Amsterdam to Brussels by Bike

Leave the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam behind as you journey into the serene 'Groene Hart', a picturesque rural area filled with low-lying polders, peat meadows, and grazing cattle. Continue through the Dutch polder landscape, passing small farming communities and the historical town of Oudewater, famous for its Heksenwaag, or Witches Weighhouse. End the day in the charming market town of Gouda, known for its cheese, candles, and syrup waffles. Enjoy an evening stroll through the historical centre, taking in the beautiful market square and the fifteenth-century town hall.

Today's journey takes you to Kinderdijk, a world-famous complex of 19 historical windmills lining the canal in a quintessential Dutch countryside setting. Learn about the construction and operation of these iconic structures at an authentic workshop. Continue to the town of Papendrecht, just a short ferry ride from Dordrecht, one of the Netherlands' oldest towns. Explore Dordrecht's scenic harbour quarter, filled with beautiful historical buildings, before retiring for the night in Papendrecht.

Start your day with a ride through Biesbosch National Park, one of the few remaining freshwater tidal areas in Europe. Cross the Hollands Diep river on a 1km-long bridge and enter the Brabant province. Enjoy a leisurely break in one of the quaint villages along the way, indulging in a cup of coffee and a slice of fruit tart. Your destination for the day is Bergen op Zoom, a city with a rich and dramatic history. Explore the narrow streets, old squares, and hundreds of monuments, and don't forget to visit Markiezenhof, a late-Gothic mansion that now serves as a museum and archive.

Today's ride takes you through the beautiful woods that dominate the landscape, with a stop at the cross-border nature reserve of De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide. Continue along the Scheldekaaien, right into the historical heart of Antwerp, Belgium's most important port city. Explore the historical town centre and the trendy districts of 't Zuid and Het Eilandje. Don't miss the chance to visit the De Koninck brewery, where you can learn about the brewing process and sample some of their famous 'Bollekes'.

Follow the banks of the River Scheldt and River Rupel, passing through regions with a rich industrial past. Stop for lunch in the old town of Mechelen, where you can sample the local delicacy of Belgian French fries. Continue along the River Dijle to Louvain, a charming university town with houses dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Visit the Grand Béguinage, a community for lay religious women established in 1234, and the early-Gothic church of St John the Baptist. End your day at the Oude Markt, known as 'the longest bar counter in the world' due to its numerous bars and cafes.

Cycle through the hills of the Belgian Brabant region and the extensive Sonian Forest on your way to Brussels. The city's main attraction is the Grote Markt, a stunning square surrounded by opulent guildhalls, the city's Town Hall, and the King's House. Don't miss the famous statue of Manneken Pis, and be sure to indulge in some of Brussels' culinary delights, such as hot waffles, chocolate, and beer. If you prefer not to cycle into Brussels, you can catch a train at one of the stations along the route.