Netherlands Adventure Vacations & Biking Tours

Discover the idyllic meadows, cobblestone villages and charming culture of northern Holland on our Netherlands adventure vacations and biking tours.

What the Netherlands lacks in size, it more than makes up for in its iconic canals, scenic roads, dense forests and culinary delights. And what better way to immerse yourself in these vibrant landscapes than on a Netherlands adventure vacation and biking tour. Winding your way through the delightful neighbourhoods of Haarlem, across wooden drawbridges and alongside narrow canals, you'll gain a deep appreciation for the mix of cultures ever so present in Holland. Influences from Germany and Belgium are mixed with Dutch traditions to bring unique experiences and new foods to sample at every village. As you cycle through endless fields of wildflowers, you'll be happy you've worked up an appetite as smells from nearby bakeries entice your tastebuds. If you've been dreaming about quaint towns and endless rolling green hills, hop aboard a Netherlands adventure vacation and biking tour and let your stresses vanish into the warm breeze.

Netherlands Trips

Europe

Netherlands Biking Adventure

ActiveAdventures

4.8

  • Duration 7 days
  • Activity Level Level 2 

    • Activity Level 2

      Hikes on our Level 2 adventures are considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

    Read more about the Active Range

 ADULT ONLY

Experience the endless beauty and warm culture of the Netherlands as you bike amid postcard landscapes and charming villages. From the tulip fields of Keukenhof to the canal-laced village of Giethoorn, each day offers fascinating trails. 
Trip Start: Amsterdam Trip End: Amsterdam
view trip from NZD 8899/pp (Includes taxes and fees)

Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full

By paying in full we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.

We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance - you can find details here. 

*Terms and conditions apply - read more here

Keeping you Safe: COVID-19 Safety Measures

We believe our small group, off-the-beaten-track adventures are the safest way to travel. To keep you, your fellow travellers, our guides and the communities we travel in safe, all adults over the age of 12 (i.e. 13 years and above) must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

To keep you healthy during your trip, we follow all ATTA, WTTC, Qualmark and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) health and safety guidelines, as acknowledged by their stamps.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the food like in the Netherlands?

Dutch cuisine is shaped by its location in the fertile North Sea river delta of the European Plain, giving rise to fishing, farming, and trading over sea. Breakfast usually consists of sliced bread with any of the following toppings: appelstroop, cheese, cold meats, jam, honey, hazelnut-chocolate spread or sweet sprinkles, known as hagelslag (the type you would normally put on your cake: in chocolate, aniseed or fruit flavors). Typical Dutch dishes for lunch and dinner are stamppot boerenkool (mashed kale), Hutspot (stew of potatoes and carrots), erwtensoep (split pea soup) and bruine bonensoep (brown bean soup).

If I book a trip with my children, will I be sharing a room with them?

Active Adventures & Austin Adventures family vacations are naturally about spending time with family and as such, most families opt to share rooms on our trips. At time of booking, families consisting of four guests with children aged 17 and under will be automatically assigned one shared room. However, the following alternative rooming allocations are available:

  • Families consisting of four guests with all children aged 13 and above are welcome to opt for additional rooms as per advertised double occupancy adult rates.
  • Families consisting of four guests with at least one child aged 12 and under are automatically assigned a shared room. However, families can opt to pay the adult rates for all guests in their family to have an additional room.
  • The same principles apply for families consisting of more than four guests.

Rooming preferences are subject to availability and must be communicated in writing at time of booking. Automatic assignments as per this policy will be applied in the absence of any specification provided by guests. Any request for additional rooms during trips will be at the guests’ own expense and subject to rates made available by the accommodation provider at the time. All minors (guests aged 17 and under) must be accompanied by at least one adult.

What is there to do in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands has something for everyone! With its impressive architecture, lovely canals that criss-cross the city, great shopping, and friendly people who nearly all speak English (and do quite well at that!), you are sure to find just what you are looking for! Pancake houses abound, French fries in paper cones, museums, art, diamonds, and canals.
The Anne Frank House (Anne Frankhuis) is a museum with a story. Visit the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her diary during the Second World War. For more than two years, Anne Frank lived secretively with the other people in hiding in the back part of her father’s office building. The Rijksmuseum showcases the best of the best in Dutch art from medieval times until (but not including) the Impressionist period. Marvel at Rembrandt’s famous Nightwatch. After the museum’s recent renovation, you will be even more impressed. The Van Gogh Museum is the world's largest collection from the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), and it features more than 200 paintings and 600 drawings. The Diamant Museum takes you on a journey that began 3 billion years ago, 125 miles under the surface of the earth, and which ends in the ring on your finger or in the pendant around your neck. It’s a fascinating story that should not be missed! There are several reputable canal cruise operators in Amsterdam! Take to the waters to get a new perspective on the city, the architecture, and layout!

What is the weather like in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands enjoys a moderate maritime (or oceanic) climate. This type of climate generally features mild winters and cool summers with precipitation, such as rain, is common throughout the year, which means there is no dry season. Generally, the coastal provinces also enjoy more hours of sunlight than the rest of the country. However, right after the summer and during the autumn, the coastal provinces experience the heaviest rain showers. March to May and September to October are considered shoulder seasons, with April bringing beautiful daffodils and the weather is generally warm during this time, which makes it an excellent time to travel with us! June to August the weather is warm but not excessively hot, and is the best time to enjoy the canals of Amsterdam or a bike ride, with the average temperature around 17.9C (64.2F).

Will I have access to internet/WiFi?

WiFi is available almost everywhere in cities and easy enough to find in most towns/villages so you can rely on having regularly access during your trip. If you have data roaming switched on, then you'll be able to use the internet on your smartphone, but beware of the fees! WiFi is available at most of the accommodations that you'll be staying at, sometimes for a small cost so check this out at each location when you arrive.

What type of plugs and voltage do you use in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands operate on a 220V AC system with Plug Type C which consists of two round parallel pins while the wall plug has two holes where it is connected.

What is the time zone in the Netherlands?

For the majority of the summer season the Netherlands is in the Central European (CET), which is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

How much spending money should I bring and where do I get local currencies?

Our trips include all transportation, guiding, meals and activities (except where indicated on the itinerary). Most people like to bring a little extra to cover a round of drinks at the pub, take home some souvenirs, book a tour and eat out on their free day, and tip our guides if they've had a great time.

Usually the easiest thing to do is use your credit or debit card to withdraw money directly from your home account, in local currency. There are plenty of ATM's and banks in larger towns in Europe, and ATM's will accept all major credit cards and many debit cards. Cash advances are the most convenient way to get cash.

What is the currency in the Netherlands?

The currency in the Netherlands is the Euro €.

What if I need a special diet?

We are accustomed to catering to the following special diets:

  • vegan (no meat or animal products)
  • vegetarian (no meat products)
  • fishatarian (vegetarian, and eat fish)
  • no red meat (eat chicken & fish)
  • gluten intolerant (no wheat, rye, barley or oats)
  • lactose intolerant (no dairy products)

You will get the opportunity to specify your particular requirements when you fill in our pre-trip questionnaire. If you have any other dietary requirements please let us know well in advance, via email or the online questionnaire.

What is the best part of the Netherlands?

Amsterdam! A picturesque cluster of canals over the Amstel River, in the province of North Holland, Amsterdam is the largest and most alluring city in the Netherlands. Vibrant, cosmopolitan, and steeped in culture, it greets visitors with fabulous museums, exciting nightlife, and a decidedly unique café scene.

Do I need hiking boots or are hiking sneakers okay?

If you have good ankles that will be able to cope pretty well with varied terrain, then good hiking shoes or sneakers should be fine, but if not then hiking boots will give you better support.

What kind of clothing should I be packing?

Once you've booked your trip, you'll have access to a gear list in your portal on exactly what to bring along. The gear list is carefully thought out to provide you with everything you need to be warm and happy, or cool and relaxed, whatever the weather! So it is best to bring everything we recommend along, if you don't bring everything you need, we can't guarantee your comfort.

How many people are there on each of your Netherlands trips?

We generally take up to 14 people per trip, although this can vary, and all our trips have at least two of our guides to look after you (apart from the occasions we have a small group). We have found that our trips tend to attract a particular kind of person and many people have commented that the social scene was one of the highlights of their trip!

What's included on your Netherlands trips?

Accommodation
On your Netherlands trip you'll stay in a variety of places depending on the destination and activities. You'll stay in a 1810 4-star hotel located in the heart of the fascinating medieval city of Haarlem, afew modern hotels with superb cuisine and splendid views, and a luxurious 4-star amidst woodlands and heath fields.

Transport
Your transport will be a mainly private vehicle and bike on our trips in Netherlands, spending most of your time biking everywhere! All your transport is included from the start of your trip and we'll drop you at the airport at the end. The details are all listed in the trip specific itineraries.

Meals
All your meals are included as described in the itinerary except on your free days. We have found that people enjoy checking out what is on offer by themselves sometimes, so you can go and see what's out there! On every other day and especially after any long bikes, we've chosen places to eat that can cater for our hearty appetites, work well with our small groups (they know we are coming) and provide us with an authentic destination specific culinary experience. There are always options for you, so you can either be brave or choose something more familiar. You can be assured that on all our trips we will make sure you are very well fed, and Europe's vast array of cuisine won't disappoint you!

Trip leaders
Our trips are all led by an experienced Trip Leader alongside a local specialist guide. Our Trip Leaders are very proud to work with Active Adventures and often lead our trips for many years, for which we are very lucky and very grateful, as it means we're able to consistently offer a fantastic level of service. They work closely with our local specialist guides to provide you with a seamless, fun, exciting and memorable trip. They will happily share with you as much or as little as you want to know about the history, culture, social aspects and lifestyle of the country you are visiting.

Can you help me find international flights to the Netherlands?

Our preferred Travel Partner Fuzion Travel can assist with you with flights and other travel arrangements. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service that you’ll want to tell your friends about!out!

Do you recommend buying travel insurance?

As an Active Adventures traveller, It’s essential you take out travel insurance to cover the likes of personal injury, medical expenses, trip cancellation for your travel with us. Please head to our Travel Insurance page for more in-depth information and insurance provider options. It’s also important to check your insurance covers all the activities you’ll be partaking in, in case you’re travelling to altitude or looking at extreme sports.

Do I need vaccinations to visit the Netherlands?

You don't need any vaccinations for the Netherlands. Easy!

Do I need a visa to visit the Netherlands?

It is your responsibility to stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Depending on your country of origin and the type of passport you hold, you may require a visa or other endorsement to enter Netherlands.

You can find essential travel advice, including passport and visa information, security details and local regulations, on the government website of your home country.

Here are some helpful links:

Entry requirements can change at any time, so it’s important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.

What language does Netherlands speak?

The language spoken in the Netherlands is Dutch. A West Germanic language spoken by about 25 million people as a first language and 5 million people as a second language, constituting most of the population of the Netherlands and about 60% of the population of Belgium.

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