Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide – “Everything’s so…Dutch!”

The official name of the country is the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Holland actually only means the two provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland. The 12 provinces together are the Netherlands.

However, the name Holland is often used when all of the Netherlands is meant.

When you think about Holland, you probably think of tulips, windmills and cheese. These and other icons can be found throughout Holland. Friesland and Zeeland are wonderful provinces for cycling tours, Noord-Brabant and Gelderland are the place to discover art by Vincent van Gogh, Bosch and other Dutch masters, and traditional cheese can be enjoyed in Limburg. Unique in Holland: Drenthe boasts prehistoric remains, such as the megalithic tombs called hunebeds.  If the weather turns cold enough, ice-skating enthusiasts can register for the Elfstedentocht. This route on natural ice takes you to eleven Friesian cities. If there is no ice, the cities are well worth a visit even when the weather is good.

Holland is known as a flat country. As such the landscape is perfect for cycling and walking tours. The countless nature parks, each with its own character, offer up wonderful landscapes. Holland also boasts a long coastline with beautiful beaches. Because there is so much water, the Netherlands is at risk of flooding.

https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/information/general/netherlands-vs-holland.htm