Netherlands Bike & Sail Adventure: Wadden Sea and IJsselmeer
Guided from EUR € 1504
Self guided from EUR € 1240
Bike and Boat Tour aboard Leafde fan Fryslân, Mare fan Fryslân or Wapen fan Fryslân
Countries: Holland
Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour
-
Cycle UNESCO sites across Texel, Terschelling, and the Frisian Sea
Explore the Netherlands in a whole new way by blending biking with sailing! Starting on the historic IJsselmeer Lake and heading into the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll experience the beauty of the Dutch coast up close.
With each tide, the Wadden Sea transforms, creating new stretches of sand and mudflats that teem with life. Seals, seabirds, and tidal pools make this area a rare natural treasure. Bike across Texel, Terschelling, and other islands, enjoying beaches, peaceful dunes, and small villages.
On the mainland, fishing villages and old harbor towns dot the cycling routes through North Holland and Friesland. Pedal along country roads, pitch in to raise the sails, or just relax and enjoy the ride through these waters and landscapes. Choose between a guided tour for local insights or a self-guided option for a more flexible pace, making it easy to tailor the journey to your style.
Highlights
- Historic Dutch Villages - Enkhuizen, Medemblik, Hindeloopen, and Franeker
- Sailing & Biking the IJsselmeer
- UNESCO Wadden Sea
- Texel & Terschelling
- Wildlife Watching - Spot seals and migratory birds
- Coastal Towns - North Holland and Friesland’s harbors and villages
Learn More
Learn more about guided & self-guided tours.
Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Holland. -
Daily program
-
*A sail & bike tour is guided by nature’s rhythm. While Enkhuizen marks the start and end, daily routes depend on wind, tides, and the captain’s guidance. Calm days may mean no sailing, while favorable winds offer chances to sail fully rigged.
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.
-
*A sail & bike tour is guided by nature’s rhythm. While Enkhuizen marks the start and end, daily routes depend on wind, tides, and the captain’s guidance. Calm days may mean no sailing, while favorable winds offer chances to sail fully rigged. Guests can join the crew in sailing or simply relax.
Day 1: Arrival in Enkhuizen
Arrive in Enkhuizen, where you can drop off your luggage starting at 11 am (cabin check-in is at 2 pm). The crew welcomes you aboard near the scenic center of Enkhuizen, close to the train station. Once settled, the captain will meet you for an aperitif, share trip details, ship information, and review onboard safety. In the evening, enjoy a stroll through Enkhuizen’s historical center, a town rich with Dutch Golden Age history. Spend your first night aboard, docked on the banks of Lake IJsselmeer.Day 2: Enkhuizen - Medemblik - Den Oever - Texel (14 -22 mi / 24 -37 km)
Today, sail from Enkhuizen to Den Oever. Opt to either stay on board or begin your first cycling adventure along the IJsselmeer coast through the scenic polder landscape to the fishing harbor of Den Oever. Weather permitting, the ship will sail across the Wadden Sea to Texel Island in the evening.Day 3: Texel's Oudeschild Loop (26 - 30 mi / 43 -49 km)
Explore Texel, the largest of the Dutch North Sea islands, on a round-trip cycling tour. The well-marked Thijsse route is recommended, with stops in picturesque villages and at Ecomare, the seal sanctuary. Don’t miss a visit to the traditional beer brewery in Oudeschild’s harbor.Day 4: Texel - Terschelling (sailing appx 5-6 hours)
If tides and weather allow, sail to Terschelling Island, navigating through the sandbanks of the Wadden Sea with possible views of seals resting on the sandbars. Enjoy a leisurely lunch onboard while sailing. Arrival on Terschelling features quaint villages between polders and sand dunes along the 30 km island. Dinner is on your own, allowing time to explore local eateries.Day 5: Terschelling - Harlingen (cycling distance is your choice)
Explore Terschelling’s natural and cultural beauty, with up to 70 km of cycling paths connecting four charming villages. West Terschelling, the largest, has shops, pubs, and the famous 400-year-old Brandaris lighthouse. Also, visit the Boschplaat Nature Reserve with its mudflats, dunes, and bird colonies. In the late afternoon, the ship crosses the Wadden Sea to Harlingen, Friesland’s major harbor town.Day 6: Harlingen - Franeker - Makkum (29 - 36 mi / 48 -58 km)
Cycle from Harlingen to Franeker, home to the historic Eise Eisinga planetarium, through Friesland’s open countryside and rural villages to the harbor of Makkum on the IJsselmeer’s eastern shore. Those on the longer route will also pass through Bolsward, one of the Eleven Frisian Cities.Day 7: Makkum - Stavoren -Enkhuizen (19 - 30 miles / 32 - 49 km)
Pedal from Makkum to Stavoren. The shorter route leads through Hindeloopen, known for its traditional painting style and the Frisian Ice Skating Museum. The longer route takes you past various Frisian lakes, offering a scenic change. From Stavoren, the ship sails across the IJsselmeer back 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.
-
-
Accommodation
Boats
- Cozy lounge on the upper deck with large panoramic windows
- Restaurant in nautical style on the lower deck
- Sundeck and jacuzzi
- Wifi available
- Water on board is drinkable
- Jacuzzi and teakwood sundeck
- Air conditioned saloon/restaurant area
- Wheelhouse with well equipped bar, large seating area, and panoramic windows (also fitted with music & video equipment and TV)
- Outside bar with draught beer tap and a grill
- No laundry services on board
- Special Diet Requests: Caters to Gluten, lactose, and vegetarian diets(€ 50 surcharge- to be paid on board.). Vegetarian diets have no surcharge. Vegan diets are not possible.
- Water on board is drinkable
- The interior of the ship is a non-smoking zone; smoking is only allowed on the sun deck.
- Large salon and restaurant area
- Jacuzzi
- Sundeck offering plenty of comfortable seating
- 12 cabins (about 91 sq ft/8.5 square meters)
- Outdoor cafe with draught beer
Leafde fan Fryslân
Meaning "Love of Friesland," this recently remodeled sailing ship embodies the spirit and pride of Friesland. With a remarkable 14-meter extension and the addition of a fourth mast, it stands as the only four-masted schooner in Dutch waters—a true tribute to Frisian maritime heritage. Read more
Overview
Mare fan Fryslân
Come sail away on Dutch waters aboard this glorious and extravagant three mast schooner -The Mare fan Fryslân! Originally built in 1960 as a freight ship, this beauty was converted into a passenger ship in 2006 and has become a memorable way for guests to tour the seas. Read more
Overview
Wapen fan Fryslân
At 180 ft/55 m long, the Wapen fan Fryslân is the largest two-master schooner on the Dutch waterways. The sailing ship was launched in 1965 as a freight ship, transporting all kinds of freight throughout the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. Read more
Overview
-
Bikes
Hybrid Azor
- Frame: Lightweight aluminum, low-entry design
- Brakes: Handbrakes
- Gearing: Shimano 7-speed Nexus
- Tires: Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture
- Saddle: Selle-Royal adjustable gel
Azor electric bike
- Frame: Lightweight aluminum, low-entry (step-through)
- Gearing: Nexus 7-speed
- Brakes: Hand brakes
- Motor: Shimano, 400 WH with 4 levels of support
- Saddle: Comfortable gel
Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
Leafde fan Fryslân:
Guided, Season A: May 4, 11, 18, 25; Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug 31, Sep 7, 14
Guided, Season B: Sep 21, 28
Self-guided, Season B: Jul 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 24Mare fan Fryslân:
Self-guided, Season A: Saturdays May 3–Sep 6
Self-guided, Season C: Sep 13, 20
Self-guided, Season D: Sep 27Wapen fan Fryslân:
Self-guided, Season A: Saturdays May 3–Sep 6
Self-guided, Season C: Sep 13, 20
Self-guided, Season D: Sep 27- Guided, Season A 2025 May 4, 11, 18, 25; Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug 31, Sep 7, 14 from € 16042025 departures: May 4, 11, 18, 25; Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Aug 31, Sep 7, 14
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, small twin cabin € 1604 Lower deck, twin cabin € 1804 Lower deck, junior suite € 2004 Upper deck, suite € 2454 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, single cabin € 2104 Lower deck, twin cabin € 2654 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 161 Helmet Included Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100 May departures Discount € -200 - Guided, Season B 2025 Sep 21, 28 from € 15042025 departures: Sep 21, 28
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, small twin cabin € 1504 Lower deck, twin cabin € 1704 Lower deck, junior suite € 1904 Upper deck, suite € 2354 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, single cabin € 2004 Lower deck, twin cabin € 2504 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 161 Helmet Included Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100 - Self-guided, Season B 2025 Jul 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 24 from € 13902025 departures: Jul 6, 13, 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 24
2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, small twin cabin € 1390 Lower deck, twin cabin € 1590 Lower deck, junior suite € 1790 Upper deck, suite € 2190 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, single cabin € 1890 Lower deck, twin cabin € 2340 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100
- Self-guided, Season A 2025 May 3–Sep 6 from € 14902025 departures: Saturdays May 3–Sep 6
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, twin cabin € 1490 Lower deck, junior suite € 1690 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, single cabin € 1790 Lower deck, twin cabin € 2190 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100 - Self-guided, Season C 2025 Sep 13, 20 from € 13902025 departures: Sep 13, 20
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, twin cabin € 1390 Lower deck, junior suite € 1590 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, single cabin € 1690 Lower deck, twin cabin € 2040 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100 - Self-guided, Season D 2025 Sep 27 from € 12402025 departures: Sep 27
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, twin cabin € 1240 Lower deck, junior suite € 1440 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, single cabin € 1540 Lower deck, twin cabin € 1815 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100
- Self-guided, Season A 2025 May 3–Sep 6 from € 14902025 departures: Saturdays May 3–Sep 6
2025 May Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 June Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 July Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 August Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, twin cabin € 1490 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, twin cabin € 2190 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100 - Self-guided, Season C 2025 Sep 13, 20 from € 15902025 departures: Sep 13, 20
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, twin cabin € 1590 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, twin cabin € 2040 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100 - Self-guided, Season D 2025 Sep 27 from € 12402025 departures: Sep 27
2025 September Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Double occupancy Lower deck, twin cabin € 1240 Single occupancy Price Lower deck, twin cabin € 1815 Bike rental Price Touring bike Included Electric bike € 154 Helmet € 10 Discounts Price Triple cabin Discount € -100
Included services
-
- 7 nights accommodations onboard the Leafde fan Fryslan
- 7 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 1 lunch onboard, 6 three-course dinners onboard
- Welcome drink
- Coffee & tea onboard
- Fresh towels on request
- Light daily cleaning of cabins
- 7-speed unisex city touring bicycle, helmet, water bottle, & pannier bag
- Fully guided cycling tours (2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
- Daily briefings of the tours
- Route descriptions & maps (one set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Fees for ferries
- City walk Medemblik
- Nature museum & seal sanctuary Ecomare
- UNESCO World Heritage Planetarium of Eise Eisinga
- Wifi
-
- 7 nights accommodations onboard boat of choice
- 7 breakfasts, 5 packed lunches, 1 lunch onboard, 6 three-course dinners onboard & 1 packed dinner
- Welcome drink
- Coffee & tea onboard
- Fresh towels on request
- Light daily cleaning of cabins
- 7-speed unisex city touring bicycle, pannier bag, & water bottle
- Onboard tour guide (remains on board, does not cycle with group)
- Daily briefings of the tours
- Route descriptions & maps (one set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- WiFi
Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
Surface and terrain
The cycle routes are primarily smooth, paved paths and quiet rural roads, with flat terrain throughout. Occasional cobbled streets or natural paths in historic towns add a bit of authentic charm, but overall, the routes are well-suited for all skill levels.
How to get there
Tour Start and End:
Enkhuizen, NetherlandsClosest Airport:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), take a direct train to Enkhuizen, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Once in Enkhuizen, the embarkation point is a short walk from the train station, conveniently located near the town center.Reviews
-
★★★★★ Jan V 1 month ago
Leafde fan Fryslân is a stunning ship!
I can't fully speak for the cycling part of this tour - though have personally biked all over Holland many times - but was on this ship for a private dinner event earlier this fall. It's truly a stunning boat (they recently expanded and refurbished it) and I'm 100% certain it will provide for an amazing holiday experience in and around an area that is also UNESCO World Heritage site.
Related locations