I've visited the Netherlands several times before, but this journey felt completely different.

Instead of flying from city to city, we packed the motorcycle with camping gear and crossed the English Channel by ferry, travelling through four countries in one adventure.

Our route looked like this:

United Kingdom → Dover → Netherlands → Belgium → Dunkirk (France) → United Kingdom

This became a journey through some of Europe's most iconic traditions - cycling, cheese making, beer brewing, waffles, windmills and camping - all while travelling at a slower pace.

When I went: June 2024
Duration: Several days (motorcycle camping road trip)
Weather: Warm summer temperatures with pleasant riding conditions. June was ideal for camping and exploring, although it was already too late to see the famous Dutch tulip fields in bloom.

Tip: If you're travelling by motorcycle or car, don't try to cram too much into each day. There are countless wonderful stops along the way that you may wish to make.

Day 1 - Ferry to Europe & Camping Outside Amsterdam

We started early in Dover, taking the ferry across the English Channel to Dunkirk before riding directly into the Netherlands.

Our first campsite was just outside Amsterdam.

One of the things I love most about camping holidays is waking up surrounded by nature instead of traffic and hotels. There's something special about crawling out of the tent first thing in the morning and brewing an espresso in our little travel moka pot on a tiny camping gas stove.

Espresso making — Espresso in our little travel moka pot

The first morning, we hired bicycles and cycled into Amsterdam. And honestly? This is exactly how Amsterdam should be explored.

Amsterdam - A City Built Around Bicycles

Amsterdam is one of the world's most bicycle-friendly cities.

There are over 500 km of dedicated cycle paths, and bicycles actually outnumber residents. Cycling isn't a tourist activity here - it's simply everyday life. And it is evident!

We found it incredibly easy to ride into the city, and parking bikes was effortless.

If you're visiting Amsterdam, I genuinely think cycling gives you a far better experience than driving or constantly using public transport.

Bicycles in Amsterdam — A City Built Around Bicycles

During our day we:

Visited the Heineken Experience
Made traditional Dutch stroopwafels from scratch
Tried the famous Dutch fries
Sampled countless cheeses in Old Amsterdam cheese shops
Wandered through canals and historic streets

The stroopwafel workshop was one of the unexpected highlights.

Making one yourself makes you appreciate just how much better a freshly baked stroopwafel tastes compared to the packaged versions sold around Europe.

Little fun fact

The word "stroopwafel" literally translates to "syrup waffle." It originated in the Dutch city of Gouda during the late 18th century, where bakers used leftover crumbs and sweet syrup to create an affordable treat.

Zaanse Schans - Windmills & Dutch History

The next day we rode north to Zaanse Schans.

If you've ever imagined the Netherlands with traditional wooden houses, canals and working windmills... This is exactly that picture.

Unlike many open-air museums, several of the windmills here are still operational and demonstrate traditional Dutch crafts such as oil pressing, timber sawing and spice grinding.

Windmills - Zaanse Schans — Zaanse Schans – Windmills

Originally, we had hoped to see the famous tulip fields along the way, but unfortunately, June is already too late. Most tulips bloom between late March and early May, so keep that in mind if colourful flower fields are on your bucket list.

Gouda - More Than Just Cheese

Most people know Gouda because of the cheese. What surprised me was learning that the cheese wasn't actually invented in the city itself. Instead, Gouda became famous because farmers from the surrounding region brought their cheeses here to be traded, eventually giving the town worldwide recognition.

We visited several cheese experiences and museums, tasting different ages and varieties. One experience even allowed us to make our own cheese. As someone who enjoys understanding how local food is produced, I found this one of my favourite parts of the Netherlands.

Rotterdam & The Hague

As we slowly made our way back south, we stopped in Rotterdam and The Hague.

The contrast between Dutch cities became really noticeable - Amsterdam feels historic, Rotterdam feels modern, bold and architectural, largely because much of the city had to be rebuilt after the Second World War. The Hague offered a calmer atmosphere and reminded me that it's actually the seat of the Dutch government, even though Amsterdam is the constitutional capital.

It's one of those little facts I never knew before visiting.

Belgium - Waffles, Beer & One Fairy-Tale City

Crossing into Belgium, our first stop was Brussels.

We drove past the European Union institutions before rewarding ourselves with proper Belgian waffles.

Then came one of the most unusual experiences of the trip...

Bath & Barley - Belgian Beer Spa

Yes. A beer spa. And yes...It was fantastic!

We had our own private wooden bath infused with warm water, malt, hops, and other brewing ingredients while enjoying Belgian beer.

It turned out to be one of the most relaxing experiences of the whole trip. Beside the bath was a cosy haystack bed for lounging, a bowl of fresh fruit, and - best of all - a beer tap within arm's reach. We spent our time soaking in the warm bath, pouring fresh Belgian beer straight from the tap, enjoying fruit between sips, and doing absolutely nothing. It was the perfect way to unwind after days of riding.

Bath and Barley - Belgian beer spa — Bath & Barley – Belgian Beer Spa

Bruges - Walking Into a Fairy Tale

Bruges completely stole my heart.

I've visited many beautiful European cities, but Bruges genuinely felt like walking into a fairy tale.

Its canals, medieval streets and beautifully preserved buildings create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else I've visited.

If you're planning a Belgium itinerary, I would choose Bruges over Brussels every single time.

We also visited a brewery in the heart of the city to learn about Belgian brewing traditions before enjoying a tasting flight afterwards.

Belgium is home to over 400 recognised beer styles, and brewing has been added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list - a reminder of just how important beer is to Belgian culture.

Power of yeast - beer — Belgian brewing traditions

France - The Perfect Goodbye

Before boarding the ferry home from Dunkirk, we stopped at a small French farm shop.

Nothing spectacular happened. No famous landmark. No attraction. Just fresh croissants, local produce and a conversation built entirely on smiles, pointing and very broken French.

Travelling doesn't always require speaking the same language. Sometimes kindness is enough.

Final Thoughts

This road trip reminded me that Europe is incredibly easy to explore when you slow down.

Cycling through Amsterdam.

Making cheese in Gouda.

Relaxing in a Belgian beer spa.

Watching working windmills.

Camping under the stars.

Sharing smiles with strangers in France.

None of these moments were rushed, and that's exactly why they've stayed with me.

If I were planning this route again, I wouldn't change much. I'd simply allow even more time in Bruges. Because some places deserve more than just one night.

Motorcycle Camping Through Europe: From Dover to the Netherlands, Belgium & France