Cycling is a key ingredient in the Amsterdam experience and on this riverside route you get a breath of fresh country air as a bonus. Pause at the start for a look at the Blauwbrug (Blue Bridge).

Facing south (upriver), cycle along the Amstel's right bank (the river should be on your right), across Nieuwe Herengracht and Nieuwe Keizersgracht to the Magere Brug. Cross Nieuwe Prinsengracht to a set of locks beside which stands the Koninklijke Theater Carré. Continue over Sarphatistraat to the Amstel Inter Continental Hotel.

The city's top hotel, the Amstel is favoured by blue bloods, Hollywood superstars and top musicians.

Dogleg around behind the hotel, back to the river on Weesperzijde, and past De IJsbreker contemporary music theatre. Continue to the Berlagebrug, where you cross to the left bank.

The bridge, which has red-and-black painted lampposts, was built in 1932 by Hendrik Petrus Berlage, designer of the Beurs van Berlage, and a forerunner of the Amsterdam School of architecture.

Continue south, past Martin Luther Kingpark and houseboats moored along Amsteldijk, to Amstelpark, the De Rieker windmill and a statue of Rembrandt.

You are now in open countryside, passing through idyllic riverside scenery on the way to Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Explore the pretty, historic village.

For the return to Amsterdam, take Ouderkerkerdijk on the right bank of the river.

You pass through several hamlets on this tranquil road.

Keep going to busy Utrechtsebrug. Cross over to Amsteldijk and stay on the left bank all the way back to the Blue Bridge.