The Eleven Cities Tour by bike starts in Leeuwarden, the capital of the Dutch province of Friesland. After checking into the hotel, you can explore the old town surrounded by canals with its stately mansions. Visit the sloping church tower of Oldehove. The unfinished church tower, like the leaning tower in Pisa, gradually leans to the side and is a National Monument. Despite the slight slope, the tower is easy to visit. Get in the mood for your cycling holiday with an evening walk along the canals of Leeuwarden.

The first stage takes you on flat cycle paths to the small town of Bolsward, one of the 11 cities in Friesland. This historic place was once built on three mounds. A visit to the distillery Sonnema Berenburg is worthwhile. Try their well-known herbal bitters based on the juniper brandy jenever. The landmark of your first stage destination Sneek is the water gate, which is unique in the Netherlands. Located in the Frisian lake area, the city is popular with leisure captains and water enthusiasts and famous for the annual water sports event Sneekweek in the first week of August.

Today you cycle in the direction of the IJsselmeer. On the way to the final destination Rijs, a short detour to Sloten, the smallest city in the Netherlands, is definitely worth it. Historic buildings and cosy terraces and cafes invite you to take a long break. Not far from Rijs, you have an uninterrupted view of the IJsselmeer. The lake created by an artificial dike is the largest in the Netherlands. Leave your bike at the hotel in Rijs and take a long walk and stay until sunset, it's well worth it.

Follow the coast of the IJsselmeer today and you will reach the port city of Stavoren. The symbol of the city is located directly on the harbour, the statue of the widow of Stavoren. According to legend, a wealthy merchant's widow wanted the most precious possession that could be found. When the grain was brought to her, she despised this. You can find out how the story continues at the statue. 

A few kilometres further north, another break in Hindeloopen is worthwhile. The picturesque old houses and wooden bridges tell of the heyday of the port city in the 17th and 18th centuries. You will spend the night in Makkum. This city is known as the oldest pottery factory in the Netherlands.

Shortly after the start of today's route in Makkum, you will see the Afsluitdijk on your left. This dam of 32 km separates the IJsselmeer from the Wadden Sea. First of all, a stop in Franeker, one of the eleven cities of Friesland, is worthwhile. Visit the Royal Eise Eisinga Planetarium. It is considered the oldest in the world. The harbour of Harlingen is your final destination today. 

Discover the old town with its many interesting buildings. You should not miss the beautiful town hall and the Grote Kerk. The evening can be spent on the beach of Harlingen, not far from the statue of the stone man.

The longest stage of this cycle tour along the eleven cities takes you today over the green dikes along the Wadden Sea. You cycle a little inland through the terp village of Hogebeintum. At about nine meters above sea level, the village is located on the highest mound in the country. The pilgrimage city of Dokkum is today's final destination. Decorated with characteristic facades, the city exudes a special atmosphere. According to legend, the water from the Boniface spring has a healing effect. We don't know if the beer has a healing effect, but find out and try one of the refreshing hop juices from the Bonifatius brewery.

Only a few kilometres of cycling lie ahead of you today in the last stage of the Elfstedentocht by bike tour. You cycle back to Leeuwarden through the typical Frisian landscape. A stroll through the charming little shopping street Kerkstraat is just as rewarding as a guided boat trip through the canals of Leeuwarden.

Departure from Leeuwarden or spend extra nights in the city or surrounding region.