Holland's Islands: biking & sailing trip

Freedom and adventure.

Biking & Sailing Trip Hollands Islands

Wind and salt on the skin and a sense of freedom! Sailing trips are special. It's a bit as if you explore the seas as a navigator and pioneer. Cycling and sailing always means a little adventure: On this trip only the the port of embarkation and disembarkation Enkhuizen are known and 100 % secure. Route guidance is primarily dependent on the weather and the tides, and will be defined from day to day. The skipper and his crew discuss the possibilities every day with the guests and will do everything possible to give you an eclectic mix of culture and nature. Let us surprise you! During the bike and boat trip you have many options for individual cycling trips. Who does not want to cycle remains on board, who wants to can even pitch in on board, sailing experience is not necessary. During this trip you will discover the open waters of the northern IJsselmeer and the West Frisian Wadden Sea. Enjoy visits to the North Sea islands of Texel and Terschelling, which can explore perfectly by bike. For these trips - according to dates - the three largest three-or two-masted schooner of Dutch inland waters will be used: MARE FAN FRYSLÂN, WAPEN FAN FRYSLÂN and as of 2018 LEAFDE FAN FRYSLÂN.

MARE FAN FRYSLÂN

The 62 m long MARE FAN FRYSLÂN was completely renovated in 2006 and since 2007 it is at home on Dutch water as a beautiful, extravagant three-masted schooner. On the lower deck is the wood-paneled salon with air conditioning and the pilot house with a bar, music and video system. Through the large, round windows you enjoy a magnificent view of the water. The ship offers 12 comfortable 10 m² large 2-bed cabins with walk-in beds, 1 junior suite with a small sitting area and flat-screen TV and a 7 m² 1-bed cabin with bunk beds. All cabins are equipped with shower/toilet and ventilation system. The wooden top deck offers ample seating, an outdoor bar with beer pump and a grill, the steering station, a hot tub and space for bicycles. The sails can be operated both manually and electrically.

WAPEN FAN FRYSLÂN

With its 55 meters the WAPEN FAN FRYSLÂN is the largest two-masted schooner in the Netherlands. On deck there is a large wheelhouse, where a stylish bar invites for a cozy chat. Enjoy especially the all round view of the water from the large windows! Outside there is another control stand, a bar with draft beer connection and even a Jacuzzi. In good weather you can eat excellent on the middle deck in the fresh air or in the main salon that radiates pleasant luxury. The 12 about 10 m² two-berth cabins with openable porthole are equipped with two single beds (plus a third bed that is fixed folded against the wall), a private shower, toilet and sink. No single rooms on the Wapen Fan Fryslan!

LEAFDE FAN FRYSLÂN

The imposing three-masted barquentine LEAFDE FAN FRYSLÂN was used for cycling and sailing trips for the first time in 2018 and is operated by the owner couple Joris and Rinske de Wit, who have been operating the three-masted clipper MARE FAN FRYSLÂN for many years. The luxurious ship has an upscale interior. The ship has 10 comfortable twin cabins, 1 smaller twin cabin, 1 junior suite with 2 single beds each and 1 single cabin. In some cabins, an optional third bed is available as a bunk bed. All cabins have a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. A window or deck hatch can be opened in each cabin. Delightful meals are served in the nautical-themed restaurant and the quaint ship's bar is well stocked. The wheelhouse has a nice seating area: Here and on deck you have the best view over the water. The LEAFDE FAN FRYSLÂN accommodates 25 (up to max. 27) passengers, is 48 m long, 7 m wide and has a total sail area of ​​760 m².

1. day Enkhuizen Arrival

Enkhuizen is 65 km (60 minutes) northwest of Amsterdam. Embarkation from 4pm (bag drop from 11am already possible). During the welcome the skipper tells you with an aperitif all about the upcoming trip. Overnight stay on board in the port of Enkhuizen.

2. day Enkhuizen - Medemblik 24 or 37 km / Medemblik - Den Oever - Texel

In the pretty harbor town of Enkhuizen with its historic old town you start your first bike ride along the IJsselmeer to the old port of Medemblik and then continue to Den Oever with its small interesting fishing port. Depending on weather conditions the ship goes already today out into the Wadden Sea island of Texel.

3. day Island Texel, Round trip Oudeschild 43 or 39 km

Island Texel

The day belongs to one of the largest Dutch North Sea island. Cycle through extensive dune fields and picturesque villages, follow the well signposted Thijsseroute (about 40 km) and visit the seal breeding station EcoMare.

4. day Island Texel - Island of Terschelling, sailing (5 - 6 hours)

Today we are sailing! In about 5-6 hours we will reach our destination today, the island of Terschelling, also known as the "Amsterdam of the Wadden Sea". Look forward to a lovely village that still retains much of its original charm.

5. day Round trip island Terschelling / sailing from Terschelling to Harlingen

Lots of nature and culture offers today's round trip to Terschelling. 70 km cycling paths, four beautiful villages, West-Terschelling, the largest town on the island with plenty of shops and pubs and the 400 year old lighthouse waiting to be discovered. In the late afternoon you will sail to Harlingen.

6. day Harlingen - Franeker - Makkum 48 or 58 km

After breakfast you cycle via Franeker, with its famous planetarium from Eise Eisinga through the wonderful, spacious Frisian landscape to Makkum. Makkum is located on the eastern shore of the IJsselmeer. If you want to take the longer bike ride, visit Bolsward, one of the eleven Frisian cities.

7. day Makkum - Stavoren 32 or 49 km / sailing: Stavoren - Enkhuizen

Today you first cycle to Stavoren. If you have chosen the short route, you will cycle through the old trading town of Hindeloopen. The first Frisian skating museum is in Hindeloopen. The longer bike tour takes you along several lakes in the Frisian Lake District and shows you a completely different landscape. After the bike ride you will sail back to Enkhuizen.

8. day Enkhuizen Departure

Your adventure ends after breakfast with disembarkation in Enkhuizen at 09:30 am.

Please note: timetable and program changes

A Sail & Bike tour always includes a bit of adventure: On this trip, only the embarkation and disembarkation port of Enkhuizen is 100% fixed in advance. The distance to be covered is primarily dependent on the weather and the tides and is determined from day to day. Route changes or a change in the order of the individual stages are therefore always reserved. The skipper and his crew discuss the possibilities with the guests on a daily basis and will do everything to offer you a varied mix of culture and nature. Let yourself be surprised! Several sections of the route are covered by sailing ship. All distances mentioned are “approximate distances” of the recommended bike tours. If guests don't want to cycle one day, they can relax and stay on board. Program + information subject to change, e.g. for meteorological or nautical reasons.

Worth knowing about the bike & boat bike tour

Below you will find specific information about the bike & boat bike tour in Holland. If you have any further questions about this trip, just give us a call: Tel .: 06421 - 886890.

landing point Enkhuizen

The ship's landing point is usually close to the train station. You will receive final information on the location of the ship with the detailed travel documents before you start your journey.

Parking in Enkhuizen

You can park your car behind the train station. Parking is free.

Available rental bikes

So-called unisex bikes are available as rental bikes (suitable for men and women). They all have the 7-speed gear hub with coaster brake and are available in different frame heights. Therefore, please state your height when booking. Electric bikes can also be provided on request.

Bring your own bikes

You can take your own bike with you to a limited extent. There is little space available on the ship  for a surcharge: € 10.00 per regular bike or € 25.00 per electric bike. Advance registration is required to bring your own bike.

plan Wapen fan Fryslan

plan Mare fan Fryslan

plan Leafde fan Fryslan

double cabin Leafde van Fryslan

Salon Leafde van Fryslan

Change of the tour

Any necessary changes to the itinerary due to wind, weather and nautical features are reserved for the skipper as captain of the ship at any time!

Extra costs which are not included in the tour price

Arrival and departure, transfers, drinks, coffee and tea after 4:00 p.m., rental bikes and helmets, personal insurance, gratuities and personal expenses, ferry and parking fees
A fuel surcharge, which may apply due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, is not included in the cruise price and must be paid in cash on arrival on board the ship. We will inform you of the amount of the surcharge, if any, in the travel documents approx. 3-4 weeks before arrival.

7 day hotline service

In case of chain breakdown, flooding or other bad surprises that makes a continuation of your tour impossible: no problem, we also work during weekends and you can reach us 7 days a week in case of emergency.

Passport and visa requirements, health regulations

For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Corona travel information:
Before booking your trip, please inform yourself about the measures in place to contain the Corona pandemic.

An up-to-date overview of applicable measures and travel and safety advice regarding Covid-19 for all countries in the EU and Switzerland can be found here:
https://reopen.europa.eu/en/

You can also find more information on our website at:
Corona virus and holiday planning

Travel insurance

The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

Enkhuizen

The history of the Dutch East India Company, the VOC, is still visible in Enkhhuizen today. In the 17th and 18th century the VOC was the largest trading company in the world that travelled to Asiatic countries with its beautiful ships to conduct trade. The favourable location beside the IJsselmeer made it attractive to base a 'VOC Chamber' here. The 'Drommedaris', the defence towers in the port, and the centre with its historical buildings are reminders of these prosperous times.

Enkhuizen

Enkhuizen Zuiderzeemuseum

Den Oever

The Oever is located at the beginning of the Afsluitdijk and is the most famous village of Wieringen. It owes its fame above all to the shrimp fishery. The place name is due to the area where Den Oever [The Shore] is located. At the time when the Wadden Sea was created, Den Oever was only open to the east - 'the shore'. When the Wadden Sea and the Zuiderzee became large open waters, Den Oever became half of the mudflats and open waters - 'the shore' was roughly at Oosterland. In the course of the 14th and 15th centuries 'the shore' slowly shifted, creating some small hamlets, including Den Oever.

Den Oever

Texel

With its 30 kilometres of sandy beaches, Texel island is a paradise for beach lovers. Texel has much more to offer, however: seven villages – each one pretty as a picture – and unique natural scenery. Moreover, Texel is within easy and quick reach. Starting in Den Helder, the veerboot takes just twenty minutes to sail to the island!

Texel

Texel

Duinen van Texel Nationalpark

Much of Texel’s dunescape forms part of the Duinen van Texel National Park. Nationwide there are 20 such National Parks, 17 of which have been planned by the state. These are all areas of outstanding natural beauty which require special attention and preservation. Texel’s National Park covers the entirety of the island’s dunes and woodland - from the southernmost tip at De Hors to the dunes close to the lighthouse at the island’s most northerly point. In total, an area of 43 square kilometres. The Duinen van Texel National Park is home to a wide diversity of landscapes.

Duinen van Texel Nationalpark

Ecomare

Ecomare is a fun and exciting day trip for all ages. You can see seals and porpoises. You also get very close to birds, fish and other marine animals. In Ecomare’s nature museum, you learn lots about the Wadden Sea World Heritage, the North Sea and Texel. Ecomare is situated in the middle of the National Park Dunes of Texel. 

Ecomare

Terschelling

Terschelling is the second largest of the West Frisian Islands. The oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands, the Brandaris from 1594, welcomes visitors to the island. Good collaboration between humans and nature has resulted in a varied landscape that ranges from a shoreline to tidal marshes and forests.

Terschelling

Vlieland

Vlieland is the Wadden Island that is the most remote from the mainland. This quiet island has only one village. The island is largely forested, but also has the eye-catching Vuurboetsduin. This is a forty-metre high dune with a red lighthouse on top. The island is around 12 km in length and no more than 2 km in width.

Vlieland