark.
When you push again, the lamp will flash one time and the lights will be turned off.
Our bikes come with a defender lock with plug in chain (cable lock that is attached to the regular lock, see picture).
You need to turn the key a bit, take out the pin from the cable lock and attach it to a pole/other bike/fence etc.
When you push the pin back into the regular lock, you need to lock the regular lock as you always do, and both locks will be secured.
1 pannier is included at the 'standard' bikes and the e-bikes.
Height: 42 cm
Depth front to the side: 17 cm
Wide top: 32 cm
Wide down: 23 cm
Volume: 20 liters
It has an easy click-on/click-off system. The panniers are water resistant, so everything will stay dry.
The rental bikes come with regular pedals, so no click-in/SPD pedals.
All our bikes come with a quick release system, which makes it very easy to adjust the height of the saddle and the handle bars.
There is one small puncture kit included, which can be found in the pannier. In case a rental bike has another problem, we always advise you to go to a bike repair shop or call the bike breakdown emergency number which is provided in the travel documents when you book this extra service.
Saddles can be adjusted in height without using any tools, see ‘Quick Release’.
Our saddles don’t come with a gel cover.
Dutch Biketours does not provide water bottles. We can also not guarantee that there are bottle holders on the bikes. You will always receive 1x pannier, so you can always store your water bottle in your pannier.
Mile after wonderful mile of untroubled cycling is what we would wish our clients. However there is a minimal chance of breakdown along the way. If this thought is a nagging worry to you, a Bicycle Breakdown Assistance insurance policy may ease your mind. If you buy this insurance from our partner ANWB pechhulp in advance, their service is as follows. The costs are €4,- per bicycle per day. If your bike breaks down by the roadside an ANWB bicycle repair man will drive to you in his repair van and fix your bike so you can continue your tour. You won’t have to pay him repair costs. If you are cycling on your own bicycle you will be charged for any new spare parts your bike may require. If you are renting a bicycle through Dutch Bike Tours any new parts are at our expense. If it turns out the bicycle cannot be repaired on the spot, or if you can't continue cycling, the repairman can drop you off somewhere in his van. One companion plus bikes may join you in the van.
Do you wish to insure your bike against theft? The cost is € 3,- per day per standard hybrid bicycle.
For an electric bicycle, premium bike or racing bike: € 6,00 per day per bicycle.
Please see the General Terms and Conditions for Bicycle Hire and Insurance.
If a rental bike gets stolen or damaged, we will hold the client responsible.
If your insurance does not cover this event, you will have to pay the costs yourself.
Article 1 Bike Rental Price
The bike rental price is determined by the rates mentioned on the Dutch Bike Tours website at the time of the booking; or as subsequently agreed.
Article 2 Payment
a. The rental price and any other due sums regarding the rental agreement must be paid before the bike is handed over to you.
b. If, for whatever reason, you cannot make use of the bike(s) you have rented, Dutch Bike Tours will not be held responsible for any resulting expenses or damage.
c. In the case of the article 2b, the client remains obliged to pay the full rental price and any other amounts mentioned in the invoice, in accordance with our General Terms and Conditions of Booking, unless the client can prove that his not being able to use the bike was the consequence of a defect that was already present at the beginning of the rental period.
Article 3 Rental Period
a. The rental period runs from the morning of the first cycling day (day 2) to the end of the holiday (the departure day), as stated in the booking confirmation.
b. Extension of the rental period is possible only after approval by us and according to the (extension) rates as mentioned in article 1.
c. No refunds are possible after the rental period begins. If you return the bike(s) to us before the end of your holiday, the rental agreement will automatically be terminated and you will not get any of your money back.
d. At the end of the last cycling day of your holiday, the bike(s) must be returned to the hotel from where it was/they were issued, no later than the time stated in the booking confirmation.
If you book a one way tour tour you can leave the bike at the last hotel of the trip.
e. If the bike(s) is /are not returned by the return time stated in the booking confirmation, we will continue to charge you rent until such time as the bike(s) is/are returned to us or is/are received by us. In the event of late return, the rates as mentioned in article 1 will continue to apply, plus a fine of €25 per day. We also reserve the right to demand payment for any costs and/or damages suffered by us due to late return of our rental bike(s).
f. Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, in the event of late return of our rental bikes, we reserve the right to dissolve the rental agreement without judicial intervention and immediately claim back our bicycles where ever they may be and from whomever has them. Dutch Bike Tours also holds this right in the event that the client does not comply with any of the other conditions stated in this rental agreement.
Article 4 Improper Use
a. The bicycle(s) may only be used for its/their intended purpose and only by the cyclists listed in the rental agreement.
b. The bike(s) must be returned to us in the same (clean!) state in which you received it/them.
c. You must take excellent care of the bicycle(s), as if it/they were your own. You must take every precaution against damage, loss or theft.
d. The bicycle may not be used on the beach; or on sandy paths in the dunes unless a paved path is unavailable.
Article 5 Damage, Loss and Theft
The renter will be held responsible for damages to or loss of the bicycle(s) or parts of it, as well as bicycle keys and chains and locks, for such an amount as is determined by us according to standard market prices. You must understand that you are not insured for damage to the bicycle(s) or for any damages to third parties.
Article 6 Theft Insurance
It is possible to purchase Bicycle Theft Insurance. Covered are: damages arising out of the theft of the bicycle; and damages to the bicycle as a consequence of the theft. Not covered are: theft of bicycle parts; and damages arising out of attempted theft.
Article 7 Theft Insurance Premium
a. The premium for Bicycle Theft Insurance is € 3,00 per day per standard hybrid bicycle. For an electric bicycle € 6,00 per day as well for a Premium bike and racing bike.
The number of insurance days is the same as the number of cycling days as stated in our booking confirmation.
Article 8 Liability in the Event of Theft
a. If you did not purchase Bicycle Theft Insurance from us before the start of the holiday, you will be held fully accountable for the sum determined by us according to standard prices.
b. If you did purchase Bicycle Theft Insurance from us, but you failed to lock the wheel lock and failed to produce the original wheel lock key and failed to produce an official theft report drawn up by the police, you will still be held fully accountable for the sum determined by us according to standard prices.
Article 9 Costs During the Rental Period
Any charges and taxes regarding the rental bicycle(s), such as fines and ferry tickets, are to be paid by you. You will also be required to pay all costs ensuing from the use of the bicycle(s) such as parking fees, maintenance and repairs.
11 Nights included
3/4 Star Hotels
Tourist tax included
Breakfast included
Detailed roadbooks with maps and tourist information
The possibility of renting our bikes
7-days a week service-hotline
Luggage transport to your next hotel
Amsterdam CS / Paris Gare du Nord.
There is the Eurostar direct Paris to Amsterdam in less than 4 hours!
We advise to come by plane or train. Parking in Amsterdam is € 15,00 per day.
GPS tracks available
Any ferry crossings are not included
Nearest Airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
The train from Schiphol to Amsterdam Sloterdijk departs 6 times per hour. Travel time is about 10 minutes. A single ticket costs approx €4,- per person excl. bicycle.
For timetables and tickets, go to https://www.ns.nl/en. For bus details, how to reach the hotel, check : https://9292.nl/en.
Paris is the final destination of this tour. You can fly back home from Paris, or take the train back to Amsterdam Schiphol.
We started in Amsterdam with an extra day and that allowed us to explore the city which was fun. The following days going through the Netherlands were very welcoming and beautiful to see the rich countryside. Then into Belgium it was very interesting to see the 2 cultures of both Dutch and French blend together. The beer was also great. Into France we rode over the hilly countryside with such history and yummy cafes and bakeries. Paris is Paris, and what an adventure seeing all the sights and experiencing the city. 10 out of 10, loved every part, including all the challenges we faced that made it such a memorable trip.
The route on this tour is amazing. Beautiful canals, forests, and farm lands. Traveling through small villages that you would not otherwise see in route to beautiful old city’s with plenty to see. When you arrive in Paris you feel a real sense of accomplishment. I highly recommend this tour for those that seek adventure.
My travel experience was enjoyable! I really enjoyed the scenery and would recommend this trip to friends. Nothing can compare to riding your bike into Paris and stoping at the Eiffel Tower!
We had a wonderful time. It was all we had hoped for and more!
...We enjoyed the Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage site very much. The bike tour through Flanders taught us about World War I and how devastating it was both in cities destroyed and people killed. GPS system worked well and was essential in France where bike routes are not numbered...
...My favorite day was the ride from Compiegne to Senlis and the tour of the Chateau de Pierrefonds. This was a great trip with beautiful scenery and safe routes...