The Hague: offers a different type of day trip. As the seat of both royalty and government, it provides an interesting look at the foundations of Dutch political and social structure and makes for a pleasant outing.

Rotterdam: is easily reached as a day trip. This is the site of the world’s busiest port, boasting some unusual architecture and a mix of cultures and traditions.

Keukenhof: features more than 70 acres of gardens and is ablaze with colour, especially during the blooming of its famous spring bulbs. Considered to be home to the world’s largest garden, it was first landscaped in 1857.

Several indoor pavilions showcase countless varieties of flowering plants, including daffodils, hyacinths, orchids and, as you would expect, tulips. A new tulip variety is introduced annually. The gardens are open from late March to the end of the third week in May.

The town’s 15th-century past is preserved in the almshouses, churches and canals that you’ll see here. There are a number of delightful restaurants and shops around the town square (Beestenmarkt) as well as the Royal Delft factory to visit.

Zaanse Schans: is a quaint old settlement situated on the banks of the Zaan River, featuring typical green wooden houses, small charming gardens and hump-backed bridges, historic windmills and craft workshops.