We are a just turning 60s couple travelling for the month of October. We are flying into and out of Paris. We have previously visited Paris sites. On arrival we are planning to take the train or fly to Amsterdam and spend 4 nights there. I have been once but my husband has not. We plan to spend about 10 days total in the Netherlands then travel to Bruges and then through Normandy back to Paris and home.
My questions involves the time we have in the Netherlands after leaving Amsterdam. We are hoping to do some cycling in the South Holland area. After a bit of research and pondering I think we'll plan to spend 4 nights in Delft with daytrips to The Hague, maybe Gouda, and Rotterdam. Then I was thinking about going to Gorinchem for 3 nights. We would visit the Kinderdijk area from there and also the Fortress Triangle. I have looked at bicycle rental and routes in both areas and there are options. After this we would take the train to Bruges.
Firstly, do these to cities seem reasonable bases for 2-3 days each of sightseeing?
Secondly, it looks like the weather in the area in October generally is 10-15 decrees C with maybe 10 days of rain during the month. Will it be reasonable to cycle in early October or are we likely to get cool, windy, wet weather? I know if its miserable weather we can take trains for day trips from Delft but hoped to cycle and use water taxi around Gorinchem. I guess I'm asking someone to predict the weather for me! Hehe. But, is it reasonable for us to think we can do a couple of day trips on bicycle from each place in first half of October?
Thirdly, on leaving Gorinchem for Bruges, how should I plan my train journey? When I go to the NS international website and search this trip it looks like I can either go through Rotterdam and use the Eurostar or go through Breda on IC trains. The Eurostar routes generally seem more expensive but possibly fewer transfers. Any advice?
Thanks for reading all that, and for any knowledgeable input.