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Bike Tour: North Holland Tour - 8 days
We especially recommend this tour in spring when the bulb flowers come into bloom! The province of North Holland is the land of tulips, cheese and windmills. More than half the province consists of reclaimed land, up to 6 meters below sea level in parts! The oldest polder (1612) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Polders are known as cultural landscapes: designed and created intentionally by man. On this route we will guide you through the history of this part of the Netherlands from roughly 1000 A.D. through the prosperous 17th Century to the modern day in which the government is taking action to protect the country against rising sea levels.
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Route
Day 1: Arrival in Alkmaar
Day 2: Alkmaar - Amsterdam
Day 3: Amsterdam - Hoorn
Day 4: Hoorn - Medemblik
Day 5: Medemblik - Den Helder
Day 6: Tour of Texel
Day 7: Den Helder - Alkmaar
Day 8: Return home
Day 1: Arrival in Alkmaar
Arrival in Alkmaar
Day 2: Alkmaar - Amsterdam
62 km
Alkmaar is known worldwide for its traditional cheese market, which is still held as a tourist attraction on Friday mornings from early April to early September. Hit the tracks and set off through a landscape typical of North Holland province: wet meadows in excavated peatland; villages that consist of a long line of houses along a dike or canal. Just north of Amsterdam, the Zaan is a region of great interest. Seventeenth-century Amsterdam was global leader in shipping and trade. The tiny Zaan region provided the industry to make it all possible - fuelled by wind power! Around six hundred industrial mills, most importantly sawmills, drove the economic growth. Millers, blacksmiths, weavers, carpenters, ship builders and countless other craftsmen helped produce paint, cloth, sailcloth, paper, tobacco, candles, barrels, whale oil, etc. Find out more at Zaans Museum. Next door is Zaanse Schans, a collection of 17th and 18th century local architecture: adorable green wooden buildings, bridges and windmills. Tourists watch clog-, cheese- and tin-making demonstrations. On the banks of the River Zaan, discover the rich industrial heritage of many centuries. Then why not crown your day by roaming the prized canal district in Amsterdam? In the evening, bright white lights coming from the many windows of tall narrow canal houses make for an enchanting scene.
Day 3: Amsterdam - Hoorn
63 km
There’s so much to see and do in Amsterdam! Have you been to see the Gallery of Honour at the Rijksmuseum since the make-over? Why not pop in for a quick visit before you hop back on your bike and plunge into peaceful countryside. Waterland awaits, with wet meadows, wooden bridges and windswept reeds and rushes. Via the isle of Marken you'll go to "touristy" Volendam and neighbouring Edam. 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 held as a tourist attraction (10.30 -12.30 hrs). At the end of the day, you’ll reach the lovely, historical town of Hoorn.
Day 4: Hoorn - Medemblik
49 km
Pedal up the coast of Lake IJsselmeer, atop the old sea dike, to the beautiful town of Enkhuizen. Don’t miss Zuiderzee Museum which tells the story of the days when ships from the Zuiderzee sailed the seven seas trading in bulbs and spices; the days when Holland dominated world trade and the Dutch East India Company was the first-ever multinational. This period is known as the Golden Age and roughly spans the 17th century. The museum has also combined a collection of historical architecture with demonstrations of traditional trades. On the second stretch of today’s lake-side route, you’ll see more cropfields, orchards and windmills before you reach Medemblik. It’s an old town, with a marina, a bakery museum and a steam engine museum.
Day 5: Medemblik - Den Helder
66 km
You cycle between Medemblik and Keins, the northern part of the Westfriese Omringdijk is your guide. This 126 km long, 800-year-old dike connects the cities of Alkmaar, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Medeblik and Schagen. Spot birds in the nature reserves of Twisk and Oostermare, and be amazed in the coastal garden “Dutch Kremlin” near Winkel. Just like elsewhere in this region, you will come across many farmhouses: square buildings with both the living and working areas under the same, characteristic high pyramid-shaped roof. The village of Barsingerhorn provides a pleasant foretaste of picturesque Kolhorn. Until 1844, this former harbor and fishing village was located on the Zuiderzee. There are still old barns on the West Frisian dyke, which house two museums. Further along this dike is the village of Keins with the Lady Chapel on the Keins. After Keins you leave the West Friesland and arrive at the next former port city: Oudesluis. The VOC ships were once anchored here. The last part of this route to Den Helder goes through the largest flower bulb area in the world. In the spring it is one big sea of colors of tulips and other flowers. Den Helder started out as a whaling village. The city center was destroyed in the second world war and therefore the city has a relatively modern appearance. Den Helder has a strong maritime slant: shipping, rescue, offshore and the navy.
You can shorten the route by 7 km by continuing to follow the dike between Winkel and Kolhorn.
Day 6: Tour of Texel
56 km
The ferry crossing from Den Helder to Texel takes about twenty minutes. Texel is the largest of our five Wadden Islands, places of outstanding natural beauty. You’ll have a great time touring this island by bike, enjoying villages, countryside, dunes, beaches etc. There are many bike routes to choose from on Texel. Be sure to visit De Slufter, a beautiful nature reserve created by wind and sea.
Day 7: Den Helder - Alkmaar
61 km
Cycle down the North Sea coast past wide beaches, seaside resorts, woods and Zwanenwater, a dune reserve. All along our North Sea coast, dunes protect the hinterland from being flooded by the sea - except near the town of Petten. Here, the dunes have been washed away and a sea wall has been built. An exhibition, "De Dijk te Kijk”, explains all about the past, present and future of the sea wall and about the trials and tribulations of the people of Petten over the course of many centuries.
Alternative route through the bulb fields: Savour the colours as the tulip fields take center stage, situated snugly behind the dunes, a natural protective barrier against stormy seas. At the village of Petten, however, a sea wall had to be built where the dunes had been washed away – find out more at the Information Center. Later on, enter the dunes of Schoorl for a wonderful bike ride past high dune tops, dense woods and fields of heather. In recent years, pioneering dune management in De Kerf has welcomed sea water into the dune valleys. This has led to a rapid increase in biodiversity. Eventually, you will arrive at the beach. Relax, sit in the sand and take in the sea view. Further along the coast, you will come to Bergen aan Zee. At this seaside resort, treat yourself to a bite to eat and a well-earned drink. The Zee Aquarium can be visited to see 300 types of North Sea fish up close. When you arrive back at your hotel in Alkmaar, put your feet up and look back on a colourful holiday. Short cut: Skip Bergen aan Zee (58 km).
Day 8: Return home
After breakfast in your hotel, you will return home.
Prices
Starting dates:
Daily from April 1 till September 23.
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):
March 29th, 30th and 31st 2024
April 20th 2024
April 26th and 27th 2024
May 9, 10th and 11th 2024
May 17th, 18th and 19th 2024
| Price pp | € | |
| Double room, breakfast | 889.00 | |
| Single room, breakfast | 1,274.00 | |
| Extra night double room, breakfast only | 70.00 | |
| Extra night double room, breakfast only Amsterdam | 100.00 | |
| Upgrades pp/night | € | |
| Grand Hotel Beatrix, Huisduinen | 12.50 | |
| Hotel Heavens, Hoorn | 12.50 | |
| Westcord Art Hotel, Amsterdam | 10.00 | |
| van der Valk hotel Hoorn, Hoorn | 20.00 | |
| Surcharge per person | € | |
| Stay in Amsterdam on Saturday | 25.00 | |
| Stay in Amsterdam from:
29 Mar 2024 - 31 Mar 2024 20 Apr 2024 - 20 Apr 2024 26 Apr 2024 - 27 Apr 2024 09 May 2024 - 11 May 2024 17 May 2024 - 19 May 2024 |
40.00 | |
| Rental bike | € | |
| Child bike | 77.00 | |
| Hybrid | 91.00 | |
| E-bike | 189.00 | |
| Extra services | € | |
| Child seat | € 5.00 x 7 | 35.00 |
| Bike theft insurance | € 3.00 x 7 | 21.00 |
| E-bike theft insurance | € 6.00 x 7 | 42.00 |
| Extra luggage | € 5.00 x 7 | 35.00 |
| Tag-along bike | € 6.00 x 7 | 42.00 |
| Child trailer | € 17.50 x 7 | 122.50 |
| Bike helmet | per piece | 10.00 |
| SGR | per piece | 5.00 |
Starting point:
Alkmaar or Amsterdam
Accommodation
The hotels on this trip have been carefully selected for their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. A list of the hotels we work with appears below. If a certain hotel is unable to confirm due to lack of availability, we will try to request a comparable alternative if possible.
Hotel Alkmaar **** (Alkmaar)
Westcord Art Hotel ***/**** (Amsterdam)
Hotel de Keizerskroon *** (Hoorn)
Hotel Medemblik *** (Medemblik)
Hotel Lands End *** (Den Helder)
Bikes
If you don’t bring your own bike, you can rent one from us. Our touring bikes are 24-speed gear. You can find all the information regarding our rental bikes below.
You will find your rental bike waiting for you at your first hotel. The hotel reception staff will give you the keys for your bikes and direct you to the bicycle shed. All bikes are provided with chain locks.
Why the Dutch don't wear helmets!
Instruction video hybrid bike and e-bike
A standard hybrid bike is €13,00 a day.
Our hybrid bikes have 24-gears with hand brakes.
The hybrid bikes are circa 16,5 KG.
An electric bike is €27,00 a day.
The e-bikes have a small electric engine and battery, which can be charged at the hotels. You still have to pedal: it just makes pedaling much easier. Some experience with e-bikes is recommended, as the bikes accelerate faster and are heavier than regular bikes because of the electric engine. The weight of the e-bike is ca. 25 KG. We recommend a minimum height of 160 cm for the e-bike.
A child’s bike is € 11,00 a day.
For children who are at least 125 cm, we can also arrange bikes (these are 24”or 26” for children that are bigger than 140 cm).
The child bikes come with at least 7-gears and hand brakes.
The maximum body height for a child’s bike is 155 cm.
24" child bike:
26" child bike:
Bell
Brakes
Childseat
GPS
Helmet
Lights
Locks
Pannier
Pedals
Quickrelease
Repairkit
Saddle
Waterbottles
All our rental bikes come with a bell.
Brakes
All our adult bikes come with hand brakes.
Childseat
For children up to 30 months old (max. 15 KG) it is possible to rent a front child seat. This is not possible with e-bikes, due to the display.
For children older than 30 months (max. 22KG) it is possible to rent a rear child seat. This is also possible with e-bikes.
Both front- and rear child seats are €5,- per day.
GPS
It is possible to rent a GPS device when you start your tour in Amsterdam, Bruges, Utrecht, Huizen or Bunnik for €20,-.
Helmet
Helmets are not mandatory in the Netherlands, but can be rented for €10,- per piece.
Available sizes: Adult: 54-61 cm, Child: 50-55 cm.
Lights
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.
Locks
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.
Pannier
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.
Pedals
The rental bikes come with regular pedals, so no click-in/SPD pedals.
Quickrelease
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.
Repairkit
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.
Saddle
Saddles can be adjusted in height without using any tools, see ‘Quick Release’.
Our saddles don’t come with a gel cover.
Waterbottles
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.
A Tandem bike is € 20,00 a day.
We have a limited amount of tandem bikes available on request.
Tandem bikes are suitable for two adults only.
The tandem bikes have a frame size of 48 cm.
We mostly use the Victoria Spezial 8.7.
This tandem bike comes with 24-derailleur gears or nuvinci gears.
The height of the handle bars on a tandem bike cannot be adjusted.
A family tandem is €20,00 a day.
We have limited family tandem bikes available on request.
The family tandems have 7-gears and can be used for one adult and one child with a minimum body height of 125 cm.
A Tag-along bike is €6,00 a day.
A tag-along bike is a good option for children between approx. 100 cm and 125 cm, as they can pedal themselves and on their own pace but don’t have to worry about other traffic.
A child trailer is €17,50 a day.
Child trailers can be rented for a maximum of two children who are up to 100 cm (max. 35 KG in total).
We mostly use the XLC Duo 2 child trailer.
Child trailers are not possible in combination with e-bikes.
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.
Practical info
7 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
Alkmaar
Parking possibilities at the hotel
GPS-tracks availible
Any ferry crossings are not included
Arrival info
Nearest Airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
The train from Schiphol to Alkmaar departs 2 times per hour. Travel time is about 50 minutes. A single ticket costs approx €10- per person excl. bicycle.
For timetables and tickets, go to www.ns.nl/en. For bus details, how to reach the hotel, check: https://9292.nl/en.
Reviews
20-06-2023
We had done a DBT 4 years earlier, however it was outside Tulip season. Our choice of tour this time (in season) provided spectacular views of the Tulip fields and a visit to Anna Paulowna. The fishing villages heading up north were really quaint and then the north sea coastline on our return trip south was awesome. Even the wind and rain didn't disappoint our trip.
20-04-2019
... From what I recall of our first trip in 2017, the route maps were much more informative this time in indicating where stores and other places of interest are located - very helpful! So, our trip went more smoothly this time -- we appreciate the improvements! It was also very nice to have suggestions of places to visit during the route. We are often unable to visit places in the towns where the hotel is because we begin our biking in the morning before they open, and we do not arrive at the next hotel until many places are closed. So this trip it was easier to build in stops at interesting places along the way. I enjoyed the small information center between Den Helder and Alkmaar where I learned about the Dutch water management system and construction/maintenance of the dykes. The cheese farm between Leiden and Gouda was also a very enjoyable stop. ...
25-05-2018
...This was one of my most favourite holidays ever. The tour was well planned and the scenery beautiful. Accommodation superb, luggage transfers fab, one small issue was very quickly resolved. Communication with DTB was fab. Distances were a little too long for me in some cases, so I would recommend an electric bike, especially as there can be a strong head wind!...
24-06-2017
..We had a great time on the North Holland Tour- varied scenery, much more than we expected and lots of interesting nature and places to visit. Perfect for myself and 22 year old daughter.
Great choice of routes, bikes with coolbag at front and rear pannier. We had not expected those and that was great. Hotels comfortable and all breakfasts were great. Everything was well laid out in terms of directions and it was smooth.
It was a perfect trip for interest, great food and just the right distance each day for us. We had a real escape from everyday pressure with everything well organised and will definitely do this again...
14-05-2017
...The accommodations were good, the routes were well planned. All in all it was very organized...
16-04-2015
...We have now returned from our holiday with you.Everything was excellent including the bikes,routes,hotels and the staff we encountered.All the hotels were very good and would not hesitate to return to any of them.Special mention to Hotel de Magneet in Hoorn which I believe you have not used before. Our only problem was the headwind on the last day from Den Helder to Alkmaar which was beyond your control !!...
19-08-2014
...Thanks for your mail. Everything was excellent and we got lost only twice. Our Friends, French, where very surprised by all friendly Services and People in Holland, something very unusual in Paris area. Anyway, everything was very good...
12-07-2014
...We finished the tour and were very sorry to leave Holland after a fantastic week. Although the weather was not always good we really enjoyed the cycling, the country, the people, the accomodation and the whole experience. Thank you for organising the tour so well. And thank you Holland for this superb biking facility that you have created. We never had a problem. Before starting we were apprehensive about the distances, especially the 70 odd kilometers on the first day. We however made it with time to spare and did not have to take the train! One aspect that we hoped would have been different was our stay in Amsterdam. We wanted to experience Holland but the hotel in Amsterdam we found to be so American and in the area of the city that was more of an office park than the Amsterdam we experienced on previous trips. The other hotels were exactly what we were hoping for and enjoyed our stay at those hotels a lot....
12-07-2013
....Yes, we really enjoyed the tour! Nice countryside, a lot of kms with the Dutch bikes! Even it is flat... The first day more than planned ... Everything good organised. We were welcomed in everything place, good food. Just a négative point. The hotel in den Helder and the surrundings, not the best and we stayed there 2 nights. Thank you very much for everything.
Maybe you also like these cycling holidays:
North Holland Tour
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info@dutch-biketours.com
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