Uncover the Scenic Secrets of the Dutch Coast and Isles
Discover the landscapes of the northern Netherlands on a cycling holiday that combines easy bike rides with the comfort of travelling aboard the MS RIGOLETTO. From historic harbour towns and IJsselmeer shores to Frisian waterways, polder landscapes and the North Sea island of Texel, the route offers a varied introduction to the Dutch countryside and its maritime heritage.
The Ultimate Blend of Active Exploration and Maritime Comfort
This self-guided journey gives you the freedom to discover the Netherlands at your own pace, following quiet cycling routes through open countryside, historic towns and landscapes shaped by water. Between rides, the MS RIGOLETTO provides a comfortable floating base, allowing you to combine active days in the saddle with relaxed time on board, full-board service and ever-changing views along the way.
ROUTE
The route starts and finishes in Enkhuizen and combines the IJsselmeer region with the Frisian countryside and the North Sea island of Texel. From Enkhuizen, you cycle to Hoorn before sailing across the IJsselmeer to Lemmer. The route then continues through Friesland to Stavoren and Harlingen, before crossing to Texel. After exploring the island by bike, the journey returns via Medemblik and the IJsselmeer coast to Enkhuizen.
The cycling takes place mainly on flat terrain, with well-built cycle paths, quiet roads, waterways and dikes. Along the way, the route passes historic harbour towns, canals, polder landscapes, lakes and North Sea scenery. Several stages offer shorter and longer route options, allowing you to adapt the cycling distance to your preferred pace while the MS RIGOLETTO provides a comfortable base between rides.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Enkhuizen – Maritime Beginnings
Highlights: Boarding MS RIGOLETTO, historic port town walk, charming old town atmosphere.
Arrive in the picturesque harbor town of Enkhuizen in the afternoon to check into your cozy cabin aboard the MS RIGOLETTO. Take your time strolling through the historic center, admiring its preserved maritime architecture, winding canals, and welcoming portside cafes.
Day 2: Enkhuizen to Hoorn – Golden Age Heritage
17 – 25 km / 10.5 – 15.5 miles
Highlights: Zuiderzeemuseum, historic 17th-century architecture, Hoorn harbor tower.
Start your day exploring Enkhuizen’s ancient city walls, churches, and optional Zuiderzeemuseum. Mount your bike for a gentle coastal ride towards Hoorn. Upon arrival, wander through its 17th-century historic center to admire grand merchant warehouses and the iconic harbor tower along the quay.
Day 3: Hoorn to Lemmer – Crossing to Frisian Lands
33 – 44 km / 20.5 – 27.3 miles
Highlights: IJsselmeer cruise, Tjeukemeer lake roundtrip, Woudagemaal steam pumping station, Rottige Meenthe nature reserve.
Enjoy a morning cruise aboard MS RIGOLETTO crossing the IJsselmeer to Lemmer in Friesland. Saddle up for a scenic loop around Tjeukemeer Lake, passing through idyllic villages like Munnekeburen and Scherpenzeel. Opt for the extended loop through the lush Rottige Meenthe reserve and visit the famous Woudagemaal steam pumping station.
Day 4: Lemmer to Harlingen via Stavoren – Coastal Serenity
32 – 41 km / 19.8 – 25.4 miles
Highlights: Sondeler Leien Lake, Rijsterbos forest, Mokkebank bird reserve, Roode Klif, tidal port of Harlingen.
Cycle past Sondeler Leien Lake and through the peaceful canopy of the Rijsterbos forest. Trace the coast past the Mokkebank bird sanctuary and Roode Klif toward Stavoren. Reboard the vessel for a sail to Harlingen, a vibrant tidal harbor town adorned with patrician mansions, bridges, and inviting outdoor terraces.
Day 5: Harlingen to Oudeschild (Island of Texel) – Island Bound
44 km / 27.3 miles
Highlights: Frisian countryside views, North Sea crossing, harbor entrance into Oudeschild.
Embrace sweeping panoramic views across the tranquil Frisian landscapes on a rewarding morning cycle circuit around Harlingen. Return to the ship in the afternoon as MS RIGOLETTO sets sail across the North Sea waters toward Oudeschild on the island of Texel.
Day 6: Oudeschild (Island of Texel) to Medemblik – Dune & Island Loops
29 – 49 km / 18 – 30.4 miles (routes range 28/35/48 km)
Highlights: Texel Island dunes and beaches, flexible cycling loops, afternoon navigation to Medemblik.
Spend your morning pedaling through Texel, the largest Dutch North Sea island. Choose from multiple flexible riding routes taking you past sandy beaches, dune landscapes, and sheep pastures. In the afternoon, rejoin the vessel for a relaxing cruise across to historic Medemblik.
Day 7: Medemblik to Enkhuizen – Coastal Grand Finale
22 – 72 km / 13.6 – 44.7 miles (local loop 23 km + coastal route 24 km)
Highlights: Radboud Castle, Medemblik old town, coastal dyke ride to Enkhuizen.
Discover Medemblik, the oldest town in West Friesland, where you can tour 700-year-old Radboud Castle or relax near the beach. Complete your journey cycling along the coastal dykes back to Enkhuizen, enjoying classic Dutch polder vistas all the way.
Day 8: Disembarkation in Enkhuizen
Final breakfast on board, farewells. Enjoy a final onboard breakfast before checking out by 8:30 am in Enkhuizen, departing with wonderful memories of your Dutch bike and boat journey.
Getting to Enkhuizen (Departure Point)
By Plane: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the closest international hub, located approximately 75 km away with direct train connections.
By Car: Free public parking is available at the train station in Enkhuizen, located directly at the harbor within walking distance of the berth (no reservations possible).
By Train: Direct train services run regularly to Enkhuizen station, situated right next to the harbor berth.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before departure.
Included
- 7 nights accommodation in an outside cabin with private shower/WC
- Full board: 7x breakfast, 6x packed lunch for cyclists (or midday snack on board for non-cyclists), 6x afternoon tea/coffee, and 7x 3-course dinner
- 24-hour tea and coffee service
- Welcome drink
- Daily cabin cleaning, towel, and bed linen changes as needed
- Daily route briefings on board
- Digital travel documents via GUIBO-App including GPX tracks for cycling routes
- GPS tracks
- Onboard tour guide/cruise director
- All harbour, lock, and bridge fees
NOT Included
- Journey to/from embarkation port.
- Shuttles and transfers.
- Rental bicycles and e-bikes.
- Entrance fees, city maps, and optional excursion bookings.
- Ferry fees.
- Drinks on board (outside of daily breakfast/afternoon tea/coffee facilities).
- Parking fees.
- Tips and personal expenses.
- Travel insurance (cancellation, medical, baggage).
- Anything not listed as included is not included
Accommodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
MS Rigoletto
The MS RIGOLETTO is a cosy and well-kept riverboat designed for comfortable Bike & Boat journeys through the Netherlands. Its public areas combine a pleasant salon, bar and restaurant with large panoramic windows overlooking the passing landscapes. A partially covered sun deck provides additional outdoor space, with seating, an outdoor bar and dedicated bicycle storage.
Passengers: 113
Crew: approx. 20
Cabins: 57
Cabin size: approx. 8–22 m²
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Prices are per person in a double room
Season A
Cabin Double Main Deck
April, October
from
949€
Options & Supplements
✓
+40% Cabin double for single use
Season B
Cabin Double Main Deck
May, October
from
999€
Options & Supplements
✓
+40% Cabin double for single use
Season C
Cabin Double Main Deck
May, September
from
1129€
Options & Supplements
✓
+40% Cabin double for single use
Season D
Cabin Double Main Deck
15 May–04 Sep
from
1299€
Options & Supplements
✓
+40% Cabin double for single use
Upgrades Cabins Upper Deck
Prices per person
Cabin Double
+
150€
Cabin 1 bed
+
450€
Junior Suite
+
400€
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle on board or bring your own bike for the trip.
Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
Bike
99€
eBike
219€
The images shown are for illustration purposes only and represent the type of bicycles offered for the tour.
The exact bicycle provided is subject to availability.