Cycle through tulip fields and Hanseatic towns by day. Dine on organic Dutch fare aboard a restored ship by night. Eight days. Twenty-two guests. One unforgettable coastline.
The freedom of cycling. The comfort of a floating home. Every day a new village on the horizon, every evening a warm welcome back on board.
Glide through centuries-old canals, the IJsselmeer and the Wadden. Wake each morning in a different harbour town, just steps from a café terrace.
Quality bicycles included — regular or e-bike. Daily routes of 30–50 km on Holland's flat, signposted cycle network. Skip a stage whenever you like.
A generous breakfast buffet, a packed lunch for the saddle and a three-course dinner each evening — cooked on board with seasonal Dutch produce.
Eleven double cabins with a private shower, fresh linens and the soft sound of water against the hull. Compact, calm, beautifully kept.
The UNESCO Wadden Sea, the Frisian lakes, the Zuiderzee villages and the polders — places best reached by water, far from the tour-bus trail.
An intimate ship hosted by Maarten and Simone, who have welcomed travellers on board for over fifteen years. Every detail is personal.
No luggage to carry. No hotels to check into. Each day follows a rhythm that lets you explore at your own pace while everything is taken care of.
Open your porthole to a new town each morning. Fresh coffee and a generous breakfast buffet are already waiting in the salon.
Pick up your bike and follow that day's route — 30 to 50 km on flat, signposted paths through polders, dike roads and historic towns. Take an e-bike if you prefer.
While you cycled, Josefien sailed ahead and is already moored in the next harbour. Step aboard for a drink on deck and a three-course organic dinner.
End the evening with a stroll through the harbour town or a glass of wine under the stars. Fall asleep to the gentle sound of water against the hull.
Each itinerary is curated by Maarten and Simone — built around tides, light and where the bicycle takes you furthest from the road.
Cycle the legendary Elfstedentocht and pass through every one of Friesland's eleven historic cities — Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker and Dokkum. Each evening Josefien is waiting in the next harbour with dinner on the table.
The UNESCO Wadden Sea — a tidal landscape home to more than ten thousand species. Visit three of the inhabited Wadden Islands and experience droogvallen: Josefien settles gently on a sandbank at low tide so you can step out and walk the sea floor.
Quiet country for nature and bird lovers. Sail the winding Dokkumer Ee, moor in Lauwersmeer National Park, stop at the fishing village of Zoutkamp and the old village of Garnwerd, spend a day in lively Groningen — and one peaceful night at anchor on the Burgumermeer.
New for 2027. The Hanseatic cities along the IJssel grew rich on medieval river trade, and it still shows in their merchant houses, churches and city walls. Book the full 8-day week from Zwolle, or a 5-day long weekend along the IJssel and the Zwarte Water.
A landscape shaped by water — wide rivers, working harbours and the classic cities of Holland. From Rotterdam to Delft, Leiden, Gouda, Schoonhoven and Dordrecht, with the eighteenth-century windmills of UNESCO Kinderdijk on the way.
A beautifully restored Dutch motor vessel — handsome teak, polished brass, every cabin private. Maritime character, modern comfort.
Since 2008, Maarten and Simone have welcomed guests aboard Ship Josefien — not as passengers, but as part of their world. Maarten is the skipper and navigator. Simone is the chef, creating three-course organic dinners each evening from seasonal Dutch produce.
With a maximum of twenty-two guests, every voyage feels personal. They know the waterways intimately — the best harbours, the hidden channels, the perfect spot to drop anchor at sunset. Guests often say the warmth of their hospitality is what turns a great holiday into an unforgettable one.
One price covers your cabin, all meals, your bicycle, and the entire experience. No hidden fees, no extras you didn't ask for.
per person · all-in · double cabin
Optional extras
Protected by VZR Garant guarantee fund. Full refund if we can't operate your voyage.
"A magnificent week on the Wadden aboard Josefien. Simone and Maarten are passionate skippers and exceptional cooks. The picture was complete."
"A fantastic adventure through Friesland — beautiful villages, canals, bridges and the wonderful skûtsjes. Faultless organisation and superb food. We will definitely be back."
"Nine days from Amsterdam to Rotterdam by bicycle under a brilliant sun, surrounded by tulips and windmills. A perfect holiday in every way."
Can't find your answer? Get in touch — Maarten and Simone are always happy to help.
info@schipjosefien.nl →Yes. Bike and sail, bike and boat and bike and barge all describe the same kind of holiday: you cycle during the day while the ship travels to the next harbour, and you eat and sleep on board. On Ship Josefien that means eight days, 30–50 km of flat cycling per day and a maximum of twenty-two guests.
Not at all. Daily routes are 30–50 km on flat, dedicated cycling paths — no hills, no traffic. E-bikes are available if you prefer extra support. You can also skip a cycling day entirely and stay aboard while the ship sails to the next harbour.
Absolutely. Many of our guests travel solo. With a maximum of twenty-two guests, the atmosphere on board is warm and social — most people arrive as strangers and leave as friends. A single cabin supplement applies for those who want a cabin to themselves.
Everything you need for the week: your private en-suite cabin, all meals (breakfast buffet, packed lunch, three-course dinner), a quality touring bicycle, detailed cycling routes, coffee and tea throughout the day, all harbour fees, bed linen and towels. The only extras are the optional e-bike upgrade and drinks from the bar.
Ship Josefien has eleven double cabins, each with a private shower and WC. Beds are made on arrival with fresh linen. The cabins are compact but beautifully kept — cosy, quiet, and comfortable. You'll sleep to the sound of water lapping against the hull.
Each season has its charm. April and May bring tulips and fresh spring light. June and July offer the longest days and the Wadden Sea at its best. August and September have warm weather and golden autumn colours. Water temperature and sea conditions vary — the crew always adapts the route for the best experience.
Most voyages start and end in Leeuwarden or Harlingen, both easily reached by train from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (about 2.5 hours). Detailed travel instructions are sent with your booking confirmation. Free parking is available near the harbour.
Yes. Simone cooks everything from scratch with organic, seasonal produce and is experienced with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs. Just let us know when booking and she'll take care of the rest.
The Netherlands is a maritime country — some rain is always possible, and it's part of the charm. Waterproof gear is recommended. On stormy days, cycling routes can be shortened or skipped, and the ship's salon is a cosy place to spend an afternoon with a book and a coffee.
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Most 2027 voyages book months in advance. Choose your week and reserve a cabin while dates are still open.