bucket list – Leger Blog

December 18, 2017July 14, 2023

A Spring Fling: The Best of the Dutch Bulbfields

When Christmas is out of the way and the New Year’s resolutions are in full swing, we all need something to look forward to. And, if spring is your thing, you’re probably already counting down the days until those first buds start to appear

We know many people will have their hearts set on that summer holiday, but we think why wait? When spring comes knocking, it’s time to get packing because the Dutch Bulbfields offer the perfect post-winter getaway.
It’s the time that Holland transforms into a sea of colour, from the brightest of yellows, to the deepest of pinks, it’s not just an anthophile’s dream.
First comes the crocus season, followed by daffodils and hyacinths, then the grand finale, the tulips! From mid-March to mid-May, Holland’s green spaces get a whole lot more impressive and the Dutch Bulbfields are a worthy inclusion on any persons bucket list.

The Dutch fascination with tulips certainly isn’t new. First introduced to Dutch Merchants from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century, unlike any other flower at the time, the intense petal colour fascinated Europe and the flower grew rapidly in popularity – and so did the price.
In fact, at there was a time that the flower was so valuable, it was even used as currency. That’s why they called it ‘Tulip Mania’.

Amsterdam

Although the value of a tulip will no longer buy you a house by the canal, throughout April, the Dutch capital still honours the humble tulip with its very own festival, showcasing an impressive 500,000 of them throughout the city!
From the EYE Filmmuseum, Hermitage Amsterdam and Hortus Botanicus to the Museum Van Loon, Rijksmuseum and many more public spaces throughout the city, you can be sure to spot some spectacular displays whilst in Amsterdam.
And, of course, as the hours of sunlight grow steadily longer, there really is more time in the day to enjoy the best of Amsterdam. Maybe having a leisurely break, sipping on a Dutch beer by the canal? Albeit, with the help of a patio heater every now and then.

Keukenhof Park

Just a short hop away from Amsterdam, you can reach the real holy grail of the tulip itself, the stunning Keukenhof Park. 79 acres of flowers and fragrance, the park is considered the ‘Garden of Europe’, a well-deserved title, we must say.
Unlike anywhere else, the park has attracted a whopping 50 million people since it first opened, with almost 75% of those visiting from other countries.
It’s one of the world’s largest flower gardens, with more than 7 million Tulips, Hyacinths and Daffodils on display over 8 weeks of spring.
Surprisingly enough, the bulbs are provided for free by over 1000 Dutch growers, and at the end of the show season at Keukenhof, the team of gardeners have orders to dig out the millions of bulbs and destroy them, ready to start fresh for the next year.
Although, the bulbs don’t go entirely to waste, maybe in stark contrast to the Tulip Mania era, most will be used as food for farm animals.
The gardeners will then hand plant next year’s bulbs in Autumn, taking 3 months to create a brand new design. So, if you’re wondering is it worth going back and visiting Keukenhof again, it sure is!

The Bulbfields

But, it’s not just Keukenhof where you can enjoy mass amounts of tulips all in one place, the bulbfields themselves are just as impressive.
Fields of vibrant colours line canals and road sides, with windmills rising up from the sky line, the growing fields of this fabulous flower are certainly a sight for sore eyes. Even Vincent Van Gogh thought them worthy of a masterpiece, as the fields feature in many of his paintings.
Every spring draws huge crowds, with cameras to capture the spectacular sight in their own snap shot. Even if you’re not particularly into flowers, this one makes a great photo.
Even though these fields are beautiful, and attract tourists in their droves, they are also economically valuable to the Netherlands. A high proportion of the country’s exports are freshly cut flowers.
In fact, Holland holds the title of the biggest player in the flower game, making up two thirds of the world’s flora sales! You can even buy tulips in New York that were cut in Holland that very morning! Now, that’s impressive.
So, if people in New York are enjoying a little piece of Holland, why not try some for yourself? Our popular Dutch Bulbfield tours will be departing through March and April so why not book your getaway today?

October 6, 2017July 14, 2023

The 10 Most Beautiful Places in the World

Beauty – it’s in the eye of the beholder, is skin deep and can be subjective, we know, we know… But, it’s hard to deny that there are some destinations in this world that are drop dead gorgeous!

And, who would we be to keep all this beauty to ourselves? Of course we want to share it all with you, so whether you’re looking for a little pick me up or some hearty travel inspiration, here’s our list of the top 10 most beautiful places in the world.

1. The Norwegian Fjords

Is there anything more dramatic than a Fjord? Sheer cliffs tumbling down to sea waters with cascading waterfalls either side of a narrow channel of water. As valleys go, these are pretty impressive.
The contrast of the green slopes and the deep blue of the waters below, with a dusting of white with the snow-capped tops… we can categorically say that we do not agree with the old ‘blue and green should never be seen’ saying… in terms of travel at least… we’re not fashion experts.
The National Geographic Magazine awarded the Fjords ‘The Best Unspoiled Travel Destination in the World’, something we whole-heartedly agree with.

2. Venice

Who doesn’t want to visit Venice? Well, if you are one of those people, we think it’s time to rethink. Stunning architecture, canals instead of roads, some of the most iconic views in Europe… and Gondolas! It’s easy to see why so many people call for the charms of Venice.
In the words of Elizabeth Berkley, ‘It feels like you are transported to another time – the art, music and pure romance in the air is like no other place.’
Over 15 million visitors flock to Venice every year to see it yet it’s said to be sinking at a rate of 1-2 millimetres a year! A sad thought that global warming could eventually eradicate such an iconic part of Europe.

3. Ha Long Bay

Emerald waters, towering limestone islands topped with rainforests, of course Ha Long Bay is a popular place for travellers flying in from all over the world. It even ranks top of the list as Vietnam’s number one tourist spot.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site looks like something straight from a film, and funnily enough, it is. Recently featuring in the films Pan (2015) and the soon to be released Kong: Skull Island (2017) and even going back to James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), we’d say the ethereal setting is the real star of the show.

4. Banff National Park

Canada’s oldest national park, nestled in the famous Rocky Mountains, is something that dreams are made of. Snow-capped peaks, stunning blue waters and luscious green foliage, and we can assure you, the postcard worthy photographs you see, are certainly not Photoshopped.
It’s also the perfect place to attract some of Canada’s most interesting wildlife. The moose, the elk and even the grizzly and black bear call Banff home thanks to its variations in elevation, climate, and plant communities.
More than 4 million visitors travel to Banff National Park each year to visit the mountains that range from 45 to 120 million years old. Pretty impressive, we’re sure you’ll agree.

5. Oia

Oh Santorini, the ‘poster-island’, so-to-speak, of Greece. Even if you didn’t know, you’ve probably seen it. You can pick up postcards of its white-washed buildings clinging to a cliff edge in just about any Greek island.
But, seeing really is believing, and heading to the famous Cyclades Island is a must if you’re looking for absolute heart-warming beauty.
And where better to get an eyeful of the islands beauty than visiting Oia? Famous for its small village charm, it even offers once of the best sun sets in Europe! And, it’s easily accessible from Fira, the islands capital, making it a great stop off if you’re sailing into the island on a cruise.

6. Isle of Skye

The largest island of the Inner Hebrides, the Isle of Skye shows us that we don’t have to leave our shores to find one of the world’s most beautiful spots.
Its rugged landscapes and spectacular scenery make it one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations, but it’s not just a pretty face.
The island has a rich history from the Jacobite rebellion, Clan Warfare and ‘Bonnie Prince Charlie’, it’s even known for producing some pretty impressive dinosaur fossils! But not just that, the wildlife on offer is just as impressive.
Otters, seals, whales, dolphins and red deer can all be seen in and around Skye, only adding to the spectacular beauty on offer.

7. Milford Sound

Half a world away but always worth the miles covered to get there. Milford Sound is a stunning fiord on New Zealand’s South Island that is home to Dolphins, Penguins and seals.
Mountain peaks reach as high as 1000ft, it’s considered New Zealand’s most stunning natural attraction, famous for its ink-like waters and cascading forests, if this isn’t on your bucket list, it should be.
And the best thing? You don’t have to worry about the weather. We can’t fault a sunny day, but the best weather to view the sound in is actually rain! The granite peaks and no beaches mean the cliffs don’t absorb water, resulting in some pretty spectacular waterfalls.

8. Bryce Canyon

We’ve all heard of the Grand Canyon and many people have been there, seen it and purchased the souvenir t-shirt. But, we think that Bryce Canyon is more deserving of a place on this list.
With the largest collection of Hoodoos (oddly shaped pillars of rock left standing as a result of erosion) in the world, the canyon is a sight to behold. In fact, Ebenezer Bryce, who the spot was named after, is thought to have said ‘It’s a hell of a place to lose a cow’… a ‘moo’-ving sentiment.
On a good day, when visibility is clear, views of the canyon can spread for over 100 miles, deep into Colorado! And, interestingly, Bryce Canyon isn’t actually a canyon – it’s a natural amphitheatre! Either way, we’d echo the thought that it really is stunning… stunning… stunning…

9. Lake Bled

It’s got to be said, that beauty lies within Lake Bled! Slovenia isn’t one of the most famous tourist destinations in Europe, but this pretty little lake certainly makes visiting more than worthwhile.
The lake is one of the warmest alpine lakes, sitting at a pleasantly warm 26°C, and it’s tiny, tear shaped island is the only natural island in Slovenia! The church that sits on the island dates back from the 17^th century, but we digress…
Just look at it! As lakes go, it’s so spectacularly beautiful, we just had to put it pride of place on our list.

10. Angkor Wat

Last, but by certainly no means least, we had to mention Angkor Wat. The largest religious monument in the world, you can be sure it’s every bit as breath-taking as you’d imagine.
Paramount Pictures even paid $10,000 a day to film in the temple Ta Promh for the Lara Croft: Tomb Raider film, which led to the films lead actress, Angelina Jolie, to adopting her Cambodian son, Maddox.
The UNESCO World Heritage site’s name translates to the ‘City of Temples’ with new structures and ruins being discovered almost every year. Impressively, it was built without the aid of machinery, just the help of approximately 1000 elephants.

Would you add any other destinations to our list? Let us know in the comments where you think the world’s most beautiful place lies.

July 21, 2017July 14, 2023

River Cruise vs Sea Cruise: What Floats Your Boat?

Looking to dip your toe into cruising? We know, there’s so much to choose from. Not least whether you want to sail the 7 seas or enjoy something a little gentler. The age old question, do I choose a sea or a river cruise?

Maybe you’re an avid sea or river cruiser and are wondering what it’s like on the other side of the water, or you’re thinking about setting sail for the first time but not sure which is more you? Here are our top 5 points to consider when making your choice.

Sea Sickness

Let’s get this one out of the way to start. If you suffer from bouts of sea sickness, don’t write cruising off just yet. River cruising could just be the answer.
It’s highly unlikely that you, or even the most motion sensitive people, will suffer any bouts of sea sickness on board a river cruise. Firstly, there are no waves and secondly, you’re always in sight of the shore, two huge triggers of the dreaded illness.
In fact, the ride is so smooth, river cruise passengers have said that they didn’t even notice the boat moving so you won’t be left worrying about where the nearest bucket is. You’re free to enjoy the benefits of cruising.

The Changing Scenery

If you’re a fan of visiting the ‘must-see’s’ and the thought of traveling to many different countries, looking for dramatically changing scenery is right up your street, then sea cruising has it all.
From Venice, to Croatia and a stop off in stunning Santorini, it’s all possible in one holiday! But that doesn’t mean that river cruises are any less scenic. In fact, we could say they’re more so.
Rolling countryside, cruising through stunning cities and even flowing through world-famous vine yard clad valleys, if sailing for days on end, through epic seas and mighty oceans, with nothing but the blue sea between you and the horizon doesn’t sound like your thing, there’s plenty to see when sailing on a river cruise.

It’s not the size of the boat…

Well, it could be. There’s the thrill of travelling on an ocean cruise ship, a floating resort, almost. There’s everything you could possibly wish for and it’s every inch as glamorous as you’d think.
From cafes to fine dining, West End worthy shows and spas. Not to mention endless shopping opportunities for those souvenirs or even a little treat for yourself, there’s plenty to keep you occupied on a cruise ship.
But on a river cruise, your vessel is a lot smaller. And that doesn’t mean you’re missing out on all the fun. The smaller ship provides a more intimate environment making it easier to make friends, and anywhere you want to go is just a short walk away from where you are.
And, you can be sure that the staff will always be on hand to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. The lesser number of passengers means the service is a lot more personal, and if that’s the sort of thing you like on a holiday, it’s well worth giving river cruising a go.

Cabin Space

As you would expect, ocean ships have a huge variety of cabins to choose from as opposed to river cruise ships.
And whilst the rooms on board a river cruise ship are comfortable and funtional, the luxury/upgrade options on board an ocean liner can be truly fantastic.
Often ranging from something more modest to impressive suites, you’ll be completely spoilt for choice, whatever your budget.

Right in the heart of the action.

Sea cruises take you to some of the most impressive destinations on earth, provided they’re on the coast. And what better way to approach a stunning destination of bucket list standard than to sail in on a magnificent vessel?
However, due to the sheer size of the ships, it’s not always possible to get into port or even close to land. Sea cruises sometimes use tenders to get you into your destination. And, there is a lot of people to get to shore on a ship of that magnitude.
On a river cruise, you sail straight into the heart of where you want to be, find your spot on the dock and off you go. Of course, there may be times a river cruise has to use a tender too, but with less passengers to ferry and less distance to travel, it’s far from a hassle to get your sight-seeing trip started.
And, as an added bonus for a river cruise? You’ll most likely find yourself ashore every day of your holiday, so your days will be fun packed and fly by…well, sail by.

Ready to hit the waters or high seas? We’ve got plenty of cruises to choose from, whether you’re floating more towards sea or river experiences. Take a look at our cruise offerings over at leger.co.uk

July 7, 2017July 14, 2023

Born in the USA: Our Guide to the Stars of the States

In a week where our friends across the pond have been celebrating their Independence Day, we’ve been busy thinking about all the fantastic things the United States of America have on offer.

We probably don’t even need to talk about how amazing New York is and how everyone should visit the Grand Canyon at least once, you more than likely already know because America itself is just as famous as the celebrities it produces.
And in true American style, this one’s not just about the stars and stripes, it’s also about the stars themselves! And if you’re a music fan, a film buff, or like to dabble in the celebrity gossip scene, here are our top places to visit if you’re looking for the star-studded experience whilst travelling in the states.

Memphis

Memphis is not just a fantastic place to visit, it’s also the home of rock and roll royalty. From Johnny Cash and George Coleman to a rock band called Saliva (yes, really), it’s certainly got some musical merit.
But one of the big attractions is the home of possibly the most famous musician of all time. Yes, the King himself, Mr. Elvis Presley!
Elvis purchased the sprawling property, better known as Graceland, 60 years ago and luckily for us, it is now open to the public. Spreading over 17,500 square feet, it has even been voted the World’s Best Musical Attraction in USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice awards in 2015.

It offers an exciting experience touring through Elvis’ former home. But some things are kept a little more private. The upper floor of the mansion is not open to the public, but don’t feel too bad…
Considered his private sanctuary, the place he lived and loved, only former wife Priscilla, daughter Lisa-Marie and the Graceland curator are allowed within its hallowed halls. So you can be sure to still get the fullest experience on offer when visiting the iconic home.
Graceland comes in a smooth second in the most visited homes in the USA list, attracting over 500,000 fans a year, falling just behind our next stop off…

The White House

Home to possibly the biggest star in the USA, the presidential home is the most visited house in the USA. And, it’s certainly of presidential proportions.
Despite what you may think of the man in the oval office at the time, it’s a fascinating place to visit. And, best of all? It’s free to get inside!
Each week, the White House has over 30,000 visitors. But, it doesn’t end there, they also receive 65,000 letters, 3,500 phone calls and 100,000 emails! So, they could certainly do with the extra hands, lucky there’s an extra resident on hand to help them out…
Winston Churchill reportedly saw the ghost of Abraham Lincoln whilst staying in the former president’s bedroom. It’s said he was just getting out of the bath at the time, lucky he didn’t slip!

San Francisco

The birth place of Bruce Lee, Clint Eastwood and Steve Jobs, San Francisco hasn’t just brought us the best of film and technology, it’s also one popular place to visit.
Attracting 18.9 million visitors in 2015 alone, if you’re looking for former celebrity haunts, you’re in the right place.
The impressive China Town area is actually the birth place of Bruce Lee, and it’s the largest of its kind outside of Asia. There are temples, tea houses, souvenir shops and traditional pharmacies and if you’re visiting during a Chinese holiday or event, you can expect some extravagant celebrations.

And, if you’re looking for a popular celebrity haunt, The Slanted Door in San Francisco Bay is not only one of the most popular restaurants in the city, it’s also attracted stars such as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Quentin Tarantino!

Beverley Hills

Of course, the home of the rich and famous, Beverley Hills has not only attracted the elite for decades, but the tourists seem to love it too!
Judy Garland lived on Bel Air Road, Michael Jackson and Walt Disney on Carolwood Drive and John Lennon on Mulholland Drive, so you can see why the Hollywood Stars’ Homes tours are so popular.
But if you’re thinking less about peeking into houses and more about living the lifestyle, Rodeo Drive is a great place to visit.
Not only is it a shopper’s paradise, it’s also starred in over 50 films! From Beverley Hills Cop to Pretty Woman, you can walk in the footsteps of Julia Roberts and Eddie Murphy on the picturesque and pretty famous street.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

How could we not mention the world famous, Hollywood Walk of Fame, where any star who is a star has a star! Visiting the Walk of Fame is almost a rite of passage when in Los Angeles.
Honouring luminaries in film, television, radio, theatre and recording, the sidewalks of the famous Hollywood Boulevard have taken over tinsel town since the 1960s, and it’s still just as impressive today.
Everyone’s favourite stars from Richard Bacon, Doris Day, Aretha Franklin and the Backstreet Boys have their names adorned on the glistening footpaths. And if this isn’t the best way to reach the stars, we don’t know what is.

It’s also just a stone’s throw away from the Hollywood Madame Tussauds, meaning you can (almost) get up close and personal to the stars, too!
Thinking about heading off on a dream tour of America? With our fantastic selection of USA holidays, you can take in some of the most popular destinations worthy of anyone’s bucket list!
From New York to Miami, the West Coast or maybe a cross country journey travelling along Route 66, we’ve got it all. Fancy taking a look, they’re all available, here.

February 8, 2017July 14, 2023

5 Reasons to Visit Holland in Spring

With the cold, dark and gloomy winter months soon to be behind us, and the promise of longer days, warmer weather and the smell of flowers, just around the corner, why wait until summer to embark on a trip overseas?

There are many places that you can visit during the most colourful season of the year but nowhere does spring quite like Holland.

1. The Tulips.

Holland is renowned for its tulips, among other flowers, and is often referred to as the ‘flower shop of the world’. Tulips were imported into Holland in the sixteenth century and by the mid-seventeenth century, they were so popular that they created the first economic bubble, known as “Tulip Mania”.
People bought up bulbs and they became so expensive, they were even used as money at one point in time! Due to their unwavering popularity they have appeared in many paintings and still appear in festivals to this day.
Yes, that’s right, each spring the Dutch celebrate their famous flower by spending months transforming the landscapes all over the country into a sea of colour.
Keukenhof Park, the largest flower garden in the world, is certainly a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list, with its fantastic array of colourful displays, you’d be missing out if you did not consider making a visit here this spring.

2. Dodge the April Showers

That’s right, statistically, April is the driest month of the year in Holland, which means you can really appreciate all that the country has to offer.
You can stroll around the bulb-fields, enjoy a beverage at a canal-side cafe, or even partake in a bike ride, without the threat of the clouds opening above and having to rush to find shelter or retrieve your brolly from your bag.
This certainly ticks our box!

3. Celebrate Kings Day

Formerly Queens’s day, each year on the 27^th of April, crowds of people clad in orange descend on Amsterdam for the world’s largest street party to celebrate the birthday of the Dutch Monarch, King Willem- Alexander.
Whilst this is not one for those who are wanting a quiet spring vacation, it really is a marvel to behold.
The tradition dates back to 1885, where celebrations started in honour of the birth of Queen Wilhelmina and people wear orange in order to show pride for the Dutch Royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau.
So why not ransack your wardrobe, pull out your favourite orange garms and join the people of Holland on this national day of celebrations?

4. See the country from the waterways.

With countless canals and rivers throughout the country, and Amsterdam being referred to as ‘the Venice of the North’, river cruising and Holland really are a match made in heaven.
You’ll be offered a unique perspective of the picturesque windmills and marvellous springtime blooms, as well as being able to cruise down the famous canals of Amsterdam, all from the comfort of your own cabin.
Plus, cruising the highlights means you only have to unpack once and, alongside the milder temperatures, it really makes your stay in Holland much more comfortable. We can’t really think of a more relaxing way to explore the Dutch delights.

5. Amsterdam

Last but not least, of course, we have to mention the capital city. Whilst Amsterdam is pretty amazing all year round, it has a certain feel in spring that you don’t get at any other time of year.
As the flowers start to bloom and tables and chairs suddenly begin to appear on the canal banks and outside terraces, it gives the impression that the city is beginning to come to life, ahead of all of the seasonal festivals.
As the days become longer, the streets are still quite quiet, allowing you to explore this unique city and its famous attractions at your own pace, without all of the hustle and bustle that comes with the summer months.
Don’t just take our word for it, why not join us in Holland this spring? Visit our website to see which tour we have available.

January 28, 2016

Why Coach Holidays Offer More Than You Think

We know that coach holidays are some of the best holidays that you can head off on, but some might say we are biased.

We get it, though. Some people may have never even considered a coach holiday before, for many reasons. But, we’re here to tackle that stereotype and tell you why coach holidays are great!
So, whether you’re new to coach travel, just want to see what it’s all about, or, of course, if you’re a seasoned traveller looking to sway your unconvinced friends and family, here are our top reasons to try a coach holiday in 2016.

Tick some of the best destinations off your list in one fun-filled trip.

Take Italy for example, we know it’s full of iconic places and it would probably take quite a few trips to see them all.
Venice, Lake Garda, Pisa AND Rome. We can dream, right? Well, there’s no need for dreaming, on a coach holiday, you can visit all of them during one trip. There are even tours that will take you to several different countries!
And, best of all, you don’t even have to lift a finger. You don’t have to worry about arranging your own transport and booking hotels in various destinations, it’s all part of your coach holiday package. Sounds ideal, right?

You don’t even have to stay close to home

Coach holidays are more than just fish and chips by the sea, they’ve entered the 21^st century with a bang!
With exciting itineraries that will rival even the most enthusiastic traveller’s bucket list, you won’t be left longing for that gap year never taken.
With coach tours of New Zealand, South Africa and the USA thrown into the mix, you can sit back, relax and let some of the world’s most impressive destinations come to you.

You can use our local joining points

Forget about the long drive to the airport, hours in advance, the worry of parking and packing all your luggage into a small space. On a coach tour, we’ll pick you up closer to home.
With over 500 joining points around the UK, your holiday will start right away. There’s even the option to be picked up from your home with our door-to-door service. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
Plus, there’s a maximum of only 5 pick-ups on your journey, so you know you’ll be on your way in no time.

Meet new people

Coach holidays are a great opportunity to socialise and meet some fantastic new friends, this also makes them a great choice for single travellers.
If the fear of setting off alone has held you back, you can be safe in the knowledge that you will be included and looked after with your tour group, guides and drivers.
Plus, with lounge facilities on board, our Silver Service coaches with drinks and snacks available, it’s almost like a hotel on wheels.

But, the Journey is long and boring, you say?

Whilst we do have a lot of ground to cover in some cases, the journeys certainly aren’t boring, and here’s why…

Entertainment

Of course, you can bring your own entertainment. Books, magazines, Sudoku, even bring along a pillow if you fancy catching a few hours’ sleep. But, we also like to do things a little more high-tech.
Take our Luxuria coach, for example, you will have a world of fun right at your fingertips. Your own, personal, seat back T.V. and entertainment system with USB ports and plug sockets to keep your devices charged, the journey might not be long enough to fit it all in!

Fantastic Scenery

Don’t get us wrong, the view from up in the clouds is pretty spectacular, but it gets a bit samey, don’t you think?
Swap those clouds for something a little different. How about a jaunt through the snow-capped mountains of the Alps? Or, maybe driving along the stunning Amalfi Coast? The Wild Atlantic Way?
When even your journey is a photo opportunity, you know you’re in for a good ride.

And, whilst we’re talking about those photo opportunities, get your selfie-sticks at the ready…

On a coach holiday, you’ll get dropped off at the places that you want to see, and with guided tours and knowledgeable drivers you won’t be left fumbling with maps, you’ll be ready to get those picture-perfect holiday snaps right away, so keep your cameras charged!

Even after all that, you’re not convinced to try the whole coach travel experience

There’s the option to fly to-and-from your holiday with our Air Holiday packages, and we’ll pick you up right from the airport. The best of both worlds!
But that’s enough about us, what do you think are the highlights of a coach holiday? Let us know in the comments.

January 27, 2015June 27, 2023

Picturebook Italy: a snapshot of all things Italian.

From Venice to Rome, Pisa to the Amalfi Coast, despite never setting foot on Italian soil, there’s every chance you’ve already fallen in love with Italy. Despite only being a unified country for 153 years, it’s understandable how the boot of Europe attracts over 43 million tourists a year, making it the 4th most visited country in the world. Home to some of the most iconic cities, with a unique culture and first class cuisine featuring the some of the world’s favourite carbohydrates, with over 350 different types of pasta and after all, Pizza is one of few words understood all around the world, they’re doing something right.

Venice and Rome, both appear on many-a-persons bucket list, so here is our guide to some of the lesser known, but no less spectacular, splendours of Europe’s boot-shaped masterpiece, all of which you can visit on ourÂ popular Picturebook Italy tour.

Lake Garda

The largest lake in Europe and the most visited in Italy, with its beautiful shorelines and quaint villages, even for the Romans, Lake Garda was the luxury summer destination.
The town of Sirmione gives you the chance to visit the ruins left behind by this ancient powerhouse, including some inviting thermal spas.
You cannot miss the thirteenth-century Rocca Scaligera. Like something out of a fairy tale, you can head inside and take a look around, take in the sights of Lake Garda. Whilst Sirmione was once a town of great military importance, the only guarding of the fortress happening nowadays are the swans patrolling the moat of the castle, a great sight.

Siena

Heading into Medieval Tuscany, to the stunning city of Siena. Famous for the Palio run, where the various areas in which the city is divided challenge in other in a passionate horse race in the heart of the city, the event also features in the James Bond film ‘Quantum of Solace’. This medieval Tuscan town is embroiled in an age-old rivalry with Florence, even tourists get involved, picking a side with their favourite city of the two to champion. Luckily, our tour heads off to both cities so you will be able to pick your allegiance before heading home.
In the heart of the city, the Il Campo is where to take in the true nature of what Siena has to offer. Sit back and enjoy the perfect espresso whilst enjoying Siena’s gothic architecture. The Italians consume over 14 billion of them each year so you can be sure they’ve perfected the art of coffee making.

Sorrento or Capri

Whilst on the Amalfi Coast, why not visit beautiful Sorrento? Celebrity chef Gino D’acampo has said previously that it is the most romantic place on earth. However, if you’re not quite the romantic type, it could be worth noting that Sorrento is also home to possibly the best Limoncello you could find. Using the famous Sorrento lemons, you will find almost every shop filled to the brim with the famous citrus tipple.

Instead, you could choose to head off to the island of Capri where you can experience the beautiful Blue Grotto. A cave where an underwater cavity illuminates the waters and lights the walls with in a magical shade of blue, it takes its place proudly as one of Europe’s best natural wonders.

A highlight of the Amalfi Coast is the picture perfect views that have plenty to offer. With Mount Vesuvius dominating the horizon, one of only three active volcanoes in Europe. Interestingly, Italy is also home to the remaining two active volcanoes, Mount Etna and Mount Stromboli

Florence

Once home to the Godfathers of the Renaissance, the Medici family, Florence is also birth place of the nurse and namesake, Florence Nightingale. Even in modern day Florence captures the hearts of many, Dan Brown set his recent novel, Inferno in the city.
The famous Cathedral, Il Duomo, is most certainly worth a visit.Â Taking 140 years to build, you can climb the 463 stone steps to reach the cupola for a close up look of the Last Judgement painting that covers the inner dome. Or you can just enjoy the view of this beautiful city from a perfect vantage point.
Whilst appreciating the architecture, you can also admire the streets themselves, Florence was the first city in Europe to have paved streets.

Pisa

The leaning tower, the mindboggling architecture seemingly defying gravity certainly is the focal point for many in this town. Funnily enough, the tower once leant the other way.
Shortly after building started, the fine soil started to give way. They continued by piling on stone work to counter-balance the lean only for it to slump in the other direction.
The Bell chamber that tops the tower is the only part of the tower that sits true after purposely being laid to incorporate the lean. However, the slight problems with the building work nearly 850 years ago has provided us with one of the most recognisable pieces of architecture in the world.

Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands

Reaching over the border into Switzerland, Lake Maggiore certainly wouldn’t look out of place on a postcard. We stop off at the town of Baveno, the town famed for its pink granite. Used for numerous famous buildings around the world such as St Paul’s in Rome, Gallerica Vittorio Emanuele in Milan and even the monument to Christopher Columbus in New York City.
Hop onto a boat and head off into the lake to the Borromean islands, each with its own charms.
Isola Bella an elegant island with a 17th century castle, perfect for a budding historian. If you’re interested in a more laid back time, Isola Pescatore is the only inhabited island, with a quaint village featuring charming shops, cafes and restaurants. Isola Madre features 19th century English style gardens and a palace filled with Italian masterpieces and paintings, the islands as a group offer you a perfect snapshot of Italian culture.

Of course being topped off by the Rome and Venice visits, you’re sure to have the perfect Italian tour taking in much of what makes this country one of the most unique in the world. Check out our blogs featuringÂ Venice and Rome coming soon!
You can get your cameras at the ready, our Picturebook Italy tour starts from as little as Â£849 pp for 12 days. You can view our full itinerary here.
Why not head over to our Facebook page and share your tales and experiences of this magnificent tour with us?

October 1, 2014

That’s Amore: Fall in love with Venice.

When it comes to the perfect romantic getaway, it would be hard for you to not picture the gorgeously crafted gondolas floating down one of the many water ways of spectacular Venice. It’s most certainly one of the most alluring places on earth. Gondolas, masked balls and beautiful palaces are a few things that may come to mind when picturing a Venetian experience.

LocatedÂ in the Venetian lagoon it is a part of a group of 180 small islands connected by canals and bridges. The city, in its entirety including the lagoon, is listed as a world heritage site and is famous for its canals, architecture and its unofficial mascot, the pigeon. Known as one of the world’s sinking cities, Venice is thought to still be suffering from subsidence which, along with the ‘elegant decay’ of its opulent buildings really does make Venice one of the most popular tourist destinations on the globe.
Here at Leger, we offer a variety of Italian escapes that include Venice as part of the itinerary so we thought we’d compile a list of some of our favourite things to see and do to really make the most of your time here.

Get lost in Venice

It’s extremely easy to get lost in Venice, some would say inevitable. A combination of the narrow streets and the tall buildings could confuse any seasoned tourist. The best way to get around Venice is to truly get lost and see the sights that you didn’t expect to see. Do not fret, the locals are extremely friendly and you will be surprised how easily they will get you back to where you need to be. Of course, if that doesn’t take your fancy, we have some excellent tour guides to show you around.

Visit the piazza San Marco.

Napoleon referred to it as the ‘drawing room of Europe’. St Mark’s Square (as it is known in English) is the principle public square of Venice and attracts thousands of tourists each day. Flanked on the eastern end by the Saint Mark’s Basilica and leaving you in prime positions to view the Doge Palace, one of the major Venetian landmarks. It really is a sight and experience not to be missed.

Take a tour of the Grand Canal.

The Grand Canal snakes right through Venice, lined by 170 buildings, it is the main water way in the city. Whilst the waterway may now full of tourist boats, it does not take much imagination to value the importance of the water way in past times when it was primary to the wealth through trade and commerce. Why not climb aboard a Vaporetto to get the best view of this famous canal?

Take a ride in a Gondola.

A feature on many a person’s bucket list, floating down the canal on a gondola is one of the most iconic things to experience whilst in Venice. One way to really enhance your gondola experience is to opt for a singing gondolier alongside a musician. It’s one of the prime ways to see the famous sights of this exquisite city.

Visit Casino Venier

Casino Venier dates back to 1750 and is one of the best of its kind. In its prime attracting Venice’s elite to flirt, dance and gamble, it’s a great way to get a feel of how the Venetians used to live. It is located on the first floor of a nondescript building over-looking the Barateri Canal and, best of all, it’s completely free to visit.

Take in Santa Maria della Salute

One of Venice’s most iconic buildings, dominating the entrance to the Grand Canal it is known simply as the salute. Built after 150,000 venetians were tragically killed by the plague, the church was built as promise to god to honour the Virgin Mary in return to stop the plague. In turn, the plague was stopped in its tracks. On the 21st November, The Festa della Salute begins, the citizens of Venice lay a pontoon bridge over the canal from the San Marco district to honour the Virgin Mary. Many Gondoliers will bring their oars to be blessed by a priest who recites his incantations from the church steps, a magnificent sight.

And finally… Try some Gelato

A hard earned treat, after all that walking the best way to tie up your trip around the iconic city is to sample the famous Italian ice cream. Why not visit Gelataria Nico known to be the oldest ice cream shop in Venice.

For more information regarding our tours including Venice, take a look at our Italian Tours page.

September 5, 2012June 27, 2023

Ideas for a Bucket List

Picking the Bucket (List)!

by Margo

Over at Leger HQ today, we’ve been chatting about bucket lists. The bucket list, put bluntly, is a list of achievements that you want to have accomplished by the time you (and pardon the phrase) ‘kick the bucket’. Believed to have been sparked by a film starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, bucket lists are about making the most of your time and getting the things you want out of life. This philosophy is something we’re very passionate about at Leger, so the team have asked me to explore further.

Now, I’ve never really been one for lists myself (opting for a more spontaneous approach to life) but I can certainly see why people have caught on to this trend. With so much to occupy us in our daily lives, it’s easy to get side-tracked. However, a good, well-planned list will give you back your focus and help you keep on track.
Chatting in the office here at Leger, no two lists are the same and, I’ll tell you what, hearing about everyone’s choices certainly adds weight to the phrase ‘each to their own’. From kayaking with killer whales to walking in Memphis, there’s plenty of variety to be found. One common theme you will always find though is travel.
Whether it’s a personal Battlefield pilgrimage or a tour of America, everyone has a journey they long to take or place they’d love to see. Working in the sales team, I often take calls from people booking breaks to their dream destinations and I must say it’s one of the best parts of my job. Helping people visit their perfect place (and make the most of it) is a great feeling. Their excitement can be infectious and it always puts a big grin on my face.
Having been lucky enough to travel across the world through my job, I’m often asked to advise on what locations I think should make the cut. So, I thought I’d share my pearls of wisdom here with you. Here are my top three suggestions for those wanting to add a few more stops on their bucket list tour….

Sorrento, Italy – Italy offers such a great variety of culture, scenes and activities. It’s one of my favourite places in the world and if you haven’t seen it yet you really should. Sorrento is a particularly beautiful place and our tour will take you to all the top spots too.
Moscow, Russia – Russia has such a deep and different culture and its vibrant capital,Moscow, offers a plethora of places to visit. From St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Red Square, to the Kremlin and Novodevichy Convent it really has got it all so make sure you’ve got this one on your list!
Christmas on the Rhine – You’ll never experience a festive atmosphere like the smells, sights and sounds you’ll find at a European Christmas market. The Magical Markets of the Rhine Valley tour is one of my personal faves as it combines my love of travel with plenty of culture and shopping too.

Well, that’s your lot but I’m sure I’ll be back again soon. Do let us know what your bucket list includes in the comments below.