Market Garden by bike.
Market Garden by bike.
- Tour focussed on WW II events
- Lots of quiet bicycle paths
- Visit the Hoge Veluwe National Park
Description
This interesting tour takes you along the sites of the Battle of Arnhem, also known as Market Garden, one of the most important WW II operations. The Market Garden by bike tour combines Market Garden and the Liberation route, with beautiful landscapes and Dutch culture.
Program
You can start every day during this period. Booking for next season is possible too (early booking is recommended).
This tour is designed with a standard number of days, but can be tailored to your preferences. See the description below for optional extensions, such as extra nights or scenic route additions.
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Day 1 – To the Grebbeberg in Rhenen
35 km / 21 miles
The tour starts in Houten, just south of Utrecht and 50 minutes by train or taxi from Amsterdam. On the first day you cycle to Grebbeberg area, where heavy fighting took place between Dutch and German soldiers in May 1940. Your hotel for the night is located in the wooded region near Rhenen, This small town is also the location of the ‘Netherlands Field of Honor’, where over 800 Dutch soldiers are buried. Canadian soldiers have been importand here during the Liberation 5 years later. -
Day 2 – Approaching the historic battlefield
30 km / 18 mi
The next day your tour continues through woods and along the river Rhine towards the region around the town of Arnhem. North of the village of Renkum, you will find yourself cycling between the historic drop zones used by the British 1st Airborne Division in the first stage of Operation Market Garden (17 Sept ’44 until 26 Sept ’44). -
Day 3 – Visits to interesting WW II sites in and around Arnhem (optional extra days)
25km/16mi
You reach Otterlo after a relatively short bike ride through the Royal Forests around Apeldoorn. This quaint little village is located on the border of ‘De Hoge Veluwe’ National Park. It’s very unique landscape was created during the last Ice Age and the park represents one of the largest nature reserves in the Netherlands. It covers approximately 55 square kilometers, and has a wide topographical range including heathlands, sand dunes and woodlands, supporting a great variety of wildlife and birds.EXTRA DAY: Guests may choose an optional extra loop ride of approximately 50 km/31mi to Nijmegen, following part of the historic Liberation Route. This meaningful route highlights key World War II locations connected to Operation Market Garden and the Allied liberation of the Netherlands, with strong historical ties for both British and Canadian visitors. Along the way, cyclists pass memorials, former battle sites, river crossings, and scenic landscapes that played an important role during the final stages of the war.
EXTRA DAY: Alternatively, guests can extend their stay with an additional night in Nijmegen, allowing more time to explore the sights of the Liberation Route (25km/15mi), and the city’s museums, monuments, and riverside areas connected to WWII history. After a shorter ride and day of exploring, the tour continues the next day via a scenic route back toward Oosterwijk, combining peaceful countryside cycling with powerful historical context non-WWII related (40km/25mi).
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Day 4 – From Arnhem through the national park to Otterlo
25 km / 15 mi
On day four you cycle from the former battlefield, northwards to ‘de Hoge Veluwe’ National Park. This beautiful National Park features vast heathlands, forests with various species of wildlife and birds. It has over 37 kilometers of bicycle paths. Today’s route is 25 km. ‘Early birds’ can visit the famous Kröller Möller museum, which is on the route (closed on Monday). This museum has the second largest Van Gogh collection in the world. Masterpieces from Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Piet Mondriaan also form part of the permanent exhibition. From here it is only 3 km to your hotel in Otterlo, a quaint village bordering the park and also surrounded by nature. -
Day 5 – Enjoy the final day of cycling to Houten (optional extra day)
53 km / 33 mi
The last day of your tour leads you through a landscape of pastures and small waterways. You pass through small, charming farming villages on your way back to Houten, where you meet our representative at the railway station.EXTRA DAY: Add an extra and stay in Amersfoort. This historic city offers a charming medieval center, picturesque canals, and the iconic Koppelpoort gate. Explore local museums, wander through quaint streets and courtyards, or enjoy a coffee on one of the many lively terraces. Adding a day here gives you the chance to fully experience the city’s history, culture, and relaxed atmosphere. Instead of the longer route (53km/33mi) you will ride two aproximate 30km/19mi routes, passing beautiful towns and highlights such as the Dutch National Millitairy museum
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Extra nights before or after your tour
We can arrange extra nights before or after your bike tour in Utrecht, conveniently located close to both the tour start and finish. Utrecht is a vibrant historic city with beautiful canals, lively cafés, and a rich cultural scene. Thanks to its central location and excellent train connections, Utrecht is easy to reach from Schiphol Airport and the perfect base to begin or extend your adventure in the Netherlands.
Pricing
| Tour price | € 1080 |
|---|---|
|
Touring bike
High quality multispeed bicycle included
€ -
included
|
€ - included |
|
E-bike
Bicycle with electric pedal assistance
€ 182
optional
|
€ 182 optional |
|
Daily luggage transfers
Total price per booking (not per participant)
€ 461
optional
|
€ 461 optional |
|
Upgrade to Premium hotels
Unique 3-4 star accommodation and setting
€ 303
optional
|
€ 303 optional |
|
Single supplement (including single room)
For solo travelers
€ 777
optional
|
€ 777 optional |
|
Discount
4-7 persons 5% | 8+ persons 10% |
- Comfort hotels (private bathroom & breakfast)
- High quality multispeed bicycle
- Waterproof panniers, bike locks, helmet & water bottle
- Personal tour start meeting and bike fitting
- Mobile repair service and 24/7 service hotline
- Small tire repair kit, a small bicycle pump, and a Tom Tool
- Door-to-door navigation and easy to use GPS
- Including tax, all local tourist tax and handling fees
- Personalized app with route info, highlights, and restaurant suggestions
- Lunch and dinner
- Daily Transfers
- Entrance tickets
- Optional bicycle insurance
Equipment
A high quality touring bike is included. Optionally we also have e-bikes and a wide variety of child size equipment available. Road bikes and custom bikes are usually possible upon request.
Touring bike (Included)
Our touring bikes have straight handlebars and a comfortable semi upright riding position. We have customized our bikes to the Dutch terrain so we dare to say that they are among the best bikes you will find in Holland. The bikes are lighter of weight than most touring bikes, but without having to compromise on comfort and durability.
- Five different frame sizes for all heights
- Gates CDX belt drive (no chain)
- Smooth Shimano Alfine 8-speed hub gearing
- Schwalbe tires with anti-puncture layer
- Roadside assistance included
- Best in class Selle Royal gel seat
- Powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Custom adjustable handlebars
- Mounted and cable lock, pannier and water bottle
- Weight 16 kg / 35 lbs
E-bike
Our e-bikes are battery powered recreational bikes with a comfortable upright riding position. The small motor will assist you only when you are pedaling which makes cycling super easy. If you prefer a little extra support, the e-bike is a good alternative for the standard touring bike.
- Five different frame sizes for all heights
- Powerful Bosch Gen 3 50Mn motor
- Bosch 500W battery (up to 120km / 75mi)
- Step through frame for easy start
- Comfortable front wheel suspension
- Smooth Shimano 7-speed hub gearing
- Continental tires with anti-puncture layer
- Roadside assistance included
- Powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
- Adjustable handlebars
- Mounted and cable lock, pannier and water bottle
- Weight 26 kg / 57 lbs
>> An E-bike weighs more than a normal touring bike and the riding characteristics are also different. Therefore we recommend practicing riding an e-bike before your tour.
Practical
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Accommodation
›› We handpick all of our accommodations and pay special attention to a central location, authenticity, atmosphere and cleanliness and we avoid business hotels which are located along highways or in industrial areas. All of our hotels offer a private bathroom (ensuite), a good breakfast and even the tourist tax is included.
Comfort – 3 star hotels
Good hotels located in the historic town center. Mid size or larger room with private bathroom. Hotels with receptionist. Wireless internet. All rooms have TV and telephone. Mostly buffet breakfast.
Premium – 3-4 star hotels
Unique boutique style hotels located in the historic town center. Rooms with private bathroom. Hotels with receptionist. Wireless internet. All rooms have TV and telephone. Breakfast with special and/or local delights.
Breakfast is included in each overnight arrangement during your tour. In your route booklet you find our recommendations for lunch and dinner. There is a wide variety of restaurants and lunch rooms in the Netherlands. You can easily find a nearby restaurant wherever you are, and surprise yourself with one of the many Dutch culinary wonders. The staff at your hotel will be happy to advise you on the best place to have a meal.
Federal sales tax for the accommodation at 9% is included in the tour price. In some places there is also another kind of tax called Toeristenbelasting (Tourist or City Tax). The rate differs from one municipality to another. Sometimes Tourist Tax is charged at a fixed amount (Euro 2-4 per person, per night) and sometimes as a percentage of the overnight costs (3-12%). The Tourist Tax is incorporated in our accommodation bookings (and the tour price).
›› Holland Bike Tours can also book your pre- and or post-tour accommodation in the Netherlands.
Or check competative rates at our Booking.com account and book your hotel in Amsterdam or other places in Europe.If you have a request for room or hotel upgrades, then let us know, because further upgrade options are usually available.
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Luggage transfers
Option 1 – Daily transfer service
Your luggage is transferred by van. We pick up your luggage after 09.45 (9.45 AM) and it arrives at your next destination before 16.00 (4 PM). All guided tours and road bike tours include luggage transfers. For recreational tours luggage transfers are an option.With this option we provide you with a small pannier (recreational bike) or a small backpack (road bike) for storing your daily bits and pieces.
Option 2 – In panniers
You carry your luggage in panniers, which are attached to the rear rack of your bicycle. Your bike has two panniers, each carrying approximately 20 liters / 44 lbs. Luggage that you do not want to bring along on your bike tour can be safely left behind at the start of the tour.>> Road bike tours
Other than our recreational bikes, our lightweight road bikes are not equipped with racks and therefore cannot take panniers. For this reason luggage transfers are included in all road bike tours. For these tours we provide you with a cyclist’s backpack, to carry your daily bits and pieces. -
Navigation
App navigation included
Our Ride With GPS Experience App provides all the essential details right on your phone. Access daily itineraries, detailed route maps, elevation profiles, and local dining spots, all designed to enhance your travel experience. Whether you’re cycling solo or with a group, our app is the perfect companion to support your journey, offering you everything you need for a seamless ride.
The Ride With GPS Experience App is a mobile app that turns your smartphone into a powerful cycling navigation tool. Download your tour maps and daily itineraries directly to your phone, and access them offline whenever you need. With voice-guided navigation on all routes, you can enjoy a hassle-free cycling experience, no matter where you are.
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Terms and conditions
Group discounts: We offer a group discount which goes up with the number of participants in a booking. The discounts are indicated at each tour.
Payment: Shortly after booking, you will receive our invoice by email, which shows the tour items, prices and the payment options. The initial payment (deposit) is 10% of the tour price, or a minimum of 200 if this is lower. The balance of the amount due for the tour should be paid 90 days before the tour starts. Tours that are booked within 90 days before the tour starts are charged in full. Tour payments can be made bank-to-bank or by credit card. Credit card payments are processed on a secure webpage.
Cancellation fee:• 60 or more days before the tour begins: 10% of the total tour sum
• 14 to 60 days before the tour begins: 50% of the total tour sum
• 0 to 14 days before the tour begins: 100% of the total tour sum
• During the tour: No refund.
Further information can be found in Article 5 of our General Conditions.Equipment insurance: Bicycle insurance, covering damage and theft can be taken out at the tour start. Premiums are:
• Touring bicycle – €2.50 per day, with a minimum of €15
• Road bicycle – €3.50 per day, with a minimum of €20
• E-bike & other bicycles – €4.50 per day, with a minimum of €30
Holland Bike Tours Equipment Insurance Conditions
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