Description

Price includes:

4 x overnight stays
with breakfast (optional dinner, if booked in advance)
Luggage transportation
included
STO Guarantee
your payment is fully protected through STO Garant
Reservation fee
included
Daytrip to
Ameland, Terschelling or Vlieland (please fill in your preferred island in the memo field when booking)
Extensive travel documentation
Six weeks prior your arrivaldate you will receive a detailed route map and the Friesland Travel Atlas (available in four languages, 260 pages)
Stampcard
collect a stamp in every city along the Eleven Cities route
Free parking & safe
for your car at the start of the tour (Note: The start hotel is always in Leeuwarden if you arrive by public transport)
Charging e-bikes
at participating hotels to keep you powered up throughout the tour

Price does not include:

Travel and cancellation insurance
this must be arranged with your own insurance company
Lunch, dinner and drinks
are not included, unless specifically booked in advance
Bicycle assistance
if booked in advance, bicycle assistance includes a replacement bike (within 1.5 hours) in case of a breakdown.
*bicycle assistance is not at (one of the) Wadden islands.
Dinner at the daytrip to island
excluded and on own account
Touristtax

Cancellation Policy:

Free cancellation
up to six weeks before your arrival date.
Cancellation conditions
For cancellations made within six weeks, the cancellation conditions according to Article 9.2 of the booking terms apply. These are available on our website and will also be sent to you in advance.
Travel and cancellation insurance:
Cancellation is always a matter of your own travel and cancellation insurance, which you must arrange with your insurance provider.
Weather conditions:
Cancellation due to bad weather conditions is not possible.

For whom:

Experience the North of Friesland and the Wadden Sea area during this unique 5-day cycling holiday along the Elfstedentocht route. You will explore historic towns such as Dokkum, Leeuwarden, Franeker, and Harlingen, and end your journey with an unforgettable bike ride on the beautiful island of Ameland.

Enjoy peaceful routes, expansive views, and Frisian hospitality, with luggage transport and comfortable accommodations. The perfect combination of the Elfstedentocht by bike, nature, and relaxation.

Additional Excursion Price: included

Starting Day:

You can begin your tour on any day of the week, depending on your preference.

Start and Finish:

The start and finish of the tour will be at a hotel along the Eleven Cities Route

STO Guarantee:

This tour is protected by the STO Guarantee, ensuring that your payment is safe. For more information, please refer to the STO Garant conditions here.

The following itinerary gives an indication of how this trip is usually organized.
Each trip is tailor-made and customized according to your preferences. Accommodations are subject to availability; if a hotel is fully booked, we will find an equivalent alternative nearby.
The overnight stays are along the Elfstedentocht route (you will not necessarily stay in one of the Elfstedten themselves). The final itinerary will be sent to you six weeks before departure (after full payment), including all details about the route, accommodations, and practical information.

Day 1: Arrival in Holwerd & visit to Dokkum (approx. 20 km)
Your cycling holiday begins in Holwerd, on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. After checking in, you will visit Dokkum, the northernmost of the Elfstedten, known for its charming canals, terraces, and historic buildings. Here, you can visit the Bonifatius Chapel or take a pleasant stroll through the charming town center before returning to your accommodation in Holwerd.

Day 2: Holwerd | Birdaard | Leeuwarden (approx. 50 km)
Today marks the start of your very own Elfstedentocht by bike. You will cycle through the open Frisian landscape, passing wide vistas and picturesque villages such as Birdaard, with its characteristic mill and bridges over the water. You will then arrive in Leeuwarden, the vibrant capital of Friesland and the official start and end point of the legendary Elfstedentocht ice skating race. Here, you can enjoy the many cafés, museums, and the lively atmosphere along the canals.

Day 3: Leeuwarden | Franeker | Harlingen (approx. 40 km)
After a hearty breakfast, you leave Leeuwarden and cycle towards Franeker, a city rich in history. Here, you can visit the unique Eise Eisinga Planetarium, the oldest still functioning planetarium in the world. You will then head towards Harlingen, the only Frisian port city on the sea. Take a walk along the old harbor, admire the historic warehouses, and enjoy dinner with a view of the Wadden Sea.

Day 4: Harlingen | Holwerd (approx. 50 km)
Today, you will largely follow the coastline of Friesland, enjoying the fresh sea air, peaceful dikes, and expansive views over the Wadden Sea. Along the way, you will pass small terp villages where time seems to stand still. In the afternoon, you will arrive back in Holwerd, where you will prepare for a special final leg of your cycling trip: a day trip to Ameland.

Day 5: Holwerd | Ameland | Holwerd (approx. 50 km)
After breakfast, you will cycle to the ferry terminal in Holwerd, where you will take the boat to the beautiful Wadden Island of Ameland. On the island, a varied bike ride awaits you along dunes, beaches, and characteristic villages like Nes and Hollum. Enjoy the peaceful island atmosphere, views of the sea, and a well-deserved lunch at a terrace by the coast.
After returning by ferry in the afternoon, your tour ends in Holwerd.

Luggage transport

The luggage service is included in the price of the bike tour. Please note that:

Your luggage needs to be at the reception no later than 09.00 am.
Your luggage must have a label of Friesland Holland Travel (you will receive the labels together with the documentation)
Your luggage can be delivered until 18.00hr (if the luggage is not at the reception at 18.00, please call the emergency number in your documentation)
1 piece of luggage per person, max. 15kg.
If you want to bring more pieces of luggage, please contact Friesland Holland Travel

Bicycle assistance (optional € 10,00 p.p.):

If the bicycle assistance is booked in advance, you will receive a new bicycle (within 1,5 hours) in case of a breakdown. This applies to your own bicycle and to rental bicycles. We will then bring the broken bicycle to the end point of your trip, here is your car parked.

Extra night

Book an extra night at the end of the bike tour, in this way you can end the tour quietly and relaxed and you don’t have to wait on your luggage. The luggage can be delivered until 18.00hr at your day of departure.

Documentation set

The information package you will receive at home (six week before your arrivaldate) contains:

Guest information: contains the addresses of the hotels / restaurants and the bike nodes. With the bike nodes system you can easily follow the track of the Eleven Cities Tour
Friesland Travel Atlas (in four languages, 260 pages)
Roadmaps
Stampcard
Certificate
Luggage transport labels (1 label per person)
Booking conditions

EXPERIENCE THE ICONIC ELEVEN CITIES TOUR

The Eleven Cities Route (Elfstedentocht) is not just a journey through the Netherlands—it’s a deep dive into the country’s rich history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a fan of the great outdoors, riding or sailing the 250 km route is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Friesland, known for its world-renowned heritage, has hosted this legendary event since the first informal races in the 16th century. With the last official Elfstedentocht on skates held in January 1997, this route continues to be a source of pride and tradition for the Frisian people.

CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE WITH FRIESLAND HOLLAND TRAVEL

Friesland Holland Travel offers an array of 3 to 8-day Elfstedentocht packages, catering to different levels of adventure and comfort. These packages include a STO guarantee for peace of mind and cover important services such as luggage transport and fast breakdown assistance. If your bike breaks down, rest assured that a top-quality replacement bike will be provided immediately.

CYCLE THE HISTORIC ELEVEN CITIES ROUTE

The Eleven Cities Tour is a unique experience no matter how you choose to travel. Whether you are cycling, sailing in a boat, or driving through the historic towns, every leg of the journey brings something different.

Cycling through Friesland offers a chance to explore ancient terps (mounds) along the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea, while passing through the forests and cliffs of Gaasterland on the shores of the IJsselmeer.
Stop at centuries-old, romantic towns to enjoy local delicacies or relax on the shores of tranquil Frisian lakes.
Take a detour to Leeuwarden, the European Capital of Culture in 2018, and soak in its vibrant cultural scene.

FRIESLAND’S RICH HISTORY AND HERITAGE

The Elfstedentocht is not just a sporting event; it is a symbol of Friesland’s culture and history. The tradition began as early as the 16th century, with people skating between the 11 Frisian cities in a single day. The official 200 km skating event, which became a hallmark of Dutch winter sports, was first organized in 1909. Though the last official Elfstedentocht on skates took place in 1997, Friesland Holland Travel offers tourist Elfstedentocht experiences every day of the year, giving you the opportunity to relive the atmosphere of this historic race regardless of the weather. These tours usually start and finish in the southern part of Friesland for practical reasons, but the spirit of the Elfstedentocht is alive throughout the region.

THE ELFSTEDENCROSS

The coveted Elfsteden Cross is awarded to participants who complete the route within the specified time, and it’s a badge of honor for anyone who takes part in this legendary tour. Whether you complete the journey as a competitive skater or a recreational rider, the Elfsteden Cross marks your achievement. Only those who finish the tour and collect all 11 stamps within the given time frame receive this prestigious award. First designed in 1909, the Elfsteden Cross is a Maltese cross featuring the Frisian coat of arms. Since receiving royal designation in 2009, the cross also displays a royal crown, making it a unique and treasured symbol. The Royal Association De Friesche Elf Steden has issued over 56,000 Elfsteden Crosses since 1909, making it one of the most iconic medals in Dutch sports.

BIKES

Whether you bring your own bike or prefer to use a rental bike, Friesland Holland Travel can accommodate your needs.

BOOK YOUR BIKE TOUR TODAY

Don’t miss out on the chance to ride, sail, or drive the legendary Eleven Cities Route with Friesland Holland Travel. Their expertly organized tours and comprehensive services ensure you get the most out of this historic journey. Choose from 3- to 8-day packages and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Friesland. For more details and to book your Eleven Cities Tour, visit Friesland Holland Travel’s website and start planning your trip to experience the legendary Elfstedentocht today!

5-Day Cycling Tour: The Northern Cities + 1 Wadden Island Ameland

Participants

Using breakdown assistance with mobility guarantee?

Total

Description

Unique adventure: Eleven Cities Tour in 1 day (incl. overnight)

3-day bike tour: complete Eleven Cities Tour

3-day Ferry Route (kopie)

7-day cycling holiday: Experience the entire Eleven Cities Tour!

5-Day Cycling Tour: The Northern Cities + 1 Wadden Island Ameland

Participants

Using breakdown assistance with mobility guarantee?

Total

Description

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