Behind the Dunes?

On endless sandy beaches, take big breaths of sea air and let your cares fly away with the wind. In Zandvoort and Scheveningen you will stay the night almost directly by the sea. Behind the dunes you’ll discover a diverse hinterland with multicoloured bulb flower fields, lovely historical towns and all sorts of tourist attractions. If you like art and culture, you’ll have a ball in the cities of Amsterdam, Utrecht and The Hague. On your bike, you’re free to stop where you want, to visit a windmill or a cheese dairy, for instance. You’ll have ample opportunity for (window) shopping and visiting museums. The terrain on this cycle tour is mostly flat except in the undulating dunes.

1. day  Bunnik arriving

Bunnik can be reached by train from Amsterdam Airport. Free parking at the hotel.

2. day  Bunnik – Amsterdam 60 km

Bunnik – Amsterdam
Idyllic scenery today as you cycle to Amsterdam on the banks of the lovely River Vecht. Characteristic for this area are the many stately homes and summerhouses built by rich Amsterdam merchants in the 17th and 18th Centuries. At the end of the day, Amsterdam awaits! Everyone has their own reasons for loving this remarkable city. What will yours be?

3. day  Amsterdam – Zandvoort 44 km

You’ll love the elegant city of Haarlem, voted best city for shopping. Remember to look up at the façades of historical buildings and see if you can spot the pretty stepped gables. Our bike route then continues through Zuid-Kennemerland, a colourful area rich in natural beauty. In well known beach resort Zandvoort you will stay the night by the sea.

4. day  Zandvoort – Scheveningen 40 km

Today you’ll cycle through the Dune and Bulb Region. The windswept dunes not only protect the hinterland from the sea, but also harbour many species of dune flora and fauna. April is your best bet for visiting colourful bulb fields (daffodils, hyacinths and tulips) just behind the dunes. On the coast, check out the resorts and beaches. Once you reach Scheveningen, you will be spoilt for choice of things to do.

5. day  Scheveningen – Gouda 60 km

First you will cycle to The Hague, home to the government and the Queen. The city is brimming with things to do and see. You might like to take the opportunity to see Vermeer’s famous painting "The Girl with the Pearl Earring” in Mauritshuis Museum. Another favourite is Mesdag’s cylindrical Panorama of Scheveningen in 1881. After looking around The Hague, ride through open grassland to pretty "cheese town” Gouda, also known for its syrup waffles and candles. If possible, plan your holiday so you can see the Thursday morning traditional cheese market.

6. day  Gouda - Bunnik 60 km

Woods, stately homes, parks, rivers, polders, lakes and marshy fens make today´s scenery. You may stop off at a cheese dairy or visit De Haar Castle. At the end of the day , explore the heart of the lively city of Utrecht. Discover the pretty Museum Quarter and admire the beautiful canal Oude Gracht. Its wharves are unique to Utrecht and make a pleasant setting for waterside cafes.

7. day  Bunnik departing

After breakfast in your hotel, you will return home.

Our tipp:

Travel yourself for a night in one of the Netherland´s loveliest hotels. The Grand Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel (5 stars) in Scheverdingen dates back to 1884 and is situated directly on the seafront (endless sandy beach just in front). Enjoy the modern luxury and allow yourself to the thoroughly spolit.