The ancient ruins of Pompeii are amongst the most popular tourist attractions in all of Italy.
Every year thousands of tourists make the journey to the south of Italy just to see the astonishing remains of Pompeii. They walk along the original streets, gaze into partially ruined homes and buildings and even admire the perfectly preserved mosaics.
But now you can get a taste of Pompeii without leaving the country. The British Museum are bringing a truly unique exhibition to London that details the destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
On show are the body casts of six people, including a family of two adults and two children who died huddled together under the steps of their villa. You can also see a loaf of bread that was put into the oven by a Roman slave in AD79 and not taken out until the 1930’s when it was discovered by archaeologists that uncovered the bakery 18 centuries later.
The show opens at the British Museum in March 2013 and runs until September 2013. For more information and to book tickets click here.
And if you would prefer to see the real Pompeii then our best selling tour is available now from only £459pp, find out more now.
Did you know that Christmas markets date as far back as the 1400’s?
Did you know that the first recorded Christmas markets date back as far as the 1400s. The markets gave people living in rural areas the chance to make a special trip into town to get all of their Christmas shopping done in one go. The craftsmen would lay their goods out on the street, which consisted of wooden toys, sweets and simple foods, plus people could get their knives sharpened and cooking pots mended. Little did these people know that the European Christmas markets would become a tradition that is still going strong centuries later.
These days Christmas markets are much more colourful. Imagine cosy wooden cabins selling hand-made gifts from around the region, twinkling Christmas lights shining brightly as the evening draws in and the delicious smells of traditional good food. In fact there’s no need to imagine as this year you could actually be there among the hustle and bustle with a glass of mulled wine and a bag full of unusual presents for the family.
Three festive facts…
Here are a few interesting festive facts about the traditions of Christmas…
1. It was Martin Luther who first introduced new customs for Christmas. Originally people exchanged presents on St Nicholas’ Day on December 6th, but Luther suggested children receive their presents from the Christ child instead therefore moving the day to Christmas Eve. This helped establish the Christmas markets into longer and more special events. Today they begin the last week of November, signalling the beginning of Advent, and run right up until just before Christmas. The first recorded mention of a decorated Christmas trees is from all the way back in 1510AD!
2. One of the lasting images of the festive season is the Christmas tree. The first recorded mention of a decorated tree goes back to Riga, Latvia, in around 1510AD. The first trees to arrive in British homes came with the Georgian kings who originated in Germany. However, it was only when Prince Albert, Queen Victoria and their family were illustrated in a London newspaper in 1846 enjoying Christmas around a tree did the public follow suit and begin buying and decorating trees of their own. Many of the Christmas markets have brightly decorated trees, therefore keeping up the tradition.
3. When Christmas markets first started they were held around the city’s main church, just like the markets in places like Cologne and Trier are today. This was done to attract church-goers. In 1616 a priest in Nuremberg complained that he could not hold the afternoon service on Christmas Eve as the stalls were so enticing and no-one was attending. And the markets are even more enticing today.
The best places to visit…
If you’d like to join us and visit one of the many European Christmas markets but aren’t sure which is the right one for you, then here’s a little help…
Germany
For picture postcard scenery there’s Cochem with its fairy tale castle set on a vine-clad hill looking down over the river. Add to this the sights and sounds of the Christmas market for a truly magical experience. If it’s variety you want then Cologne is the place as it has 6 different markets dotted around the city, including the floating market aboard one of the cruise ships moored along the Rhine promenade. To taste delicious pastries and cakes straight from the oven visit Aachen. The town’s bakers distribute produce all over the world and the Christmas markets in the old city centre attract over 1.5 million visitors annually. For a little local entertainment visit Trier where local artists perform at the Market Pavilion, and whilst you’re soaking in the atmosphere why not try some pancakes with a hot chocolate.
France
Christmas market breaks provide the perfect opportunity to pick up those last minute Xmas gifts!
Rouen, the capital of upper Normandy, truly enjoys the run up to Christmas to the full. You’re bound to find something you want to buy amongst the stalls full of Normandy cider, cheeses and the local brandy, Calvados. For local handicraft gifts visit Lille where you can buy items such as jewellery and pottery after a ride on the ferris wheel.
Austria
If you want sightseeing as well as shopping then visit Innsbruck. This beautiful alpine town has twice been host to the Winter Olympics, plus there’s the Golden Roof, Imperial Palace and Triumphal Arch to see. For a romantic getaway Salzburg is the place. As well as the stalls set around the Baroque Cathedral there are pretty boutiques and you can visit the birthplace of Mozart.
These are but a few of the Christmas markets in Europe that Leger Holidays can take you to. And whether you travel by coach, Eurostar or air you are sure to have one of the most amazing festive experiences ever!
You can find out more about our selection of Christmas Market Breaks on our website.
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
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
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
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
Beautiful harbours, pristine coastal villages and unspoilt countryside – the beauty of Croatia has to be seen to be believed. Situated to the east of Italy, on the Adriatic coast, the country is quickly becoming recognised as one of the most idyllic destinations in the world.
Below we have picked out five places in Croatia that you have to visit if you are going to this beautiful country.
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park
The Plitvice Lakes National park is one of Croatia’s most visited tourist attraction. Made up of 16 lakes and surrounded by beautiful forests and stunning waterfalls this national park has to be seen to be believed.
2. Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Encased by imposing city walls and fortresses built into the sea, Dubrovnik is Croatia’s most popular holiday destination. With its wonderful mix of churches, museums and beautiful beaches it’s easy to see why Dubrovnik is often referred to as the ‘precious pearl’.
3. Kornati National Park
Kornati National Park
Situated just off the Adriatic coast of Croatia lies 89 small and medium sized islands that make up the Kornati National Park. The area is home to beautiful plants and flowers, a rugged coastline and crystal clear blue seas, it’s an explorers paradise!
4. The Island of Krk
The Island of Krk
The Island of Krk is situated in the north of the Adriatic sea and is filled with secluded swimming bays, beautiful architecture and stunning beaches. Spend your days strolling through the old town with its ramparts and at night sit back, relax and enjoy a bottle of local white wine from the town of Vrbnik in Krk.
5. Hvar Island
Hvar Island
With its mild climate, lush vineyards and beautiful architecture its easy to see why the Island of Hvar is so popular. If you do make it to Hvar be sure to rent out a boat, pack up a picnic, and travel around this stunning island exploring small coves and secluded beaches!
If you would like to visit Croatia then check out our range of coach holidays to Croatia starting from only £399.
Now I’ve never really classed myself as hopeless romantic. As a keen gardener, I prefer my roses wild over wrapped and when it comes chocolates I hardly ever share! But there’s something about Rome that you simply can’t avoid. The romance is contagious and, no matter where you sit on the loved-up scale, it will have you citing sonnets in no time.
Romantic things to do in Rome by Margo
Whether it’s the history, the language or the stunning architecture that does it – I couldn’t say. The city just oozes romance. That’s probably why so many people book the city for a couples’ retreat and then continue to return to it year after year.
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the captivating capital of Rome sometime soon, here are Leger’s top five smooth suggestions to enjoy whilst you’re there:
Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain: A well-known dating spot for locals, this beautiful Baroque landmark is one of Rome’s most popular attractions. And, if the legends are true, throwing your penny into its waters will ensure you return to Rome. Two pennies means you’ll find romance and a third could even lead to marriage. Well, it’s got to be worth a try!
Watch the sunset on the Spanish steps: Once a meeting place for Italian artists and models, the Spanish steps or Scalinata di Spagna make the perfect setting to watch the sun set overRome. Nestled between Rome’s most magical monuments, there’s no better place to take the weight of your feet and set your heart aflutter.
Plan a picnic on the Isola Tiberin: This quaint and isolated island is one of two that sits on the River Tiber. So, to add some extra sizzle to your sarnies, why not pack up some rustic breads and take a stroll over the Fabricio bridge to enjoy a loved-up lunch?
Enjoy a candlelit dinner in one of the city’s famous small restaurants: Italy is famous for its fantastic food and, as the nation’s capital, Rome certainly doesn’t disappoint. With so many different independent eateries to try, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Add to that, the dramatic backdrop and a little candlelight and you’ll set the perfect romantic scene.
Stroll through the Sistine Chapel: Get swept away by the stunning architecture and decoration in one the Apostolic Palace’s most elegant chapels. Featuring scenes by Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo and Sandro Botticelli, this popular tourist sight is guaranteed to have you swooning.
So there you have it, our top tips for making the most of the romantic realm of Rome. We’d love to hear any recommendations you may have so feel free to share your comments below.
If you’ve ever visited the ancient ruins of Pompeii you will know that it is one of the world’s most fascinating tourist attractions.
The city was partially buried under 5m of ash and pumice following the explosion of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. Following the explosion, Pompeii remained virtually untouched for the next 1,700 years, preserved as if sealed in a time capsule.
And now you can explore this once prosperous city using an interactive map which can be found at – https://dayinpompeii.com/.
The website takes visitors on a tour of the last 24 hours in Pompeii before the eruption.
If you’ve been to Pompeii before it’s the perfect way to relive the memories, and if you’ve never visited the city, it’s an ideal way to get a feel of what life was like back in AD79.
If you’ve been inspired to visit Pompeii then check out our best selling tour to Rome, Pompeii and Capri, plus if you book before the 30th of November 2012 you can save up to £20pp!
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!
Verdon Gorge 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.
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.
Sacre-Coeur, Paris 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.
Find out what makes our list of fun facts about Italy below:
Romans love cats, so much so that a new law condemns any person killing a cat to a 10,000 Euro fine & up to 3 years in jail!
The city of Pompeii was completely buried after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79.
Did you know that Rome is further north than New York?
The Sardinian islands are famous for their “witches†who make health potions for local people. The “witches†are usually women and they use a secret language that they pass on to their daughters.
Naples gave birth to the pizza around 1860.
The average Italian consumes 26 gallons of wine and 25 kilograms of pasta a year.
Italy has more hotel rooms than any other country in Europe.
Italyis home to more UNESCO world heritage sites than any other country in the world.
The national animal of Italy is the Italian Wolf.
Venice has over 400 footbridges.
In 2007 an Italian dog found a truffle weighing 3.3 pounds which was later sold for a world record $333,000.
At its height in A.D. 117, the Roman Empire stretched from Portugal in the West to Syria in the east, and from Britain in the North to the North African deserts across the Mediterranean. It covered 2.3 million miles and had a population of 120 million people.
Do you have any fun facts about Italy? If so, let us know in the comments below.
