Blog:

What we do best at Holland Bike Tours

If you start looking into cycling holidays, you’ll quickly notice the big names. Companies that offer tours across the globe – from Europe to Asia and beyond. Their catalogues are huge, their operations are impressive, and their groups often big.

We admire what they do. But at Holland Bike Tours, we’ve chosen a very different path. We believe there’s real value in being small, specialized, and focused. We dedicate ourselves to one thing only: creating unforgettable cycling experiences in the Netherlands.

Here’s 8 reasons why we think that makes all the difference

1. A strong focus on the Netherlands
The Netherlands is more than tulips, canals, and windmills. It’s a country where cycling isn’t just a leisure activity – it’s part of everyday life. By focusing entirely on our home country, we’ve been able to design routes that go far beyond the obvious highlights.

Yes, we’ll take you past the iconic sights. But we’ll also show you hidden landscapes, quiet country lanes, small villages, and vibrant city neighbourhoods that most visitors never reach. Our strength lies in knowing the terrain inside out.

2. Flexibility and independence
Not every cyclist is looking for the same kind of ride. Some want a leisurely pace with plenty of coffee breaks. Others want to stretch their legs on longer, more challenging routes. We design tours that can be adjusted to fit different energy levels, moods, and schedules.

That means you can decide whether you’d like to:
• Ride short or long distances,
• Stop where you want, when you want,
• Choose a guided or self-guided format,
• Travel independently, or with the reassurance of full support.

It’s your trip, your pace, your decision.

3. Personal attention
One of the biggest differences between us and the large international companies is scale. Their tours often operate with dozens of participants. Our approach is deliberately more intimate.

By keeping trips for individuals, couples, or families – we’re able to provide genuine personal attention. You’re not just a name on a list; we get to know you, your cycling style, and what you want out of your holiday. That personal connection is what makes the experience special for us, too.

We also welcome larger groups, but the approach remains personal. From the very beginning, your group organizer has a direct line of contact with us. We treat every group as an individual booking, making sure the itinerary is tailored to your group’s interests, pace, and style. Whether it’s a team trip, a group of friends, or a family reunion, the goal is always the same: a tour designed to feel like it was made just for you.

4. Local knowledge, local flavour
Our route highlights and tour guides come with deep knowledge of the regions you’ll be exploring. We know the cultural quirks, the little cafés with the best apple pie, and the historical context of the places you pass through.

This local touch doesn’t stop with the guiding. We choose small-scale, unique accommodations in city centres, villages, or even farms – places that reflect the Dutch character rather than standardized hotel chains. It makes your stay feel more like a window into real Dutch life.

5. Specialized in cycling & quality
For us, cycling is at the core of everything we do. Every route and every detail is designed to help you experience the Netherlands in the best possible way — comfortably, safely, and at your own pace. With years of experience, we know exactly which types of bikes suit each tour and terrain, and we take great care in providing top-quality equipment. This attention to detail and commitment to excellence set us apart, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride every time.

6. Families on bikes
Cycling in the Netherlands is one of the safest, easiest ways to introduce children to cycling holidays. Our flat landscape, excellent cycling infrastructure, and family-friendly stops make it ideal for multi-generational trips.

That’s why we’ve developed specific family routes: shorter daily rides, fun attractions along the way, and accommodations that work well for parents and kids alike. While many international companies focus mostly on adults, we believe family cycling holidays are an exciting (and often overlooked) way to travel.

If you’d like to know more about routes designed especially for kids, just ask us. Some of our family-friendly suggestions aren’t published online, but we’re happy to share them directly and help you find the perfect option.

7. A commitment to sustainability
The Netherlands is a leader in sustainability, and it feels natural to align our tours with that ethos. For many of our guests, this adds another meaningful dimension to their trip.

Cycling is already one of the most sustainable ways to travel within a country, but we think we can go further. We make conscious choices:
• Supporting local businesses,
• Favoring small-scale accommodations,
• Encouraging respect for the landscapes we ride through.

But sustainability in the Netherlands goes even deeper. Once here, distances are short and the cycling infrastructure means you can explore without ever needing a car. Along the way, you’ll encounter local farms, markets, cafés & restaurants, where much of the food is fresh and regional – so even your meals have a smaller footprint.

Our routes often pass through national parks, protected dune landscapes, and nature reserves, giving you a chance to enjoy places that are carefully managed with the environment in mind. Dutch cities and towns are also leading the way in sustainable urban planning, from car-free centres to cycling-first policies.

8. A family at the heart of the company
Holland Bike Tours isn’t just a business – it’s a family. The company was founded by Emiel’s father, and Emiel has now taken the reins, carrying forward the same passion and commitment. Everyone who works with us has a direct connection to the family and is personally involved in the company. This means every tour, every route, and every detail reflects our shared values, care, and love for cycling in the Netherlands. It’s more than just a job – it’s a family mission to help guests explore the country in a way that feels personal, authentic, and welcoming.

In summary
Holland Bike Tours is not the biggest cycling tour company out there, and that’s by design. Instead, we’re proud to be experts in Dutch cycling, providers of personal attention and local knowledge, and the creators of flexible or completely tailor-made routes.

If you’re looking for a holiday that feels authentic, flexible, and deeply connected to the Dutch landscape and culture, then Holland Bike Tours will be your best possible match.

Because in the end, our philosophy is simple: when you slow down and cycle through the Netherlands, you really do experience this country the best possible way.

>> Learn more about who works at Holland Bike Tours at About Us

We hope to welcome you soon. If you have any questions, or would like advice on distances & routes that are adequate for children? Then please do not hesitate to reach out to us at Holland Bike Tours!

Written on: Sept 29, 2025