Cycling from Amsterdam

Marvel at the townhouses along the 17th century canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For hustle and bustle, make your way to the city's famous squares or head off the beaten track along Brouwersgracht. Find out what the city looks like from the canals or you could opt to visit some of the cultural hotspots, including the Anne Frank and Van Gogh museums.

You could even stroll down the infamous red-light district which attracts millions of curious tourists every year; or enjoy the street performers on friendly Rembrandtplein. There are four routes to choose from and you can do any route on either of the next two days. Stay 3 nights at the Westcord Art Hotel (3 stars) with breakfast.

Choose a longer route to Volendam or a shorter route to Haarlem today. The longer route (78km), with its picture-postcard scenery, takes in the fishing villages of Marken and Volendam as well as the famous cheese town of Edam. The shorter route (46km) takes you to the elegant city of Haarlem with its lively main square, cultural hotspots including the enormous Adriaan windmill, cafes, restaurants and plenty of retail options (B).

Choose a longer route to Muiden or a shorter route to Zaandam today. The longer route (63km) has a bit of a military theme with the destination being the castle at Muiden, at the mouth of the River Vecht and built around 1280. En route visit the star-shaped fortified town of Naarden which is very well preserved, complete with walls and moat. The shorter route (45km) has more of an industrial theme with cycling along the River Zaan with its quaint old factories and warehouses that line the river. Look forward to seeing the beautiful windmills and green houses at Zaanse Schans that continue to produce mustard, paint and oil to this day (B).

After breakfast, leave Amsterdam (B).