Zuid-Holland: Europe’s Best-kept Springtime Vacation Secret

Zuid-Holland, also known as South Holland, offers some great spring vacation ideas for couples. Situated in the western portion of the Netherlands, it brims with sightseeing opportunities and spring-themed activities.

Spring Blossoms at the Keukenhof

Rolling fields and gorgeous hills burst into color during the spring as the bulbs grow and flower heads open. Vacation ideas in Holland must include a look at the famous tulips, but there is so much more that the Keukenhof offers. Pay € 14,50 per person to enter (children pay € 7,00) and € 6,00 to park your car. Stroll among the flowers, see indoor exhibits, and come to realize why Lisse is smack in the middle of the bulb region. Learn a little bit about the history that surrounds the bulb, how it became a source of great wealth for savvy merchants, and how some strict rules of hospitality came to focus on flower bulbs.

Whirlwind Tour of the Netherlands in small Scale at the Madurodam

Madurodam is an ambitious miniature city project that covers plenty of the Netherlands' architecture, landscapes and daily life. It captures historic and current scenery. At a scale of 1 to 25, the intricate work is astonishing in scope and execution. What is more romantic than together experiencing the wonder that Holland has to offer here? Re-opening in April 2012, adults pay € 14.50 to enter; children pay € 10.50.

Stay in Gouda and Go Sightseeing

You know Gouda as a cheese, but it is actually a municipality in Zuid-Holland. Stay at De Keizerskroon hotel. It offers easy walking access to numerous museums and shopping venues. The location also invites to evening strolls around the city. Since it is a small venue -- only about 24 rooms -- it is a good idea to book your spring vacation stay well in advance. Treat yourself to a regional meal at the on-site restaurant, and enjoy smoked wild salmon, marinated artichokes and wild game.

Head to Sint Janskerk, a Gothic church dedicated to John the Baptist. It is famous for its vast collection of stained glass windows. Pay € 3.50 per adult and € 2.00 for children to enter. It is a little known fact that the church operates in conjunction with a tourism office that schedules guided city tours with a tasty repast. Ranging in price from € 18.50 to € 58 per person, this is a great deal for the visitor who have never visited South Holland in general and Gouda in particular.

Establishment Information

Keukenhof
Stationsweg 166 a in 2161 AM Lisse
+31 (0) 252 465 555
Open March 22 to May 20, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Madurodam
George Maduroplein 1 in 2584 RZ Den Haag
+31 (0)70 416 24 00
Open April to June from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (hours change during other seasons)

De Keizerskroon Hotel
Breed 33 in 1621 KA Hoorn
+31 229-212717

Sint Janskerk
Achter de Kerk 16 in 2801 JX Gouda
Open Monday to Saturday -- between March 1 to Nov. 1 -- from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
0182 514119