#7 Friesland...

In this land of lakes you’ll find a VERY unique planetarium built (by candlelight) in the late 1700s by Eise Eisinga (a self-taught astronomer) in the ceiling of his house, using 10,000 handmade nails, and with the controls and pulleys inside his cupboard bed -- literally a bed in a cupboard. (He must have indeed had a very understanding wife.) Eise Eisinga Planetarium is still working after all these years, with no parts ever having to be replaced. Website: www.planetarium-friesland.nl

Visit nearby Hindeloopen for beautiful, characteristic hand-painted furniture, and Makkum, for gorgeous (but pricey) ceramics and tiles. (Tichelaar’s Royal Ceramics and Tile Manufacturer, Turfmarkt 65, Phone: (0)515-23-1341)

#8 Groningen...

Pieterburen is home to the world’s smallest hotel – one room, with a cupboard bed and state-of-the-art bathroom (Grand Hotel de Kromme Raake, Hoofdstraat 12, Phone: (0)595-49-1600). Be sure to make a side trip to still-life, still-living, famous Dutch artist Henk Helmantel’s home and gallery. Website: www.helmantel.nl And don’t miss the “sight-to-behold” Groninger Museum in the swinging university town of Groningen. Website: www.groningermuseum.nl

#9 Drenthe...

One of the highlights here, in this stunning countryside perfect for biking, is the hunebed center (Hunebedcentrum) in Borger. Hunebeds are very old dolmans or giant granite stones or boulders in a grouping, and thought to be prehistoric tombs – all mysteriously lying in a southwest direction with entrances to the south. They are even older than the famous Stonehenge configuration in England. Great for children to see and learn about too. Website: www.hunebedcentrum.nl

#11 Limburg...

Maastricht is a very European city oozing with charm and complete with old city walls. Outdoor cafes, good food and good shopping, plus plenty of cultural things to do make this a must on your ‘venturing out in Holland’ itinerary. Website: www.vvvmaastricht.nl

And while you’re in this province, don’t miss the virtually all-white town of Thorn. Very picturesque, especially for those of us who glory in white. And for those of you needing a real respite, head to the spa of Thermae 2000 in Valkenburg. Website: www.thermae2000.nl Now there’s a vacation.

Here's Holland...

You can find all the details on these destinations – and so many more in our guide, 'Here’s Holland'. Also provided is a wealth of information for getting around, including: car rentals, hotels and restaurants, casinos, places of worship, clubs & organizations… you name it. There are 492 pages of ideas for your trip – including maps. Special offer: FREE US shipping if you order 'Here's Holland' direct from the publisher (half-off on shipping to Canada). Write: publisher@heresholland.com. Please quote Journeywoman as your source. www.heresholland.com