Itinerary
Sailing and cycling in Holland: North Sea Islands
8 days / 7 nights | Ship Leafde, Mare and Wapen fan Fryslan | Frisian Sea and island hopping
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.
It is a world with two faces, where sand and water dominate during the changeover from low to high tide and where islands of all sizes line up like pearls on a chain. There are tidal channels, seagrass meadows, mussel beds, sandbanks, mudflats, salt marshes, beaches and dunes. The Frisian Sea is the habitat of marine mammals, such as seals and porpoises, and the breeding ground and wintering area for millions of birds. The area is one of the last remaining large-scale, low-tide ecosystems where natural processes continue to function. Furthermore you will visit the famous (freshwater lake) IJsselmeer and its beautiful coastline with many fishing villages and old trading harbor towns.
Highlights of the tour are the North Sea islands of Texel and Terschelling and their beautiful natural areas, small villages and long sandy beaches that you can explore by bicycle. Highlights on the coasts of the mainland in the provinces of North-Holland and Friesland are a combination of rural areas, small villages and picturesque harbor towns: a true “El Dorado” for cyclists. If you like, on board, you may – instructed by the experienced crew – lend a hand during navigating and raising the sails. Sailing experience is not necessary. But of course you are also very welcome to just relax and
enjoy the sailing and scenery.
The Mare and Wapen fan Fryslân tours start and end on SATURDAY, the tours with the Leafde fan Fryslân start and end on SUNDAY.
Highlights of this bike and boat trip
✔ Discover the Wadden Sea Islands with bike and boat
✔ Pretty harbour towns of Enkhuizen en Stavoren
✔ Bike trips on the North Sea Islands Texel and Terschelling
✔ Traditional sailing ships with max. 26 passengers
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Enkhuizen
Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is from 2 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.
Day 2: Enkhuizen – Medemblik – Den Oever bike tour (Cycling 24 km/14 mi or 37 km/22 mi) sailing Medemblik – Den Oever – Texel
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.
Day 3: Texel – round tour from/to Oudeschild (Cycling 43 km/26 mi. or 49 km/30 mi.)
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. 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.).
Day 5: Terschelling roundtrip, (cycling distance of your choice) | 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 (cycling 48 km/29 mi. or 58 km/36 mi.)
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.
Day 7: Makkum - Stavoren (Cycling 32 km/19 mi. or 49 km/30 mi.) | Sailing back to Enkhuizen
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: end of the tour in Enkhuizen
End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.
Good to know
Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.
All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal).
The daily bike tours are individual, conducted at your own pace and without a tour leader. There are daily briefings on board and detailed bicycle maps and route notes are available. GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the start date of the tour.
During the days when 2 bicycle options are possible, you can make a choice for the longer or the shorter option.
Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bike option. In case you prefer a day of rest, you can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next town.
On the arrival day is it possible to bring your luggage on board from 11 a.m.
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.
Map

Ship
Wapen fan Fryslan
With its 55 metres of length, the Wapen fan Fryslan is the largest two-master schooner on the Dutch waterways. In 1965 the sailing ship was launched as a freight ship and it transported 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 five star ship you will immediately notice its warm and luxurious atmosphere. On deck there is a the large pilothouse with a cosy and stylish bar and seating area. The panorama windows offer a perfect all around view of the water. The afterdeck has an outdoor cafe with draught beer taps and a Jacuzzi and on the middle deck there are various sitting areas is room to enjoy a lovely meal outdoors. The sundeck offers plenty of seating including comfortable deckchairs. The large salon, also restaurant, is characterised by its luxurious appearance and flexible furnishing.
All 12 spacious cabins (ca. 10 m2) have two separate box spring beds (90x200 m) that can easily be transformed into a double bed. Each hut has its own shower, toilet and washbasin. Each cabin has a folding bed as a third bed which can be used if needed and a porthole which can be opened.
Mare fan Fryslan
The Mare fan Fryslan was built in 1960 as a freight ship and was then completely renovated in 2006 and has been used since 2007 as a beautiful, almost extravagant, three-mast schooner on Dutch waters at home. Facilities: On the lower deck there is a saloon with wooden paneling (air-conditioned), also used a the restaurant. Next to the saloon one can find the wheelhouse fitted with bar, music, video equipment and TV. This room is fitted with the large, panoramic window which offers a breathtaking view over the water.
On the lower deck there are 12 comfortable 2-bed cabins (floor area of about 10 m2, 2 floor-level single beds 90 x 200 cm), 1 premium twin with a small corner sitting area and a flat screen TV (about 12 m2) as well as a 1-bed cabin with bunk beds (floor area of about 7 m2). In all the 2-bed cabins and the junior-suite is it also possible to arrange to have 3 beds – a Pullman bed/fold-down bed. All cabins have a private shower/WC/sink and ventilation system. The wooden upper deck offers adequate seating, an outdoors bar with a draught beer tap and a grill and even a Jacuzzi. The sail can be operated either by hand or electrically. In the harbours there is a Wifi/WLAN connection (free of charge) available throughout the whole ship.
Leafde fan Fryslân
The imposing three-masted barquentine, Leafde fan Fryslân, made its maiden voyage in the spring of 2018. The interior of this recently restyled ship can best be described as refined. There are 10 well-equipped twin cabins, 1 smaller twin cabin and 1 junior-suite with two separate beds and 1 single cabin. In some of the twins a third (bunk) bed can be added, which makes it perfect for a family. Sumptuous meals are served in the restaurant and the ship’s bar is fully stocked; so the salon is the place to be after a day on the pedals. Or on deck, where you can burn some extra calories by helping to hoist the sails.
Travel Dates & Prices 2022
Sail & Bike - Bikecruise North Sea Islands
Travel Dates and Prices 2022 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2022 per Person in €
Wapen und Mare fan Fryslan: departure on Saturday Leafde fan Fryslan: departure Sunday
Apr 30 - May 13 + Sep 17 - Sep 24
May 14 - Sep 16
small Twin cabin (LFF)
799,- €
879,- €
Twin cabin
999,- €
1079,- €
Junior Suite (LFF, MFF)
1199,- €
1279,- €
single cabin(LFF, MFF)
1299,- €
1379,- €
Twin for single use
1498,- €
1618,- €
Triple cabin
-
-
LFF = Leafde fan Fryslan | MFF = Mare fan Fryslan | WFF = Wapen fan Fryslan
Optional services / Notes
Cycle hire (7 gears)
85,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
185,- €
Bike helmet hire
10,- €
Bike insurance/week (booking in advance)
10,- €
Bike insurance E-bike/week (booking in advance)
25,- €
Parking own bicycle
10,- €
Parking + charge station own E-Bike
25,- €
- Reduction children till 11 yrs: 10% of the tour price
- Triple cabin: On request.
- Minimum number of participants: 18
Included
- 8 days/7 nights
- 7 x breakfast, 5 x packed lunches & 1 x lunch on board,
6 x 3-course dinner on board & 1 x packed dinner
- Coffee and tea on board till 4 p.m.
- Welcome drink
- Daily cleaning of the cabin
- Daily briefings by the crew
- Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Use of a waterproof pannier bag
- Wi-Fi
- Carbon offset payment to the Non-Profit organization Justdiggit
NOT INCLUDED: Drinks, Coffee and tea on board after 4 p.m., 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
Vaccination and health requirements for this tour:
For most of our tours, all travelers are subject to the rules that are imposed by the relevant authorities in the country of travel at the time of the trip. Currently (as of Nov. 1, 2021) this means either fully vaccinated, recovered or tested for almost all trips within the EU for EU citizens. In short: If you are allowed to (enter) a country and are healthy, you can also check in with us on board and enjoy your journey.
Bicycles Wapen fan Fryslân
The bicycles on board is a unisex city bike with a low-entry and a riding position that is upright and comfortable. The bike is handmade in the Netherlands by Azor, specially designed by Boat Bike Tours. The bike consists of a lightweight aluminum frame and is equipped with responsive roller brakes (handbrake), a Shimano 7 speed nexus drive, Selle-Royal gel saddle (adjustable), an easy to use lock (fixed on frame) and the Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tyre. This all results in a lightweight, stable and reliable bike, good for many miles on the saddle.
The E-bike is an Azor Steps with Nexus 7 gears and hand brakes. The crank Shimano motor (400 WH) offers 4 support levels, The E-bikes have a comfortable gel saddle and a lock on the frame (or a comparable brand/model).
Bicycles Mare fan Fryslân
The bicycles on board is a unisex city bike with a low-entry and a riding position that is upright and comfortable. The bike is handmade in the Netherlands by Azor, specially designed by Boat Bike Tours. The bike consists of a lightweight aluminum frame and is equipped with responsive roller brakes (handbrake), a Shimano 7 speed nexus drive, Selle-Royal gel saddle (adjustable), an easy to use lock (fixed on frame) and the Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tyre. This all results in a lightweight, stable and reliable bike, good for many miles on the saddle.
The E-bike is an Azor Steps with Nexus 7 gears and hand brakes. The crank Shimano motor (400 WH) offers 4 support levels, The E-bikes have a comfortable gel saddle and a lock on the frame (or a comparable brand/model).
Bicycles Leafde fan Fryslân
The bicycles on board is a unisex city bike with a low-entry and a riding position that is upright and comfortable. The bike is handmade in the Netherlands by Azor, specially designed by Boat Bike Tours. The bike consists of a lightweight /aluminum frame and is equipped with responsive roller brakes (handbrake), a Shimano 7 speed nexus drive, Selle-Royal gel saddle (adjustable), an easy to use lock (fixed on frame) and the Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tyre. This all results in a lightweight, stable and reliable bike, good for many miles on the saddle.
The E-bike is an Azor Steps with Nexus 7 gears and hand brakes. The crank Shimano motor (400 WH) offers 4 support levels, The E-bikes have a comfortable gel saddle and a lock on the frame (or a comparable brand/model).
Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles/e-bikes (limited number of parking places available). Guests can book a parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike for a small additional fee. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles or e-bikes.
Prices of other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”/tag-a-long, tandem bicycles etc. and child’s saddles (rear) are on request.
Sailing and cycling with children
In principle, children are very welcome on board. However, before booking, we advise you to satisfy yourself that your child is able to manage a cycle trip of ca. 30-55 km. Children's bikes, tandems, parent-child-tandems, slip streamers etc. are available on request. Of course you may stay one or more days longer on board (children under the age of 18 years must be under supervision). Child discount on request. Life jackets for children can be arranged on request: please mention the age, length and weight of your child when you book the tour.
Arrival
You can reach Enkhuizen by rail from Amsterdam Centraal Station in approx. 1 hour.
Parking space behind the station in Enkhuizen for free.