How to visit the Netherlands ?

The Netherlands are a small, very urbanised country, with good public transportation.
So unless you want to visit relative remote rural regions, or carry tons of luggage with you, a car is generally more of a burden. And an absolute nightmare in a place like Amsterdam.
Almost all towns, also the smaller ones, can perfectly well be reached by train. See timetables on www.ns.nl.
Within and around towns : use metro, tram and bus, or the bicycle. Consider that Dutch towns are not that widely stretched out, not even the major ones. Easily cyclable distances, bicycle paths all over.
Lots of bike rentals, even in smaller towns at most stations.

On your own or organised (group) travel ?

With an organised (bicycle or other) tour, you are not supposed to have surprises : you know exactly were you're going, and you're sure of accommodation and all other travel needs.
On the other hand, you're not free to travel at your own pace, to make your own choices. On a booked cycling tour, you'll have to carry on, regardless of the weather, or your mood.
Having everything organised is probably wise for high season (July and August) in the parts most popular with tourists.
In the other regions, and certainly before and after high season, finding accommodation should not be a problem. For the flowers and tulip region in western Holland the top season is April-May.

Also consider the idea of "coached tours" on the what-page, for optimal freedom of movement with a safety net.

A few suggestions for bicycle vacations :

• HAT-tours : Cycling Holidays & Barge Cruises.
• Bike and the Like : Bike and Barge tours in Holland.
• Dutch Activity Tours : Individual cycling holidays in the heart of the Netherlands.
• www.wadfietsen.nl : A special kind of Bike & Barge : 7-day sailing/cycling trip along the Dutch Wadden Islands with an old sailing ship.
• More suppliers of bicycle vacations on the links-pages of this site.