April 18th to 22nd, 2024 (4 Spots Left)

April 29th to May 3rd, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
April 22nd to 26th, 2025
April 30th to May 4th, 2025

$1890

Difficulty: Beginner

Tulips, Tulips, everywhere
Tulips, Tulips, everywhere

Highlights

Every spring join us on the ultimate Dutch beer adventure, conveniently planned around the peak of the Tulip season.

This tour takes place once a year in May, and is a 5-day loop from Amsterdam. Visit at least 5 breweries, the North Sea, and several tulips farms along the way!

  • All skill levels welcome. Ride between 20 and 40 miles each day, completely flat.
  • 4-nights hotel, bike / bag rentals, breakfast, lunch, snacks, brewery tours + beer samples all included. Vehicle support included for groups at least 8. Everyone pays for their own dinner each evening.
  • Perfect balance of historic cities, small villages, inventive new beer makers, riding along canals, green fields, lambs, windmills, baby ducks, tulips, tulips and even more tulips.
  • Dutch beer is not as well known as their Belgian counterparts, but they are currently going through a beer revolution! We’ll have visits to some of the best beer makers in Europe.
  • On this tour we will visit at least 5 breweries for a private tour and/or a tasting. No two breweries are alike. Beer tastings are typically generous and we will also pair some beers with Dutch Gouda style cheese from small organic cheese makeries.
  • Make new friends and visit a different brewery every day, as you explore the country at the perfect speed to soak in your surroundings.

Breweries

From IPA’s to Bok’s, Trappist and Smoked Beer, this tour has something for everyone’s palette.

Typical breweries we visit on most tour include:

  • Jopen – Unique brewery located in an old church. We’ll be there for a tour, tasting and dinner.
  • Brouwerij Krux – The smallest brewpub of Amsterdam, located on a former docking area for freight ships, that is now converted into a new residential area.
  • House of Bird – A taproom of Bird Brewery, and also a bird watchers visiting center, in the outskirts of Amsterdam. A very cool combination of beer tasting, having lunch, and learning about birds!
  • De Kromme Haring – A nice little brewpub in Utrecht that has top notch craft beers in all kind of beer styles. Being creative with both hops and yeast, they make not only one of the best black IPA’s of Europe, but also authentic Belgian saisons and perfect crisp and clean German lagers.
  • De Molen – One of the most famous craft breweries in Europe, doing lots of barrel aging. In addition to a tour we will have dinner in their restaurant located inside an actual windmill!
Beautiful views everywhere
Beautiful views everywhere
  • Other breweries change based upon availability and time of year. Places we have visited on previous tours include: Maximus, Walhalla Brewing, Oedipus, Poesiat & Kater, Duits & Lauret, Uiltje Brewing.
When in the Netherlands, 2 musts: Windmills and Beer. Brewery De Molen combines the two.
When in the Netherlands, 2 musts: Windmills and Beer. Brewery De Molen combines the two.

Total Mileage: 140 miles / 228 km

Itinerary / Stats

Locations and distances vary from tour to tour, but generally fall between these guidelines:

  • Day 1 – The group meets in Amsterdam at 9:30am in the lobby of tonight’s hotel. We set up our bikes and ride about 11 miles to Marken, a fisherman’s town and former island in the ocean. After another 11 miles back to Amsterdam we visit Krux, the smallest brewery of Amsterdam.
  • Day 2 – Taking a group taxi from Amsterdam to the word famous Tulip and Bulb Park, “Keukenhof” for a morning visit. Then cycling west towards sand dunes along the North Sea, having lunch at a beach club, and heading to Haarlem, where we do a tasting and dinner in church (!), at Jopen Brewery.
  • Day 3 – Cycling south towards the town of Bodegraven. We’ll stop for another tulip photo shoot, and experience the magic of Brouwerij De Molen this evening.
  • Day 4 – Beautiful bike ride through “the green heart” of Holland: polders, cows, windmills, dykes, canals, how Dutch can you go? We do a small walking tour through the city center, and a tour and tasting at brewpub De Kromme Haring, where we have pizza tonight.
  • Day 5 – Today we complete the loop back to Amsterdam, visiting House of Bird, the taproom of contract brewery Bird Brewery, before returning the bikes. Anyone that still has the time and energy; there is much more to see in Amsterdam! Henk will be happy to share some of his favorite biercafes with you!

Markers show start/end + overnight hotel and B&B locations…

Photos from this tour

Tour FAQ's

What is included in trip cost?

  • 4 nights hotel and B&B accommodation. Typically 3 stars, and when possible nearby the brewery we visit each day. All rooms include a private bathroom.
  • Daily breakfast, daily lunches, and lots of snacks for each day. Lunch is not included in our rest day in Brugge.
  • All tours are lead by either Evan or Henk, Beercycling’s veteran guides. A 2nd guide is available typically only for groups of eight or more.
  • Daily route planning, including daily itineraries of our agenda and options for where to eat / what to do in each town / maps / etc.
  • A multi-speed touring compatible bicycle, helmet, and lock. (More about the bikes in the section below)
  • Vehicle support for groups of 8 or more. For smaller groups you will receive two rear panniers to carry personal belongings.
  • Entrance fees to all brewery visits, including lots of free beer tastings!
  • Included luggage storage at our bike shop to hold extra belongings you do not wish to carry on the bikes. All luggage will be returned to you on the last day of the tour.
  • A welcome package which includes a T-Shirt plus other goodies.
  • Email / phone contact with your guides prior to the trip. You get to ask as many questions as you like directly to the people taking you on the tour.

What is not included?

  • Airfare to and from the trip.
  • Transportation to the trip meet-up location. (But it’s just a quick train ride from Amsterdam airport)
  • Lodging before and after the trip.
  • Gratuities for Beercycling tour guides.
  • Personal items purchased during the trip.
  • Alcoholic Beverages. (Although lots of beer is included at each brewery)
  • Dinner is not included which allows you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own, or with the group as you see fit. There will be options for both. Your guides are happy to give you recommendations.

Let's talk weather

Our #1 question… what is it “typically” like?

Unfortunately, the weather and weather forecasts in Holland can be unpredictable. In the summer it can be pleasant, it can be wet, it can be very hot. In the late Spring and early Fall it can be perfect, but it can also get cold and wet. So riders need to plan for any situation. The number one thing that will ensure you have a comfortable tour is a good rain jacket that you have tested is fully waterproof. We will be riding each day rain or shine.

Tell me more about the bikes

On our Flanders tours we use Belgium-made “Achielle” hybrid bikes. They are 8 gears, disk brakes, and include a wider cushioned saddle. The bikes do not have clip in pedals. No special footwear is required for these bikes. However, if you prefer to bring your own pedals this would be fine.

What about the bike paths / difficulty of riding?

The landscape is Holland is extremely flat which allows for easy pedaling. 95% flat. Holland has an world-class, extensive bicycle route system. A good majority of it is traffic-free and will take us through farms, small villages, and alongside streams. The road conditions will be mostly pavement but also include light (about 5-10% dirt paths). On a few occasions we will need to navigate through busy traffic, but our guides have all the routes planned out ahead of time in order to ensure everyone’s safety and make the ride pleasurable.

The daily riding mileage averages out to be 30 miles (48 km) per day, longest day is 40 miles. Expect about 4-5 hours a day on the bikes. (not including stops). Our pace along the rides greatly depends on the condition of our group but in general we will be traveling at a leisurely pace. For tours with two guides we can always split into two groups if necessary during the tour. Expect some stops for taking photos and breaks every 45-60 minutes.

I’m not a strong cyclist. What do I need to do to prepare for the ride?

Our longest day on the bikes will be about 40 miles (66 km). In order to properly train for this trip, you should be able to ride your bike at least this distance. While we strongly encourage everyone to train beyond this point if possible, at a minimum please complete a 41-mile / 66-km ride. And it’s also a good idea to practice being on your bicycle multiple days in a row to build your “saddle strength”. Also, keep in mind that we cannot control the elements. A possible windy, wet day will be much harder on the bicycles, so please take that in to account with your training plan.

What are the maximum / minimum number of riders on this trip?

In order to keep the trip organized and give every rider individual attention, most trips will be limited to 14-16 people (including guides). The minimum for most tours is 5. We will notify you when the minimum has been met for your tour.

What if we don't have enough people to include vehicle support?

We will email the group once we confirm departure, and then again when we have enough to confirm the support vehicle. If we are not able to provide a support vehicle you will have the option to join us on a self-supported tour, or a full refund. We try to make these decisions at least 2 months prior to the start of a tour.

How do I reserve my spot?

Simply follow the link below to our registration page. You’ll need to fill in all of your information, including your 300 USD deposit per person now. We will send you a link to pay the remaining balance, which we must receive no later than 6 weeks before the start of the tour.

What if I change my mind or change my travel plans. Can I get a refund?

We can issue a partial refund if necessary as follows:

  • 90 days or more before departure date = 100% refund minus bank / credit card feeds.
  • 60 to 89 days before departure date = You will incur a 50 USD cancellation fee plus bank / credit card feeds.
  • 45 to 59 days before departure date = Will will incur a 100 USD cancellation fee minus bank / credit card feeds.
  • Shorter than 45 days notice = We cannot issue a refund after this time due to lodging, bicycle, and tour reservations already being placed..

If I select a “shared room”, who will I be sharing with?

If you are traveling with another person, we will place you together in a room. (there are 2 people and 2 beds per room). If you are traveling by yourself (or with an odd number of people) then we will do our best to match you up with another rider on our tour of the same gender.

If you are in a room by yourself you will need to pay a single supplement fee of $575 USD.

We cannot currently offer a triple room discount as not all hotels offer triples.

What ages are allowed to attend?

21 and over.

What about drinking and driving? Isn’t it illegal to ride a bicycle intoxicated?

Yes, it is illegal to ride a bike intoxicated. And because Belgian beer can include a lot more alcohol then an average beer, the follow items are put in place for this tour:

  • When possible, our beer / brewery / biercafe visits will be at the end of the day.

  • There are several days where the brewery visit is mid-day. Riders will be expected to use moderation when drinking beers during the daily rides. There will be several occasions where we will stop for lunch and have a beer, however, this does not mean we will accept or tolerate over-drinking when additional riding is necessary.

  • On most occasions our riders tend to share beers with each other. This helps everyone a sample a larger variety of beers, limit their intake, and also save money. We encourage this method when possible.

  • All riders are required to sign a waiver at the beginning of the tour removing us from liability if over drinking cases any damage of any kind. This is non-negotiable.

  • Due to each rider’s size / weight / body type, we cannot easily put a hard limit on the amount of drinks one consumes before becoming intoxicated. Since we’re all adults everyone will need to make these decisions on their own. (Although our guides won’t hesitate to let you know if we think you’ve had too much)

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your own bike with the following conditions:

  • In must be in good enough condition to support you and your equipment for the length of the tour.

  • If the tour is self supported it must have a rear-rack that can hold panniers, which you we can loan you, or you can bring your own.

  • You also bring your own lock.

  • You bring your own spare tubes.

  • We have plenty of extra helmets if you need to borrow one.

  • Beercycling will not be liable for damages made to your personal bike on the trip, although we will help when possible with mechanical issues or questions.

What languages do they speak in Holland?

Dutch is the national language! And it’s fun to learn, you’ll see many similar words from English to Dutch. English is also very widely used and recognized throughout the country, and all of our brewery tours will be in English.

What are the average prices for beer / food / etc in Holland?

  • Bottle of beer = 5 to 6 Euros at a cafe (rare and speciality beers will be more)

  • Dinner = Expect about 30 to 45 Euros for a good-sized quality meal.

  • Tipping is not obligatory as this is service is included in VAT (Value Added Tax) at all restaurants. That said, a small tip 5% or leaving behind extra change is appreciated.

What kind of food will be served?

  • Breakfasts – will mostly consist of a typical “continental style” which will vary, but you can expect: Bread / Jams, Cereal, Milk, Juice, Coffee, Fruit, Pastries, etc. Every hotel we use on our tours provides breakfast, so it is convenient to eat whenever you wish in the morning before our departure time.

  • Snacks – Along the ride the guides will carry snacks that can be shared by the entire group. These will include candy, energy bars, fruit, extra water, etc. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own snacks or buy them along the way as well.

  • Lunches – Will consist of either picnic lunches, or dining at bicycle-friendly cafes. For the picnic lunches we will have spreads of meat, cheeses, breads, fruit, chips, among others. There will always be a vegetarian option each day. Again, if you prefer to buy or carry your own lunch every day you are more than welcome to. If you have any special dietary restrictions please make a note of this on your registration form. We will do our best to accommodate your requests.

  • Dinner – Everyone is on their own for dinner each night. Some nights we will go as a group to a beer cafe / restaurant, but this is optional. Typical Holland cuisine is delicious and can include anything from pasta, sandwiches, salads, steaks, seafood, soups, and our favorites: Pancakes.

What do I need to pack for the tour?

We recommend packing light. (More room to take beer home!) For self supported tours, the bags on the bikes are fairly large and should accommodate all necessary clothing for a 10 day tour. If you run out of room in your bags we can either help you mount another bag on the top of your rear rack, or place some equipment on one of the guides bikes if available. Please keep in mind that you will have use of a storage facility at the bike shop on Day #1 you can use and reclaim your items once the tour is over. A typical packlist for this trip is as follows:

  • Lightweight shirts = 3 or 4

  • Underwear = 3 or 4 pairs

  • Socks = 3 or 4 pairs

  • Pants = 1 pair

  • Shorts = 1 pair (Padded cycling shorts are recommended if you haven’t spent much time on a bike seat)

  • Waterproof lightweight rain shell

  • Lightweight jacket

  • 1 pair of shoes for on the bike (cycling shoes or running/gym shoes is fine)

  • 1 pair of shoes for off the bike (hiking sandals or flip flops, or just skip this and use your on-bike shoes)

  • Sunglasses

  • Gloves (for cycling, should be lightweight)

  • Water bottles are included with bicycle rental (or you can bring a camelbak which can double for extra storage)

  • Camera + batteries + charger

  • Personal documents (passport, credit cards)

  • Hygiene products / Sunscreen / Chapstick

  • Bungee cord (to strap extra items to your bike rack)

  • A couple zip lock bags (helps on rainy days to extra waterproof your phone or other items)

  • We do not recommend carrying a laptop computer due to space constraints. Several hotels will have computers you can use, or if you have a smartphone you can connect it to WiFi in order to get internet access. Some past riders have brought small netbooks which squeeze in nicely with luggage.

What kind of ID / documentation / visas / vaccinations will I need?

Depending on the country you are traveling from, please consult your embassy for visa information prior to arrival. In general, one does not need a special visa to enter/exit the Netherlands. Please remember to bring a passport to show identification when necessary along the trip. Sometimes hotels will ask for copies of your passport when we check in.

No special vaccinations are necessary for travel to the Netherlands.

Do I need travel insurance?

It is not required, but it is recommended. This can be used for lost luggage, medical expenses, etc. Each person is on their own for this, we do not offer an insurance policy. Also check with your credit card company, sometimes they offer included travel insurance.

What if Beercycling needs to cancel the trip?

In the very unlikely event that we need to cancel a trip each person will be issued a 100% refund. We cannot, unfortunately, provide a refund for your other expenses like airfare. In all cases Beercycling has backup tour guides waiting should something happen to your primary guide.

Am I required to tip my guides?

Nope. But tipping is very much appreciated and helps ensure the ability of our guides to run more and more tours each year!

Any other questions?

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are happy to help answer even the silliest of questions!

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1.503.427.8253

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