Friesland Highlights
Dive into the rich history of Friesland, a region where land and water intertwine
Cycle through picturesque fishing villages like Hindeloopen and Workum
Revel in the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wadden Sea and its islands
Immerse yourself in the local culture, tasting treats like oranjekoeken and sugar bread
Follow parts of the legendary Elfstedentocht, a historic ice-skating route
Enjoy the convenience of a guided tour, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience
Itinerary
Your floating hotel is ready for you at 2 pm in the harbor of Enkhuizen. After an introduction, the barge will depart for Stavoren, crossing the former Zuiderzee.
Cycle through historic harbors of Hindeloopen and Workum, reaching Makkum by day’s end. Marvel at the shipbuilding prowess of the region and explore the picturesque fishing villages.
32 km or 49 km (19 mi. or 30 mi.)
Sail through the UNESCO-listed tidal sea flats to Terschelling. Explore the island’s villages, sandy beaches, and nature reserve, home to diverse birdlife.
From Harlingen, cycle inland to Franeker, visiting the Royal Planetarium. Continue to Leeuwarden, Friesland’s capital, and explore its vibrant cityscape.
35 km or 45 km (21 mi. or 27 mi.)
Journey to National Park De Alde Feanen, a nature reserve with diverse landscapes. Cycle through grasslands, reedbeds, and marshy forests, ending the day in Grou.
40 km (24 mi.)
Head west from Grou, cycling through serene landscapes to reach Sneek, the oldest fortress town in Friesland. Explore the city’s rich history and architectural marvels.
30 km or 45 km (18 mi. or 27 mi.)
From Sneek, cycle to Heeg, known for its eel trade history. Continue past Fluessen Lake and through Frisian countryside to Stavoren. The barge awaits to sail you back to Enkhuizen.
38 km or 48 km (23 mi. or 29 mi.)
After a final breakfast on board, it’s time to check out and disembark by 09:30. End of the tour.
Pricing
Included in price
7x breakfast
6x packed lunches
6x 3-course dinner on board
Coffee and tea on board
Welcome drink
Use of bed linen and towels
Daily cleaning of the cabin
Daily briefings by the crew
BBT cycling map and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin, on the islands Ride with GPS only)
Helmet rental
GPS tracks
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Biodegradable water bottle
Wi-Fi
Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
1x Diner
Drinks
Bicycle rental or e-bike rental
Personal insurances
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees and excursions
Fees for ferries
Transfers to/from the docking places
Parking fees
SGR Insolvency protection
Important for the tour
Description
Friesland, a region where the horizon stretches endlessly, offers a unique blend of water and land, history and nature. As you journey through this captivating landscape, you’ll encounter historic cities, serene countryside, and the mesmerizing Wadden Sea.
Bike and barge tours in the Netherlands are a testament to the country’s love for cycling and its intricate relationship with water. In Friesland, the vast open landscapes are a result of an intricate network of locks, dikes, and pumps, creating a setting that’s both tranquil and teeming with life.
Our guided tours ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the region’s treasures. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, every day is an adventure, tailored to offer the best of Friesland. From the mainland to the Wadden Islands, every route is carefully curated to showcase the diversity of this enchanting province.
And after a day of exploration, what better way to relax than on our magnificent barges? Every detail is taken care of, ensuring a hassle-free experience. From comfortable accommodations to delicious meals, our team is dedicated to making your trip memorable. And with our expert crew at the helm, you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands.
Friesland awaits, with its tales of the past, its natural wonders, and its warm hospitality. Join us, and let’s create memories that will last a lifetime.
Ships
Flora
The Flora offers a warm and inviting setting for up to 22 guests. It features 10 cabins with twin beds and one with a double bed, all equipped with essential amenities and ample storage space. Two cabins also offer a foldaway bed suitable for children up to 12 years. The vintage-styled salon boasts a bar, a welcoming lounge, and a dining area where delightful meals are served. Relish the views from the sundeck, whether the Flora is cruising or anchored in a scenic harbor.
Lena Maria
The Lena Maria is a spacious river cruiser tailored for bike and barge adventures. Accommodating up to 24 guests, her 12 cabins on the lower deck feature twin beds, luggage storage, and a private bathroom. The upper deck boasts a dining area and a comfortable salon, making it an ideal place to relax after a cycling session.
Start planning today!
Things to know
Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists in Turkey, and Croatia, and for minors in several other European countries. While not obligatory elsewhere, we recommend bringing your own for safety. Helmets are available for rent on our tours.
You’re welcome to bring your own bicycle on most tours. Please confirm space availability on your chosen vessel in advance. Note that we are not liable for any loss or damage to personal bicycles. If you don’t have your bicycle, you can rent it on our tours.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended to enjoy the tours, which typically involve 40-60 kilometers of cycling daily, averaging around 5 hours of riding.
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the experience, hence a support vehicle is not part of the journey. Participants are encouraged to complete the daily cycling stages with their fellow cyclists.
To ensure the integrity of our rental bikes and your safety, we do not allow personal pedals to be attached to them.
While our routes are planned for full-day adventures, certain tours may offer the flexibility to return to the ship earlier, subject to the ship’s docking capabilities.
The adventure each day can span from 30 to 60 kilometers, with the time spent cycling influenced by your pace and the number of stops to soak in the scenery.
Our guides converse fluently in Dutch, English, and German, with some also proficient in French or Italian. Briefings are conducted in English and sometimes in German.
The number of companions on your journey will vary, with smaller ships often at full capacity and larger vessels typically filled to 80-90%.
Accommodations range from cozy standard cabins to luxurious superior suites, with each ship offering its unique array of options.
Stay connected with Wi-Fi available across all our vessels, with specifics outlined in our Travel Preparation guide.
To maintain the serene ambiance of our ships, laundry services are not offered on board.
Some ships equip cabins with hairdryers, while others can provide them upon request.
Our ships maintain a smoke-free environment in cabins and indoor public areas, with designated smoking zones available on deck on most vessels.
To ensure the comfort of all our guests, pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of crew members’ dogs that are familiar with life at sea.
Seasickness is uncommon due to the stability of our vessels and the typically calm waters on our routes.
Parking solutions are tailored to each departure point, with options like P+R facilities and valet services detailed in your pre-travel boarding information.
You will receive comprehensive travel details to your ship’s location upon booking, including information on parking and available transfer services.
Our guests are generally between the ages of 45 and 65, bringing a wealth of life experiences to share.
Our tours attract a global audience, from the far reaches of Scandinavia to the southern tips of Africa, and from the Americas to Asia.
Packing light is key, as cabin space is optimized for comfort and not for large luggage.
Our tour leaders are equipped to assist with minor issues, and in case of emergencies, the local emergency number 112 should be contacted.
For your safety, helmets are available for rent on most tours, and are included with our Premium tour packages.
You are welcome to enjoy the amenities on board instead of cycling. Please inform the tour leader or crew of your plans.
Our tours proceed rain or shine, with your safety as our top priority. You have the freedom to cycle or remain on board, based on your comfort with the weather conditions.
Weather conditions can vary from country to country and from season to season, so we suggest preparing for everything from rain to bright sunshine. For a detailed forecast, AccuWeather is a reliable source.
Not always. We suggest you bring your own equipment if you plan to snorkel.
Life-saving boats and life jackets are available on all ships and can be found in marked wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under the beds in cabins. In case you cannot swim, it is important to inform the crew and the captain. While on the ship, it is essential to pay attention to the following safety measures:
The stairs on the vessels can be steep and narrow, so it’s important to be careful while going up or down. The decks can also be very slippery, especially in wet conditions, so passengers should use caution and hold onto the railings when walking around the vessel.
Climbing the foremast, jumping off the deck during the cruise, or going too far from the vessel during swim pauses are strictly prohibited.
In the busy high season, harbors can become congested, and vessels may have to dock beside each other, so it is essential to exercise caution when moving between them. Crew members are available to assist passengers who require help. However, the cruise is not recommended for those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.
The length of the cycling routes planned for each day is an estimate and takes into account local conditions and possible detours or shortcuts. The sailing and cycling routes may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the abilities of the cyclists on board. Typically, departures are in the morning, usually after breakfast.
Bringing and consuming your own beverages on the vessel is prohibited. Instead, you can order drinks from the vessel’s salon, which serves as a restaurant, living room, and bar. The bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like a drink that is unavailable at the time, please inform the crew, and they will do their best to arrange it for you at the next port of call.