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Haarlem windmill

Holland for families

Beach, dunes & historic towns

8 Days / 7 Nights
Easy
Haarlem windmill

Fun, activity, and relaxation for young and old: the Netherlands is an ideal vacation destination for families, especially for a cycling vacation. The cycle paths are first-class, the country is flat, and while adults enjoy culture and cuisine in beautiful city centers, children can enjoy the beaches of the North Sea and the fascination of the windmills. The wonderful natural surroundings allow you to relax together and create numerous memories that you can cherish when you return home.

Your cycling holiday begins in the historic city of Haarlem, where you can soak in the atmosphere at charming cafes along the canals, while the kids delight in the windmills and drawbridges. From there, you'll pedal directly to the North Sea coast in Zandvoort, where you can have fun building sandcastles. As you continue towards Heemskerk, take a moment to simply watch the ships passing through the locks of IJmuiden.

 

From Heemskerk, take another visit to the North Sea and enjoy the beach and sea at Wijk aan Zee. Experience classic Dutch traditions and architecture in the windmill village of Zaanse Schans before reaching the country's capital. Whether it's a visit to the zoo, a boat tour, or exploring museums, on day 6 of your journey, you'll discover Amsterdam together. The final leg of the journey leads you through beautiful natural landscapes back to Haarlem.

  • Medieval Haarlem: The charming city in the Netherlands captivates with its historic old town, elegant canals, and the impressive Grote Kerk – the Great Church. Known for its cultural diversity, museums like the Frans Hals, and vibrant markets, Haarlem offers a picturesque atmosphere. The "De Hout" Park, as a green retreat, not only hosts extensive playgrounds but also miniature railways and ponds.
  • Endless fun at Linnaeushof: Playgrounds where children can let loose are abundant in Holland. However, Linnaeushof is the largest of them all – not just in Holland, but in all of Europe. With over 350 attractions, it offers fun for all ages!
  • Bathing fun on the North Sea coast: Long sandy beaches, dunes, and picturesque coastal towns define your time by the sea. Whether it's watersports or relaxed sunbathing, fun for all family members is guaranteed. You conclude the wonderful vacation days with a serving of fresh seafood.

The journey has been designed by our travel specialists to be child-friendly, allowing your family ample time to enjoy the attractions along the way and at the destination. Thanks to the well-developed network of cycling paths, the route is easy to follow. The stage lengths, ranging from 25 to 45 kilometers, can often be shortened according to your preferences. On Day 6, you have a free day to explore Amsterdam at your leisure.

 

Child-friendly cycling paths, adapted stage lengths, and a route that offers highlights for both young and old - our family cycling vacations cater to the needs and desires of all family members.

Itinerary at a glance

Holland, the Mecca for a family cycling vacation. The ingredients for an unforgettable experience are flat stages, many cycle paths, interesting places to stay overnight, beautiful beaches and, with the North Sea, a sea for little adventurers.

Arrival and check into your accommodation. The historic city has retained its medieval character. Idyllically situated near the beach, you will find everything that characterizes Holland in Haarlem: Windmills, canals and drawbridges.

The first stage takes you to the beautiful Dutch coast. Zandvoort is a true paradise for children. Whether it's swimming or building sandcastles, whether it's glorious weather or less sunshine - the little ones will never get bored. The city is a great place for an active vacation. On the way back, you have the option of visiting Linnaeushof, Europe's largest playground. Entertainment for the whole family is guaranteed.

Today's cycle tour takes you across the largest sea lock in the world. Ijmuiden is 500 meters long, 70 meters wide and 18 meters deep. The lock was put into operation in 2022 and is the gateway to Amsterdam. Your little ones will be amazed as the sea giants pass you by. The stage destination is the tranquil municipality of Heemskerk. Surrounded by beach, dunes and greenery, the small town is an oasis of peace. It is a great place to relax and unwind.

And once again we head to the North Sea with its beautiful beaches and dunes. Lots of fresh air, clean sea water, plenty of activities and, of course, unlimited swimming fun - an adventure for the whole family! We return to our accommodation in Heemskerk through idyllic landscapes with lots of greenery.

After a short time, you will reach the windmill village of Zaanse Schans. Many people still work in the old barns, mills, wooden houses and workshops. Learn a lot of interesting facts about old Dutch life, wooden shoes and, of course, Dutch cheese. After this journey through time, you continue the cycle tour. The day's destination is Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.

Today is dedicated to Amsterdam. The city offers a wide range of activities and attractions for families with children. A visit to the zoo is always a classic and with 700 animal species, Amsterdam's Artis Royal is one of the oldest animal parks in Europe. In the children's museum or NEMO building there is plenty of fun as well as learning. A canal cruise or a visit to the Vondelpark are other ways to spend the day in the capital of the Netherlands. Whatever you choose to do: You certainly won't be bored!

Use the morning to explore Amsterdam again before setting off on the last stage back to Haarlem. You cycle through vast, green landscapes in the midst of beautiful, water-rich nature. At the end of the day, you will find public playgrounds in Haarlem if your children still feel the urge to move.

Your family vacation in Holland ends after breakfast. You will start your journey home with a wealth of impressions and great memories. We are happy to book an extended stay on request.

Route information

Easy

The child-friendly stages are flat and mostly on asphalted cycle paths and side roads with little traffic. Only in the respective towns can you expect an increased volume of traffic when entering and leaving. Navigation is very easy thanks to the local junction network. This tour is ideal for families with children.

Prices & Dates

Category: STAYOKAY hostels
* Children's prices valid in a room with 2 full-paying adults. Costs for children under 6 years (e.g. crib) are payable on site.

Prices per person in EUR

Our Rental Bikes

Eurobike Men's Rental Bike with 21 gears
Men's bike 21-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Body size approx. 165 cm - 205 cm

56-51 "sloping" cm |
60 cm |
64 cm
Eurobike unisex rental bike with 21 gears
Unisex bike 21/24-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Body size approx. 148 cm - 190 cm

43 cm |
46 cm |
51 cm |
56 cm
Rental bike partner e-bike
E-bike 7 to 21-speed
with freewheel

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Eurobike Rental Bike PLUS
Rental Bike PLUS 20/27-speed
Dereilleur gears with freewheel

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with diamond frame

Body size approx. 155 cm - 205 cm

46 cm |
50 cm |
51 cm |
55 cm |
60 cm |
63 cm

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Incuded

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 23 kg)
  • Carefully elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • Small surprise for the children
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental incl. rental bike insurance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Haarlem train station
  • Amsterdam Schiphol airport
  • Free parking at the hostel, no reservation possible. Paid parking garages in Haarlem

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Nicole Maderegger

"I look forward to making your vacation dreams come true."

Nicole Maderegger
Travel Specialist
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Monday - Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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