Discover the typical Dutch landscape in a typical Dutch way: by bicycle. A relaxing bike ride takes you through fields and villages. Find yourself in the middle of one big picturesque scenery of meadows, water and dikes.
* tour price based on 4 hours including VAT. For more hours the price will be adjusted accordingly.
Included
- Ferry crossing to the north side of the IJ
- Coffee or lunch break at a scenic Dutch landscape location
Optional extras
- Climbing a lookout tower
- 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 bike ride through Amsterdam’s countryside
From Centraal Station we take the ferry to cross the river IJ. On the north side of the river, the city of Amsterdam has expanded on a bigger scale in the 20th century. Before that, the region consisted of water, grasslands and small villages. Nowadays, comfortable bike lanes lead you through the whole region. We take a route passing by a few villages, where we can stop for a coffee or lunch if you like.
Rural North
This tour definitely is a countryside tour. But officially we are not even leaving the city. The villages throughout the region fall under the administration of Amsterdam since about 100 years. The area will keep its own unique character as it has a protected status.
Rural North covers about 28 km2. About 2200 people live in 5 villages.
During the bike ride, you will find yourself in villages, amidst meadows, along ditches and canals, and on top of dikes.
Rembrandt in Ransdorp
One of the 5 villages is Ransdorp. Possibly the most famous inhabitant of Ransdorp was Geertje Dircx, maid and lover of Rembrandt after his wife Saskia died. As Rembrandt and Geertje visited her family in Ransdorp regularly, Rembrandt spent some of these moments drawing sketches of the characteristic village tower.
This same characteristic tower still stands today. If you like, we get off our bikes for a moment and climb the 32 meters to the roof. From the rooftop, you can enjoy amazing views over the region.
The Dutch and our bikes
Amsterdam, and the Netherlands in general, is one of the most bicycle orientated places on earth. It’s a natural fact that, as soon as we have learned to walk, we learn to swim and to cycle. Pretty much everybody has a bike. And in fact, not everybody has got a car. All the infrastructure is utmost bike friendly. And so is the mindset of everybody in traffic: it’s a fact that cyclists are all around. The city of Amsterdam is working hard towards less cars, more bike lanes. A new traffic sign has already been introduced. In several streets, you find a sign stating ‘Bike street – cars are guests’.
We always cycle. We even have an expression: ‘Bad weather doesn’t exist; bad clothing does’. Although we do admit that we 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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