Cycling through the Dutch countryside is an unforgettable experience. Just beyond Amsterdam, you’ll find a landscape of meadows, winding dikes, and charming villages. On this private countryside bike tour, we take quiet, scenic routes, allowing you to truly soak in the beauty and history of the region.
* tour price based on 4 hours including VAT. For more hours the price will be adjusted accordingly.
Highlights
- Cycle through scenic countryside and learn about its history.
- Discover the deep connections between Amsterdam and her rural surroundings.
- Enjoy a coffee or snack break at a scenic Dutch landscape location.
Optional extras
- Climb a lookout tower for a beautiful view over the region.
- End the tour with a well deserved beer at micro brewery with windmill view.
- Prolong and/or customize to your wishes.
What our guests say about this tour
"NEVER KNEW THAT THIS AMSTERDAM ALSO EXISTS"
A Dutch friend recommended that my wife and I do a one day cycle tour of Amsterdam with Amsterdam Odyssey. So we booked a custom Sunday four hour cycle. Eva led us on a circuitous, scenic route to the ferry slips near the Central railway station. We crossed the river on a ferry and, presto, we were in picturesque countryside that I never would have imagined existed so close to central Amsterdam. A wonderful day’s cycle with Eva as our excellent guide.
Bob, USA
"RELAXING AND BEAUTIFUL BIKE TOUR"
The bike tour was so relaxing and beautiful. It was ‘just another day of our stay in Amsterdam’ but completely different. It’s amazing how peace and quietness is so close to the hustle and bustle of the city center. Along the route, we learned a lot as well, about the landscape, its history, the villages. Eva was our personable and enthusiastic guide. Thanks to her we had a great day – scenery, activity and company!
Anita, Hungary
A RELAXING AMSTERDAM COUNTRYSIDE BIKE TOUR
From Centraal Station, we take the ferry across the IJ River. On the north side, Amsterdam expanded significantly in the 20th century, but before that, the region was made up of water, grasslands, and small villages. Today, smooth bike lanes wind through the entire area. We’ll follow a scenic route past a few villages, where we can stop for coffee or picknick break if you’d like.
Rural North
This tour is all about the countryside—yet, technically, we never leave the city. These villages have been part of Amsterdam’s administration for about 100 years, but they maintain their unique character thanks to protected status.
Rural North covers about 28 km² and is home to 2,200 people across five villages.
As we cycle, you’ll find yourself riding through charming villages, across open meadows, along ditches and canals, and even on top of dikes.
Rembrandt in Ransdorp
One of these villages is Ransdorp, which has an unexpected connection to the famous artist Rembrandt. Geertje Dircx, Rembrandt’s maid and lover after his wife Saskia passed away, was from Ransdorp. The couple visited frequently, and during those visits, Rembrandt sketched the village’s distinctive tower.
That same tower still stands today. If you’re up for it, we can take a break from cycling and climb its 32 meters to the roof. From the top, you’ll have breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The Dutch and our bikes
Amsterdam—and the Netherlands as a whole—is one of the most bike-friendly places in the world. Here, learning to ride a bike is just as essential as learning to walk or swim. Nearly everyone owns a bike, and many people don’t even have a car.
Cyclists are at the heart of city planning, with bike lanes expanding and cars becoming less dominant. In some streets, you’ll even see signs that say: “Bike street – cars are guests.”
We ride in all weather. There’s a Dutch saying: ‘Bad weather doesn’t exist, only bad clothing.’ That said, we do enjoy cycling more when it’s not pouring rain!
FAQ
I have particular interests and/or special needs. Can this tour be customized?
Yes. We always customize each tour to befit your wishes and interests. Please contact us and we will be happy to come up with a tailor made solution for you.
Is the tour suitable for young children?
This tour is suitable from the age of 15 – if used to cycling in traffic.
I am not that used to cycling. Can I do this tour?
The distance we cover, is about 20 km. Even though the biggest part of the route is through quiet area, cycling experience is a must for this tour..! To go and come back from the rural area, we cycle through busy city traffic. As with all our tours, participating is at your own risk.
The weather is bad, what happens now?
Amsterdam Odyssey tours will take place under any weather conditions, unless a formal warning regarding the weather has been issued by the Royal Dutch Meteorological Institute (KNMI). Dutch weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to pack and dress accordingly
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