TRAVELLERS' TALES: TREASURES OF ITALY BY RAIL Let the train take the strain as you whisk your way to your destination, then sit back and enjoy a fantastic escorted tour taking in some of the best sights Europe has to offer. Take in the scenery as you speed your way through Europe Get on the right track to Europe with holidaysby rail Roland Westbrook and his partner, Marion Davis, travelled on our ' Treasures of Italy by Rail' tour in May 2009, and gave us their feedback on their rail holiday experience. LET THE TRAIN TAKE THE STRAIN... The coach was comfortable and facilities were good, and the drivers, Dave and Tony from Teesside, were excellent, caring and helpful. The reason for choosing this particular tour was for us to visit Rome, and covering the longest part of the journey by rail from Paris to Milan and return we thought, would be less tiring than all the way by coach. This proved to be the case - the train journey was excellent: comfortable, on time and very relaxing. Obviously, on the train you can move around more freely than on a coach to exercise your legs, which takes some of the strain out of travelling long distances. I would certainly recommend this trip to people considering it. WONDERFUL VISITS The places we visited were Paris, Milan, Rome, Assisi, Florence, Siena, Verona and Venice, and the excursions on offer were Rome Sightseeing Assisi, Florence Sightseeing, Venice Lagoon Cruise, Verona Guided Walking tour, including a visit to the Arena and Paris by Night. My favourite has to be Venice, but Assisi was very peaceful with lovely views. I would certainly recommend the excursion to Assisi, for the peacefulness and views, and a visit to the Basilica is a must. All the places visited had something special to offer, and with its buildings, views, lakes and mountains, Italy is such a lovely country. GREAT EXPECTATIONS The tour was everything I expected it to be and more. My partner and I have been on previous Leger holidays, including ' Weekend in Paris', ' Lake Como and Maggiore' and ' The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Paris Weekend', which we were hoping to do again this October, but unfortunately are unable to, which is a shame as it is a really good weekend. We are hoping to plan more holidays with Leger, health and finance permitting. We would like to visit Austria next year, hopefully in May, and there are so many other places in Europe we would like to see, certainly more of Italy. TO SUM IT UP... ' it was a lovely holiday in a beautiful country with so much to see and do with a friendly group of people'. Meeting other people on the tour is part of the holiday as you meet some nice people from all parts of the U. K., from all different backgrounds, which leads to interesting and friendly conversation. Once again, thanks to Leger Holidays for making it possible. Roland travelled on our Treasures of Italy by Rail tour, departing May to October. Prices start at just £ 849 for 10 days. See page 89 to find out more.  See the Papal Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Burial place of St. Francis, the basilica is one of the most important places of Christian pilgrimage in Italy. T ravelling by rail is a great way to see the sights as you travel high speed across Europe. Enjoy great views of the countryside as you travel at speeds of up to 200 miles an hour in modern, comfortable carriages right into the heart of Europe. All our holidays by rail begin with a local departure by coach, or if you prefer, for a small supplement, you can travel by Eurostar. THE TRAIN JOURNEY WAS EXCELLENT: COMFORTABLE, ON TIME AND VERY RELAXING... 88

EXCURSIONS & VISITS Day 3Siena( included). Siena boasts wonderfully- preserved Gothic architecture. You will have time at leisure to discover this charming Tuscan town. Day 4Rome( included); Rome Sightseeing( optional). A full day to discover the ' eternal city' of Rome. Accompanied by a local guide, our optional sightseeing tour by coach and on foot will introduce you to the principal sights of the city. Ensure a return visit to Rome by tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain. Day 5Assisi( optional). During your day you will have time at leisure to explore this fascinating town which, despite its popularity, manages to retain a tranquil charm, reflecting its most famous son, St. Francis the Catholic saint. Day 6Florence( included); Guided Tour( optional). To make the most of your time in Florence join our local guide for an optional tour of the city. Travel into the hills to Piazza Michelangelo from where you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Then back into the city where your guide will lead you on a walking tour pointing out the major sights. Day 7Venice( included); Lagoon Cruise( optional). Spend a full day in the enchanting city of Venice. Famous for its many spectacular sights, such as the Bridge of Sighs, St. Mark's Square and the Doges' Palace. Our optional lagoon cruise will allow you to gain a true flavour of this wonderful city, or you may decide just to sit back and relax at Harry's Bar with one of their famous Bellini cocktails. Day 8Verona( included); Guided Walking Tour( optional). This beautiful Roman city is situated alongside the River Adige. The mighty Roman Arena, famous for its summer opera performances, and Juliet's balcony are easy to visit on foot. Our optional guided walking tour will introduce you to the many charms of the city. Verona boasts an abundance of fine palaces, churches and monuments, which adorn its alleyways and squares. YOUR HOTELS You'll stay overnight at the 3- star Ramada Emilia Hotel in Reggio Emilia or similar, then spend three nights at the 3- star Hotel Mizar, or similar, in Chianciano Terme. You'll then stay for two nights at the 3- star Hotel Alexander, or similar, in Venice Mestre. You will also stay overnight at the 3- star Hotel Touring, or similar, on the outskirts of Milan. Overnight stays in the Paris area are in city- style hotels. 10 days from £ 849 See page 78 for our popular Fly/ Coach tour, ' The Jewels of Italy' HOLIDAY AT A GLANCE Day 1Local departure by coach or by Eurostar from London and onwards to Paris for an overnight stay. Day 2Travel by TGV express train from Paris to Milan then by coach to Reggio Emilia for an overnight stay. B, D Day 3To Siena, then onto Chianciano Terme for a three- night stay. B, D Day 4Rome. B, D Day 5Assisi. B, D Day 6To Florence, then onto Venice Mestre for a two- night stay. B, D Day 7Venice. B, D Day 8To Verona, then onto the Milan area for an overnight stay. B, D Day 9TGV from Milan to Paris and overnight in Paris area. B Day 10Return home by coach or Eurostar. B Included Meals: B= Breakfast, D= Dinner Prices are per person, based on two sharing. Extras: optional excursions; single room supplement £ 169; travel insurance from £ 42.95. EXECUTIVE COACH & TGV Tour ref: T10CLI Holiday Highlights . ROME- the ' eternal' city . SIENA- beautiful medieval town . ASSISI- Christian shrine to St. Francis . FLORENCE- the Renaissance city . VENICE- city of canals, gondolas and palaces . VERONA- Romeo and Juliet's city 89 A grand tour of Italy's Renaissance treasures, historical Rome and the serene elegance of Venice. Treasures of Italy See St. Peter's Square, Rome HALF BOARD IN ITALY . Excursions: Siena; Rome; Florence; Venice; Verona . 9 nights' accommodation with breakfast & 7 evening meals . Escorted by a Leger Tour Manager . Travel by TGV train and executive coach . FREElocal joining points - see page 159 for full details OR travel by Eurostar, see below WHAT'S INCLUDED You can travel to Paris by Eurostar from London St. Pancras or Ebbsfleet, at a supplement of £ 39 return. Please note that taxi transfers between Gare du Nord Eurostar station and your hotel in Paris are extra and cost around ? 30 each way. Enjoy magnificent panoramic views over the Renaissance city of Florence May 22£ 879 Jun 4£ 879 Sep 4£ 899 Oct 1£ 849 BY RAIL FRANCE Milan Reggio Emilia Florence Chianciano Terme Siena Assisi Rome ITALY GERMANY SWITZERLAND

1 XNumber of nights Venice Verona By Coach By Rail 12 3