This tour is all about flowers! The blooming tulip fields, the Keukenhof gardens and a visit to the flower auction. And there is also the historic town of Leiden into the bargain.
Day 1 – From Haarlem to Aalsmeer
34km/21mi
Transfer to Haarlem (20 minutes by train or taxi from Amsterdam). You will be met by our representative for equipment delivery and tour instructions at 12:00 (noon). First of all you cycle to the Bennebroek flower fields to get a preview of the next three days.Then you continue eastwards into the ‘Green Heart’ of Holland, passing along one of the mid-Holland lakes. Your destination for today is Aalsmeer.
• If you also want to explore the beautiful town of Haarlem (Amsterdam’s ‘little sister’) we can arrange extra pre-tour overnight accommodation in the historic town center.
Day 2 – The flower auction and the bulb fields
32km/20mi + 8km/5mi
Today you will have to wake up early to visit the world’s largest flower auction in Aalsmeer. A cycling loop before breakfast will get you to the flower auction complex and back. Around 20 million flowers are sold each day in the 518,000 m2 (5.57 million sq ft) auction complex. From Aalsmeer the route continues westwards and becomes increasingly colorful as you enter the area with all the bulb fields stretching into the far distance. Lodging for tonight is either in Lisse or Hillegom, right in the center of the flower region.
Day 3 – Along the tulips fields to Leiden
25km/16mi
Another day of flowers. And the route we have planned gives you the best possible views and a chance to inhale the wonderful fragrances! The relatively short route allows enough time for a relaxing ride beside the tulip fields and a visit to the world-famous Keukenhof Spring Gardens, a 32 hectare (nearly 80 acres) flower exhibition with hundreds of different species of tulip. Eventually the route ends up in Leiden and your lodgings in the historic town center.
Day 4 – Two options for your return to Haarlem
37km/23mi
Today you will cycle through the flower-growing region once more on your way to the coastal village of Noordwijk. You now turn northwards, and cycle along part of the North Sea cycle path. Then you continue inland through a chic residential area before reaching the center of Haarlem.
Superb recreational hybrid bike (included)
