Bike Tour: Netherlands: Sail & Bike Wadden Sea - 8 days

Sail & Bikeship Mare fan Fryslân
The sailing ship Mare fan Fryslân was built in 1960 as a freight ship. It was completely renovated in 2006 and since 2007 it has been used as a very comfortable, beautiful, almost extravagant, three-mast schooner on Dutch waters. The sail can be operated either by hand or electrically. The Mare fan Fryslân is owned by Joris and Rinske de Wit, who also own and operate the sailing vessel Leafde fan Fryslân. The Mare fan Fryslân sails the Frisian Sea Tour.

Description of the cabins
On the lower deck there are fourteen comfortable cabins. Twelve twin cabins (9 m² – 97 sq.ft. ) with two single beds which can be set together, one junior suite (11 m² – 118 sq.ft.) with two single beds which can be set together and a small sitting area with flat screen TV and one single cabin (6 m² – 65 sq.ft.). In all the two-bed cabins a Pullman bed/fold-down bed can be arranged. Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. All cabins have ventilation, central heating and portholes that can be opened. Furthermore, each cabin has a mini safe and a hairdryer.

Description of the ship
On the lower deck, the Mare van Fryslân offers a cozy lounge/restaurant area with wooden paneling and air conditioning and a nice and warm atmosphere. From here you can reach the wheelhouse on the upper deck, fitted with a large seating area, a well-equipped bar, music & video equipment and TV. The large, panoramic windows offer a breathtaking view over the water. Wi-Fi is available. The wooden upper deck offers adequate seating, the steering unit, space for the bicycles, an outdoors bar with a draught beer tap and a grill, and even a Jacuzzi. When the weather is nice you can relax here or enjoy the scenery while sailing.

Facts about the ship
Length:           54 m (177 ft.)
Width:            7.2 m (24 ft.)
Sail surface:    650 m² (6996 sq.ft.)
Crew:             4
Cabins:          14
Pass.:             27 – 40 (max.)

Sail & Bike 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.)

Sail & Bike 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 run Sail and Bike Tours in Tulip season (guided) and on the “Frisian” Wadden Sea (non-guided).

Description of the cabins
On the lower deck, the Leafde fan Fryslân has thirteen well-appointed cabins. Ten twin cabins (10 m² – 107 sq.ft.) and one smaller twin cabin (9 m² – 96.8 sq.ft.), with two single beds, which can be set together in most cabins, one junior suite (12 m² – 129 sq.ft.) with two single beds, which can be set together and a small sitting area and one single cabin (7 m² – 75 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 (except for the single cabin, in this cabin the window can’t 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:        64 m (210 ft.)
Width:          7.2 m (24 ft.)
Sail surface:  760 m² – 2494 sq.ft.
Crew:           5
Cabins:        20
Pass.:           38 (max.)

• 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.

Important observations for the Sail & Bike program: A little bit of adventure is a part of every Sail & Bike tour: the departure and arrival day and the location – Enkhuizen – are a certainty, 100%. For the rest, the planned daily sailing routes are partially dependent on the strength and direction of the winds and – on the Wadden Sea – high and low tide. The skipper decides the best route to be taken day by day, and discusses the options with his guests. The crew does everything in its power to enable the program to run according to plan and to offer you as fascinating, varied and active a week as possible, in which nature and culture play a major part. It is, however, also possible that departure times and the time spent on the water – and even the order of the program itself – may be adjusted. Enjoy the ride and let yourself be led by the elements! Whenever possible, various passages will be undertaken fully rigged and anyone who would like to help the crew to sail and steer the boat is welcome to do so. This is of course absolutely up to you and no sailing experience is necessary.

Vegetarian meals are possible at no surcharge. Other diets (like gluten free or for lactose intolerance) are possible at a fee. All diets and vegetarian meals must be booked and confirmed well in advance (only vegan meals are not possible).

Included in this tour:

• 8 days/7 nights
• 7 x breakfast
• 5 x packed lunches & 1 x lunch on board
• 6 x 3-course dinner on board & 2024: 1 x packed dinner
• 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)
• GPS tracks
• Use of a waterproof pannier bag
• Biodegradable water bottle
• Wi-Fi
• Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
  
  Not included in the tour:

• 2025: 1x dinner on Terschelling
• Drinks
• Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
• Helmet rental
• Personal insurances
• Gratuities (at your discretion)
• Entrance fees and excursions
• Fees for ferries
• Transfers to/from the docking place
• Parking fees
• SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)

• 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 (only bookable in advance)
• Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike €28/week (only bookable in advance
• Parking own bicycle: €14 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
• Parking + charge station own E-Bike: €28 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
• Parking Enkhuizen: Parking behind the NS-train station in Enkhuizen is free, but can be very crowded.
  
  Please note: For safety reasons, it is not allowed to use the rental (e-) bikes for self-arranged rides in Amsterdam: in these cases, the limitation of liability does not apply.

Almost all of the rental bicycles are traditional touring bicycles (women’s models) with 7 or 8 gears, hand brakes (some with pedal brake) and pannier bags.  E-bikes feature a small electric engine and battery that assist and ease your pedaling, but they do not feature autonomous propulsion. It is like having a tailwind, so it is easier, but you still have to pedal.
Please note: all bicycles have normal pedals, no click pedals. So please wear ordinary sporting shoes. Changing pedals is not possible.