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ToursNetherlandsDiscover Friesland
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Discover Friesland

Along the coast and through the Inland

Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 1
Difficulty level 1
Duration of the tour.
time
8 days
Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance
Independent cycling

The Netherlands basically means ‘the lower lands’, and the Frisian region embodies this name. Water and land are almost on the same level and are intertwined in every possible way. It’s only thanks to a large network of locks, dikes and pumps that it’s even possible to live here. This results in a unique open landscape, home to 12 ‘Natura 2000’ conservation areas. This tour is carefully planned to show you all the different landscapes that Friesland has to offer. You’ll cycle along canals and lakes, through open farmland and […]

From €1329 p.p.

Discover the unique nature of Friesland

Small historic cities and wide views

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wadden Sea

Small ships with max. 24 passengers

Monday to Friday
Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM
+31 20 72 35 400 NL
+1 203 814 1249 USA
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About this tour

The Netherlands basically means ‘the lower lands’, and the Frisian region embodies this name. Water and land are almost on the same level and are intertwined in every possible way. It’s only thanks to a large network of locks, dikes and pumps that it’s even possible to live here. This results in a unique open landscape, home to 12 ‘Natura 2000’ conservation areas. This tour is carefully planned to show you all the different landscapes that Friesland has to offer. You’ll cycle along canals and lakes, through open farmland and visit small villages that were granted city rights in medieval times. You’ll not only show see the mainland, but also the Wadden Islands off the coast, which are another part of this diverse province. Your ship will take you on a crossing to one of the islands. In a three-hour cruise over the Wadden Sea you’ll get to know this special tidal area (listed as UNESCO World Heritage). This coastal wetland is typified by extensive mud flats, tidal creeks and the islands contained within it, a region continually contested by land and sea. On the crossing you’ll have plenty of opportunities to spot birds and wildlife.

The Frisian people are a proud folk who pride themselves on speaking Frisian, the official second language of the Netherlands. If you stop for coffee, try asking for a local treat like oranjekoeken or sugar bread.

The province of Friesland is also known for a legendary ice-skating event: the Elfstedentocht. Translated as the ‘11-city tour’, it has an almost mythical status. It is skated on natural ice along small canals, all of which require a layer of ice at least 15cm thick. So, as you can image, this epic event only happens during really freezing winters. On this tour you’ll cycle part of this historic route.

The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.

Perfect for more experienced cyclists
With a detailed map of the area and a suggested route for close-range explorations, you decide where you head and how fast you ride. During the evening prior to next day’s cycling tour, the ship’s crew will explain some difficult parts, offer tips about the nicest places to stop for a drink or lunch, and mention the best highlights. In case of emergencies or problems, the crew can be contacted. But – as the ship is sailing to the next port – they can only offer assistance by phone.

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Day to day program

Day 1: Enkhuizen – Stavoren (about 2.5 hours sailing)

Your floating hotel is ready for you at 2 pm (at 4 pm on June 8 and July 20, 2024 and June 27, 2025) in the harbor of Enkhuizen and the crew will show you your home for the week. After this introduction the barge will depart. On your first cruise you’ll cross the former Zuiderzee, the once notoriously wild South Sea, to reach the province of Friesland. You’ll enter the small Hanseatic trade village of Stavoren for your first night on board.

Day 2: Stavoren – Makkum (32 km/ 19 mi. or 49 km/ 30mi.)

Today your first bike ride is on the agenda. The route will follow the Frisian coast in a northerly direction. Along the way you’ll pass through the historic harbors of Hindeloopen and Workum, both small picturesque fishing villages. In Workum you can visit a museum dedicated to the painter Jopie Huisman, who was an iconic local artist with a uniquely Frisian approach to life and art. Continuing by bike towards your destination of Makkum, you’ll see a huge hall clearly visible in the distance. Inside, shipbuilders are busy constructing superyachts, large ocean-going vessels with everything on board that a human could possibly need or imagine. When you arrive in Makkum, the crew will welcome you back on board with tea and coffee.

Day 3: Makkum – Terschelling (about 4 hours sailing)

In the early morning your captain will maneuver the barge through sea locks onto the Wadden Sea. Over about four hours the barge will carry you through this UNESCO-listed tidal sea flats to the island of Terschelling. Beside the birdlife, you may even spot some seals on the crossing if you’re lucky.

On the island you’ll have plenty of time to explore. There are many tiny villages, sandy beaches and dunes. The eastern part of Terschelling is one large nature reserve where you’ll have a chance to spot black-winged stilts, large colonies of spoonbills and great black-backed gulls.

Day 4: Terschelling – Harlingen (about 3 hours sailing) | Harlingen – Franeker – Leeuwarden (35 km / 21 mi. or 45 km / 27 mi.)

With another morning sail, the ship will head back to the mainland. Starting in the historic fishing town of Harlingen, you’ll leave the coast for the first time this week to visit Franeker, another of Friesland’s 11 cities. Here the Royal Planetarium is well worth a visit to see a working model of the solar system built by amateur astronomer Eise Eisinga in the 18th century. He planned to create it in six months, but in the end it took seven years. Today’s destination is Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland. Leeuwarden is a vibrant city with plenty of things to see and do. Among them, the church tower of Oldehoeve is certainly a highlight. Nicknamed the ‘Frisian tower of Pisa’ you can imagine how it looks! Dinner tonight (not included) will be in town in a restaurant of your choice (recommendations available on board).

Day 5: Leeuwarden – De Alde Feanen – Grou (40 km / 24 mi.)

After breakfast we start cycling out of the city towards National Park De Alde Feanen. This park consists of a variety of landscapes with small lakes, reedbeds and swamp forest. In the 17th century the area was mined for wet peat. Now, centuries later, the former mining grounds have evolved into a spectacular nature reserve with over 400 different plant species. One moment you’ll see a wide view over vast grasslands and waving reed beds, the next you’ll have a sheltered feeling as you pass through fairytale marshy forests. You’ll then return to Grou where the barge is moored for the night.

Day 6: Grou – Sneek (30 km / 18 mi. or 45 km / 27 mi.)

This morning you’ll start cycling from Grou in a westerly direction for a day of quiet bike paths and expansive views. Today’s destination is Sneek, the oldest fortress town in the province. Sneek, or Snits in Frisian, played a key role in the Friso-Hollandic wars of the 13th-15th centuries, when the counts of Holland attempted to conquer the free Frisian territories. One of the city’s highlights is the Waterpoort, an impressive gate connecting city and harbor that is both defensive and decorative. Tonight, the ship docks in Sneek.

Day 7: Sneek  – Stavoren (38 km / 23 mi. or 48 km / 29 mi.) | Stavoren – Enkhuizen (about 2.5 hours sailing)

The last cycling route of the tour leads you from Sneek to Heeg. This 18th century village is known for its long history of eel trade with London, which continued up until 1938. From Heeg, traditional wooden eel boats would sail across the Channel and right up the Thames to moor in the center of London. Eels were transported live in the bottom of the boats, which had special holes to allow water to flow in and out. From Heeg, you’ll cycle past Fluessen Lake through classic Frisian countryside. When you arrive in Stavoren, the barge will be ready to take you back to Enkhuizen.

Day 8: Enkhuizen

Enjoy your last breakfast on board before check out and disembarkation at 09:30. End of the tour.

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.

The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours

Always the best rental bikes

The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.

Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.

Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Tours’s e-bikes.

Bicycle helmets
The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a “limit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.

Other rental items
Other items such as children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.

Taking your own bike or e-bike?
The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.

Cyclists in a green landscape

Touring bikes

Our bicycles have a lightweight aluminum frame and are furnished with highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds and a gel seat whose height can be adjusted. Attached to the frame is an easy-to-use lock and the wheels carry puncture-resistant tires.

E-bikes

Our e-bikes also have highly-responsive handbrakes and a minimum of seven speeds. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame and special anti-puncture tires.

Taking your own bicycle

It is possible to take your own bike or e-bike with you, as long as it doesn’t have mirrors or other elements that stick out. There’s only limited space available on board for guests’ bikes. You can reserve a place for your bike for a small fee. Boat Bike tours is not responsible for damage to your bike or for theft.


Prices & availability

To view the availability of this tour and/or book online please click on the button below. A new screen will open.


Prices & information

Pricing overview - 2025
Cabin type For Flora Lena Maria
Twin cabin 2 pers. € 1329 € 1449 Single cabin (max. 2) 1 pers. Not available € 1949 Twin cabin for single use (max. 2) 1 pers. € 1993.50 € 2248.50
Included in this tour
  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 7 x breakfast
  • 6 x packed lunches
  • 6 x 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)
  • Lena Maria: Helmet rental
  • GPS tracks
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Biodegradable water bottle
  • Wi-Fi
  • Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
Excluded in this tour
  • 1x Diner
  • Drinks
  • Bicycle rental or e-bike rental
  • Flora: Helmet 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
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Bicycles/E-Bikes
  • The bicycles on board are unisex city bikes of the brand Gazelle Chamonix and of the brand Velo de Ville C100, both with lightweight frames and normal mount (ladies model), with easy-to-handle Shimano 7 gears, hand brakes, gel-saddle (height adjustable), a lock on the frame and pannier bag. All bikes have 28 inch wheels.  Some smaller frames are available on board for smaller persons. For large gentlemen (from 1.90m and above) we have a few traditional men’s models (with a horizontal bar) available.
  • The e-bike is a Velo de Ville CEB 200 with Nexus 7 gears, 4 support levels and hand breaks only (or a comparable brand/model). E-bikes available (on request, limited stock, pending availability).
  • Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles/e-bikes (limited number of parking places available). Guests can book a parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike for a small additional fee. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles or e-bikes.
  • Prices of other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”/tag-a-long, tandem bicycles etc. and child’s saddles (rear) are on request.
Additional options & information - 2025

2025:

Flora:

  • Rental bicycle: € 91 per week
  • Rental E-Bike: € 245 per week (only on request, limited number available)
  • Helmets: A helmet can be rented for € 10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment.
  • Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle €14/week
  • Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike €28/week
  • Please click on this link for more information

 

Lena Maria (rental prices incl. bike helmet and limitation of liability (damage):

  • Rental bicycle: € 105 per week
  • Rental E-Bike: € 266 per week (only on request, limited number available)

 

Both ships:

  • Parking own bicycle: €14 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
  • Parking own E-Bike: €28 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
  • Please click on this link for more information about the rental and own bicycles/E-bikes
Loyalty discount

Explore our Loyalty Discount!

After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:

  • You get 3% on your second tour with us.
  • From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
  • Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2025.

 

Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!



Reviews

based on 23 reviews on
9 Aug 2024

Kathy Plant

Friesland is beautiful with lots of pretty towns to stop for a break or lunch. The bike system is great in the Netherlands. Our small group had no trouble navigating without a guide. The Lena Marie Captain and Crew were all very informative and friendly. The food was excellent and exceeded our expectations. The other guests on the trip with us were all very interesting and fun! No complaints!

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 13 Sep 2024

We appreciate your kind review. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the scenery, the bike system, and the crew on the Lena Marie. Kind regards Boat Bike Tours

2 Aug 2024

Aleda Freeman

We had a wonderful trip with Boat Bike touring the Frisland area of the Netherlands on the Flora. This area has a lot of interesting things to see – canals, farms, sailboats, horses. The weather was changeable and a small adjustment had to be made to the route one day due to high winds – but the unique bike signpost system in the Netherlands means it is very easy for Boat Bike to make a change to the day’s rides (a short and longer route were usually presented). The RideWithGPS app was particularly useful, with the routes already uploaded. The food on the boat was excellent, thoughtfully including elements of the local area such as cranberries and fish. I appreciated the coffee machine being available around the clock. The crew made everyone feel at home, even helping our British group to find a pub to watch an important game! This is our 3rd bike/barge trip in the Netherlands.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 2 Aug 2024

Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had a great trip touring the Friesland area on the Flora. We’re glad the crew made you feel at home. We’re hoping to welcome you back for another memorable adventure in the future. Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours

27 Jul 2024

Antoinette

Fantastic trip on the Flora around Friesland. We have been once before on the Flora and again we’re very happy with our holiday. Berthus and his team organised a great tour. Frank the chef was amazing!

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 1 Aug 2024

Thank you for your great feedback! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your trip on the Flora around Friesland and that Berthus, his team, and Chef Frank made your holiday special. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable experience. Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours

25 Jul 2024

Mrs Debbie Millard

We have done 2 tours with Boat Bike Tours. We stayed on Flora both times. Company of great catered, bike self guided holidays.

Reply from Boat Bike Tours 1 Aug 2024

Thank you for your continued support and feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed both of your tours on the Flora. We look forward to welcoming you back for more great experiences in the future. Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours


Can we help you?


Available ships for this tour

Premium Experience the higher levels of comfort, smaller groups and extra’s.
Lena Maria sailing
Boutique ship Lena Maria Belgium, Netherlands

Intimate and exlusive

Openable windows in cabins

Panoramic windows

Individually controlled air conditioning

max. 26 passengers
14 cabins
4 tours available with this ship
The Flora
Boutique ship Flora Germany, Netherlands

Openable windows

Free coffee and tea 24/7

Storage space under the beds

Third bed available

max. 24 passengers
11 cabins
6 tours available with this ship

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Friesland Discover Friesland

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