Tag: Italy

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9 of the Spookiest Places in Europe – Happy Halloween

Ever wondered where the scariest, spookiest and most haunted places are in Europe? Does the idea of chasing ghost and ghouls sound like the perfect holiday? This Halloween let us take you around the continent to set the scene for the perfect ghost stories to share this All Hallows’ Eve.

1.

tower-of-london

The Tower of London

Regarded one of the most haunted places in Europe, the tower of London has a history going back 900 years of torture and execution. The most famous of spirits said to be wandering within the walls of this iconic building is the Ghost of Anne Boleyn. One of the fated wives of Henry the VIII, her headless body is said to have been spotted close the scene of her demise.

2.

chateau

Chateau de Brissac, France

Built in the 11th century, this castle has spooked many a visitor. A gruesome double murder in the 15th century has left a lasting spirit roaming the halls of this magnificent castle. ‘The Green Lady’ as she is known, is said to have terrified guests with her ghoulish groan echoing around the corridors in the early hours. More terrifyingly, the guests who claim to have seen her have said her corpse-like face features holes where her eyes and nose should be.

3.

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Babenhausen Barracks, Germany

Used during multiple wars to house German soldiers whose spirits have never left. It has been claimed the ghosts of World War 2 soldiers in full military gear have been spotted as lights turn on and off by themselves and voices have been heard coming from the basement. Now a museum, soldiers that have visited have picked up a ringing telephone are said to have heard a lady talking backwards. In the town of Babenhausen rumours of a witch was burned at the stake are prominent with her ghost said to have seduced and killed several German Soldiers.

4.

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Poveglia Island, Italy

Sat in the Venetian lagoon is the small island of Poveglia. The island became populated when mainlanders fled to escape invaders. By the 14th Century the island was completely deserted, however, when the plague hit, the island was used as a quarantine colony with Venetians sent there to die. Their bodies were said to subsequently be burned on giant pyres. The site was also said to be used as a mental asylum in the 1800’s with stories of experimental procedures with stories of ill treatment and suicide rife in the city. Today, the island sits abandoned with locals daring not to set foot on the island for fear of being cursed. The ghosts of past patients are said to haunt the island with screams and voices often being heard, there has also been stories of violent possessions by evil spirits.

5.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, UK, illuminated at night in the winter snow

Edinburgh Castle

An outstanding landmark, situated overlooking the city of Edinburgh. Once again the scene of many battles and tortures, it is thought to be one of the most haunted castles in the world. Visitors claim to have been touched and pulled and sightings of ghoulish figures include a headless drummer boy and a piper who had apparently got lost in the tunnels below the castle and subsequently lost his life.

6.

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Corvin Castle, Transylvania

Best known to be the home of Count Dracula but also Vlad the Impaler. Vlad was known for his excessive cruelty and his nickname ‘The Impaler’ came about as he was notorious for his practice of impaling his enemies. The Corvin Castle is said to have been where historical figure was held in captivity as strange sightings have been reported of vampire-like figures appearing in flickering candle-light.

7.

Leap Castle

Leap Castle, Ireland

Widely regarded the most haunted castle in Ireland, it boasts a history of murders and massacres. It is said to be haunted by spirits seeking vengeance for their untimely murders. The castle is thought to have been built by the O’Carrol family who apparently had a habit of murdering people and dumping the bodies down a hole in the castle wall. Hauntings are said to take place in the ‘Bloody Chapel’ where it’s thought the murders took place.

8.

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Convent of St Agnes, Prague

Prague is said to be one of the most haunted cities in Europe and the Convent of St Agnes, situated in the world famous city, does not disappoint. Apparently haunted by the ‘Murdered Nun’, her legacy began when, as a girl, was said to be ordered to the convent by her noble father after falling in love with a poor knight. The night before she was due to leave she decided to follow her heart and met with her love. She was also met there by her father who, in a fit of rage, fatally stabbed her for shaming him. She is said to be seen in her ghostly form covered in blood and weeping bitterly.

9.

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Nidaros Cathedral, Norway

This imposing cathedral in the town of Trondheim is said to house the spirit of a Monk who has been described as a tall figure with a dark habit, a monks tonsure, glowing eyes and blood dripping from a cut in his throat. He reveals himself to church goers and is said to often sever his head from his body and walk straight through church goers.
Happy Halloween!
Fancy seeing some ghoulishly gorgeous scenery for yourself? Take a look through our European tours for a fangtastic time.

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Florence: artistic treasures, amazing architecture and a rapidly-melting

The final city visit on our tour of the Italian Riviera, Tuscany and Rome was the Renaissance city of Florence, a city that was mentioned quite a bit in my art history lessons.

It was a warm and sunny day as we travelled into Florence, or Firenze as it’s known locally, heading firstly to a viewpoint high above the city. Florence sits in the valley of the River Arno and is surrounded by hills and mountains, and it was from the hilltop location of Piazzale Michelangelo that we were given an excellent view over the whole city with the rich terracotta dome of the cathedral’s mighty Duomo dominating the panorama. This is the shot that appears on many postcards so it’s the one to take for your album! Below us the River Arno ran past the pastel-coloured buildings and under the famous Ponte Vecchio which we could see over to the left.

Michelangelo's statue of David stands in the centre of Piazzale Michelangelo, looking over the city
Michelangelo’s statue of David (well, one of them) stands in the centre of Piazzale Michelangelo, looking over the city

At Piazzale Michelangelo, along with many people taking photos and posing for pictures for their album, there was a replica of Michelangelo’s statue of David, one of the masterpieces of Renaissance sculpture. Apart from that, the square itself wasn’t much to look at – but we were there for the view and that was incredible! Once everyone had the photographs they wanted we headed down towards the centre to meet our guide who would introduce us to her city.
Florence was once surrounded by high defensive walls and towers, and the Tower of the Mint, (Torre della Zecca) which we walked past on our way into the city was part of those walls. This tower was once connected to a string of buildings which were powered by water, and one of these was the Florence Mint (Zecca fiorentina) where the city’s golden florins were made.

Torre della Zecca – Tower of the Mint
Torre della Zecca – Tower of the Mint

Our guide led us past the Mint Tower and along Via dei Malcontenti, a narrow street sandwiched between cream-coloured buildings. This was apparently the road that criminals were led along to the public gallows, and so it was given the name Malcontenti – ‘malcontent’ meaning unhappy.
After a while, after passing the Franciscan church of Santa Croce with its grand marble façade and weaving our way through the narrow streets of the city, we came out at the Piazza della Signoria, dominated by the huge bell tower; the belfry of the Palazzo Vecchio (Old Palace). This is the city hall of Florence and it was in front of the building that I spotted another reproduction of Michelangelo’s David, the most famous statue on the square. The real one, created in 1504, used to stand here but it was removed and placed in the Accademia di Belle Arti Firenze.

The belfry of the Palazzo Vecchio
The belfry of the Palazzo Vecchio on Piazza della Signoria…
Michelangelo's statue of David No.2
… and another ‘David’!

The square was buzzing with a great atmosphere – apparently it’s one of the most popular meeting spots for locals and tourists alike. Across from the city hall was the contrasting sight of designer stores being browsed by well-dressed shoppers and people strolling around trying to eat their colourful ‘gelato’ before it melted in the warm sunshine. Being a girl who doesn’t like shopping (yes, weird, I know!) I opted instead to join the gelato speed-eaters.
Frantically trying to keep the ice cream in its cone, I walked over to the large equestrian statue of Cosimo I de’ Medici standing just beside the city hall. Cosimo was famous for, amongst other things, the creation of the Uffizi which adjoins the Palazzo Vecchio and is now one of the most famous museums in the world, housing one of the greatest collations of art – most of it from the Renaissance period. Works by some of the greatest Italian artists are held here: names such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli and Giotto, again, names I remembered from the A-Level art classes of my school days. This was one place I would’ve loved to visit to bring to life all those paintings I’d studied in my text books… to see early works by Giotto; Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Caravaggio’s Bacchus; all images I still remember. But it was time to move on.

The statue of Cosimo I de' Medici stands proudly on Piazza della Signoria
The statue of Cosimo I de’ Medici stands proudly on Piazza della Signoria

Our guide escorted us along the busy pedestrian street of Via die Calzaiuoli, home to many designer and high street names, a pizzeria here and there and quite a few places to buy those all important ice creams. The sweet smell of crepes and waffles led us along the alleyway until it opened up to reveal the breathtaking Piazza del Duomo. A couple of hours earlier we’d seen the huge domed roof of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore from the hillside across the river. Now we were up close, and it was truly magnificent.

Arriving at Piazza del Duomo – the magnificent Giotto's Tower
Arriving at Piazza del Duomo – the magnificent Giotto’s Tower and the Duomo

Right in front of us was the huge structure of Giotto’s Bell Tower. The column stands at almost 300 feet high and amongst its green, pink and white marble and displays intricate scenes. At the top, our guide advised us, the tower has 7 bells. We decided not to join the queues waiting to climb the 400+ steps to the top for a closer look and instead took her word for it.

Giotto's Tower up close: the beautiful green, pink and white marble
Giotto’s Tower up close: the beautiful green, pink and white marble
Look at the detail!

The Dome itself, designed and built by Filippo Brunelleschi, is equally impressive. More than 600 years after it was constructed the ‘Duomo’, as it’s known, still remains the tallest building in Florence. The cathedral is also the 4th largest in the world – the first is St. Peter’s in Rome, the second, St. Paul’s in London and the third, Milan’s Duomo.

The magnificent 'Duomo'
The magnificent ‘Duomo’

A short walk through the network of bustling passageways took us to the oldest bridge in Florence, the Ponte Vecchio. I’d seen photos of this bridge spanning the River Arno and always thought it looked rather plain, so I wanted to visit it for myself and find out why this well-known landmark is so popular.
The Ponte Vecchio was once the only bridge across the River Arno and the only bridge in Florence that wasn’t destroyed by Germans during WWII. Since the 13th century there have been shops on the bridge. Originally they housed fishmongers, greengrocers, butchers and tanners – the waste from which created a rather unpleasant smell in the river, so much so that in 1593 it was ordered that only jewellers and goldsmiths would be allowed to have shops on the Ponte Vecchio, making the bridge a much cleaner and attractive place to visit. Today, the bridge is still lined with jewellery stores attracting hundreds – probably thousands – of visitors each year.

The Ponte Vecchio – the oldest bridge in Florence
The Ponte Vecchio – the oldest bridge in Florence

Approaching the bridge I saw the familiar sight of the construction and, even ‘in the flesh’, it struck me how ordinary it looked – a jumble of mustard and reddy-coloured buildings which looked as if they’d been stuck onto the main structure. As I got closer I could see just how ramshackle it appeared. Once on the bridge, however, it was a different story. The place had a great atmosphere and was brought to life by the crowds of people gathered around the stalls and the wares of the gold and silver smiths which twinkled in contrast to the dilapidated appearance of the bridge’s exterior.

Colourful 'add-ons' cling to the bridge
Colourful ‘add-ons’ cling to the bridge
Ponte Vecchio, on the inside
Ponte Vecchio, on the inside

So, I can now say that I’ve visited Florence’s oldest bridge. It hadn’t contradicted my view of it as a rather plain and uninspiring landmark and I think there are much more impressive places to visit in the city, but I’d seen it for myself. The visit to Florence had given me a good overview of the capital of Tuscany, a brief history of the city and some of its landmarks, and of the sights I’d like to return to – namely the Uffizi Gallery.
Leaving the Ponte Vecchio and walking back along the Arno river, our visit to the Renaissance city had come to an end; another place to tick off my ‘must visit’ list… and another place I’d have to return to, one day.

Have you been to Florence? Share your stories and comments with us here!

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Be Brave With Your Breaks: Top Travel Tips from Dr David Lewis

Be Brave With Your Breaks:  Top Travel Tips from Dr David Lewis

 

Thinking about trying a new holiday destination – or even an entirely new type of trip – can be a big step for people.

 
Maybe you like to go back to the same places every year as you know you’ll have a great time. Or maybe you always like to do a cruise as that kind of holiday has worked well for you in the past.
 
But maybe 2013 is the year of change. You fancy being a bit more adventurous, seeing some of the ‘must-see’ sights the world has to offer. But where do you start? It can be quite intimidating trying to figure out all the places you might want to go and how to get there.
 
We have worked with renowned Psychologist Dr David Lewis to develop some top tips to help aspiring adventurers make their travel dreams come true:
 

  1. It’s all about the planning, planning, planning. Where have you always dreamt of going? What do you want to see or do when you get there? If you are undecided speak to someone who has already done it. There is safety in numbers and hearing about other people’s exploits emboldens you to do likewise.
  2. Once you’ve decided on your trip – do your homework. By learning as much as possible in advance about where you are going, you will make it more interesting, enjoyable and rewarding. And help build up the anticipation!
  3. When preparing for a holiday, or even when you are away, keep a checklist and tick off tasks and items as they are completed. This will increase your confidence and prevent slip-ups or lapses in memory.
  4. If you are going to a place where English may not be widely spoken or understood, even if you are on an escorted tour, write down a few basic phrases in that language to help you communicate. You will feel empowered by having it to hand ‘just in case’.
  5. Having to rush unnecessarily depletes energy levels and increases stress. Leave yourself plenty of time to get places or consider an escorted tour where the travel arrangements are all sorted for you, removing that element of worry.
  6. As people get older they need more ‘me time’ to collect their thoughts and increase energy levels. Try to spend at least 15 minutes a day chilling out away from too many distractions.
  7. Never say never. And don’t ever use ‘I’m too old for that’ as an excuse for not doing something you secretly long to do. At the same time be prepared to say ‘no, not for me’ if you really don’t want to undertake an activity or go to a certain destination.

 
So whether you secretly want to scale Mount Kilimanjaro, see the volcanoes in Italy, or you long to sail along the Fjords of Norway, we say – go for it! Those in need of some holiday inspiration can also visit our website where you’ll find plenty of great break ideas including our Grand Explorer tours to destinations such as America, Russia and the Arctic Circle.
 
 

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Comfort and Camaraderie

A customer review by Eddie Thompson

When the good people at Leger Holidays asked me to write a post on my experiences of their tours, over a decade of great memories came back to me. My wife sadly passed away last year, but some of my fondest recollections are of our numerous trips together across Spain, France and Italy. In fact, you can pretty much name any Leger European tour and I’d bet you a pound to a penny we’d been on it (at least twice). We were quite the travelling twosome!

Nowadays, I travel with the friends I’ve made over the years on Leger tours and we already have some exciting trips lined up for 2013; Picturebook Italy in March followed by the Costa Brava in April. I’ve not decided on my summer holidays yet though, I’m still waiting to hear what the rest of the gang fancy!
But it’s not just the great company on board that keeps me coming back to Leger. Over the years, I’ve become quite attached to the Silver Service coaches it offers and I wouldn’t want to compromise on the kind of comfort they provide ever again.
You see, for me, when you’re going on an amazing holiday you want to make the most of your experience and it’s often the little things that can make the biggest difference. For instance, I’m 6ft 4in, so you could say I’m a little on the tall side! Due to my height, I’ve always found travelling long distances in cars, trains or coaches uncomfortable. On a Silver Service coach, however, the extra legroom means my legs don’t get stiff after just minutes in my seat or (even worse) seize up when I attempt to get off the coach (leaving me hobbling down the aisle like Bambi)!
Having a bit of banter on board isn’t for everyone but, for a chatterbox like me, it’s essential and that’s where the rear lounge areas found in Silver Service coaches come in handy too. As the social type, I like to escape my seat every now and then, raid the on-board games supply and create my very own travelling games room. And, as nice as it is to sit and watch the world go by, there aren’t many that can resist coming up for a game of rummy, brag or pontoon once we get going! I recall one trip to Sorrento and the Neapolitan Riviera where we had a rummy league running throughout the whole tour. Unfortunately, I was at rock bottom throughout the contest but I made some brilliant friends that day; friends that I still go on tours with today.
Along with the comfort and camaraderie, I have to say that it’s the drivers that really make Leger the right company for me. Not only are they experts in their fields but they continue to make each and every journey a pleasure with their witty jokes and insider knowledge. John and Tony are amongst my favourite characters. I’ve travelled with them both countless times and they always make me laugh non-stop. They’re driving my Picturebook Italy trip in March and I can’t wait to hear the latest news they have to offer and share in a joke or two along the journey.
For more information about our Silver Service coaches, or any other Leger Holidays tours, hop on to the website or give our friendly sales team a call.

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10 facts you may not have known about Russia

Find out what made our list of facts about Russia below:
 

  • Moscow has the busiest Mc Donald’s in the world (30,000 people entered on the first day of opening)
  • There are more than 600 universities in Russia
  • Russia is home to the world’s largest active volcano Klyuchevskaya Sopka which stands at 4,750 metres.
  • Russia is the second biggest oil exporter in the world
  • 10% of St Petersburg is covered by water
  • Russia is the only country in the world to have 12 seas
  • Russia is so vast it spans 9 time zones
  • The first man into space was Russian, his name was Yuri Gagarin
  • Vitaly Petrov is the only Russian Formula One driver to date
  • Life expectancy in Russia is 59 years for men and 73 years for women

 
Do you have any facts about Russia? Please share them in the comments below. For more information on our tours of Russia take a look at our Tours of Russia page.
 

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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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Destination Italy – A Country of Contrasts

Lake Como

Imagine being sat outside a restaurant along the shores of Lake Garda after a day filled with amazing scenery, fine buildings, works of art and lavish history with a delicious freshly baked pizza and a glass of fine wine, followed by one of many varieties of ice-cream and a first-rate Italian coffee. Heaven!
It’s easy to see why Italy appeals to so many travellers year after year. ‘La Bella Italia’ has it all! The serene elegance of Venice, Renaissance treasures of Florence, the ancient wonders of Rome, stunning scenery around Lake Garda, the romantic charm of Verona and the spectacular cliff-top panoramas of Capri. The chances are you’ll find much more than you ever dreamed of when you visit Italy.

Italian Dolomites
Sunrise over Rifugio Lagazuoi in the Italian Dolomites

Best for Amazing Mountain Vistas

Picture the first rays of the morning, sun shining on the mountain tops and during the summer months forcing the wonderful alpine flowers into bloom on the surrounding pastures, or during winter reflecting off the crisp white snow.
The Italian Dolomites in the Sud Tirol are some of the most gorgeous mountain-scapes in Europe, dotted with pretty little villages and surrounded by lush green meadows.
From the tranquil Sud Tirol, the charming towns of Lake Garda with landmarks such as Riva’s Rocca Fortress and famous sights of Venice like St Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs, are not too far away meaning true Italian culture and history can also be experienced.

Best for Superb Scenery and Sightseeing

The beautiful lakeside towns around Lake Garda have charmed visitors for centuries.
The southern lakeshore is low, rolling land. In contrast, the dramatic fjord-like northern end is surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs.
Most of the towns which nestle along the shore, such as Sirmione with its striking Scaliger Castle and Limone with its charming old fishermen’s houses and lemon groves, are popular as holiday resorts and have a very friendly and relaxed feel.
Wonderful sightseeing opportunities aren’t far away with the two largest cities in the Veneto area, Venice are Verona, just around the corner.

Lake Como
Sunset over Lake Como

Best for Stunning Lakeside Views

Not far from the cosmopolitan city of Milan you’ll find stunning Lake Como, which has been a popular tourist resort since the days of the Roman Empire.
Visitors ever since have admired the clear blue waters, delightful lemon trees and olive groves and luxurious villas dotted in the wooded lakeside slopes above.
The best way to appreciate the beauty of the area is by taking to the water. You could visit two of the loveliest villas on the lake, Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello.
Another stunning lakeside region is Lake Maggiore with its beautiful gardens growing rare and exotic plants. Once you spend time there you will soon become familiar with the name of the Borromeo family, who own the islands named after them.

Best for Excursion Variety

Visiting Italy really can mean mountains, lakes, city sights, shopping, history, architecture, relaxation and art all in one visit.
You can spend a day in each place and experience it all. Then maybe choose one of two of your favourite places and come back again next year.
Imagine two glorious weeks in a country of contrasts.
You could visit Lake Garda to experience the ambience and charm of this lovely area and finish the day off with a delicious ice-cream along the shoreline of Sirmione, then move on to Venice to see the maze of bridges, weaving canals and Renaissance architecture.
Next visit Rome, the ‘eternal city’ with its unique and colourful atmosphere built on its ancient Roman past with famous sights such as the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.
Then have a more relaxing day in the popular resort of Sorrento on the Neapolitan Riviera with its many shops and fantastic views. You could see all of this and much more!

A visit to Italy isn’t complete without enjoying some local cuisine

Italian Food… bellissimo!

The southern region of Italy is known for growing red, ripe, juicy tomatoes. Vegetables such as sweet peppers also grow with exuberance and are added to Italian dishes of the region.
Naples is king of pizza in Italy and claims to be the birthplace of one of the most popular Italian foods around the world.
Cheeses such as ricotta and mozzarella add richness. Northern Italian cuisine highlights dairy products with rich sauces made of butter, cream and eggs. Ingredients native to the area are used. Meat and seafood from the coast is also common.
You’ll find many pasta dishes to try in Italy. Common pasta sauces in Northern Italy include pesto and ragù alla bolognese, which usually adds meat to the sauce. In Central Italy there are simple sauces such as tomato, amatriciana and carbonara. Southern Italian sauces include spicy tomato, garlic and olive oil, with the pasta often paired with fresh vegetables or seafood. There are approximately 3,500 different types of pasta. Examples include spaghetti, macaroni, fusilli and lasagne.
Italian desserts range from sweet to slightly bitter and are always delicious. Many desserts are made from cookies and biscotti, which are flavoured with nuts, candied fruit and light glazes.
A custard dish from Siena is now very well known outside of Italy, tiramisu. The layered dessert includes biscuit fingers soaked in espresso, liqueur, eggs, cocoa, and mascarpone cheese.
No visit to Italy would be complete without trying the different varieties of ice-cream or ‘Gelato’. Traditional flavours include almond, chocolate, coffee, mint, pistachio, rum raisin, strawberry and vanilla. Ice cream took hold in Europe when Marco Polo brought the Chinese recipe to Venice in 1292. Now 54% of Italians eat ice cream at least once a week.
If you would like to escape to Italy with Leger Holidays then you can view our collection of Italian tours on our website now.
Images courtesy of flickr user Bill Stanley, digitalurbanlandscape and avlxyz.

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Savour a taste of La Dolce Vita… enjoy life as it should be lived!

Back in 2007 we launched our ‘Beauty of Lakes Como and Maggiore’ tour, which combined splendid lakeland scenery with fantastic excursions to Milan, St. Moritz and Lugano. It proved to be very popular with our customers so our Senior Customer Services Executive, Rita Lamb decided to see it for herself, below she shares he thoughts of the trip with us.

What made you choose this holiday?

I love Italy and have previously visited Lake Garda so wanted to see some of the other lakes. I also wanted to visit one of the shopping capitals of the world, Milan. Plus the excursions on this tour all sounded so lovely.

Rita Lamb and her husband
Rita Lamb and her husband

Was there a favourite place that you visited?

I think it would have to be the lake cruise including the villas Carlotta and Balbianello. This was a very relaxing day and after the Villa Balbianello we returned to Tremezzo and had lunch together before taking a short stroll up the road to the Villa Carlotta. Both villas have the most amazing gardens and you can go inside the Villa Carlotta which has beautiful interiors.

If our guests could only go on one optional excursion which should it be?

I really enjoyed the trip to Lake Maggiore & the Borromean Islands, again because of the beautiful gardens at the villa. The trip to Milan was exciting to see all the fashion houses and the ride on the Bernina Express gave us some of the most spectacular sights of the holiday.

Can you recommend any restaurants or cafes?

There is a nice little restaurant directly outside the Hotel Bazzoni in Tremezzo which does lovely salads and lunches. A little further along try the Bar Red & White where the staff are really friendly and again they do nice lunches, snacks and drinks.

Do you have any tips for people visiting the area?

In Milan, if you want to go inside the cathedral don’t forget to cover your shoulders and gents must not wear shorts. Comfy shoes are needed for the villas as there are steps plus you will be getting on and off the boats. When you go to the restaurant in the evening in Tremezzo ask the waiters if you can sit on the terrace and then you can enjoy the unrivalled views across the lake whilst having your evening meal.

If you like the sound of our Lakes Como & Maggiore tour you can find out more about it on our main site.

Cover image courtesy of flickr user Riccardo T

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A Traditional Lasagne Recipe from Italy

Throw out the lasagne ready meal and treat the whole family to a gorgeous, traditional lasagne recipe, direct from Italy!
This is a fairly slow-cook recipe and takes a little over three hours to create, but it’s well worth the wait, promise. Your traditional lasagne should provide at least six servings and is perfect for a Saturday night in front of the TV with a big chunk of garlic bread.

What you’ll need

750g of lean steak mince
4 rashers of chopped smoked bacon
1 onion and 1 carrot finely chopped
2 finely chopped cloves of garlic
400ml of passata
A glass of red wine
50g butter
50g plain flower
600ml of whole milk
Parmesan
Enough lasagne sheets to cover your dish three times
Olive oil
Salt & pepper

How to cook it

  • To begin, add a large glug of olive oil to a pan and fry the onion until soft, then add the carrot and bacon and cook for a further 5 minutes.
  • Add the mince and cook until browned.
  • Pour in the wine and passata and season with a touch of salt and pepper. Cover the pan and simmer for an hour or until the mixture is quite dry.
  • Whilst your mixture is cooking, add some salted water to a pan and bring to the boil. Carefully blanch the pasta sheets, a few at a time, for 1 minute. Separate the sheets and allow to dry on some greaseproof paper.
  • Now, to make your béchamel sauce, add the butter to a pan and gently whisk in the flour. Continue to stir and cook the sauce on a gentle heat for around 2 minutes. Then gradually add the milk whilst continuing to stir, bring to the boil and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce is nice and thick.
  • To create your masterpiece, add a third of the tomato and beef mixture to the bottom of a deep baking tray. Top with a layer of pasta and add some béchamel sauce and parmesan shavings. Repeat this two times, ensuring you save plenty of béchamel sauce and parmesan for the top layer!
  • Pop your lasagne into a pre-heated oven at 200C and cook for about 30 to 40 minutes, you are just waiting for the lasagne to turn golden before removing.
  • Allow to rest for a few minutes and then tuck in!

Try something different

If you are looking to mix things up a little, why not try adding some BBQ chicken instead of beef? All you need to do is marinate your chicken in a tangy BBQ sauce and then add to your tomato sauce in place of the minced beef.
Image courtesy of flickr user david55king

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Romantic things to do in Rome

Rome Is Where the Heart Is

By Margot

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.