Itinerary
Sailing and cycling in Holland: North Sea Islands
8 days / 7 nights | Ship Leafde fan Fryslân | 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.
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 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.
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 Leafde fan Fryslân
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: 48 m (158 ft.)
Width: 7.2 m (24 ft.)
Sail surface: 760 m² – 2494 sq.ft.
Crew: 4
Cabins: 13
Pass.: 25 – 27 (max.)
NEW AS FROM 2024
In winter 2023-’24, in a quite unique operation by owner/operator Joris de Wit, the large sailing vessel will be cut into two pieces and extended by a new section of 14 meters (approx. 46 ft.). Also, an additional fourth mast will be installed. In 2024 this will make the Leafde Fan Fryslân the only four-masted-schooner in Dutch waters.
Below deck, 3 new guest cabins will be added and on top deck four magnificent upper deck suites, each with a -double glass door and small private balcony, will be created. An air-conditioning system will be installed in all cabins and public indoor areas.
The capacity will thus be raised from 25 to 38 guests in 12 lower deck twin cabins (approx. 9-10 m²) and one smaller twin cabin (9 m²), two single cabins, one lower deck junior suite (12 m2) and four new upper deck suites (approx. 15-16 m²). Length overall will be 64 meters (210 ft.).
Impressions 2024
Travel Dates & Prices 2025
Sail & Bike – Bikecruise North Sea Islands
Leafde fan Fryslân
Travel Dates and Prices 2025 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2025 per Person in €
Leafde fan Fryslan: departure Sunday
S. 1
S. 2
S. 3
small Twin cabin
1299,-
1499,-
1399,-
Twin/Double Cabin
1499,-
1699,-
1599,-
Junior Suite
1699,-
1899,-
1799,-
Suite Upper Deck
2099,-
2349,-
2249,-
Single Cabin
1799,-
1999,-
1899,-
Twin for single use
2248,-
2548,-
2398,-
Season 1
06.07. – 24.08.25
Season 2
04.05. – 29.06 + 31.08. – 14.09.
Season 3
21.09., 28.09.
Optional services / Notes
Cycle hire (7 gears)
91,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
245,- €
Bike helmet hire
10,- €
Bike insurance/week (booking in advance)
14,- €
Bike insurance E-bike/week (booking in advance)
28,- €
Parking own bicycle
14,- €
Parking + charge station own E-Bike
28,- €
- Triple cabin with bunk bed on request
- Minimum number of participants: 10
For more dates of this voyage with the ship Mare fan Fryslân or Wapen fan Fryslân
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
- Welcome drink
- Daily cleaning of the cabin
- Use of bed linen and towels
- Daily briefings by the crew
- Maps 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
NOT INCLUDED: 1 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
Route profile
Individual, unguided cycling tours through flat terrain. In the area of the dunes on the islands, some sections are somewhat undulating, but no major climbs are to be expected.
The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.
Perfect for more experienced cyclists
With a detailed map of the area and a suggested route for close-range explorations, you decide where you head and how fast you ride. During the evening prior to next day’s cycling tour, the ship’s crew will explain some difficult parts, offer tips about the nicest places to stop for a drink or lunch, and mention the best highlights. In case of emergencies or problems, the crew can be contacted. But – as the ship is sailing to the next port – they can only offer assistance by phone.
Bicycles / E-Bikes
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.
Arrival / Parking
You can reach Enkhuizen by rail from Amsterdam Centraal Station in approx. 1 hour.
Parking Enkhuizen: Parking behind the NS-train station in Enkhuizen is free, but can be very crowded.
Travel Dates & Prices 2026
Sail & Bike – Bikecruise North Sea Islands
Leafde fan Fryslân
Travel Dates and Prices 2026 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2026 per Person in €
Leafde fan Fryslan: departure Sunday
S. 1
S. 2
S. 3
small Twin cabin
1399,-
1449,-
1649,-
Twin/Double Cabin
1599,-
1649,-
1849,-
Junior Suite
1799,-
1849,-
2049,-
Suite Upper Deck
2199,-
2299,-
2499,-
Single Cabin
1899,-
1949,-
2149,-
Twin for single use
2398,-
2473,-
2773,-
Season 1
05.07. – 23.08.
Season 2
03. - 24.05. + 20. - 27.09.
Season 3
31.05., 07. - 28.06. + 30.08.
Optional services / Notes
Cycle hire (7 gears)
91,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
252,- €
Bike helmet hire
10,- €
Bike insurance/week (booking in advance)
14,- €
Bike insurance E-bike/week (booking in advance)
28,- €
Parking own bicycle
14,- €
Parking + charge station own E-Bike
28,- €
- Triple cabin with bunk bed on request
- Minimum number of participants: 10
For more dates of this voyage with the ship Mare fan Fryslân or Wapen fan Fryslân
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
- Welcome drink
- Daily cleaning of the cabin
- Use of bed linen and towels
- Daily briefings by the crew
- Maps 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
NOT INCLUDED: 1 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
Route profile
Individual, unguided cycling tours through flat terrain. In the area of the dunes on the islands, some sections are somewhat undulating, but no major climbs are to be expected.
The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.
Perfect for more experienced cyclists
With a detailed map of the area and a suggested route for close-range explorations, you decide where you head and how fast you ride. During the evening prior to next day’s cycling tour, the ship’s crew will explain some difficult parts, offer tips about the nicest places to stop for a drink or lunch, and mention the best highlights. In case of emergencies or problems, the crew can be contacted. But – as the ship is sailing to the next port – they can only offer assistance by phone.
Bicycles / E-Bikes
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.
Arrival / Parking
You can reach Enkhuizen by rail from Amsterdam Centraal Station in approx. 1 hour.
Parking Enkhuizen: Parking behind the NS-train station in Enkhuizen is free, but can be very crowded.