Netherlands Bike & Sail Adventure: Wadden Sea and IJsselmeer

Day 1: Enkhuizen - Medemblik

Check-in begins at 2 pm, close to Enkhuizen’s city center and the train station. After settling in, the captain will introduce you to the ship, the Leafde fan Fryslan. Meaning 'Love of Friesland', this elegant ship is a beautifully remodeled four-masted schooner, now the only ship of its kind in Dutch waters. Once settled, the captain will provide an overview of the itinerary while the tour leaders walk you through the daily program. The ship will set sail for your first destination, Medemblik, where, following dinner, your tour leaders will guide you through this historic town.

Day 2: Medemblik - Den Oever - Texel
17 - 24.8 mi / 28 - 40 km

The day begins with a thorough bike fitting, then it's off on your first ride! Two groups will head out with one guide taking a longer route and the other a shorter one, both leading to the historic village of Twisk, a former peat mining town known for its well-preserved charm. After the ride, the ship continues to Texel, the largest Dutch North Sea island. If weather conditions aren’t favorable, an overnight stop in Den Oever may be required.

Day 3: Texel's Oudeschild Loop
26 - 30 mi / 43 - 49 km

Texel offers a cyclist’s paradise with its diverse landscapes, scenic villages, and dedicated bike paths. Guided by your tour leaders, explore the island with stops including the seal sanctuary Ecomare, where rescued seals and birds are rehabilitated. Ecomare also provides insights into the island’s unique ecology.

Day 4: Texel - Terschelling
Sailing 5 - 6 hrs

Today, enjoy a full sailing day! The captain and crew will offer insights into sailing as you travel through the Wadden Sea’s sandbanks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keep an eye out for seals lounging on the sandbars along the way. Enjoy a hearty lunch on board before arriving at Terschelling, home to villages nestled between the polders and 30 km of sand dunes. Dinner is on your own tonight, giving you a chance to try one of the local restaurants.

Day 5: Terschelling - Harlingen
26 mi / 42 km

Today’s focus is on cycling as Terschelling offers an array of nature and cultural sites, 70 km of cycling paths, and four charming villages to explore. In West Terschelling, check out the 400-year-old Brandaris lighthouse, visible from afar, or explore the heathland of Boschplaat, home to mudflats, beaches, dunes, and a variety of bird species. In the afternoon, the ship will sail to Harlingen, the main harbor town of Friesland.

Day 6: Harlingen - Franeker - Makkum
29 - 36 mi / 48 - 58 km

Today’s route leads through Franeker where a stop at the UNESCO-listed Eise Eisinga Planetarium is planned. Afterward, continue biking through the Frisian countryside, passing rural villages en route to the harbor town of Makkum on the IJsselmeer’s eastern shore. For those taking the longer route, a visit to Bolsward, one of the Eleven Frisian Cities, is included.

Day 7: Makkum - Stavoren - Enkhuizen
19 - 30 mi / 32 - 49 km

From Makkum, you’ll bike to Stavoren. The shorter route includes a visit to Hindeloopen, famous for its traditional decorative art and the First Frisian Museum of Ice Skating. The longer ride takes you past several Frisian lakes, showcasing a unique landscape. In the late afternoon, the ship will sail across the IJsselmeer, returning to Enkhuizen.

Day 8: Disembark in Enkhuizen

After a final breakfast on board, you'll disembark by 9:30 am.

*Cycling distances in the program are approximate, with options for longer or shorter routes on some days—though shorter routes may skip certain highlights. If you’d rather not cycle, feel free to stay on board and relax as the ship travels to the next destination.