Island Hopping in Holland

The starting point of your round trip is Enkhuizen, a venerable port city. When Dutch ships determined the trade in Southeast Asia, one of the company's headquarters was located here. Today, its good location on the IJsselmeer makes the port a popular vacation destination. The historic center bears witness to the city's heyday in the 16th century.

You cycle on the old Zuiderzeedeich along the IJsselmeer to Medemblik, the oldest West Frisian town. There, explore historic houses, sidewalk cafes or Radboud Castle before sailing to Den Oever. The town has a small, cozy fishing harbor. Depending on the weather, you sail already today out on the Wadden Sea to the island of Texel. The trip through the lock into the North Sea is an experience!

Texel, that means pure relaxation in ravishing nature. The fascinating dune landscape of the national park was created over centuries and is a unique natural paradise. The diversity of bird species and the sea of wild orchid blossoms create a very special backdrop. Beaches, picturesque villages and small, hidden cafes with the flair of the sea are on your way. There is also time to pay a visit to the EcoMare seal breeding station.

Today's leg is pure island hopping in Holland: you sail from Texel to Terschelling. After this day of sailing, nautical terms will pass your lips quite fluidly: Starboard or port, unrigging or gybing –  you can lend a hand on the way across the West Frisian Wadden Sea if you want. Or relax on deck before dropping anchor on Terschelling Island. Besides the pretty, lovely communities, you will also find a rich variety of flora and fauna on this island. The fertile soil also allows rare specimens of wild orchid species to thrive magnificently.

With 70 km of bike paths, the elongated island of Terschelling offers a great view of the Wadden Sea, the dunes and the beach from almost every place. The beach stretches across the entire width of the island on the north side. Its landmark, the 400-year-old Brandaris lighthouse, can be seen from afar. You can hear the many ducks, waders, spoonbills and black-backed gulls. You will explore this landscape almost silently on your bike. In the late afternoon you sail to Harlingen. Finally, let the evening end relaxed on board.

The province of Friesland is proud of its peculiarities: Not only the language and history, but also the landscape differs from the rest of the country. The inhabitants agree: in Friesland the most beautiful province of the Netherlands awaits you! On your bike you will cycle from Harlingen, a lively harbor town, through the vast landscape to Makkum. In this popular vacation resort with its spacious beach promenade, your majestic sailor awaits you. If you feel like a longer trip, you can cycle to Bolsward. The Frisian town once arose from a three-part shipyard.

After spending the night in the port of Makkum, you will get on your bike for the last time today: The tour to Stavoren will first take you to the small town of Hindeloopen. With not even 1000 inhabitants, it is nevertheless one of the eleven Frisian towns. Venerable captain's houses tell the story of the glory days of the Dutch trading colonies. Afterwards you can choose: Either cycle the direct route along the coast to Stavoren or take the worthwhile detour to the Frisian lakes. In Stavoren the sails are set again – destination is Enkhuizen.

After breakfast, your bike & sail tour and island hopping in Holland is unfortunately already over. Disembarkation takes place and you start your individual journey home.