Island Hopping in Holland, Mare fan Fryslan

The starting point of your round trip is Enkhuizen, a time-honored port city. When Dutch ships dominated trade in South East Asia, one of the company's headquarters was located here. Its good location on the IJsselmeer makes the port a popular vacation destination today. The historic center bears witness to the city's heyday in the 16th century.

You cycle on the old Zuiderzee dyke along the IJsselmeer to Medemblik, the oldest West Frisian town. Explore the historic houses, pavement cafés and Radboud Castle before sailing to Den Oever. The town has a small, cozy fishing port. Depending on the weather, you will sail out onto the Wadden Sea to the island of Texel today. The trip through the lock into the North Sea is an experience!

Texel means pure relaxation in stunning natural surroundings. The fascinating dune landscape of the national park has been created over centuries and is a unique natural paradise. The diversity of birdlife and the sea of wild orchids create a very special backdrop. Beaches, picturesque villages and small, hidden cafés 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 stage is pure island hopping in Holland: you sail from Texel to Terschelling. After this day's sailing, the nautical terms will flow easily over your lips: Whether starboard or port, rigging or jibing - you can lend a hand if you like on the way across the West Frisian Wadden Sea. Or you can relax on deck before dropping anchor on Terschelling. In addition to the pretty, charming 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.

With 70 km of cycle paths, the elongated island of Terschelling offers great views of the Wadden Sea, the dunes and the beach from almost every location. 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, black-winged stilts, spoonbills and great black-backed gulls. You explore this landscape almost silently on your bike. In the late afternoon you sail to Harlingen. Finally, end the evening relaxing 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: Friesland is the most beautiful province in the Netherlands! Cycle from Harlingen, a lively harbor town, through the vast countryside to Makkum. Your majestic sailing boat awaits you in this popular vacation resort with its spacious beach promenade. If you fancy a longer tour, you can cycle to Bolsward. The Frisian town once grew out of a three-part shipyard.

After spending the night in the port of Makkum, get on your bike one last time today: the tour to Stavoren first takes you to the small town of Hindeloopen. With less than 1000 inhabitants, it is nevertheless one of the eleven Frisian towns. Venerable captain's houses tell the story of the heyday of the Dutch trading colonies. Afterwards you can choose: You can either cycle directly along the coast to Stavoren or take the worthwhile detour to the Frisian lakes. Set sail again in Stavoren - your destination is Enkhuizen.

After breakfast, your cycling & sailing tour island hopping in Holland is unfortunately already over. Disembarkation and individual journey home follows.