Category: Leger

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Majorca Uncovered – An Island of Contrasts

Below we take a closer look at our Grand Explorer tour of Majorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands and, along with its sister islands of Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, lies in the Mediterranean Sea off the east coast of mainland Spain.

The charming town of Valldemossa lies in the north-west of Majorca

Since the 1950’s Majorca has been an extremely popular spot for tourists, especially from the UK and Germany, owing to the climate, the mix of old architecture and new entertainment facilities, and beautiful sandy beaches lapped by clear blue waters. Furthermore, many celebrities holiday in Majorca and some even own private holiday homes, so do not be surprised if you see some famous faces!
During your first day of sightseeing you’ll visit Pollenca. The sheltered horseshoe shaped bay is set against the stunning backdrop of the Tramuntana mountain range. You’ll wander around the picturesque medieval streets lined with ochre coloured stone houses, which lead to the main square Placa Major. The square is dominated by a large 13th century church Esglèsia de Nostra Senyora dels Àngels (translated to Our Lady of the Angels) and there are numerous outdoor cafes.
One of Pollenca’s most distinctive features is the 365 step stairway north of the square, which leads up to a chapel on top of the hill known as Calvary. On Good Friday this is the setting for the most dramatic parade of the year, which includes a mock crucifixion on top of the hill after which the figure of Christ is ceremonially removed from the cross and then paraded through the town, led by hundreds of people in cloaks, masks and pointed hats and done in total silence save for the slow beating of a drum.
From Pollenca we drive along the stunning Cabo de Formentor Road, regarded as Majorca’s most beautiful peninsula. 260 metres up on the hill there is the Cabo Formentor lighthouse, which enjoys an unforgettable panorama of the Mediterranean. The day is rounded off with a visit to Alcudia. The old town has a 14th century wall and there are remains of a Roman town just outside the town walls, in front of the Church of St. Jaume. North of the wall is a bull ring, although now most fights are mock fights.

The magnificent Palma Cathedral

Halfway through your holiday you have the option to visit Palma, the capital of Majorca, for the day. Almost half of the total population of Majorca lives in Palma. The huge Gothic cathedral overlooks the waterfront and the city’s ancient buildings reflect its rich and varied history.
Palma boasts wide palm-lined promenades dotted with pavement cafes, with the main hub being the Passeig des Born. This avenue has some great cafes for lunch, many with a view of the cathedral, and you’ll also find some good shops along here. If our sightseeing tour is not for you then a morning shopping, coffee at one of the cafes and then a stroll down Passeig des Born to the harbour for lunch overlooking the water is a delightful way to spend a sunny day.
Another of our optional excursions is La Costa Rocosa (the Rocky Coast). In the north west we head to Camp de Mar and then to the small town of Andratx, which enjoys a privileged location amid a valley of almond groves in the shadow of the Puig de Galatzo, which rises to 1026 metres.
Continuing through the mountains, we reach Estellenchs, a true taste of the real Majorca, facing the sea and backed by the peaks of the Tramuntana Mountains.
We continue to nearby Banyalbufar, where the slopes have been terraced into stepped Marjades and where olives, vines and almonds are grown. Later, we visit the old mountain towns of Deia and Valldemossa. It is highly likely you’ll see a famous face in Daia, with its idyllic landscape and orange and olive groves on steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean.

The impressive Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

Virgin Records mogul Richard Branson, has a luxury residence in the town, and his label’s stars have often visited the village and sometimes jammed at the local bar, ‘Sa Fonda’. Other famous inhabitants include Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones.
If you’re wondering where to buy those holiday souvenirs and gifts then maybe you’ll find something nice to buy on your included visit to the market in Arta. This hilltop town is very picturesque and its main attraction is the Sanctuary of Sant Salvador with its walled grounds, which over look the town. The weekly market is a lovely place to browse and have a coffee and ensaimada (a Majorcan speciality of a spiral of pastry dusted with icing sugar).
We then continue to the legendary Coves del Drac (Dragon Caves). The stalagmites and stalactites are spectacular and cover the roof and base of the cave. There is a massive natural amphitheatre and one of the world’s largest underground lakes, Lago de Martel, plus you are treated to classical music by the musicians on the boat. The day is rounded off nicely with a visit to Manacor, famous for furniture manufacture and excellent artificial pearls.
Also on our Majorca Uncovered tour, on your journey to Majorca, you’ll enjoy a full day in the diverse city of Barcelona. If you join the optional guided tour you’ll see stunning sights such as Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia, the awe-inspiring cathedral, and Las Ramblas, a treelined pedestrian boulevard packed with living statues, mime artists and people selling everything from lottery tickets to jewellery.

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Destination: Germany's River Rhine

The River Rhine is arguably one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways and because of this it has captivated visitors for over 200 years.
It is like something straight out of a picture book – medieval castles perched on virtually every hilltop, pretty villages lining the river banks, quaint half timbered buildings, precipitous cliffs and lush vine clad slopes.

The stunning River Rhine

The Rhine has more castles along its length than any other river in the world and they are seen as such a characteristic feature of the river landscape. The castles were built in the Middle Ages by powerful rulers, on hilltops and in the lowlands as moated castles, to protect estates and their inhabitants. Therefore they were seen as purely defensive structures. However it cannot be denied that some are rather breathtaking and many visitors today see them as objects of mystery, splendour and romanticism.
A well known focal point along the Rhine, on the Eastern side, is The Lorelei (also spelt Loreley). It is a rock which soars some 120 metres above the waterline and marks the narrowest part of the river between Switzerland and the North Sea.
Lorelei is also the name of one of the beautiful Rhine maidens who, according to legend, sat upon the rock and lured passing navigators to their doom with her alluring singing, much like the Sirens of ancient Greek myth. A bronze statue of Lorelei overlooks the river. Thanks to its favourable geological location, the Rhine Valley is covered in vineyards, which were originally planted by the Romans.
During the day the sun warms the grapes on the vines and in the evening the golden wines sparkle in the glass. There isn’t a royal house in Europe at whose table these wonderful wines have not been served. Imagine sitting on top deck of your cruise ship, cruising along the Rhine Gorge with a chilled glass of wine in hand, or sitting outside one of the river side cafes in a pretty Rhine town and sampling one or two of the different varieties.
The scenery along the Rhine is the stuff of dreams, and places like, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Boppard and Cologne epitomise the wonder and charm of this remarkable area.
Cochem is a village along the River Moselle, just off the Rhine, and is dominated by the late-Gothic imperial castle, as well as being dotted with medieval squares and lovingly restored timber-framed houses. The castle is 1,000 years old and stands more than 100 metres above the River.
Other places of interest in Cochem are the historical mustard mill (Senfmühle) built around 1810 (the last one of its kind in Europe), the market square and the well preserved sections of old town walls.
On the famous Deutsches Eck (German Corner), where the Rhine and Moselle rivers meet, stands Koblenz. The town is set amidst four ranges of hills, and two thirds of the surrounding countryside consists of woods, open green spaces and water.
The view of Koblenz from the River Rhine

Koblenz is a ‘small city’ with much to offer and just a quick stroll around the town highlights it’s appeal – the romantic narrow streets and historical squares, picturesque alleyways in the old quarter with the Romanesque Basilica of St. Kastor, plus the Ehrenbreitstein fortress, set high above the baroque town and one of the largest castles in Europe.
Not far from Koblenz is Boppard, which was once a Roman fort, and is seen as the heart and sole of this tourist area. The finest of wines originate here on the slopes of Bopparder Hamm, the largest loop of the Rhine. The wine is world-class and this is because of the fantastic location of the vineyard slopes, which are south facing, but also due to the many
hundreds of years of accumulated knowledge and experience passed down through generations of local wine producers.
A little further down river is Rüdesheim and one well known attraction is the Drosselgasse. This narrow street, just 144 metres long, is in the heart of Rüdesheim’s old town and attracts visitors from every continent. Live music, singing and dancing can be enjoyed in its wine taverns and gardens, which are open daily from late morning to the early hours.
Another place of interest is the Niederwald Monument, which commemorates the reestablishment of the German empire following the Franco- Prussian War of 1870/71.
The main figure is Germania, holding the imperial crown in her raised right hand and the imperial sword in her left hand. There is a marvellous view from the monument far into the countryside.
Cologne is at the top of the river and is renowned for its churches. You’ll find a unique ensemble of twelve large Romanesque collegiate and abbey churches, all true gems of medieval architecture, packed into a compact area within the medieval city walls.
Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

The city is also know for its cathedral, which is the largest in Germany and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Around Christmas time the imposing cathedral is lit up, whilst stalls selling traditional German crafts and food dominate the square below.

Did you know…

There are more than 150 castles in Germany. Some are still inhabited by aristocratic families, others have been transformed into hotels and restaurants, and some are in ruins.
The Berlin Wall was 103 miles long and 12 foot high. It was constructed in 1961 to provide a physical barrier between East and West Berlin, as the city had been divided into a Soviet occupational zone and a joint U.S., France, and Great Britain occupational zone after World War II, with each zone being governed by the country(ies) controlling it.
Brandenburg Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Berlin. During the Cold War it stood in the land of nobody, in the middle of a restricted area next to the Berlin Wall and it was the symbol of division of the city into West and East.
It took more than 632 years (from 1248 to 1880) to build Germany’s most popular tourist attraction, the Cologne Cathedral.
You would have to try one kind of German bread per day for almost a whole year in order to be able to taste them all as there are over 300 different kinds of bread in Germany.
There are over 1,500 types of sausages, such as Frankfurters (mild), Nuremberg (which are served barbequed) and Bavaria sausages (white).
Germans really do love beer and rank second in world-wide beer consumption per person after Ireland. Beer is officially considered a food in Bayern, where the normal size beer glass is 1 litre. Germany is the cheapest place in Europe to buy beer, but also the most difficult in which to make a choice as there are over 1,500 different brands and types of beer in the country.
Dogs are kings in Germany and can go just about everywhere including restaurants, public transport and shops. They even have their own pools.
Germany is the home of the world-famous garden-gnome. In the mid 1800s, the first garden gnomes were made in Thuringia, Germany. They have spread via central and northern Europe as far as America and Australia and have admirers in all four corners of the world.
The first cuckoo clock was made in Germany in the early 17th century and the world’s largest cuckoo clock (as reported in the Guiness Book of records) can be seen in the small Black Forest town of Schönach.
Images courtesy of flickr users: Michal Osmenda, Dittmeyer, Fugue.

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Exploring the Christmas Markets of Europe

Each year, European towns and cities play host to the charming, traditional Christmas markets. Festive stalls form a carpet of colour throughout many of the squares and cobbled streets, each selling unusual gifts and trinkets that your customers just can’t resist.

Find those perfect Christmas gifts at the fantastic markets

Tempting Treats

Dotted throughout the stalls, you will find tasty treats to tempt you as you stroll around: delicious German sausage; chips with mayonnaise, a popular Belgian snack; hot roast nuts; and for those customers with a sweet tooth, there are so many mouth-watering snacks on offer: waffles with fresh cream; pancakes with chocolate – the list goes on.
Then there’s the seductive smell of Glühwein that lures you over to the nearest stall, and ensures your customers are kept toasty throughout the day – for a few cents extra you can even keep your mug as a souvenir! Or why not try a scrumptious hot chocolate, towered high with whipped cream – but this is a European Christmas market – and this heavenly drink is made extra special with a dash of creamy Bailey’s or warming rum! Whether they fancy a nice brew, a local beer or mulled wine, there’s an abundance of beverages to choose from.
That’s one thing about a Christmas market – you can be sure your customers will never be hungry or thirsty!

Enjoy Christmas with Leger Holidays

Unusual Gifts

If you’re stuck for Christmas gift ideas, look no further. The markets are brimming with quaint and wonderful souvenirs: hand-blown and colourful, painted baubles; unusual jewellery; festive decorations; a plentiful array of hats and scarves; snug slippers; traditional knit wear; novel ornaments; unusual candles; lovely leather goods – there’s so much to choose from for those last-minute Christmas gifts.

Great Choice of Short Breaks

Whether it’s cruising the magical markets of the Rhine Valley in Germany; visiting the cathedral city of Cologne with its six markets or taking in the largest underground market in the Dutch town of Valkenburg, we have a wonderful range of breaks, visiting some of the very best Christmas markets across Europe. We offer a range of 3 to 7-day breaks from only £129. You can find out more about our range of Christmas Market tours online now.

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Destination Eastern Europe – From back water to travel hotspot

Eastern Europe was once a back water area recovering from communism, but in recent years it has become the hottest of
travel hotspots.
Below we list our four favourite areas in this huge and diverse region.

The beautiful city of Prague

Prague – The New Paris

Prague, the Czech Republic capital and heart of the country, features in the top 10 list of most popular cities to visit and is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
The city centre is a mélange of stunning architecture displaying Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau styles, amongst others.
The Astronomical Clock, built into the side of the Old Town Hall, is one of the major sights of the city and on the hour, every hour, you can observe a small trap door opening where Christ marched out ahead of his disciples, while the skeleton of death tolls the bell to a defiant statue of a Turk.
Beyond the medieval lanes of the Old Town and the Castle District, there is an entirely different cosmopolitan city to explore. Search out the riverside parks, museums and art galleries, plus beer gardens where you can enjoy some world famous Czech beer.
After a day of sightseeing and admiring the beauty of this city, stroll Charles Bridge, which spans over the majestic Vltava River, and take a few holidays snaps to remember the trip. Although it might not be long before you are back in Prague, as 30% of visitors are thought to return to this magnificent city.

The Royal Palace in Budapest by Moyan Bren

Budapest – A Tale of Two Cities

Budapest is the capital of Hungary and Hungarians are very proud of their city, owing to its contribution to European culture, especially in the field of music, a language one doesn’t need to speak to appreciate.
The city is divided into 23 numbered districts, which are written in Roman numerals but can more simply be divided into the two parts, which comprise Buda and Pest, with the romantic Danube River running through the middle.
Buda is the hilly west side, which is thought to be the most charming, with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings. From Buda you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city, river and mountains, plus visit the Citadella, a huge stone fortress, and the Royal Palace, which was bombed during the Second World War and rebuilt thereafter.
Pest is the flat, east side of the Danube and is the modern commercial core of the city. After exploring Buda and Pest, you can end the trip with a relaxing boat ride along the delightful River Danube and see all the sights from the water.

The stunning view over a modern looking Warsaw

Warsaw – Destroyed and Rebuilt

Walking through Warsaw’s pristine Old Town and Royal Castle area, you’d think the city had enjoyed a comfortable existence for the past 200 years, but you’d be wrong. At the end of World War II, almost the entire city lay in rubble and ruin.
However historic buildings, palaces, churches and architectural complexes were all reconstructed with great care, and today, Poland’s capital is a thriving, dynamic and progressive city, the epitome of a Polish nation firmly fixed on the future.
UNESCO appreciated Warsaw’s monuments and relics, and therefore honoured the city by putting the Historic Centre of Warsaw on the World Heritage List, and at the end of the visit you will have to agree that Poland’s capital really is a gem.

The Red Square in Moscow

Moscow – A Sight to be Seen

Home to many iconic buildings from Russia’s extremely colourful past, Moscow is deservedly the Russian capital.
Embodying everything Russian, Moscow is filled with sights so big, bright and colourful that they are hard to imagine unless you’ve seen them for real.
For the larger part of eight centuries, the Kremlin, at the very heart of Moscow, has been the seat of power for the grand princes, tsars and most recently presidents, as well as an important religious site. The Kremlin is now one of the biggest museums in the world, which, in its chambers and cathedrals, houses state regalia of Russia, invaluable icons and treasures of Russian tsars.
For Westerners, the adjacent Red Square, especially the bulbous, multicoloured domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, have been an image synonymous with the Soviet Union and Russian state. Combine seeing these famous sights with a boat cruise along the Nava River and a night at the ballet for a truly memorable trip.

Did you know…

PRAGUE’S famous castle has been the home to a Czech King, President and even Roman Emperor and is also able to boast the largest castle area in the world. It’s a whopping 18 acres in total, with numerous courtyards and subsidiary buildings in its grounds.
The Czechs drink more beer per capita than other country in the world. Each head will sink about 43 gallons a year on average.
A major attraction of BUDAPEST is the 80 geothermal springs and the city also has the world’s largest thermal water cave system, second largest synagogue and third largest Parliament building.
WARSAW is one of the tallest cities in Europe with 11 of the tallest skyscrapers in Poland being located in the city. The tallest structure, Palace of Culture and Science, is the 7th tallest building in the EU.
BUDAPEST is designated as one of the top 100 most liveable cities in the world.
RUSSIA covers 1/7th of the total land of our planet and neighbours more countries than any other country on earth.
WARSAW is known as the ‘phoenix city’, as it rose from the ashes when rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II.
Images courtesy of flickr users thisisbossi, comzerrad, Moyan Brenn, Dario Garivini.

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Behind the Scenes at Leger Holidays

Our Product General Manager, Chris Plummer, oversees the planning and contracting of the Leger Holidays tour programme, along with the development of the product range and itineraries. Since graduating from Leeds Polytechnic in 1991 he’s worked in the travel industry and Chris has now been with Leger for five years.

Product General Manager, Chris Plummer

As you’ve worked in the travel industry nearly 20 years you must have visited many places?

Yes, I’ve been lucky and seen most of Europe, in particular France, Italy, Austria and Ireland, plus America and Canada.

Are there any places that you’ve visited which really stand out for you?

I spent three months travelling America in 1996, which was a great experience, covering 38 states and a couple of brief visits into Mexico and Canada. So I’m particularly pleased that our America product, which was launched a few years ago, has been so well received by our customers.
I have also enjoyed visiting many of the great imperial cities of Eastern Europe, particularly Prague and Krakow.
Closer to home, the Italian lakes of Como, Maggiore and Garda take some beating. The scenery really is breathtaking; you just don’t tire of it.
And finally, Ireland is a country that holds a special charm – the people, the scenery, the seemingly laidback way of life, the Guinness – there is something we could all learn from the Irish.

The view of New York in 2012

Of the various cities you’ve been to where would you say is your favourite city?

Without doubt it has to be New York. There is no city like it in the world. The whole place just exudes a unique atmosphere and there is always something to do.
Vancouver in Canada is another great city.
In Europe, I would say Paris, which is a great place to walk around, be it the elegant boulevards, lined with shops, tranquil gardens and parks, or the winding streets around Montmartre.

Even though you are well travelled is there anywhere you haven’t been but would like to go, maybe if you won the lottery?

Winning the lottery would be great! One day I hope to visit Australia and New Zealand.

Where would you suggest if someone wanted to holiday in Europe and see some stunning scenery?

I’d give them the choice of three places – the North Italian Lakes, the Austrian Tyrol and the Norwegian Fjords. I simply couldn’t choose between them as they are all stunning places well worth a visit.
However, if it was fairytale snowy landscapes you were after, the Austrian Tyrol would be the place, as it is breathtaking at all times of year, but particularly in the winter.

Mauritius is one of Chris’s favourite holiday destinations

Sometimes you need a holiday where sun and relaxation is top of the list. Where would you go?

Croatia is a great place and we used to go there a lot as a family when I was growing up. I’d love to go back sometime soon for some sun and relaxation. Further afield, I would say Mauritius as it is where I spent my honeymoon.

Where would you say is the best place to visit for history and heritage?

Definitely the classical Italian cities, such as Florence, Venice and Rome. Our Classical Italy and Jewels of Italy tours both encompass so much of what Italy has to offer. However, I would have to say Paris, the Palace of Versailles is amazing. The great
Italian cities have some great buildings too, such as the Colosseum in Rome and Doges’ Palace in Venice.

If a break away to do a spot of shopping was on the cards where would you suggest?

Really you’d be better asking my wife… although I did visit Cologne last year just before Christmas and the markets really got me in the festive mood….. although, I think the Glühwein helped!
I did manage to bring back some unusual Christmas presents and traditional treats for the family.

After the busy festive season it’s sometimes nice to have a spring break to look forward to. Where would you go?

I’d book a city break to somewhere like Paris, although I’m also a big fan of the Belgian cities of Bruges and Ghent.

Sunset over the Norwegian Fjords

Where would you say is the best place to visit for amazing sights?

The fjords of Norway – charming cities like Bergen, breathtaking mountains and snow-capped peaks, deep blue fjords and lakes, glaciers and waterfalls – each corner brings something new.

When on holiday, many of us like to try the local food and drink available. I’m sure you have, so where would you recommend for delicious food and drink?

Italy, always Italy! There is so much choice when it comes to food. Also you’ll find the best wines in Italy, or so I am told by my former colleague Roland Clauw who has a few extra years experience on me!

A lot must go into planning a tour but what determines the itinerary?

A number of things – routing, hotels, convenient stops, drivers’ hours, excursions, costs, etc. We try to build things into an itinerary that are a little different from the norm. We like to see a tour as constantly evolving, through the input of coach crews and customers.
Itineraries and routings are looked at each year to see where improvements can be made.

How do you choose the hotels we use?

We have a number of criteria we work to. These include location, facilities, food, service, plus health and safety aspects. The trick is always to get the right balance and, of course, we want hotels which offer quality at a good price.
It is important to learn how the hotel works and to build up a professional relationship with the owner/general manager and key staff.

We regularly receive letters from our customers. Does customer feedback aid in the tour itinerary?

Yes, of course. All feedback is welcome, be it from staff, customers, drivers or whoever. Things can always be improved and the more input we receive the better.

And the final word goes to Chris…

When you talk to people outside of the industry they have this impression that it is the ideal job, as you get to see some great parts of the world, stay in excellent hotels and enjoy some fine food and wine along the way.
It really is a great job, which is why I’ve worked in travel for so many years, but those in the industry know there is a little more to it!
Images courtesy of flickr users Ben Fredericson, Selene Weijenberg and positivesustainability.

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Win A Google Nexus 7 With Leger Holidays

Google Nexus 7

Google Nexus 7

To celebrate the launch of our brand new 2013 brochure we are giving you the chance to win a Google Nexus 7 tablet.
The Nexus 7 is at the cutting edge of modern technology, you can browse the internet, watch films and even read our new brochure on it. It’s the perfect travel companion.
If you would like to view our new brochure on your computer, tablet or smartphone simply click here, and for your chance to win a Google Nexus 7, all you have to do is enter your name and email address on our Google Nexus 7 competition page, good luck!

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Coach Holidays in the UK – Discover Our 5 Must-See Sights

Snowdonia Train

Sometimes the best things in life can be found right under your nose, and that is definitely true of coach holidays in the UK!
With stunning rolling hills, beautiful stately homes and picturesque scenery the UK is often overlooked by many holidaymakers.
But if you do decide to holiday a little closer to home, not only do you benefit from reduced travel times and some of the finest food in the whole of Europe, but you also know exactly where you’re going and what to expect. It’s a wonder that more people don’t choose a holiday in good old blighty.
Below we highlight five great sights to see in the UK…

1. Snowdonia

Snowdonia Train
Take a ride on the Snowdon Express tot he very top of Snowdonia

A mountain top rail journey through picturesque valleys and fossil filled lands isn’t the first thing you think about when considering a holiday in Wales, but that’s exactly what you can expect in Snowdonia.
The area is filled trails for hiking and cycling through this mountainous region but we would definitely recommend a journey on the Snowdon Express. On board the train you will travel along the Snowdon Mountain Railway taking in fantastic sights including waterfalls and ancient forests before arriving at the Summit Visitor Centre. From here you are free to enjoy the stunning views across an unspoilt landscape from the very top of Wales.

2. Corbiere Lighthouse

The stunning Corbiere Lighthouse is situated just off the south-west coast of Jersey and was built some 140 years ago. On certain dates you can join a guided sightseeing tour of the lighthouse where you will be told tales about the tides, shipwrecks and the history of this grand old building.

3. Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle
Discover the mystical Tintagel Castle, said to be King Arthur’s birthplace

For a fantastic family day out, a visit to Tintagel Castle is not to be missed. Said to be the birthplace of King Arthur and home to Merlin’s Cave, this ancient land is well worth a visit.
You can spend your day exploring the vast caves on the beach front, strolling around the ancient ruins of King Arthur’s castle and treating yourself to a spot of afternoon tea and a scone in the local cafe.

4. St. Ives

Palm covered, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters aren’t always accompanied by a long flight to an exotic destination.
On the south coast of England lies the popular seaside resort of St. Ives which is home to some of the UK’s best beaches. With over 50 miles of coastline you can spend your days relaxing on world-class beaches, exploring mysterious caves and discovering an undersea world filled with crabs, shrimp and many other interesting creatures. And if the weather isn’t up to much you can head inland and meander along cobbled streets, stopping along the way to visit quaint local shops and delicious tearooms.

5. Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle
Discover the real Hogwarts at Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle, in Northumberland, is one of the largest inhabited castles in all of Europe and has been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family for over 700 years.
It has provided the backdrop to many period drams and Harry Potter films over the years and offers a fantastic day out for the whole family. You can spend your time walking along the castles scenic coastline, exploring the small museums dotted throughout the castle and gazing at the many examples of fine art the family have collected over the years.
If you’ve been inspired to take a coach holiday in the UK then you can view our full range of escorted tours at Leger.co.uk/UK.
Images courtesy of angusleonard, IDS.Photos and westy48

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Peter Peel’s Confessions of a Secret Tourist

Sometimes what can seem like a rather enjoyable pastime can seem to some of my mates to be rather, well, rather odd.
Talking to them about my pastime makes me feel like I have a secret vice. And really it is nothing of the sort. Just a harmless bit of fun, as far as I am concerned. Something that until last week I was quite happy to admit gave me happiness, delight, fun, joy, bliss, contentment.
In fact, I thought this little pleasure of mine was quite run-of-the-mill. To think that it is a secret vice! When in reality we aren’t like that at all. Well, not much.
Anyway, to explain:
Last Thursday, I was partaking of our regular weekly bar meal at the Old Cow when my partner, let slip the truth.
To give you the full picture, there’s six of us that do the meal once a week, just before the quiz night starts. (We are The Avengers largely because of my surname and the fact that my partner’s name is Emma – if that means nothing don’t worry, it’s not important).
So, anyway, I have cottage pie, peas and chips, and a pud, and then on we go to the questions.
It was during the pudding (mine’s a cheesecake) that the problem began. We were talking holidays, and Emma started to tell the gang about our recent coach trip to Paris.
And there was silence. I could see at once that our friends were stunned. Shocked one might say.
Eventually Sandra from across the road said,  ‘With other people?’ And then for clarity added,’On a coach?’
Emma said yes, it was indeed a coach, and indeed there were others besides ourselves on the coach. There was more silence, until Sandra continued, ‘And was it – all right?’
So we confirmed that our fellow-travellers were indeed all right, and that the coach was really smooth, and with more leg room than your average plane. As I explained, we’d actually stayed in touch with one couple we’d got to know, and were following up on their recommendation for a trip to Austria.
‘By coach’ asked Sandra, her incredulity now reaching such proportions that she had actually put down her wine glass before it was empty. ‘With other people’
We agreed that this by and large summed up the situation. ‘And were they, all right?’
They were, we said once again, all right. We’d got chatting to them in a café by the Seine, after we’d had a trek round the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa.
‘Never had you down as a fan of fine art’ said Derek, Sandra’s man about the house.
‘Well’ I said, ‘you can’t be right outside and not go in and see the Mona Lisa can you? I just followed the guide to the painting, had a peek at the old girl and walked out again, picking up a leaflet just so I had some background – in case anyone asked’. ‘And did anyone ask?’ Sandra enquired.
I admitted no one had. ‘Anyway, after that we went to Disneyland Paris just for a bit of contrast.’
Just then the landlord rang an old ship’s bell that he has on the bar, which summoned us to the quiz. The Avengers rose as one (we’re good at that), and took our place at our regular quiz table. ‘Besides’ I said as we took our seats, ‘I rather like this sight-seeing lark. Being a tourist is good – it means you can talk to people and see the sights plus sit around doing nothing much when you feel like it.’ And then to make the point, just in case they hadn’t got it, I added, ‘Being a tourist is fun.’
‘Talk to people’ said Sandra, following her regular habit of taking one little phrase out of a sentence and repeating it as a question. Noticing at last that her glass was half empty, she quickly remedied the fact by making it completely empty.
‘People’ I confirmed.  ‘Fellow travellers. Others who like to go and see places and do things.’
‘So where are you going next?’ asked Doug, watching Sandra with some alarm as she refuelled, and topped up, all seemingly in one movement.
‘After Austria, we’re thinking of Bruges and the Flemish speaking part of Belgium’
‘Isn’t that where Poirot comes from’ said Sandra, uncertainly.
‘No’ I told her, ‘he was French speaking.’
‘But what’ persisted Sandra, refusing to be put off the scent, ‘if you don’t like all these other people?’
‘Liking them isn’t obligatory,’ said Suzanne. ‘Some people like to stick together as a couple, some like to make new friends. Up to you.’
‘Oooh that sounds fun’ said Sandra.
‘And the beer’s cheap’ I told her.
‘Yes’ she said, ‘there is that.’
The question master for the evening called us to order. ‘Question 1’ he announced. We readied ourselves as a hush fell on the room. ‘What year was the Mona Lisa painted? And I will accept five years either way from the normally given dates.’
All eyes on my table turned to me. ‘Somewhere between 1503 and 1506 – according to the gallery’ I said writing 1504 on the card.
One nil to me I think.
Peter Peel
There are details of Peter’s coach trip to France on our website and details of his next trip to Belgium are here. Peter’s next post is due later this month
Image courtesy of flickr user Peggy2012CREATIVELENZ

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It’s Greener to Travel by Coach

As one of the UK’s leading escorted tour operators we are in the business of providing our customers with the best of what Europe has to offer whilst thinking about the environmental issues of travel.
Holiday destinations are often popular because of their climate, beauty and the activities that the landscape makes possible it is important to us that we consider both our home, working and destination environments in all aspects of the business.
We make it easy for you to experience Europe through our Websites, Call Centre & High Street Retailers. In all of our many locations we aim to operate sustainable business practices that consider the environment and use of energy and resources.

The Facts

With climate change in the headlines day after day, it is worth noting that, according to the Coach Tourism Council, coaches are not only safer to travel in than planes, trains and cars, but pro-rata they use less fuel.

  • While each gallon of fuel will take two car passengers about 30 miles, a gallon of coach fuel takes the same two people 200 miles.
  • Coaches are seven times safer per mile than a car while a gallon of fuel will pro-rata, take two people travelling by coach six times further than by car.
  • Coach passengers do not have to pay APD (Air Passenger Duty). Another reason to go by coach and save money.

The Benefits

So how will a coach be more beneficial to you?

  • Coach travel is fast, efficient, comfortable and very economical too.
  • Most importantly you’ll arrive at your destination refreshed and directly at the door of your holiday destination.
  • Delays or cancellations are virtually unheard of and journeys are always departure point (over 400 England, Scotland & Wales) to Destination thus eliminating the time and cost of airport transfers etc.
  • Coach travel conveniently does away with the long queuing times typical of check-in and baggage collection, and as your luggage always stays with you, this avoids the nuisance of it ever being ‘lost in transit’
  • As boarding a coach is a much swifter affair than that experienced with aircraft, travellers do not need to arrive at departure point too much before their departure time.
  • Once aboard and seated in your seat you have your own space relax and watch the world go by.
  • And with no restriction on the use of laptops or mobile phones (a few restrictions still apply and common courtesy should always prevail).

So whilst air travel continues to be more stressful than ever, and concern for its environmental impact grows, more and more travellers are turning to coach travel as a convenient, economical and cleaner way forward.

Ways to reduce your carbon footprint

There are also a number of simple things you can do when traveling or at home to reduce the impact on the environment:

  • When you’ve finished with your brochures, pass them on to a friend or recycle them.
  • Even better view our brochures online and tell your friends.
  • Buy local produce which reduces the carbon footprint incurred in transporting the food to a kitchen for final preparation.
  • At your hotel or home use water sparingly, take short showers instead of baths and hang towels for drying and re-use.
  • Switch lights and air conditioning off if you are not in the room and turn off your TV instead of leaving it on standby.
  • Don’t carry with you packaging from goods you buy for your trip, leave it at home then recycle as much of this as possible when you return.

Related Links

Below you will find links, which are related to green travel issues.
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Know Before You Go is an on going travel safety campaign run by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) which encourages British people to be better prepared for their overseas trips.
Transport Research Laboratory
TRL provides independent and impartial world class research, consultancy, advice and testing for all aspects of transport.
The Travel Foundation
The Travel Foundation is a UK charity that cares for places we love to visit.

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Three places not to miss on your visit to France

Being the third largest country in the whole of Europe can make deciding where to visit in France a bit of a nightmare.
You probably have all the well known places, such as the Eiffel Tower, already on your list. But what about those lesser known places? Those areas that take your breath away, that are steeped in local history but are a little less popular than the regular tourist traps.
To give you a bit of an insight into where we would recommend you visit, we’ve created this handy list of three places we really think are not to be missed!

  1. Verdon Gorge
    Gorge du Verdon
    The Verdon Gorge is situated in the south of France and is well worth a visit

    The stunning Verdon Gorge (Gorges du Verdon in French) is situated in south-eastern France and is often considered the most beautiful river Canyon in all of Europe.
    Although it’s much smaller than Arizona’s Grand Canyon, the Verdon Gorge is deep, wild and beautiful. You can spend hours trekking around its paths but for some truly breathtaking views why not explore the area by car? Exploring the region by car allows you to see much more and gives you the freedom to stop for lunch in quaint local cafes and wander around the quieter areas of the Gorge.
    For the more adventurous travellers among us, we would recommend trekking along the Imbut Trail. The trail runs from the Hotel Grand Canyon to some of the quietest spots in the entire gorge. Be careful though, this route is only for experienced and confident walkers.
  2. The Somme
    The Somme
    Explore the Somme and discover more about this famous WW1 battlefield

    The Somme is perhaps not the first place you would think to visit when travelling to France. But with its rich history and natural surroundings it’s an area that everyone should visit if they get the chance.
    The area is best known for the Battle of the Somme which took place between the 1st of July and the 18th of November 1916 and was the largest battle in the whole of World War 1.
    Visiting the area can often be quite daunting, especially if you aren’t accompanied by a guide or someone ‘in the know’. If you are unsure where to start and what to do, we would recommend visiting the Musee Des Abris located in the heart of the Somme Battlefields. The museum is situated in a series of tunnels with thousands of items on display that give a fascinating insight into what life was like during the war.
    Although not everyone’s cup of tea, The Somme offers the whole family a fascinating day out and one that will live long in the memory.
  3. Sacre-Coeur, Paris
    Sacre-Coeur
    For the perfect photo of Paris head over to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica

    The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, more commonly known as Sacre-Coeur Basilica, is a Roman Catholic Church situated at the highest point of Paris and offers beautiful views across the entire city.
    Possibly not as well-known as other tourist destinations in Paris, the Basilica was constructed in 1919 and is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. At the very top of this imposing landmark is a photo opportunity not to be missed! The large dome at the top of the building is open to tourists and offers a spectacular, panoramic view of Paris.
    If you do make it to Sacre-Coeur, be sure to visit the peaceful meditation gardens. They offer the perfect haven away from the hustle and bustle of Paris and provide you with the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy the peacefulness of this tranquil oasis.

If you would like to discover more of France why not join Leger Holidays on a tour of the country? We have everything from 3-day city breaks from only £109 to Grand Tours of the whole country. Find out more about our tours to France now.
Images courtesy of flickr users dnfisher, Sean MacEntee and amandabhslater.