At the end of April 2024, I set off for the Netherlands. For one week, I joined the South Holland tour aboard the MS Normandie – a true classic among our original tours. My companion and I arrived already on Friday evening so we could start the journey in a relaxed way.
The next day, we made our way to the mooring point, where the MS Normandie was already waiting to become our floating home for the coming week.
One by one, the other guests arrived. Bicycles were prepared, luggage was brought on board and the first conversations started on deck. In the evening, everyone gathered in the salon for a welcome by the crew. With a glass of sparkling wine, we received an overview of the week ahead before enjoying our first dinner together on board.
Later that evening, we ended the day in a calm and relaxed atmosphere, already looking forward to the first stage through South Holland the next morning.
Windmills, Waterways and the First Stage
The next morning marks the first cycling day of our journey. After breakfast, the bikes are prepared and shortly after departure we set off towards Dordrecht.
After just a few kilometres, the typical landscape of South Holland unfolds: flat dikes, wide meadows and countless canals stretching across the countryside. The cycle paths are excellently maintained, making the ride pleasantly relaxed.
A special highlight of this stage are the famous windmills of Kinderdijk. This historic row of mills is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-known landmarks in the Netherlands. Surrounded by waterways and dikes, the windmills seem almost as if they belong to another time.
In the afternoon we arrive in Dordrecht. The historic city, with its canals, old house facades and small alleyways, invites us for a first stroll before the evening ends once again in a cosy atmosphere on board the MS Normandie.
Pure Nature in De Biesbosch National Park
On the third day, our route leads from Dordrecht to Gorinchem. Shortly after leaving the city behind, the landscape changes noticeably as we cycle through De Biesbosch National Park, one of the largest freshwater delta areas in Europe.
The paths wind through a peaceful green landscape with numerous waterways, small bridges and wide reed beds. Time and again, beautiful views open up across the water – a stage that feels quite different from the more urban sections of the previous days.
Along the way, we encounter very few cars. Instead, we are accompanied by birdsong and the gentle sound of flowing water. This combination of nature and active travel is exactly what makes Bike & Boat journeys so special.
In the afternoon, we finally reach the small fortified town of Gorinchem. Its historic old town, with ancient walls and charming streets, invites us for a relaxed stroll before we spend the evening once again on board the MS Normandie.
From Gorinchem to Utrecht – One of My Favourite Stages
Today’s stage takes us from Gorinchem to Utrecht and is, for me, one of the most beautiful routes of the entire journey. Shortly after setting off, we leave the small fortified town behind and cycle through the characteristic Dutch landscapes.
Along the way we pass through places such as Leerdam, well known for its cheese, and later reach the fortified town of Vianen. Small cafés and bakeries along the route invite us to take short breaks – perfect for enjoying the packed lunch or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
As we get closer to Utrecht, the surroundings become livelier. Often considered the heart of the Netherlands, the city charms visitors with its canals, narrow streets and numerous cafés around the Dom Tower. A stroll through the old town is definitely worthwhile.
Through the Polder Landscape to Schoonhoven
After breakfast, there is still some time for one last look at Utrecht before we get back on our bikes. Today’s route leads through the typical polder landscape of South Holland – wide meadows, small canals and quiet paths shape the scenery.
Along the way, we reach the small town of Oudewater. Its historic market square with old houses and cosy cafés is an ideal place for a break. The town is especially known for the so-called Witches’ Weigh House, where people were once weighed to determine whether they were suspected of witchcraft.
In the afternoon, we finally arrive in Schoonhoven, a charming little town on the river Lek that is also known as the “Silver City.” The historic old town with its canals and narrow streets provides a lovely setting for the evening.
My personal Tip
If you pass through here, it’s definitely worth making a short stop. Right on the market square, there is a small stand selling freshly prepared kibbeling – crispy fried pieces of fish that are a popular snack in the Netherlands. Perfect for a quick break during the bike tour.
Gouda and Back to Rotterdam
The next day, our route first takes us to Gouda. Even from a distance, it is easy to guess what the city is famous for: many shop windows and small stores display the well-known cheese wheels that have made Gouda famous around the world.
The historic old town, with its canals, small squares and historic buildings, invites visitors to take a short stroll. If you like, you can step into one of the cheese shops or simply watch the lively scene in the streets.
After the break, we continue our bike tour towards Rotterdam. After several days cycling through quiet landscapes, the modern skyline of the port city feels especially impressive. Cranes, high-rise buildings and large ships shape the view – a striking contrast to the small towns and natural landscapes of the previous days.
In the afternoon, we return on board the MS Normandie and end the day in a relaxed atmosphere.
A Final Day Around Rotterdam
The last full day of the journey offers several options. Those who wish can take a bike tour to Delft, known for its blue-and-white porcelain and historic old town. A longer route leads to The Hague and further on to the seaside resort of Scheveningen on the North Sea.
Others take the opportunity to explore Rotterdam in more detail. The city is considered one of the most modern in the Netherlands and impresses with striking architecture, vast harbour areas and a lively atmosphere.
In the evening, everyone gathers once more on board the MS Normandie. During the shared dinner and a final drink in the salon, we look back on the past week – on varied bike tours, charming towns, beautiful landscapes and many shared experiences.
The following morning it is finally time to say goodbye. After breakfast, we leave the ship, taking with us many wonderful impressions of South Holland.
My Conclusion
A Bike & Boat journey through South Holland offers diverse landscapes, historic towns and many small discoveries along the way. Between canals, windmills and wide polder landscapes, the region reveals its particularly calm and relaxed character.
The combination of active cycling during the day and cosy evenings on board the MS Normandie makes this trip a truly special experience – a tour that leaves many lasting impressions.
This travel report is based on a tour in spring 2024. The route remains largely the same for the current season, with only a small change: for the 2026 season, the tour starts and ends in Rotterdam-Schiedam.
