8 Day Sail & Bike IJsselmeer / Fully guided tour

Your week of sailing and cycling starts in Amsterdam.

The crew welcomes you on board between 1 and 2 P.M.

Once all guests have checked in, the ship sails under motor to Monnickendam or Volendam.

From the port of one of these former fishing villages, a short warm-up ride leads you through the rural nature reserve of Waterland with its many villages.

A very Dutch start of the day: you cycle to a nearby, family-run cheese and clog shop for a short demonstration of cheese and clog making, and of course a cheese tasting.

Continue pedaling along the dikes to Purmerend, in the heart of a polder named De Beemster, 11½ feet (3.5 meters) below sea level.

It was created more than 400 years ago when the Dutch transformed an inland lake into pasture land. Divided into a tight geometric pattern of squares and quadrants, it is recognized by UNESCO as “a creative masterpiece”.

Your next destination is Edam, a lovely town whose lanes and canals deserve a stroll.

Edam is known worldwide for its cheese covered in red or yellow wax.

This practical solution keeps the cheese fresh for a long time, so 17th-century sailors could take it on their voyages or trade it for spices and other riches of the East.

Via the main dike of the IJsselmeer, you arrive at the promenade of Volendam, where the ship is docked.

You will have some time on your own to check out the souvenir shops.

After dinner, let the historical city center lure you into a digestive walk. Later in the evening, the ship sails to Hoorn.

Through small rural hamlets and villages, today’s ride brings you to Enkhuizen. Pass by windmill De Krijgsman (The Warrior), the highest windmill in the province of North-Holland and one of a handful of old Dutch windmills still in use to produce flour commercially.

The area is also known for its many greenhouses, where vegetables are grown.

In the 17th century, Enkhuizen was one of the wealthiest cities in Holland, thanks to its harbor that shipped then-costly spices from Asia.

Be astonished by the stately mansions, canals, churches and city walls that to this day reflect the city’s rich history and wealth.

Weather permitting, we sail across the IJsselmeer to the port of Stavoren in Friesland (approx. 4 hours). On board, you can help the captain sail the ship if you wish.

Or you can simply sit back on deck and enjoy the invigorating journey, while keeping watch for marine bird life.

Upon arrival a bike tour is planned that first takes you to Hindeloopen, a picturesque and lively fishing village.

From there you go to Workum, home to the Jopie Huisman Museum.

This museum is dedicated to the work and life of the Frisian realist painter Jopie Huisman, whose work is very much loved by the Dutch.

Following the dike along the IJsselmeer we arrive in Gaasterland, renowned for its sandy heights that are over 32.8 feet (10 meters) high.

The name Gaasterland derives from gaasten, the Frisian word for these elliptically shaped heights.

They were formed during the Ice Age, when boulder clay from Scandinavia was deposited on this terrain.

Leaving the dike, you enter the Rijsterbos, a 300-year-old forest.

Through this wooded area you ride to the town of Balk and along the tree-lined river Luts, that flows through the center of town. Shortly afterward, you’ll arrive at the fortress city of Sloten. With less than 800 inhabitants, it is one of the smallest cities in The Netherlands.

Take the time to leisurely wander the narrow streets, to relax and to find a spot for a lunch on your own.

The last stretch of today’s tour brings you to the fishing port of Lemmer, where the ship moors for the night. Dinner will be served on board.

An after dinner stroll into town is definitely worth your while.

From Lemmer, cycle paths through open polder countryside and a forested area lead you to the small town of Ossenzijl.

This is where you enter the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, the largest freshwater wetland in northwestern Europe and a peaceful oasis for plants, animals and humans.

A bicycle path through the center of the park takes you far away from roads, immersing you in the tranquility of this region.

Keep your eyes peeled for a fleeting kingfisher or—if you’re really lucky—an otter, the symbol of the park.

Your morning ride ends with lunch in Kalenberg, a village that till the fifties of the last century could be reached by boat only.

Once out of the park, the extremely pretty town of Blokzijl invites you to stop and take a good look around.

A twisting route through an agricultural landscape of narrow strip fields surrounded by dikes takes you first to the town of Sint-Jansklooster and subsequently to the small city of Zwartsluis.

Here you’ll get back on the ship.

The day starts with approximately four hours of sailing to Lelystad, capital of the province of Flevoland that was entirely reclaimed from the sea.

In its harbour you’ll disembark for your last half day of cycling. You’ll ride through the Oostvaardersplassen—a nature reserve on new land, left to find its own balance like nature did in old times on old land.

Sections of the ride wind through forested areas, while others give you panoramic views of expansive reed beds and marshes.

This is a birdwatchers’ paradise.

The ship picks you up in the small harbor of Oostvaardersdiep for the return voyage to Amsterdam.

Celebrate this marvelous week around the Ijsselmeer while having a farewell dinner aboard the ship.

Your tour ends today with a nice breakfast.

Disembarkation afterwards until 9.30 a.m..

8 days/7 nights

7 x breakfast

Packed lunches

7 x 3-course dinner

Coffee and tea on board till 4 p.m.

Welcome drink

Use of bed linen and towels

Daily cleaning of the cabin

Daily briefings by the tour leader

Fully guided cycling tours

2019: Fees for ferries

Some short walking tours

Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)

GPS tracks

Use of a waterproof pannier bag

Wi-Fi

Drinks

Coffee and tea on board after 4 p.m.

Bicycle rental or e-bike rental

Helmet rental

Personal insurances

Gratuities (at your discretion)

Entrance fees and excursions

2018: Fees for ferries

Transfers to/from the docking place

Parking fees

Rental bicycle: €75 per week Rental E-Bike: €175 per week (only on request, limited number available) You can find a description of the bicycles when you click on ship.

Helmets:  A helmet can be rented for € 10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment.

Reduced rates for families with children We offer a reduced rate for children on the Sail & Bike IJsselmeer Tours in 2018/2019: 15% reduction for children up to incl. 15 years of age, only applicable when staying in the same cabin with 2 adults (triple or quadruple cabin).

Important observations for the Sail & Bike program: While a little bit of adventure is part of every Sail & Bike tour, departure and arrival days as well as the location – Amsterdam – are a 100% fixed. As for the rest, the planned daily sailing routes partially depend on the strength and direction of the winds. The skipper decides day by day on the best route and discusses the options with his guests. The crew does whatever it can to run the program according to plan and to offer you a fascinating, varied and active week, in which nature and culture play a major part. It is however possible that departure times and the time spent on the water – and even the order of the program itself – have to be adjusted. So, enjoy the ride and let yourself be led by the elements!Whenever possible, various passages will be undertaken fully rigged. Anyone who likes to help the crew sail and steer the boat is welcome to do so. Of course this is absolutely up to you. Sailing experience is not necessary.

BICYCLES/E-BIKES:
The bicycles are Gazelle Esprit C7 bicycles with 7-speed hub gear and hand brakes. All bicycles have a comfortable Selle Royal saddle (height adjustable), a lock on the frame and pannier bag.
The E-Bikes are Gazelle Orange C330 HMB E-bikes with step less hub gears, front suspension and hand brakes. The crank engine offers 4 levels of support. The E-bikes have a comfortable Selle Royal saddle with saddle suspension, a lock on the frame and a pannier bag. Because of the limited number of E-bikes, early booking of an E-bike is strongly recommended.

Other bikes (e.g. E-Bikes, children’s bikes) and child seats (front or rear) are only available on these tours after prior request (by booking) and confirmation as a very limited number are available. Bike rental is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles (at no extra cost). Please note that the space on board the sailing ship is limited. The crew or tour operator is in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles.

About this ship: Leafde fan Fryslân

The sailing ship Leafde fan Fryslân, an imposing, three-mast barquentine, made its maiden voyage for Sail & Bike tours in spring 2018 and is managed by its owner-operators, Joris and Rinske de Wit. For many years, they have run the sailing ship Mare fan Fryslân. The interior of this luxury ship can best be described as refined. The Leafde fan Fryslân will be sailing the Frisian Sea Tour (unguided) and the IJsselmeer tour (guided).

Description of the cabins
On the lower deck, the Leafde fan Fryslân has twelve well-appointed twin cabins (10 m² – 107 sq.ft.), with two single beds, which can be set together in most cabins and 1 single cabin (8 m² – 86 sq.ft.). Some of the twin cabins can be booked as a three-bed cabin (the third bed as bunk). Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. All cabins have ventilation and heating, portholes and a hatch that can be opened. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a hairdryer and a mini safe.

Description of the ship
On the lower deck you will find the restaurant in nautical style, where the carefully prepared sumptuous meals are served. In the wheelhouse on the upper deck, the Leafde fan Fryslân offers a cosy lounge which is equipped with large panoramic windows, a well-appointed seating area , TV and a well equipped bar. Wi-Fi is available. The best views over the water are available here and on the deck, where you can also have a seat when the weather is nice.

Facts about the ship
Length:        48 m (158 ft.)
Width:          7.2 m (24 ft.)
Sail surface:  760 m² – 2494 sq.ft.
Crew:           4
Cabins:        13
Pass.:           25 – 27 (max.)

Leafde fan Fryslân

The imposing three-masted barquentine, Leafde fan Fryslân, made its maiden voyage in the spring of 2018. The interior of this recently restyled ship can best be described as refined. There are 12 well-equipped twin cabins with two separate beds and 1 single cabin. In some of the twins a third (bunk) bed can be added, which makes it perfect for a family. Sumptuous meals are served in the restaurant and the ship’s bar is fully stocked; so the salon is the place to be after a day on the pedals. Or on deck, where you can burn some extra calories by helping to hoist the sails.

About this ship: Wapen fan Fryslân

With its 55 metres of length, the Wapen fan Fryslân is the largest two-master schooner on the Dutch waterways. In 1965 the sailing ship was launched as a cargo ship, transporting all kinds of freight throughout the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. In 2003 the ship was completely transformed into a sailing passenger ship. On board of this marvellous ship you will immediately notice its warm and luxurious atmosphere. The Wapen fan Fryslân is owned and operated by Erik van Aken and is sailing the Frisian Sea Tour.

Description of the cabins
On the lower deck, the Wapen fan Fryslân has twelve identical twin cabins (8,5 m² – 91 sq.ft.), each with two separate single beds which can be set together and a  folding bed as a third bed which can be used if needed. In each cabin there is a bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. All cabins have ventilation, central heating and two portholes of which one can be opened. Furthermore, you will find a mini safe in each cabin.

Description of the ship
On the lower deck the Wapen van Fryslân offers a large lounge/restaurant with TV, which is characterized by its luxurious appearance and flexible furnishing. From here you can reach the large wheelhouse with a cosy and stylish bar and seating area. The panoramic windows offer a perfect all around view of the water. Wi-Fi is available. The afterdeck has an outdoor cafe with draught beer tap and a Jacuzzi and on the middle deck there are various sitting areas and there is room to enjoy a lovely meal outdoors to watch the scenery while sailing.

Facts about the ship
Length:            55 m (180 ft.)
Width:             7,2 m (24 ft.)
Sail surface:     550 m²- 5920 sq.ft.
Crew:              4
Cabins:            12
Pass.:               24 – 36 (max.)

Wapen fan Fryslân

The Wapen fan Fryslân is the largest two-master schooner on the Dutch waterways. Take a seat in the spacious wheelhouse and order your drink at the stylish bar to enjoy the view through the panorama windows. But of course the view is better when outside: come relax on the aft deck at the outdoor bar, in the Jacuzzi at the middle deck, or at the sundeck in one of the deckchairs. The large salon also serves as restaurant and this will be the spot to feast from fantastic food. And sleeping won’t be a problem in the wonderful spacious cabins. There are 12 twin cabins with in each cabin the possibility for a 3rd bunk bed, all with a private bathroom.

As this is one of the Sail & Bike IJsselmeer Tours what cover most of the famous sights around Amsterdam and popular places is always in high demand

May 11 fully booked , Sorry

May 18 departure still open for booking

May 25 departure still open for booking

June 1 departure still open for booking

June 8 departure still open for booking

July 13 departure still open for booking

July 20 departure still open for booking

July 27 departure still open for booking

August 17 departure still open for booking

August 24 departure still open for booking

Note : this routing is also perfect for small groups or incentive groups or for people who like to experience or learn the Dutch culture, check with our concierge for more information and/or options