Holland's Green Heart cycling

Arrival in Utrecht

You will cycle to Amsterdam on the banks of the lovely little River Vecht. Characteristic for this area are the many stately homes and garden pavilions built by rich Amsterdam merchants in the 17th and 18th Centuries. At the end of the day, Amsterdam welcomes you with its 165 romantic inner-city canals, 1281 bridges and more than 600,000 bikes. Amsterdam is a city for exploring. There is so much to see and do, whether you like art, culture, an evening out or just looking around and taking in the spirit of the city. A canal boat tour gives you a better look at the lovely canal houses.

Today is the day you cross the rural Green Heart. On the way, you will come across characteristic old Dutch towns and villages. As you wander around Gouda at the end of the day, don’t miss the Gothic town hall (1450); the Weighing House(1667); the romantic inner city canals and the stained glass windows in St. John’s Church. If possible, plan your trip so that you can witness the traditional Thursday morning cheese market at the start of Day 4. Gouda is also famous for making candles and syrup waffles (try one hot!). 

Would the 80 km / 50 mi be to long for you then you can split this day by booking an extra overnight in Woerden. (30 km / 18,5 mi and 49 km / 30,5 mi)

The landscape of rivers, polders, lakes, woods, parks and marshy fens makes for a wonderful bike trip. You will see stately homes and castles along the way. The lively centre of the big city of Utrecht will draw you to its peaceful inner city canals and characteristic wharves, unique to Utrecht. Explore the pretty Museum Quarter, or go (window) shopping on some of the quieter shopping streets.

After breakfast in your hotel, you will return home.