Netherlands Sail & Bike: The Wadden Sea & Dutch Islands

Welcome aboard! From 4:00 p.m., you can check in and settle into your cabin. The ship will be docked near the centre of Enkhuizen, a charming harbour town rich in maritime history and easily accessible by train. Once you've unpacked and made yourself comfortable, the skipper will gather everyone for an aperitif and a short welcome briefing. You'll be introduced to the ship, the safety procedures, and the plan for the coming days.

In the evening, you're free to explore Enkhuizen at your own pace. This town was once an important hub during the Dutch Golden Age, and its old town is full of character, with cobbled streets, traditional houses, and lovely waterfront views. You’ll spend your first night on board here, docked on the western edge of Lake IJsselmeer.

This morning you’ll set off on your first cycling route, pedalling along the coast of the IJsselmeer through a classic Dutch landscape of dykes, windmills, and open farmland. You can choose a shorter route of 14 miles or a longer 25-mile option to Medemblik, one of the oldest towns in West Friesland. After meeting the ship again in Medemblik, you’ll sail to Den Oever. Depending on the weather and tide, the ship will pass through the lock and sail across the Wadden Sea towards the island of Texel. Tonight, you'll sleep with the gentle rocking of the ship as you dock in Texel or possibly anchor en route.

Texel is the largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands and an absolute haven for cyclists. You’ll have the whole day to explore it at your own pace. The cycling infrastructure here is excellent, with smooth paths leading through forests, dunes, beaches, and farmland. Highlights include a visit to the seal sanctuary Ecomare, coastal villages with traditional architecture, and a local brewery in Oudeschild where you can sample Texel’s own craft beer. Depending on your energy level, you can opt for a 25-mile or 30-mile loop ride, both of which promise a full and scenic day.

Today is all about enjoying the rhythm of life at sea. Weather and tide permitting, the ship will sail across the Wadden Sea to Terschelling, a journey of around five to six hours. As you cruise between the sandbanks, keep an eye out for seals resting on the shores. A generous lunch will be served on board while you relax and take in the surroundings. You'll arrive in the afternoon at Terschelling, an island known for its long stretches of dunes, wide beaches, and charming villages.

Spend the day cycling on Terschelling, with over 40 miles of bike paths winding through forest, heathland, and coastal dunes. You can choose the distance that suits you best. Highlights include the iconic 400-year-old Brandaris Lighthouse, the tranquil nature reserve Boschplaat, and the island’s quaint villages like Midsland and Hoorn. Bird lovers will enjoy the chance to see spoonbills, ducks, and other coastal wildlife. After returning to the ship and freshening up, you’ll sail to the mainland port of Harlingen in the late afternoon – one of Friesland’s oldest seafaring towns.

After breakfast, cycle inland through the wide-open Frisian countryside. Your first stop is Franeker, home to the oldest working planetarium in the world, created by Eise Eisinga in the 18th century. From here, continue through peaceful villages and open fields to Makkum, a small harbour town on the IJsselmeer. Those choosing the longer route (28 miles) will also visit Bolsward, one of the famed Eleven Frisian Cities. Makkum is a lovely place to relax for the evening, known for its pottery traditions and quiet waterfront views.

On your final full day, cycle south from Makkum along the coast and lakes of southwest Friesland. The shorter route (17 miles) takes you through the picturesque town of Hindeloopen, famous for its unique decorative painting and the Frisian Ice Skating Museum. The longer route (30 miles) showcases a more inland landscape, dotted with peaceful lakes and quiet farmlands. You’ll finish your ride in Stavoren, the oldest city in Friesland, where the ship awaits. In the late afternoon, you’ll sail back across the IJsselmeer to Enkhuizen for your final night on board.

After your last breakfast on board, it's time to say goodbye to the crew and fellow travellers. Disembarkation is by 9:30 a.m. Trains from Enkhuizen connect easily to major Dutch cities if you're continuing your travels. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of cycling, sailing, and exploring this unique part of the Netherlands.