❋
A Frisian Journey | 4–10 DaysThe Eleven Cities
The JourneyThe Elfstedentocht is the stuff of Dutch legend — a 200-kilometre skating race across eleven medieval Frisian cities, held only when the ice allows, remembered for generations when it does. We travel its route in comfort rather than on skates, collecting the traditional stamp card city by city, through a Netherlands most travellers never hear of.
❋ The Stamp CardYou carry an Elfstedenkruisje card and collect all eleven cities, one stamp at a time. It goes home with you.
❋ Small Cities, Long LunchesShort drives, walkable centres, long lunches. A rhythm that suits travellers who would rather linger than rush.
❋ A Language of Its OwnFrisian is not a Dutch dialect but a language in its own right. You will hear it — and be welcomed in it.
❋ A Night in a StelpboerderijOne night is spent in a restored stelpboerderij — the pyramid-roofed Frisian farmhouse that gives the landscape its shape.
Eleven cities, a stamp card in hand, and a country most travellers never think to look for.
Option One | 4–5 DaysThe Cruise Extension
A Rotterdam loop north into Friesland, taking in four of the eleven cities and the mighty Afsluitdijk along the way. Designed to sit alongside a river or ocean cruise.
RotterdamMeet the group, then north
LeeuwardenMata Hari’s home city
SneekThe Waterpoort, and the meres
HindeloopenPainted interiors and old harbours
StavorenHome along the Afsluitdijk
Option Two | 8–10 DaysThe Full Journey
All eleven cities and the complete stamp card, at a pace that leaves room for long lunches and slow afternoons. Two nights in Leeuwarden, one in a restored Frisian farmhouse, and private boat time on the meres.
All Eleven CitiesThe complete stamp card
LeeuwardenTwo nights in Mata Hari’s city
The Frisian MeresPrivate boat time on the water
A Farmhouse StayOne night in a stelpboerderij
The Welcome DinnerHosted in Frisian, and translated
PracticalGood to Know
Every Mercurius journey is planned around the people travelling it. Nothing here is fixed — these are the shapes most groups settle on, and we will happily rework any of them with you.
Group SizeSix to twelve travellers
PaceShort drives, two nights in most places
SeasonApril to October
Where You SleepSmall hotels, and one farmhouse
Getting ThereMet at Schiphol, or at your ship
