Bike Tour: City, Sea & Borkum Island - 5 days

Arrive in Groningen, check in then take off to see the city. Rest and relax on a terrace at the Vismarkt or climb up Martini Tower for fab views of the city.

Set off for the port in Eemshaven, where you get the boat to Borkum. Cycling out of Groningen city, you burst into an open landscape of immense views dotted with sites such as Ten Boer, Winneweer and Garrelsweer, beautifully situated on the Damsterdiep. You’ll have to skip the borg at Rusthoven (which is closed due to earthquake damage) but plan to pause at Ekenstein and Appingedam. Riding to Roodeschool you spot the Eemshaven wind farm on the horizon. Endure a short ‘industrial’ section on your way to the ferry, then sail off to Germany.

Waking up on an island, you just know you’re on holiday. Savour the salty sea breeze, screeching seagulls and wide North Sea beach just around the corner then set out for some great cycling! Stop for a snack on your way to Milchbuden, at loads of simple wooden beach bars everywhere. Take the dunes’ edge bike path and get treated to views of both beach and sea. Take a break halfway in tiny Ostland, with a handful of bauernhofen and two terraces overlooking the salt marshes. Circle back via the mudflats through very different landscapes, though all equally beautiful. End the day with a bit of evening music wafting over from the promenade and toast to island beauty by bike.

With the scent of sea breeze still fresh in your mind, take to the pedals early for a longer tour. Say a sad farewell to Borkum as it slowly disappears from sight, then pass ‘borg’ villas and mound villages on your way to 2020’s ‘most beautiful village’, Winsum. A mind-boggling display of waterways and waterworks lead back to Groningen as you ride the unique Reitdiep into the city. Last day to linger at Cafe Hammingh or Garnwerd 'aan Zee', your last chance to follow in the footsteps of pilgrims on the Pieterpad.

Sadly, it’s time to go. Time flies! Optionally, extend your stay to further explore Groningen city or take a tour to Zuidlaardermeer / Paterswoldsemeer.