Holidays – Page 2 – Leger Blog

April 15, 2016September 28, 2023

Coach Holidays: Tips for First Time Travellers

So, you’re considering taking your first coach holiday? Or, maybe you’ve just booked it? We know how excited you must feel at the prospect of visiting so many spectacular destinations in one holiday! But, you’re probably wondering just what you’ve let yourself in for.

What will it be like? Will I enjoy it? Well, earlier this week, we asked our fantastic Facebook fans for their top tips and advice for a first time traveller, and they didn’t disappoint.
We’ve pulled together our favourite snippets of advice for you to take a look over to give you a better understanding of just what to expect as you step on board a Leger coach for the first time…

Your drivers are always there to help…

[quote]Anthony Okell As a driver I have worked for companies who have worked for Leger they are a first class company with top class holiday’s, I would holiday with them any time. Â They will go the extra mile to help you.[/quote]

[quote]Tony Lewis Listen to your drivers, and you won’t go wrong. Your driver’s do the journeys week in, week out, they are all very professional. Enjoy your holiday, you won’t go wrong with Leger[/quote]

Elizabeth and Meinir’s tips are great if you’re considering some optional extras…

[quote]Meinir Ann Thomas Do all the optional excursions – best way of seeing everything.[/quote]

Meinir also says, treat yourself on your ferry crossings…

If you’re wondering about what happens when you get to your destination, here’s that June has to say…

And, what about the Leger comforts?

[quote]Julie Bessant Wouldn’t book with anyone but leger professional drivers really comfortable journey and drinks prices were excellent.[/quote]

[quote]Jackie Thornton My friend & I are one our 3rd holiday with Leger we sit back,relax and enjoy[/quote]

A couple more…

[quote]Yvonne Riley Prepare yourself for the first of many holidays you will take with Leger. A great company[/quote]
[quote]Tim Forster Bring an open mind and a sense of humour.[/quote]

But maybe most importantly…

[quote]Sheana Kenyon Enjoy the ride and enjoy your holiday[/quote]

And these are just a selection of tips and tricks, see the full thread, here. Why not join in our conversation and get to know fellow travellers over on our Facebook page? We also have dedicated pages for our Battlefields and Motorsports tours. See you over there soon!

March 18, 2016September 22, 2023

Discover Australia: Our Top Spots in the Land Down Under

As you may have seen, we have recently launched our brand new, 20-day, Discover Australia tour and, crikey! We’re excited.

The magical land down under offers a whole array of new and exciting places to visit, from the bright red sands of the outback to the spectacular waters of the Coral Sea, there’s plenty of good days to be had.
But, if you’re setting foot in the land of Aus for the first time, you’re probably wanting to know, what are the best things to see and do? Well, here are our top places and attractions to visit whilst in amazing Australia.

9. Great Ocean Road

By far one of the most scenic drives in the world… Stretching across an impressive 180 miles of the south-eastern coast, it sure is remarkable.
Travelling past world class surfing breaks, through pockets of rain forest, heathlands and on the edge of sheer drop cliffs, it offers a whole new meaning to the thrill of the ride.
Top Sight: The Twelve Apostles – although there are now only eight, these lonely rock stacks are certainly a sight to behold.

8. Philip Island

Only 90 minutes from Melbourne, this place takes you back to the wild side. Well known for its motorsport circuit and wildlife including kangaroos and koalas, you really will have an enjoyable Aussie experience on Phillip Island.
You’ll be in for a treat with the Parade of Penguins, too. Each night at sunset, you can see one of the largest colonies of penguins in Australia waddling home after a long day’s fishing.
Don’t worry if there is a chill in the air, these little penguins will certainly warm your heart.

7. Four Mile Beach

The clue is in the name when it comes to our next top port of call. Yes, you really can expect four miles of gorgeous sandy beach!
Once just a sleepy coastal town, the Four Mile Beach and Port Douglas have now become one of the most popular places to be in northern Australia, and it’s easy to see why.
With soft sands and tropical sunshine, you can take a stroll along this premier beach. Buildings and homes are neatly hidden behind swaying palm trees and the crystal clear waters of the Coral Sea will welcome you to paradise.

6. Blue Mountains National Park

Home to the famous Three Sisters rock formation, the Blue Mountain National Park is World Heritage listed, full of amazing natural wonders and is ten times older than the Grand Canyon!
With its rich aboriginal heritage, it’s also home to hundreds of species of birds and rare and ancient plants, with a number of species of reptiles in there too, a trip to the Blue Mountains is an experience that is not easily forgotten.

5. Bondi Beach

It has to be the most famous beach in Australia! One of Sydney’s most visited beaches, Bondi is a mixed bag that has something for everyone. Surf, sand, bars, cafés, you name it…
Home to the Bondi Life Saving Club, if you’re feeling adventurous, the protected waters are a great place to learn to surf.
If you’re wanting a more relaxing time at the beach, head down Campbell parade and enjoy a range of stylish surf and fashion shops and a host of stylish bars and cafes.
You can even join the locals with picnics or fish and chips by the sea. Who’d have thought you could enjoy a quintessentially British past time, even though you’re the other side of the world?

4. Alice Springs

Situated a vast 1,500 km from the nearest city, Alice Springs in the Northern Territory is a popular gateway for adventurers exploring the ‘Red Centre’.
A vibrant art scene, a rich cultural life and its mix of Aboriginal and European colonial history makes this seemingly secluded town an interesting cosmopolitan city with plenty to see and do.
One of the most iconic things most visitors to Alice Springs set off to enjoy is…

3. Ayers Rock (Uluru)

One of the most iconic landmarks in Australia, Ayers Rock, or Uluru by its Aboriginal name, is a sight to behold whilst in the outback.
It is a sacred site for the Aboriginal tribes and is pretty spectacular for a number of other reasons, such as its sheer size, history and rather interestingly, as each day passes, the rock actually changes colour!
There’s no Pantone for Uluru… Light and atmospheric conditions change the appearance of the rock each and every day meaning it’s never the same shade as the day before.

2. Great Barrier Reef

One of the world’s great natural wonders, it’s the largest living structure in the world with almost 3000 individual reefs that are home to thousands of types of fish, plants and birds. Dolphins, sharks, whales, and turtles, the Great Barrier Reef attracts them all.
It is so long (2300km to be precise) it stretches over 14 degrees of latitude and can even be seen from space!
With its crystal clear waters it’s a haven for snorkelers and divers alike making the reef one of the most popular attractions in Australia.

1. Sydney Harbour

One of the most iconic sights down under, of course the top spot just has to go to the world famous Sydney Harbour.
Streamed across the world as it becomes one of the first cities in the world to welcome in the New Year, the area is iconic for impressive celebrations in a striking setting.
With the stunning sights of Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, it is regarded one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world and that’s something we certainly won’t disagree with!

If you’re looking for a trip down under and you want to see all of these sights and more, why not join Leger Holidays as we set off on our new adventure Discover Australia? For more information on our tour, just click here.

March 9, 2016July 14, 2023

Formula 1 – Open to All by Joseph Rogers

Thinking about heading out on a Formula 1 Race weekend with Leger Holidays? Formula 1 fan, competition winner and Leger Customer, Joseph Rogers can tell you all about it.

We recently ran a competition courtesy of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya offering an amazing experience to attend the Formula 1 pre-season testing in Barcelona with a VIP pass. Our lucky winner was Joseph Rogers, an avid Formula 1 fan. Joseph has been on two Leger See it Live tours previously and has kindly written a blog of his three Leger experiences for you to enjoy.

Formula 1 – Open to All

Since its inception in 1950, Formula 1 has been portrayed across the globe as the epitome of financial exuberance in sport. Even before the days of oily rags and hay bale barriers, it was very much the affluent proportion of society that guided motorsport from the comfort of English stately homes and large multinational companies.
Now with worldwide sponsorship, superstar drivers, and events spanning almost every continent, the story of Formula 1 is still very much bound to that of money… and lots of it.

Today, this can sometimes give the impression that to enjoy the sport outside of the television requires as much money as it does to run a team. Ticket prices, whilst always the subject of change, are often advertised to draw eccentric business-owners, corporate heavy-weights and those in the higher tax bracket.
On top of that, flights and hotels with links to the sport do little to encourage a cheap motorsport themed getaway and the logistics of getting to circuits outside of major city boundaries get ever more complicated.
Thankfully, this creates a niche in the market for companies offering Formula 1 holidays. With financial predicaments at the forefront for many in the UK, getting value for money on something as important as a once-in-a-lifetime trip is of crucial importance.
For a Formula 1 fan, who has to account for the price of a ticket on top of the travel costs, value for money can make-or-break the experience.
Enter: Leger Holidays. A company that not only provides seamless travel arrangements to places all over Europe, but does so with utmost enthusiasm and professionalism.

Belgian Grand Prix, 2013

I first travelled with Leger to the 2013 Belgian Grand Prix and was blown away not only by the screaming pitch of the soon-to-be-axed V8 engines but also the ease with which the whole experience was conducted.

I was picked up from a location close to my home, by taxi and taken to the coach waiting for me at the nearest motorway junction. There, I was greeted by 2 drivers as keen to get the track as I was and who clearly has a passion for what they did.
After a cup of tea, we were on our way to Dover and onwards to Belgium, where Formula 1 became a reality for the first time and sheer pleasure resulted from knowing that Leger were allowing me to see my cherished sport first-hand.

Monaco Grand Prix, 2014

I didn’t hesitate in booking again for 2014, this time; Monaco. In my mind, seeing the world-famous Monaco Grand Prix, was the stuff of dreams. By far the most exotic race on the calendar, I was astonished to find it in Leger’s list of See It Live events and at only a slight increase in price on Belgium.

What resulted was some of the most euphoric days of my life. Even the monumental coach journey from Taunton down to the south French coast, was full of sights, laughter, a pub-quiz and the perfect amount of service stops before our hotel over the border in Italy.
At the race, joy erupted at the thought of being amongst the rich and famous. Even from the general admission area, celebrities and drivers could be seen a few feet away amongst the super yachts and champagne-covered balconies.
A reflection of the thought, that I was there, and (at the time) unemployed, amateur author in the middle of the world’s most exuberant show of wealth, was simply life-changing. The experience promptly inspired 2 chapters of A Spectrum Of Settlements, my second publication and the first on the subject of travelling.
2 years later, I’ve just come back from Barcelona and the 2016 Formula 1 pre-season test, again courtesy of Leger.

What Leger Holidays offer, with each and every package whether it be the Monaco Grand Prix or a French Battlefield tour, is the opportunity to experience your life’s passion within financial comfort and peace in knowing that from door-to-door you’ll be taken care of by happy, hard-working people that are as excited to travel as you are.
Formula 1 is not out of reach and not for the privileged few. It’s an enthusiast’s sport, supported by the fans and enjoyed by those truly passionate about motorsport. Thanks to Leger Holidays, we can all enjoy the sport we love.

January 23, 2016July 14, 2023

Solo Travel in Your Twenties: Rachel Wade in Italy

Yorkshire-based solo travel extraordinaire, Rachel Wade, has been exploring Europe for the past four years on a variety of Leger Holidays’ escorted tours. Here she shares her first experience of travelling abroad on our ‘Wonders of Rome & Pompeii‘ tour.

It was the summer of 2012 and I had finally finished my fifth year of university. I was also quickly approaching my 25th birthday – a milestone I wanted to celebrate in style!
My previous holidays had only been short jaunts to local cities – it was time for a real adventure! I had always longed to explore Italy, so Leger’s seven day trip to Rome, Pompeii and Sorrento sounded ideal.

It was my first time travelling alone so I was full of anxious questions, but these were soon replaced by excitement as I boarded the coach. The crew and my new companions were very welcoming and made me feel at ease as we enjoyed a pleasant two-day journey to our base, Fiuggi, in central Italy.
On day three we began the adventure with a visit to Pompeii, the famous ‘buried town’. We stopped off en route to explore Monte Cassino monastery, a serene and beautiful place with a melancholy past (it was accidentally bombed during the Second World War and had to be rebuilt).

Our introduction to Italy’s history continued when we finally arrived in Pompeii. Our guide was fantastic at showing us around the huge site, pointing out the extraordinary features that had been preserved by ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD. It was a truly unique visit.
My sense of awe continued with our next day excursion to the glorious city of Rome. Dropped off by our coach outside the Vatican, the city was full of vibrancy with so many sights, sounds and smells to enjoy. Armed with my pocket guide, I spent the day exploring meandering back streets, grand glistening plazas, and ‘gelato’ (ice-cream) shops galore!
Just when I thought the trip couldn’t get any better, we visited Sorrento on day five – I will never forget the stunning view as we drove down to the seafront sparkling in the sunshine. From designer stores and bijou boutiques to pretty cafes and the elegant seafront, there really was something for everyone to enjoy here.
Before I knew it, we were heading home – but what fantastic memories I was taking back! It was the perfect introduction to travelling abroad and really fueled my sense of exploration. Sharing the experience with others who travel solo, and making new friends made it all the more memorable, and it didn’t take long before I was booking my next Leger Holidays adventure!
If you’d like to take on a solo travel adventure to some of Europe’s most fascinating destinations, you can see our full range of dedicated Single Traveller holidays, here.

January 5, 2016July 14, 2023

Leger Holidays' Top 10 Viewed Tours of 2015

A new start to a new year, and no, we can’t quite believe it’s 2016 either. 2015 was a brilliant year for Leger Holidays. Our new coach, Luxuria, hit the road, our website got a new look and, best of all, we got to take more fantastic customers to some great destinations and made memories to last a lifetime.

Whilst we’ve been busy preparing for the exciting year ahead, we can’t help but look back fondly on our experiences from last year. So, we’ve compiled a list of our most-viewed tours over the last 12 months. If you’re looking for some inspiration or just curious to see if your favourite tour makes the list, here’s what caught your eye over throughout 2015:

10.

In at number 10, giving us all that warm, fuzzy feeling is the Fairy Tale Castles of Bavaria, the Rhine Valley & Black Forest. And, who said romance was dead?

9.

Taking the number 9 spot was beautiful Italy with our Lake Garda, Venice & Verona tour. Now that’s amore!

8.

Speeding in at number eight, it’s fast cars and lavish surroundings with the Monaco Grand Prix by Coach.

7.

Lucky Seven, our Splendours of Paris caught your eye for a short trip just across the channel.

6.

The stunning Dutch Bulbfields take the number 6 spot, or was it the excursion to Amsterdam that tempted you to this colourful tour? Both spectacular choices, of course.

5.

Italy sure is popular, coming in at number 5 is the fantastic Wonders of Rome & Pompeii.

4.

Our D-Day landings in Normandy comes in at an impressive number 4, proving once again, we will never forget.

3.

Into the top three for 2015, and first onto the winner’s podium, the tour taking the hypothetical bronze medal is Beautiful Bruges!

2.

And in second place, it’s another appearance for the Formula 1 fanatics, our ever popular Belgium Grand Prix Race Weekend spiked your interest for another year.

1.

Taking the top spot, the most viewed tour of 2015 is… Nashville, New Orleans and Elvis Presley’s Memphis. Heading into America’s Deep South, you liked the sound of the live jazz of New Orleans, the blues and rock ‘n’ roll in Memphis and the country sounds of Nashville. And, a visit to Graceland? We can’t disagree with that.

With a host of new tours coming up, we wonder which tour will top our most viewed tours this year. One thing we do know is that we’ve got plenty of holidays and experiences we hope you enjoy in the meantime. Where will your plans take you in 2016?

November 27, 2015July 14, 2023

Taking back Twixmas – The Perfect Time for a European Escape

All that build up to Christmas day and it feels like it’s over before you’ve even had chance to finish off your Christmas Pudding. Then, you’re faced with mountains of washing up, turkey leftovers to feed you for a week and a whole array of TV repeats you don’t miss from the nineties. Welcome to Twixmas.

Yes, it sounds like a chocolate bar, and whilst there may be a lack of gold wrapping, Twixmas can prove to be just the treat you were looking for.
Traditionally starting on the 27^th December right through to New Year, it covers the time in which plenty of people venture out of the house for a spot of sale shopping. But, if that’s not your thing, how about a European escape?
Now is the time to take back Twixmas! Here, we’ve pulled together our top adventures to spend your Twixmas in style.

Cruising the Rhine Valley

What better way to shake off that Christmas hangover than setting sail on a relaxing river cruise down the beautiful Rhine Valley of Germany?
From the quaint towns of Rudesheim and Koblenz to the stunning Cologne, you certainly won’t be left longing for the Christmas soap re-runs. In fact, if you’ve received a new camera for Christmas, there certainly some sights to behold here.
The Gothic architecture and the sweeping river views are certainly a sight for sore and bleary eyes – or, of course, you could take in the hair of the dog in one of Cologne’s 3000 pubs, cafes and restaurants. The German’s certainly produce some great beer.

Hop into Holland

Visiting Valkenburg throughout Twixmas can offer you some fantastic activities worth leaving the house for.
With its quaint cobbled alleyways, you have a chance to dive into the shops and spend any left-over Christmas money on treats for yourself. How about a lovely meal in one of the many restaurants and bars?
You can even take a stroll around the stunning castle garden of “Kasteeltuin Oud-Valkenburg” and visit the castle mill whilst you’re there.
If you fancy some time out of the daylight on street level, head underground into the Roman catacombs taking a candlelit tour around the underground network of 2000-year-old caves.

Twixmas Treats in Bruges

Christmas doesn’t have to be over, not when it comes to indulging, anyway. With plenty of flavoured beers and that oh-so-delectable Belgian chocolate to tuck in to, there’s plenty to enjoy in Bruges.
This pretty town has plenty of stunning sights to see, and how better to see them than from a horse and cart? Head over to the Markt Square where your chariot will await.
Plus, you can take a look around the famous chocolate factory Choco-Story, take a boat tour of the canal or rest your feet with a selection of tasty flavoured draught beers in the Beer Wall pub.

Picture Perfect Prague

Take a trip into historical Prague. There’s plenty of Iconic sights to see such as the Prague Castle, the Old Town Hall and the famous Astronomical Clock.
It’s also the perfect place to get snappy, head over to the Charles Bridge to get some stunning photographs of the city.
If you’re up for a bit of fun, head over to the mirror maze on Petran Hill, the “Hall of Laughter” should do the trick of relieving those post-Christmas blues.
Did you know: The term ‘Twixmas’ actually comes from the old English phrase ‘Betwix’ that means the middle position.
There’s still time to book your perfect Twixmas break, take a look at our range of Twixmas tours, here.

October 2, 2015July 14, 2023

Paris: A Perfect Delight by Danny Coy

I have been a photographer for a few years now and when the opportunity arose to work with Leger Holidays I was so excited.

My first assignment was to visit Paris on a 4-day coach break, taking photos for Leger’s brochures and website. Having never been to Paris before, I was awaiting this trip with such excitement. Once I had received my itinerary I knew I was in for a highly rewarding weekend.

I really enjoy walking and when the beautiful scenery matches the weather I find myself walking miles on end. The great thing about booking with Leger Holidays is that you can also make use of the excursions and really get to see everything.
The positive spirits of both the coach drivers and the passengers made for a pleasant coach journey from England into Paris. Everyone was welcoming of one another and after a couple of onboard drinks, the jokes were flying around.
The hotel I stayed in, the Inter Hotel Le Cardinal on the outskirts of Paris, was fantastic. The rooms were perfectly clean and well laid out, the staff were so friendly and more than happy to assist us with any questions and the included breakfast had plenty to keep you going.
On the first morning, the first major sight I saw was the Arc de Triomphe in all its glory. I couldn’t believe how big it was, and one thing that stuck with me is how the coach just fell completely silent as we drove around it. Everyone was just taken aback and it’s at this point I really felt that I was in Paris. As we came down The Avenue des Champs-Elysees somebody said, “I wonder if they have a Primark here”. The whole coach atmosphere was fantastic and everybody was so excited to start exploring.
We were able to park almost directly below the Eiffel Tower. The huge structure was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and again, it looked so massive in real life. The sun was shining through all its little gaps and it just took my breath away. The beautiful blue sky contrasted the metal wonder perfectly and everything just seemed to stop for an instant.
Just walking through the centre of Paris I could see that it was unlike any other place. The streets were lined with trees that have been perfectly trimmed so that they were all symmetrical,
historical statues stand on every corner and even the street lights look like something out of a movie.
The Louvre was definitely a huge highlight for everyone on the trip. I remember having a conversation with a passenger who said that you know the art inside is going to be good when the building itself is a masterpiece. The entrance is a huge glass pyramid and each panel seemed to reflect the suns light slightly differently.
As I followed the road and went over a beautiful bridge I reached the Notre Dame, the home of the fictional character Quasimodo. The gothic masterpiece is such a joy to behold and the gargoyles perched on the corners are almost lifelike.
The river Seine cruise is an optional extra that Leger offers and everyone on the coach wanted to do it. The gentle cruise was made even better by the gorgeous weather and a pleasant breeze. It’s a great way to see the city from below and also gain some knowledge of the history of Paris. The detail of the bridges that can only be seen from below; the little houseboats that line the edges of the river; the sound of the water lapping up the side of the boat as you glide past the Notre Dame; and the way the city
looks from the boat. It was so peaceful and tranquil and the sun shone over the top of the buildings as brightly as the smiles on the people’s faces.
In the evening, Leger had organised a three-course meal in a restaurant in the Latin Quarter. This was definitely one of the highlights of the trip for nearly everybody on the coach. The restaurant was tucked down a back street, without the help of Leger, we would never have found it. As soon as we walked in we were greeted by a couple of jolly locals playing the guitar and accordion. They proceeded to seat us in an underground area and brought out lots of free wine and bread.
Being in France, I decided to have the snails that were on the menu and they were delicious. I’m always happy to try new things, but in all honesty, I hadn’t expected to really enjoy them. They arrived with shells and I had to pick them out with a skewer. They were really tasty and not at all chewy, as I expected. The main course was a choice of different meats served in different sauces, so there was something for everyone to enjoy. Whilst we were eating our desserts, the guys with the guitar and accordion came down to play for us. Their English was as perfect as their sense of humour and it really capped off a brilliant evening.
The second morning began as pleasantly early as the first and we were soon off to Montmartre. Highlights in Montmartre are definitely the Moulin Rouge and the Roman-Catholic Sacre Coeur church. There was a really nice smell in the air from the abundance of patisseries.
By lunchtime, we were heading off to the gardens of Versailles and nobody knew what to expect. The thing I liked most about the gardens was the perfect symmetry of everything. I have always enjoyed things to be in order, especially in my photography, so Versailles really filled me with deep happiness. The flowers are beautifully maintained and there’s just so much colour everywhere. It’s a truly breathtaking place and a great way to round up the whole trip.
Leger Holidays made it easy for me to really experience the culture of a city. It’s great if you don’t feel up to travelling all on your own or if you want to see everything a place has to offer but you don’t want the stress of sorting it all out yourself.

I am looking forward to my next assignment.

Danny Coy

September 25, 2015

Simon Calder Q&A: Tips and Travel Advice

Simon Calder, Travel Writer and Broadcaster

Here at Leger Holidays, we’re celebrating holiday inspiration, and who better to get involved than travel writer and broadcaster, Simon Calder? We invited the Twittersphere to ask the travel man himself for his ideas and experiences. We’ve distilled the best for you here …

What are the strongest triggers to deciding on a particular trip?
My usual motivation is a word in my ear from a friend with taste – but a film, chance conversation or just a tweet can work.
Your greatest drive in Europe?
So many roads, so little time – but most of Italy’s coast, so long as someone else is driving.
Is there a secret European location waiting to be discovered?
Yes, and almost all of them are behind the old Iron Curtain, particularly Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Ukraine.
What was the last film that inspired you to travel and why?
Er, is it very uncool to say Sound of Music? Many of the locations in it, in and around Salzburg in Austria, are still exactly the same
What’s the latest about the hole in Rhodes airport runway?
The runway on the Greek island had a malfunction earlier this week but is now back in action – and a great destination in Sept/Oct.
Your favourite Christmas Market?
For me the surroundings count for as much as the stalls, chalets and cafes. So: Cologne, with Bruges, Hamburg and Frankfurt as good alternatives.
You were in Castellon last week – what’s it like?
The latest Ryanair route from Stansted and Bristol serves Castellon Airport on Spain’s Costa Azahar – the Orange Blossom Coast and mostly beautifully unspoilt, with Peniscola the best place to stay. The airport also serves as a cut-price gateway to Valencia if the fares to that fine city are too high.
Where are you going skiing this winter?
Haven’t decided yet but Slovakia and Germany are possible locations – they don’t experience the usual half-term price surge. However, Austria is also very appealing.
How far in advance is too far to book a holiday?
Booking too far in advance can be a real problem, particularly for non-refundable plane tickets. Package holidays are less risky because you can transfer them to someone else if you can’t go. But of course anticipation is sweet – and I’ve already booked an eclipse-hunting coach holiday in the US for 2017.
Former Yugoslavia – your favourite component?
I’m fond of them all, but besides Croatia (a given) I have particular soft spots for Slovenia, Montenegro and Bosnia.
What type of coach holiday would be most appealing to you?
A good guide and good company are essentials, but after that it’s terrain that you can really enjoy from a coach. So lakes (or lochs) and mountains work for me, but some UK motorways are also excellent – the M62, M74 and upper reaches of the M6 are all best seen from a passenger seat
Do you ever ask locals for tips on things to do and places to see?
Yes. Online research and guidebooks are invariably trumped by local recommendations. So, always ask.
The best place to visit in Reykjavik?
I’m just back from the Icelandic capital and it’s in great shape, with more flights from the UK than ever. Eat at the newly opened Tacobarinn, which brings Latin American style (and almost prices) to the city. Don’t bother with the Blue Lagoon – overly commercialised – but take the 5-min ferry rider to wonderful Videy Island.
Any other relatively undiscovered wildernesses in Europe, other than Iceland?
Many. In the UK: Knoydart Peninsula in Scotland. Eastern Poland/western Ukraine also wonderful.
Based on what you’ve seen so far this year, what do you think will be the travel trends for 2016?
Niche Latin America, eg Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, eastern Europe and Canada for sheer good value.
Where has reading a book led you?
George Orwell made me hitch-hike to Barcelona after I read Homage to Catalonia. The Fruit Palace by Charles Nicholl is an inspiring introduction to the marvels and madness of Colombia. And the European Rail Timetable is full of wild and wonderful places to add to the list.
Croatia, Greece or Turkey?
Great question – all offer value, beauty, history and a warm welcome, but right now Greece is the word.
Where are the best places to travel to in Europe that are still warm in autumn/winter?
I’d choose an island from Crete, Malta, Sicily, Mallorca and Ibiza, with the Canaries best for the real depths of winter.
What’s not to miss in Berlin?
The Reichstag (Parliament building) is free and brilliant. Ditto East Side Gallery. And take a trip out to Potsdam.
Which TV show or movie has inspired you to visit the filming location?
It’s only been out a week, but Everest is spectacular. I don’t want to climb it but I do want to visit Nepal.
Thank you to Simon, and huge thank you to everyone for your questions! You can take a look at all of our once in a lifetime Grand Explorer holidays by clicking here.

August 3, 2015July 14, 2023

A Grand Alpine Adventure by Carole Russell

As a 73-year-old lady not used to travelling alone, I was very apprehensive about going on holiday, but one of the best decisions I ever made was to go on the Grand Alpine Adventure in August last year. The Silver Service coach was beyond all my expectations and, once we’d crossed the channel I really felt the adventure was beginning

Right at the start Stuart, one of our drivers, said “remember, you are not on holiday – you are on tour!” We very quickly understood what he meant. Staying in no less than 9 hotels over a 2 week period certainly meant having to be organised with the packing and, if you are expecting a relaxing, restful holiday, do NOT go on this tour!

One of our first visits was to a wine tasting in the Rhine Valley. What better way to get me talking to my fellow travellers who I was to share the next 2 weeks with!

We had so many wonderful experiences and saw the most spectacular sights, travelling through the Alps and Lakes of Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and France.

I was simply enchanted by all of the towns we visited, particularly Rothenburg, Innsbruck and Salzburg, feeling I was part of a storybook. And the Alpine regions we visited – welI the splendour, magnificence and beauty of what I saw was simply awe inspiring.

You’d have thought one mountain would look much the same as another, but every area we went to, the scenery was so spectacularly different.Â We stayed in some lovely hotels along the way and the variety of food was excellent.

The only lady amongst five other ‘singlies’, I wonder if I may have earned a bit of a reputation as we did tend to end up together as a group!Â But the whole camaraderie of all the passengers and crew was really good and I felt very safe and secure.

I would certainly say to anyone who is on their own that this type of holiday is probably the best they can take.Â You can spend time on your own when you want, but there is always someone else around who will happily have you join them for a meal, or whatever.

Our crew, Stuart and Ralph, were tireless in their endeavours to ensure everyone was happy and that everything ran like clockwork.Â Their commentaries were so informative and interesting and their driving – well how they get that huge coach around those Alpine bends beats me!

I very soon decided that I wanted to experience more of the world with Leger as it is such a splendid way to have holidays, particularly when you are travelling alone. So I’m off again soon, this time to Eastern Europe. Who wants to lay on a beach when you can go on tour!

Would you like to be a Leger Blog star? Get in touch at blog@legerblog.co.uk

April 3, 2015

7 of the Strangest Easter Traditions around Europe

We’ve hit the time of the year that we’re bombarded with chicks, Easter bunnies and enough chocolate eggs to keep even the most indulgent chocoholic happy for a few years.

It’s something that we’ve become accustomed to, with most of us expecting Easter eggs in the shops as soon as the Christmas decorations have come down, but it’s not the same across the globe. Even our European neighbours have their own ways of celebrating Easter. So, while we’re tucking into our Easter eggs this weekend, here’s what our European friends will be doing to celebrate.

Germany

Germans prefer to use their eggs to decorate trees as part of the Sommertagszug festival. Although it’s held three weeks before Easter Sunday, Sommertagszug is still deemed an Easter celebration and is probably one of the most important holidays of the year in Germany.
Locals come out in their droves to officially welcome summer and tell winter that it’s time to take a hike. As well as the Easter tree, the festival also uses an Easter bonfire for a ceremonial burning of a specially made winter tree and a snowman. Not only is it a unique start to Easter celebrations, it’s certainly an extravagant way of welcoming the summer months in.

Switzerland

The Franconian Swiss, the people of Franconia in Northern Bavaria, focus their celebrations around water. Water, as we know, is a life source and since Easter is about celebrating life, they decorate their wells with Easter eggs, spring flowers and ribbons to celebrate the gift of life that the well provides them with.
They’re said to be not so fond the Easter Bunny too, however, the children don’t miss out. The Easter Cuckoo delivers Easter eggs instead.

France

Now, forget about the chocolate egg, the French stick to the usual kind. In a tradition that supposedly goes all the way back to Napoleon.
In Haux, France, the residents celebrate Easter Monday by making an omelette of epic proportions. We’re talking 4,500 eggs in this recipe, several chefs armed with wooden paddles to make it and a giant skillet to cook it in.
Once cooked, the hungry residents can tuck in and enjoy their Easter omelette. It’s certainly a way to avoid a subsequent chocolate sugar rush.

Poland

You may not have heard of it, but Smigus-Dyngus is a Polish Easter tradition you won’t forget in a hurry.
On Easter Monday, young boys gather with the intention of soaking girls in water. Buckets, water pistols and just about any other vessel can be used to partake in this game.
Although it may sound like an over the top water fights, the tradition had its origins in the baptism of Polish Prince Miezko on Easter Monday 966 AD.
Legend has it that if a girl gets soaked during Smigus-Dyngus, she will be married within the year. Let’s hope it’s a warm Easter in Poland this year.

Russia

Come Easter time, shops in the UK are filled with arrays on chocolate treats in many shapes and sizes so a chocolate bunny certainly wouldn’t look out of place. Russians, however, prefer to have their treats to look like lambs. And they hold back on the chocolate too.
Yes, their Easter lamb treat is made out of butter. Russians believe that lambs are lucky as they’re the only animal that the devil couldn’t transform into. It certainly sounds calorific, but possibly not as tempting as a chocolate egg.

Norway

In Norway, Easter is a popular time for people to divulge in a little crime fiction. So much so that publishers actually bring out Easter Thriller Specials.
Known locally as Paaskekrimmen, the tradition is said to have begun in 1923 when a book publisher promoted their new crime thriller on the front pages of the newspapers over Easter. It’s said that the adverts resembled news stories so much, people didn’t realise it was a publicity stunt. Ever since the taste for Crime Fiction has stood firm over this holiday in Norway.
So, how will you be spending your Easter bank holiday?