- Overview
- Trip Outline
- Trip Includes
- Gallery
Summer Bike and Boat tour to explore history and culture of the beautiful province of Friesland and the natural treasures of Waddensee Islands. July is perfect weather to enjoy quiet countryside cycling, beautiful vistas and ancient villages of Friesland Province. Our trip is highlighted by three days enjoying pristine beaches and distinct nature of amazing Waddensee Islands, Texel and Terschelling.
Summer Bike and Boat tour to explore history and culture of the beautiful province of Friesland and the natural treasures of Waddensee Islands. July is perfect weather to enjoy quiet countryside cycling, beautiful vistas and ancient villages of Friesland Province. Our trip is highlighted by three days enjoying pristine beaches and distinct nature of amazing Waddensee Islands, Texel and Terschelling.
Itineraries
Day 1
Check-in and sail to Stavoren
We greet you onboard at 1 p.m. in the historic harbor of Enkhuizen- a short train ride from Amsterdam Central Station. Our crew will settle you in while you enjoy our Dutch hospitality-lunch in the salon. Flora sets sail right away to the city of Stavoren- oldest city in beautiful Friesland. Here we fit bikes and guide, Sietse, will lead a lovely countryside tour.
Tonight at a delicious Welcome Dinner we meet our travel friends and learn about this exciting tour.
Day 2
Harlingen Harbor (25 miles)
During breakfast, a beautiful sail along the Friesian coastline to the old fishing village of Makkum where we start our cycling. We learn about the ancient hamlet whose lime kiln and brick works industries brough Makkum prosperity in the 17th century.
Cycling inland we visit Bolsward- an ancient Frisian settlement built on 'terpen' - original dwelling mounds used to protect houses from flooding.
Important stop will be the historic town of Franeker, one of the 11 historical Frisian cities from 800. We make a special visit to the oldest working Eise Eisinga Planetarium where one of the first models of the Solar System can be witnessed.
Our destination for the night is Harlingen- Friesland's only seaport. Always bustling with activity, Harlingen has a beautiful center full of canals and historic warehouses. We will stop to visit a replica of the ship used by famous Dutch explorer Willem Barentz in his exploration of the North Pole.
Day 3
Terschelling Island (28 miles)
A short breakfast sail leads to Terschelling - largest of the islands adorning the Wadden Sea - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Terschelling is a stunning natural experience- vast sandy beaches, flowing dunes, beautiful farm- horse countryside and lovely villages- connected by 100 miles of cycling and walking trails.
You may explore today on your own in glorious July weather, or join our guide, Sietse, on a tour of his favorite areas.
Day 4
Texel Island (25 miles)
Today we head for North Holland and amazing island, Texel. From the seapark of Ecomare, seven lovely villages, remote beaches, to nature preserves full of wild orchids, we enjoy Texel uniqueness.
Perhaps you would like to visit one of the cheese farms to see how they make their artisan products. Or, stop by the popular Texel Brewery for a tour and glass of their refreshing beer.
Day 5
Den Oever- North Holland (25 miles)
This morning we reach the tip of North Holland and city of Den Oever on the former island of Wieringen. Written history here goes back to a monastery from the 8th century but excavations show settlements from the Viking explorations.
After cycling the beautiful countryside we hope to have time for a visit to the local museum for an interesting talk followed by typical Dutch cake and coffee.
Day 6
Enkhuizen (28 miles)
We follow the beautiful dikes of the Ijssel River today first to the town of Medemblik. Here we visit imposing Castle Radboud- former home of Count Floris V from 1287.
After a picnic lunch by the water, we head to Enkhuizen. A harbor town with a rich past, Enkhuizen was one of the most prosperous cities during the Golden Age of Holland. We will tour the idyllic old city then head for the Zuiderzeemuseum. We explore several hours in the open-air to witness life as it was over a hundred years ago, strolling with our guide through an authentic fishing village.
Day 7
Amsterdam (30 miles)
An early sail brings us to lovely Hoorn. A vibrant historic city, Hoorn became prosperous as a main office of the Dutch East India Company. Large fleets sailed to exotic ports bringing back spices to be sold at huge profits.
Cycling today meanders the beautiful Waterland region of quiet bike paths and tiny villages. Soon we meet the great North Holland Canal to follow the bike path into Amsterdam.
Let's celebrate a gorgeous adventure with a Captain's dinner and thank you from the crew.
Day 8
Goodbye to a beautiful trip!
No details found.
