Lisa Stokes
Travel with a Bicycle Tourism and Advocacy Focus
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Europe 2026 – Day 10 – Alkmaar Loop
We rode from Alkmaar through dunes, villages, and forests, sharing coffee at Egmond aan Zee and ice cream in Bergen. Quiet roads and “cars as guests” made cycling relaxed. After returning, I explored the city on a walking tour, learning its cheese-trading history before ending a long, scenic, exhausting day.
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Europe 2026 – Day 9 – Enkhuizen (Volundam) to Alkmaar
We woke to engines and sailed to Volendam, beginning a 50 km ride through canals, locks, and villages like Edam and Monnickendam. Highlights included swans by the path, a tiny ferry crossing, and quiet fietsstraat roads. We finished at crowded Zaanse Schans before a scenic evening sail, steak dinner, and sunset views.
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Europe 2026 – Day 8 – Hoorn to Enkhuizen
We cycled 51 km through Dutch countryside, passing canals, turbines, greenhouses, and our first tulip fields. After a phone mishap and mid-ride adjustments, we explored Medemblik, where a WWII memorial honours fallen RAF crews. Despite fatigue and photo frustrations, a simple reboot restored my images—ending the day on a relieved note.
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Europe 2026 – Day 7 – Amsterdam to Hoorn by Barge
We left Amsterdam by barge to begin the second part of our trip by sailing to the beautiful golden age city of Hoorn. Tomorrow we ride.
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Europe 2026 – Day 6 – Amsterdam
We split into three groups: some to Alkmaar’s cheese auction, others exploring Amsterdam. Alina and I cycled 44 km across canals, bridges, and new neighbourhoods, visiting markets, museums, and landmarks. Despite wind and rain, the ride revealed the city’s remarkable cycling infrastructure before we regrouped for our final dinner before our cruise.
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Europe 2026 – Day 6 – Guest Blog – Dayle
This is the link to Lisa and Alina’s day. David, Wayne and Dayle took an early train from Sloterdijkdirectly to Alkmaar, where the quite narrow streets were starting to fill with Good Friday tourists. The Alkmaar Cheese Market is the oldest and largest in the Netherlands. The tradition continues since Alkmaar had its first cheese scale in 1365.…
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Europe 2026 – Day 5 Amsterdam
After a slower start, we took the tram to the Museum Quarter, visiting the Van Gogh Museum and nearby sites. We explored Vondelpark, neighbourhood streets, and unique landmarks before returning by tram. The day ended with dinner out and plans to split up for different adventures tomorrow across the city.
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Europe 2026 – Day 4 – Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague
Journey through Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague, uncovering the city’s role in WWII and its transformation into a hub of innovation and sustainability. Experience the blend of past resilience and modern vibrancy that defines these Dutch cities.
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Europe 2026 – Day 3 Amsterdam
We saw so much today, capturing over 300 photos. After breakfast, we traveled into Amsterdam, walked along canals, and explored the Rijksmuseum, learning about The Night Watch. We wandered markets, admired architecture, and ended the day tired but satisfied, with a friendly hotel cat visiting us.
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Europe 2026 – Day 1 & 2 – Toronto to Amsterdam
We arrived at the airport together, checked bags quickly, and watched a brief sunset before boarding. On the flight, I monitored ventilation, slept unusually well, and woke to a disappointing breakfast. In Amsterdam, efficient transit, bicycles everywhere, a welcoming hotel, and a peaceful walk set the tone for our trip with plans for a…
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