From Amsterdam to Zwolle

You will travel independently to the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Take some time to explore the city centre and enjoy a stroll along the famous canals lined with elegant historic canal houses. Visit the well-known Red Light District, relax at one of the many cosy outdoor cafés, or spend the afternoon discovering world-class museums at Museumplein, such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum. A perfect start to your cycling holiday!

Today, water will be your faithful companion on the cycling route from Amsterdam to Almere. Leaving your hotel, you first ride through the lively heart of Amsterdam. Via Nieuwmarkt and Waterlooplein you reach the Amstel River, which you follow to the village of Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Along the way, the waterways change names to Holendrecht, Bullewijk, Angstel and Gein. You pass through Abcoude, home to Fort bij Abcoude, the oldest fort of the Defence Line of Amsterdam. Near Driemond you cross the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal and arrive in the charming fortified town of Weesp. From here you follow the River Vecht to the impressive Muiderslot Castle, the best-preserved medieval castle in the Netherlands. Continue past the beautiful Naardermeer to Naarden, perfect for a short walk or terrace break. Crossing the Hollandse Brug, you enter Flevoland. Overnight in Almere.

Today you cycle through the young polder landscape, passing modern architectural highlights such as De Realiteit and De Eenvoud. Soon you reach the Lepelaarsplassen, where with a bit of luck you may spot the elegant spoonbill. Continuing your route, you ride past the pumping station De Blocq van Kuffeler towards the impressive Oostvaardersplassen. This vast wetland area between Almere and Lelystad is a true paradise for nature lovers. Here you can encounter countless waterbirds, Heck cattle, Konik horses, red deer, foxes and even the majestic white-tailed eagle. Along the edges of this remarkable nature reserve you cycle onwards to Lelystad. If time allows, visit the Batavia Shipyard, where traditional craftsmanship brings history to life and you discover the fascinating story of Flevoland.

Today features a special excursion to the Marker Wadden. In the morning, you have plenty of time to further explore Lelystad. Visit the Batavia Shipyard, enjoy some shopping at the outlet centre, or simply relax and embrace the joy of doing absolutely nothing – true holiday style. In the afternoon, you board the Marken Express for the crossing to the Marker Wadden. Your bike remains in the harbour, as the island is explored on foot. Created from sand, clay and silt from Lake Markermeer, these new islands have become a true paradise for birds. Follow the 7-kilometre walking trail, stop at the bird hides and take in the wide-open views across the water and wetlands. Afterwards, you return by boat to Lelystad, where you will spend the night.

Leaving Lelystad via the Zuigerplasdreef, you soon reach the shores of the IJsselmeer. With wide views over the water, you cycle towards the Ketelbrug and enter the Noordoostpolder. Your first stop is Urk, once an island in the former Zuiderzee. In this characterful fishing village, the island spirit is still very much alive. Wander through the harbour or take a short walk through the old village streets before continuing to Schokland. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was already inhabited in prehistoric times and was evacuated in 1859. Although no longer an island, its former contours remain clearly visible in the landscape. Passing through the Waterloopbos, you reach Vollenhove, where you stay overnight in a beautiful historic manor house.

The final stage of your journey feels like the perfect dessert. You first cycle to Blokzijl, once a gateway to the Zuiderzee. With its protected historic centre, it is an ideal spot for your first coffee break. Next, you enter Weerribben-Wieden National Park, one of the most beautiful wetland areas in the Netherlands. Take the small ferry at Jonen to reach Dwarsgracht and continue to Giethoorn, often called the “Venice of the North”. From the cycle path you can admire the canals, wooden bridges and countless boats.Cycling along the Belterwiede, you reach Zwartsluis and then Hasselt, famous for its traditional Skoapekuukies. This former Hanseatic town was strategically located on the Zwarte Water and the River Vecht. Finally, you ride south to Zwolle, where you can raise a glass beneath the iconic Peperbus tower.

After breakfast, your cycling holiday comes to an end. From Zwolle, you can easily return to Amsterdam by train.