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Dutch Bike Tours Cycling holiday Holland: Frisian Sea
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Cycling days
Distance
Netherlands: Sail & Bike Wadden Sea
Netherlands: Sail & Bike Wadden Sea
Type :
Hybrid :
E-Bike :
Duration :
8 days
Cycling days :
 6
Comfort :
period:
May Jun Jul Aug Sep
Code:
8-87
Culture Island Nature Seacoast IJsselmeer
price from € 1.154
Netherlands: Sail & Bike Wadden Sea
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Netherlands: Sail & Bike Wadden Sea

Bike Tour: Netherlands: Sail & Bike Wadden Sea - 8 days

Sail and bike tours are something very special. Feel the freedom, the wind and salt on your skin! It’s a little bit like discovering the seas and new areas as a modern-day explorer.

Aboard one of the most comfortable sailing ships, the Leafde fan Fryslân, the Mare fan Fryslân, and the Wapen fan Fryslân, you will experience pure nature while enjoying water, sun and a stiff breeze on the big inland lake IJsselmeer and the so-called “Wadden Sea”, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage biosphere reserve. During this Sail & Bike tour you can explore the beautiful and unique Frisian Sea and some of its islands.

Some "Premium" dates are also available for this tour. It is a fully guided tour, with a competent, professional, multilingual tour leader accompanying you and the group on daily cycling tours to interesting sights and places. During the tour, your guide will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way. Alternatively, you can choose to ride individually using our Ride with GPS app and our BBT cycling map (available on board). The itinerary and services offered differ slightly between the 'standard' and 'premium' options.

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Route
Day 1: Enkhuizen*
Day 2: Enkhuizen – Medemblik 24/37km | Medemblik – Den Oever – Texel*
Day 3: Texel, roundtrip from/to Oudeschild 43/49 km
Day 4: Texel – Terschelling (sailing about 5 – 6 hrs.)
Day 5: Terschelling roundtrip | sailing Terschelling – Harlingen
Day 6: Harlingen – Franeker – Makkum 40/45 km
Day 7: Makkum – Stavoren 28/48km | sailing to Enkhuizen
Day 8: Enkhuizen

Day 1:    Enkhuizen*

Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is from  4 p.m. near the beautiful center of Enkhuizen and close to the railway station. After unpacking your luggage the skipper will join you for an aperitif before giving you a rundown of what to expect on the journey, details about the ship and also about safety measures to be taken on board. In the evening take a stroll through the historical center of Enkhuizen, a quaint town that was the home of the Dutch merchant fleet during the Golden Age of The Netherlands. Enjoy your first night on board in Enkhuizen on the western bank of the lake IJsselmeer.

*If you choose the Premium tour, after all the necessary safety instructions are given the ship will depart to your first destination of the week, Medemblik. After dinner your tour leaders will guide you through this historic town now known for its sailing culture.

Day 2:    Enkhuizen – Medemblik 24/37km | Medemblik – Den Oever – Texel*
24 km

Today you can cycle the first leg of the trip along the IJsselmeer coast through the beautiful polder landscape to Medemblik.  After the cycling tour the ship will sail further to Den Oever. Depending on the weather in the evening the ship will take the lock and sail across the Wadden Sea (part of the North Sea) to the island of Texel.

*For the one who choose the Premium tour, after a extensive bike fitting, you can head off on your first bikeride. We will ride in two groups where one guide will take a longer route while the other group will take a shorter trail. Highlight for both routes is the picturesque village of Twisk. This former peat mining town never experienced great poverty and is still in pristine historic state. After the cycling tour the ship will sail further to Texel, the biggest Dutch Island in the North Sea.

Day 3:    Texel, roundtrip from/to Oudeschild 43/49 km
43 km

The island of Texel is a cyclist’s dream destination with its varied scenery, well signposted cycle tracks and picturesque villages. Our suggestion is to complete a round trip cycling tour of the largest of the Dutch North Sea islands that takes you via a number of villages, the seal sanctuary station “Ecomare” and a traditional beer brewery near the harbor of Oudeschild.

Day 4:    Texel – Terschelling (sailing about 5 – 6 hrs.)

Today you will enjoy sailing on your ship, when the tide and the weather are right, to the island of Terschelling. As you sail your way through the sandbanks of the Wadden Sea, keep a lookout for seals on the sandbars. In the afternoon the ship will arrive on Terschelling island, which features a number of picturesque villages situated between the polder and sand dunes along its 30 km expanse. While sailing you will enjoy an extensive lunch on board. 2024: No dinner will be served tonight, to enable you to explore the island, but you can make yourself a picnic meal or try one of the nice restaurants at Terschelling (not incl.). 2025: No dinner will be served tonight, to enable you to explore the island, please try one of the nice restaurants at Terschelling (not incl.).

Day 5:    Terschelling roundtrip | sailing Terschelling – Harlingen

While the previous day was all about sailing, today is all about cycling. Terschelling has plenty to offer cycle tourists: nature and culture, 70 km of cycling tracks and 4 beautiful villages. West Terschelling is the largest village on the island and features a number of nice shops and pubs. The standout landmark on the island is the 400 year-old lighthouse “Brandaris” that can be seen from well off in the distance. Also worth visiting is the heath land of “Boschplaat” which will captivate you with its mud, beaches and dunes. You might even spot ducks, black-winged stilts, large colonies of spoonbills and great black-backed gulls. After a day of cycling, you can relax in comfort once you have arrived on board. In the late afternoon the ship will cross the Wadden Sea sail to Harlingen, the most important harbor city of the province of Friesland.

Day 6:    Harlingen – Franeker – Makkum 40/45 km
48 km

Via Franeker, with the famous planetarium of Eise Eisinga, you cycle through the beautiful wide Frisian countryside along several rural villages to the small harbor of Makkum on the eastern bank of the lake IJsselmeer. If you take the long cycling trip, you will also visit Bolsward, one of the Eleven Frisian Cities.

*For the one who choose the Premium tour, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Planetarium of Eise Eisinga is on the program

Day 7:    Makkum – Stavoren 28/48km | sailing to Enkhuizen
32 km

From Makkum you will cycle to Stavoren. The short tour leads you via the old trading town of Hindeloopen. This local art of painting – a type of traditional decorative painting – is quite famous. Apart from this you’ll find the First Frisian Museum of Ice Skating in Hindeloopen. The long tour runs along several Frisian lakes and shows you a different type of landscape. From Stavoren the ship will set sail to cross the IJsselmeer to Enkhuizen in the late afternoon.

Day 8:    Enkhuizen

End of your tour: Departure after breakfast, until 9.30 a.m.

Prices

Prices per person 2026 - STANDARD TOUR

 

Cabin type

 

For

 

Season A

 

Season B

 

Season C

 

Season D

 

Small Twin cabin (Leafde, max 1)

 

 

2 pax

 

Not available

 

€ 1.399, -

 

Not available

 

Not available

 

Twin cabin

 

2 pax

 

€ 1.349, -

 

€ 1.599, -

 

€ 1.499, -

 

€ 1.199, -

 

Junior Suite (Leafde/Mare, max 1)

 

 

 

2 pax

 

 

€ 1.549, -  

 

 

€ 1.799, -

 

 

€ 1.699, - 

 

 

€ 1.399, -  

 

Suite upper deck

 

 

2 pax

 

Not available

 

 

€ 2.199, -

 

Not available

 

Not available

 

Single cabin (Leafde/Mare, max 1)

 

 

 

1 pax

 

 

€ 1.649, - 

 

 

€ 1.899, - 

 

 

€ 1.799, - 

 

 

€ 1.499, - 

 

Twin for single use (max 2)

 

 

1 pax

 

€ 2.023, 50

 

€ 2.398,50

 

€ 2.248,50 

 

€ 1.798,50 

 

Tour dates 2026:

  • Season A: May 2 – 25; September 19 – 21
  • Season B: July 5 – August 23
  • Season C: May 30 – Sept 14
  • Season D: Sept 26 

Mare fan Fryslân: departures on Saturday on
May 9, 16, 23 and 30
June 6, 13, 20 and 27
July 4, 11, 18 and 25
August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26

Simmer fan Fryslân: departures on Monday on
May 11,18 and 25;
June 1, 8, 156, 22 and 29;
July 6, 13, 20 and 27;
August 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31;
Sept. 7, 14 and 21

Wapen fan Fryslân: departures on Saturday on
May 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30;
June 6, 13, 20 and 27;
July 4, 11, 18 and 25;
August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29;
Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26

Leafde fan Fryslân: departures on Sunday on
July 5, 12, 19 and 26;
August 2, 9, 16 and 23

Discount Triple cabin: -100€ p.p. (3rd bed is bunk bed, on request)

 

Prices per person 2026 - PREMIUM TOUR

 

Cabin type

 

For

 

Season A

 

Season B

 

Small Twin cabin

 

2 pax

 

€ 1.449, -

 

 

€ 1.649, -

 

Twin cabin

 

2 pax

 

€ 1.649, -

 

€ 1.849, -

 

Junior Suite

 

2 pax

 

€ 1.849, -  

 

€ 2.049, -

 

 

Suite upper deck

 

 

2 pax

 

€ 2.299, -

 

€ 2.499, -

 

Single cabin

 

 

1 pax

 

€ 1.949, - 

 

€ 2.149, - 

 

Twin for single use (max 2)

 

 

1 pax

 

€ 2.473, 50

 

€ 2.773,50

 

Tour dates 2026:

Leafde fan Fryslan, departures on Sunday:

  • Season A: May 3, 10, 17 and 24; September 20 and 27
  • Season B: May 31; June 7, 14, 21 and 28; August 30; September 6 and 13

Discount Triple cabin: -100€ p.p. (3rd bed is bunk bed, on request)

Accommodation

Sail & Bikeship Mare fan Fryslân
The sailing ship Mare fan Fryslân was built in 1960 as a freight ship. It was completely renovated in 2006 and since 2007 it has been used as a very comfortable, beautiful, almost extravagant, three-mast schooner on Dutch waters. The sail can be operated either by hand or electrically. The Mare fan Fryslân is owned by Joris and Rinske de Wit, who also own and operate the sailing vessel Leafde fan Fryslân. The Mare fan Fryslân sails the Frisian Sea Tour.

Description of the cabins:
On the lower deck there are fourteen comfortable cabins. Twelve twin cabins (9 m² – 97 sq.ft. ) with two single beds which can be set together, one junior suite (11 m² – 118 sq.ft.) with two single beds which can be set together and a small sitting area with flat screen TV and one single cabin (6 m² – 65 sq.ft.). In all the two-bed cabins a Pullman bed/fold-down bed can be arranged. Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. All cabins have ventilation, central heating and portholes that can be opened. Furthermore, each cabin has a mini safe and a hairdryer.

Description of the ship:
On the lower deck, the Mare van Fryslân offers a cozy lounge/restaurant area with wooden paneling and air conditioning and a nice and warm atmosphere. From here you can reach the wheelhouse on the upper deck, fitted with a large seating area, a well-equipped bar, music & video equipment and TV. The large, panoramic windows offer a breathtaking view over the water. Wi-Fi is available. The wooden upper deck offers adequate seating, the steering unit, space for the bicycles, an outdoors bar with a draught beer tap and a grill, and even a Jacuzzi. When the weather is nice you can relax here or enjoy the scenery while sailing.

Facts about the ship:
Length:           54 m
Width:            7.2 m
Sail surface:    650 m²
Crew:             4
Cabins:          14
Pass.:             27 – 40 (max.)

Sail & Bike ship Wapen fan Fryslân
With its 55 metres of length, the Wapen fan Fryslân is the largest two-master schooner on the Dutch waterways. In 1965 the sailing ship was launched as a cargo ship, transporting all kinds of freight throughout the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. In 2003 the ship was completely transformed into a sailing passenger ship. On board of this marvellous ship you will immediately notice its warm and luxurious atmosphere. The Wapen fan Fryslân is owned and operated by Erik van Aken and is sailing the Frisian Sea Tour.

Description of the cabins:
On the lower deck, the Wapen fan Fryslân has twelve identical twin cabins (8,5 m² – 91 sq.ft.), each with two separate single beds which can be set together and a  folding bed as a third bed which can be used if needed. In each cabin there is a bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. All cabins have ventilation, central heating and two portholes of which one can be opened. Furthermore, you will find a mini safe in each cabin.

Description of the ship:
On the lower deck the Wapen van Fryslân offers a large lounge/restaurant with TV, which is characterized by its luxurious appearance and flexible furnishing. From here you can reach the large wheelhouse with a cosy and stylish bar and seating area. The panoramic windows offer a perfect all around view of the water. Wi-Fi is available. The afterdeck has an outdoor cafe with draught beer tap and a Jacuzzi and on the middle deck there are various sitting areas and there is room to enjoy a lovely meal outdoors to watch the scenery while sailing.

Facts about the ship:
Length:            55 m 
Width:             7,2 m
Sail surface:     550 m²
Crew:              4
Cabins:            12
Pass.:               24 – 36 (max.)

Sail & Bike ship Leafde fan Fryslân
The sailing ship Leafde fan Fryslân, an imposing, three-mast barquentine, made its maiden voyage for Sail & Bike tours in spring 2018 and is managed by its owner-operators, Joris and Rinske de Wit. For many years, they have run the sailing ship Mare fan Fryslân. The interior of this luxury ship can best be described as refined. The Leafde Fan Fryslân will run Sail and Bike Tours in Tulip season (guided) and on the “Frisian” Wadden Sea (non-guided).

Description of the cabins:
On the lower deck, the Leafde fan Fryslân has thirteen well-appointed cabins. Ten twin cabins (10 m² – 107 sq.ft.) and one smaller twin cabin (9 m² – 96.8 sq.ft.), with two single beds, which can be set together in most cabins, one junior suite (12 m² – 129 sq.ft.) with two single beds, which can be set together and a small sitting area and one single cabin (7 m² – 75 sq.ft.). Some of the twin cabins can be booked as a three-bed cabin (the third bed as bunk). Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. All cabins have ventilation and heating, portholes and a hatch that can be opened (except for the single cabin, in this cabin the window can’t be opened). Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a hairdryer and a mini safe.


Description of the ship:
On the lower deck you will find the restaurant in nautical style, where the carefully prepared sumptuous meals are served. In the wheelhouse on the upper deck, the Leafde fan Fryslân offers a cosy lounge which is equipped with large panoramic windows, a well-appointed seating area , TV and a well equipped bar. Wi-Fi is available. The best views over the water are available here and on the deck, where you can also have a seat when the weather is nice.

Facts about the ship:
Length:        64 m
Width:          7.2 m 
Sail surface:  760 m² 
Crew:           5
Cabins:        20
Pass.:           38 (max.)

Sail & Bike ship Simmer fan Fryslân
The Simmer fan Fryslân is a stately schooner originally built in 1932 as a sailing cargo ship. In 2003, she was carefully converted into a comfortable passenger ship. As of 2026, this impressive three-masted vessel will join our fleet. Rigged as a barquentine, the Simmer fan Fryslân is operated by Joris and Rinske de Wit, who also run the sailing ships Mare fan Fryslân and Leafde fan Fryslân.

Description of the cabins:
Below deck, you’ll find twelve spacious and well-appointed twin cabins (11–13 m²), each featuring two single beds (which can usually be pushed together) and a desk. Four cabins also have a fold-down third bed, making them suitable for three guests. All cabins include a private bathroom with shower, toilet, and washbasin, as well as a hairdryer, safe, ample power outlets, closet space, ventilation, and central heating. While the portholes cannot be opened, most cabins have an overhead hatch for fresh air, and two cabins come with an extra ventilation system.

Description of the ship:
On deck, a cozy restaurant in nautical style awaits, complete with a well-stocked bar, where freshly prepared meals are served daily. The polished woodwork and tasteful décor create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Wifi is available on board. Towards the bow, the deckhouse offers an additional lounge and access to several cabins. The wheelhouse, reached by a short staircase, includes guest seating so you can comfortably enjoy the view, even in less favourable weather. Ample outdoor seating is also available at the stern.

Ship facts:

Length:    44.35 m
Beam:      7 m
Sail area: 740 m²
Cabins:    12
Guests:    24 – 28 (max.)
Crew:        4

 

Practical info
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.

Important observations for the Sail & Bike program: A little bit of adventure is a part of every Sail & Bike tour: the departure and arrival day and the location – Enkhuizen – are a certainty, 100%. For the rest, the planned daily sailing routes are partially dependent on the strength and direction of the winds and – on the Wadden Sea – high and low tide. The skipper decides the best route to be taken day by day, and discusses the options with his guests. The crew does everything in its power to enable the program to run according to plan and to offer you as fascinating, varied and active a week as possible, in which nature and culture play a major part. It is, however, also possible that departure times and the time spent on the water – and even the order of the program itself – may be adjusted. Enjoy the ride and let yourself be led by the elements! Whenever possible, various passages will be undertaken fully rigged and anyone who would like to help the crew to sail and steer the boat is welcome to do so. This is of course absolutely up to you and no sailing experience is necessary.

Vegetarian meals are possible at no surcharge. Other diets (like gluten free or for lactose intolerance) are possible at a fee. All diets and vegetarian meals must be booked and confirmed well in advance (only vegan meals are not possible).

Included in this tour:

  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 7 x breakfast
  • 5 x packed lunches & 1 x lunch on board
  • 6 x 3-course dinner on board
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • Welcome drink
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Daily briefings by the crew
  • BBT-cycling map and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
  • GPS tracks
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Biodegradable water bottle
  • Wi-Fi
  • Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
  • Fees for ferries (Premium tour only)
  • City walk Medemblik (Premium tour only)
  • Nature museum & seal sanctuary Ecomare (Premium tour only)
  • UNESCO World Heritage Planetarium of Eise Eisinga (Premium tour only)

Not included in the tour:

  • 1x dinner on Terschelling
  • Drinks
  • Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
  • Helmet rental
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Entrance fees and excursions
  • Fees for ferries
  • Transfers to/from the docking place
  • Parking fees
  • SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)

Extra service:

  • Rental bicycle: €91 per week
  • Rental bicycle Premium: €105 per week
  • Rental E-Bike: €252 per week (only on request, limited number available)
  • Rental E-Bike Premium: €273 per week (only on request, limited number available)
  • HelmetsA helmet can be rented for € 10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment.
  • Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle €14/week (only bookable in advance). You can find more information here
  • Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike €28/week (only bookable in advance. You can find more information here
  • Parking own bicycle: €14 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
  • Parking + charge station own E-Bike: €28 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
  • Parking Enkhuizen: Parking behind the NS-train station in Enkhuizen is free, but can be very crowded.


Almost all of the rental bicycles are traditional touring bicycles (women’s models) with 7 or 8 gears, hand brakes (some with pedal brake) and pannier bags.  E-bikes feature a small electric engine and battery that assist and ease your pedaling, but they do not feature autonomous propulsion. It is like having a tailwind, so it is easier, but you still have to pedal.
Please note: all bicycles have normal pedals, no click pedals. So please wear ordinary sporting shoes. Changing pedals is not possible.

Reviews

15-10-2024

We had a wonderful trip! The boat was awesome, the food was amazing and the staff were friendly and kind. Biking with the gps and route directions was very easy and we had a wide variety of great experiences on the road: beach, forest, the planetarium! Go! You will love it!$


Robin McGinnis - US

13-06-2024

Gorgeous Dutch countryside and amazingly friendly Dutch people. Absolutely LOVED the Netherlands and Friesland!!


Andrew Wilkinson - AU
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