On the first cycling day you ride over the wooded banks of the Gooi and pass through Naarden and Muiden, with the medieval Muiderslot. Then you cycle to Amsterdam, where you drive through the city center and cross the IJ by ferry. Just outside Amsterdam you come to Waterland, with bird-rich peat meadows, ferries and old waterways. Time seems to have stood still on the island village of Marken. You can reach Volendam or Katwoude by boat or via Monnickendam.