Tag: Spanish Steps

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My First Coach Holiday by Dave Tarbrook

My First Coach Holiday by Dave Tarbrook

Are you thinking of heading off on a tour of Italy? Or maybe you’re thinking about heading off on your first coach tour? Dave Tarbrook took his first ever coach holiday on our Rome, Pompeii and picturesque Capri tour earlier this year. Read his blog documenting his tour from the coach to the sights and how he found the experience on his first Leger holiday.

This was my first ever coach holiday and first time with Leger Holidays, but I was not disappointed!

Coach Journey & Hotel

I was unsure what to expect with regards to travelling by coach, but the silver service coach was very comfortable indeed with ample leg room, a reclining seat and superb, knowledgeable and professional driver and co-driver – Damien & Steve. From the moment I stepped on the coach I received a warm welcome and was very much looked after.
The coach journey itself was rather long, travelling through France, Switzerland and finally reaching my destination – Italy, but there were plenty of comfort stops and films were screened along the way which broke up the journey. Hot and cold drinks were served throughout which was great!
On reaching the hotel in Fiuggi, again we received a warm welcome from the owners who could not do enough for the coach party. The hotel was set in a beautiful little hill top town and was very clean, tidy with a comfortable room. This holiday offered bed and breakfast only, but guests were able to dine in the restaurant during the evening for a reasonable cost should they choose. The hotel itself was approximately a 5 – 10 minute walk away from the town, where there were ample restaurants and bars available, offering food and drink again at a very reasonable cost.

Sight Seeing

The scheduled sightseeing tours were superb! The beautiful Montecassino Monastery with its grand opulence and the fascinating trip to Pompeii was just out of this world! For a reasonable price, guests were able to opt into a guided tour around Pompeii and I am very pleased that I did, as it ensured that I got the very best out of this vast historical site. The trip to Rome had to be the highlight for me! On our 9 day tour we visited Rome twice. During the first Trip, we visited the Coliseum, The Spanish steps and Trevi Fountain, which were spectacular. On our second visit, we visited the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Again, optional tours were offered which were very informative, ensuring that guests once again got the most from their time spent in Rome. During the tour, we were offered the opportunity to go to either the island of Capri or visit the town of Sorrento. I decided to visit the beautiful town of Sorrento, which has great shops and plenty of restaurants offering fantastic Italian cuisine! The final trip to Frascati and Castell Gondolfo was great! We went to taste the wine and had a light lunch of bread, cheese, meat and olives… Following this, we had the opportunity to buy the local Frascati wine, which of course I did!!!
All in all, this was a great holiday and I met some truly wonderful people in our coach party. I would definitely recommend this holiday to anyone who has not visited  Italy and very much recommend Ledger Tours which was extremely professional from the initial booking, right the way through the holiday itself!
Thanks for a superb and memorable holiday!
Dave

Do you have any suggestions to people taking a coach holiday for the first time? Leave your comments below.

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Romantic trips to take in Europe

Spanish Steps Rome

By Danny Leeming (our very own Leger love bird)!

After proposing to my wife (and colleague) Caroline on the Spanish Steps of Rome, I’ve earned myself a reputation as a bit of a romantic here in the Leger offices. So, when it came to writing a post on the best places to visit this Valentine’s Day, I wasn’t too surprised when I was asked to come forward with my suggestions.

 
Over the years, Caroline and I have been lucky enough to visit some of Europe’s most stunning settings. However, when it comes to picking out the most romantic breaks to take, we do have some stand-out favourites to share….
 
Rome: Obviously, as this was the place I proposed, Rome will always hold a special place in our hearts. I remember sight-seeing in the city that day, the ring secretly hidden on my person. I had a slight panic when I had to empty my pockets after setting off a Vatican metal detector, but then later that day I surprised her on the Spanish Steps by dropping to one knee. Thankfully, she accepted! Fond memories aside, Rome has everything you could wish for when it comes to a romantic break. Be sure to take a bike ride around the Colosseum (very Peck and Hepburn) or pop two pennies (for love) into the Trevi Fountain whilst you’re there.
Paris: Although we’ve not been to Paris together, Mrs Leeming and I have both been to the city independently and agree that this just had to be in the top three. Surrounded by buildings like the Notre Dame cathedral, the local cuisine and the French accent, you can’t help but get that fuzzy feeling. They don’t call it the ‘city of lovers’ for nothing! A scenic cruise down the River Seine should definitely be on your list of things to do here too. We were actually hoping to go to Paris this year but, having just found out that we’re expecting our first baby, we’ve had to put those plans on hold for now.
Madrid: It’s not as closely associated with romance as say Paris or Rome but Madrid is a fantastic place to go as a couple. The architecture is stunning, the warm summer evenings are full of atmosphere and the local people are so passionate about their culture, you can’t help but get caught up in it. Caroline and I both share a love of football so would love to see Real Madrid play here. Understandably, that’s not for everyone but there is so much more to do than just watch the footy should you take the trip.
 
Well there you have it, our top three romantic trips to take. And, after the baby arrives, I’m sure we’ll begin crossing more heart-warming cities off our wish list too. With Prague, Bruges, Florence and Venice still to visit, we’ve certainly got our work cut out but I’ll be sure to report back to you on our findings soon.
I hope that’s enough inspiration to get you thinking but don’t forget to check out our website if you’re still undecided about your Valentine’s break. Don’t forget to consider coaching as your method of transport too. With no directions to argue about and a glass of wine to enjoy as you take in the scenery, coach travel really can be a couple’s paradise – trust me!
 

Me and Caroline

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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.