South Netherlands family cycling holiday

Day 1: Zoetermeer
Individual arrival at your hotel, near the centre of Zoetermeer. In neighbouring city of The Hague you will find numerous tourist attractions, shops and museums.

Day 2: Zoetermeer – Scheveningen (31 km/19 miles)
After a hearty breakfast, the first leg of the tour takes you to the seaside resort of Scheveningen. On the way, you will pass through Wassenaar, a village with leafy surroundings, scattered villas and country houses. Rich town dwellers used to build their summer retreats here. Today, opt to visit Duinrell amusement park. Top attractions include the Dragonfly rollercoaster and a waterslide paradise. Don’t forget your swimming gear!

Day 3: Scheveningen
On a summer’s day you can paddle in the sea and build sand castles. There are surfing schools located up and down the beach. If the weather takes a turn, SeaLife aquarium or LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre will save the day. On the seafront, there’s a fun collection of 23 groups of sculptures called “Fairy Tale Sculptures by the Sea” (free). Beach restaurants cater to all tastes. Why not do as the Dutch do and buy the kids pancakes (pannekoeken); or chips with mayonnaise. Another option is a 10-minute bike ride to Madurodam (Miniature Holland – fascinates younger children!). In the evening, watch the sun set into the sea.

Day 4: Scheveningen – Delft (17 km/10 miles)
Today you will cycle through the city of The Hague to the city of Delft. There’s culture in the air! If your kids appreciate the arts you can take them to see quaint Panorama Mesdag or the amazing Escher Museum of optical illusions, both in The Hague. The old part of Delft, with its canals and lovely old buildings, is as charming as can be and the whole family will enjoy a walkabout. The city is known for its blue and white pottery and you can see artists at work in their studios (look next to Nieuwe Kerk church). Visit the university Science Centre (students’ own creations) for hands-on activities such as Dike Patrol and designing your own airplane wing. Just outside town is a recreational area with a lake for free swimming: Delftse Hout.

Day 5: Delft – Rotterdam (33 km/20 miles)
The route continues to Schiedam, a village with a remarkable skyline! Five giant windmills rise up above the houses. Soon after, you’ll spot the skyscrapers of Rotterdam. You’ll be spoilt for choice of things to do in this modern city. Opt to take a boat tour to explore the port and old and new harbour areas from the water. Climb Euromast for a fabulous view of Rotterdam. For a rainy day: at a ten-minute bike ride from your hotel, Villa Zebra creates interactive visual art exhibitions for children aged 4 – 12. Tonight you’re in for a treat because you will spend the night aboard an enormous cruise ship, moored in the centre of the city.