Bike and Barge
The Frisian Islands
- NL053 / Netherlands
- Bike and Barge Bike and barge In the daytime by bike, in the evening on board a hotel-boat that follows the cyclists along the route. Your luggage stays in the cabin and you can stay on the boat if you don't feel like cycling. Details
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
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Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
- 8 days
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- round tour Enkhuizen - Texel Island - Enkhuizen
- Some meals included
Highlights
Experience a new way to travel on water: aboard a sailing ship. An exciting journey by bike and boat, taking you back in time. We set sail from Enkhuizen, one of the richest cities of the Dutch Golden Age. Destination: the beautiful region of Friesland and two of its major islands, Texel and Terschelling. Cycle along a dense network of bike paths and sail across the North Sea between sandy beaches and seal colonies.
- Lake IJssel and Medemblik, the steam city
- Terschelling: sand dunes and blueberry fields
- The island of Texel: a paradise for cyclists
What awaits you
A week-long bike and barge tour in Holland: the land of bicycles! The terrain is completely flat, and the bike paths, almost all of which are paved, are always well marked. Some stages include a choice between a short and a longer ride, and if one day you don't feel like riding, you have the option of staying on board the boat. The only variable to keep an eye on is the weather: a little wind or rain could make your ride more adventurous.
Accommodation
There are seven overnight stays aboard a fascinating sailing ship, a real floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and welcome you aboard in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay. The cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Embarkation in Enkhuizen and first overnight stay
The sailing ship welcomes you to Enkhuizen, an ancient Dutch port town. Embarkation is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. After you’ve settled into your cabins, the captain and crew will be waiting for you for a welcome drink.
2. Lake IJssel and navigation to the Island of Texel
The first cycling leg starts in Enkhuizen and continues alongside the calm waters of Lake IJssel to Medemblik. Known as “the steam city,” Medemblik is home to a museum dedicated to steam engines and a moated castle dating back to 1288. After a short visit, you’ll resume pedaling toward Den Oever. From here the sailing ship sails to the island of Texel, where you spend the night.
3. Discovering the Island of Texel
Texel, the largest of the Frisian islands, is a true paradise for cyclists, thanks to its dense network of bicycle paths and low-traffic roads. Don’t miss the opportunity to travel the beautiful “Thijsse-route” in the south of the island, which passes through picturesque villages and breathtaking natural landscapes. Alternatively, we recommend a visit to the friendly seals at the Ecomare seal sanctuary in the Texel Dunes National Park. Again tonight the boat remains moored at the island of Texel.
4. Navigation and relaxation to Terschelling Island
Today you can enjoy a relaxing sail from Texel to Terschelling Island (5-6 hours). Aboard your sailboat you have the opportunity to admire the seal colonies along the waterfront. As you disembark in Terschelling, a true immersion in its unspoiled nature awaits you, including beaches and green wilderness. Dinner is at your liberty to give you plenty of time to explore the island and discover the quaint little restaurants in the village of Terschelling.
5. The Terschelling bike paths and by boat to Harlingen
Today you choose the length of the route: the island of Terschelling sports as many as 70 kilometers of bike paths, winding through bird-colonized sand dunes and blueberry fields. There are only four towns on the entire island and they welcome you with their small shops and typical inns. In the afternoon, the boat takes you across the Wadden Sea to Harlingen, Friesland’s most important port city.
6. The Frisian countryside and overnight stay in Makkum
Today’s route winds through the green Frisian countryside, through small rural villages to the port of Makkum on the eastern shore of Lake IJsselmeer. If you’re still going strong, you have the option of extending the route by about 10 kilometers to also visit Bolsward, a town with an ancient mercantile history.
7. Cycling to Stavoren and back to Enkhuizen
From Makkum, you’ll cycle to Stavoren, passing through the market town of Hindeloopen, known as one of the most beautiful town centers in Europe. Don’t miss its interesting ice skating museum. Today you can also choose a longer stage (by 15 kilometers) in the Frisian Lakes area. The ship sails from Stavoren in the late afternoon to return to Enkhuizen via Lake Ijssel.
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- air conditioning in common areas
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 27 guests, 14 cabins
Mare fan Fryslân
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- air conditioning in common areas
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 27 guests, 14 cabins
The sailing ship Mare fan Fryslân was built in 1960 as a cargo ship and completely renovated between 2006 and 2007. Since then it has been used as a passenger sailing boat.
The wooden upper deck offers comfortable chairs and tables, an outdoor bar, and a hot tub to use on hot summer days to relax. View more details
Cabins
- 12 doubles of about 9 sq. meters, with two single beds that can be joined
- 1 junior suite of about 11 sq. meters, with two single beds that can be joined and a sitting area with TV
- 1 single cabin of 6 sq. meters
All cabins have private bathroom with courtesy set, mini safe and hair dryer. Portholes can be opened to let the fresh air in.
Common areas
- cozy lounge and restaurant area
- sun deck with chairs for relaxing moments while sailing
2025
Departures on Saturday
go to online quote
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
Wapen fan Fryslân
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
The boat Wapen fan Fryslân was used for cargo transport until 2003, then it was totally renovated and transformed into an elegant passenger sailing ship.
Below deck is the dining room and relaxation area, and there is a bar and outdoor hot tub on deck to relax at the end of the day. View more details
Cabins
- 12 twin cabins of 8.5 sq. meters
All cabins have two separate beds that can be joined to form a double bed, and a folding bed for the third person in the cabin. There are two portholes, one of which can be opened.
They are equipped with private bathrooms with toiletries and mini safe. Hair dryer is available upon request.
Common areas
- Sun deck with plenty of seating and deck chairs
- jacuzzi
- large hall and restaurant
- outdoor bar with beer tap
2025
Departures on Saturday
go to online quote
- comfort Silver
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 38 guests, 20 cabins
Leafde fan Fryslân
- comfort Silver
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 38 guests, 20 cabins
Majestic four-masted sailing ship sailing among the Frisian islands and on Lake Ijssel.
Below deck are the common areas with dining room and a relaxation area with TV. The wheelhouse has comfortable seating and wide panoramic windows.
Why getting on board? For the cozy atmosphere and the charm of sleeping on a sailing ship!
Cabins
- 12 twin cabins of about 10 sq. meters
- 1 small twin of about 9 sq. meters
- 2 singles
- 1 junior suite of about 12 sq. meters with a small sitting area
- 4 upper deck suites of about 16 sq. meters
All cabins have two single beds that can be joined, private bathroom with courtesy set, portholes which can be opened (except in the single cabins), mini safe and hair dryer.
Common areas
- nautical-style restaurant on the lower deck
- cozy lounge with large panoramic windows
- sundeck
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
- Daily cabin cleaning
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 5 packed lunches and 1 lunch on board
- 6 dinners on board (drinks excluded)
- Coffee and tea on board
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets.
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
On board you will find:
- maps and route description
- GPS tracks
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Drinks on board
- Entrance tickets
- Ferry tickets
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.
The helmet is not mandatory, but we recommend wearing it and bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Limitation of liability of the bike (negligence damage excluded): 14 €/week for the standard bike, 28 €/week for the e-bike
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
- battery charger
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Route profile
- Total length: about 210 km (depending on the route chosen)
- Terrain: mainly on paved cycle paths or on secondary roads with little traffic
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled from 2 PM in Enkhuizen. Here you will meet the other participants.
How to get there
Enkhuizen is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
The closest airport is Amsterdam Schipol (AMS).
From Amsterdam Schipol (AMS):
- train Dutsch Railways (NS) to Enkhuizen (approx. 1,15 hour).
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
Enkhuizen is the closest train station. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Dutch Railways NS official website.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is Dutch.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for the Netherlands is +31.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 volts – 50 Hz. Type C and F power sockets.
We suggest to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.
Currency
The currency in the Netherlands is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
- a reusable water bottle
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long-sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Ersilia
Published: 10 Oct 2024
Elisa
Published: 23 Aug 2024
Enrico
Published: 17 Jun 2024
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