The new fleet will support our expanding UK, Ireland and European holiday programmes as well as our Showtime & Special Events range, which features an extensive selection of breaks to some of the biggest concerts, live shows, exhibitions and sporting events.

With these new additions taking the National Holidays’ fleet of coaches to 120 modern vehicles we can now offer an even better and consistently high standard of travel and facilities for our customers.

Commercial Director, Martin Lock said: “At National Holidays we believe that travel should be an exciting and sociable experience. Expanding our fleet of Mercedes coaches underlines our commitment to provide the best possible service. These coaches boast outstanding environmental credentials and exceptional levels of comfort. The new touring coaches all come fully equipped with individual reclining seats, air conditioning, double-glazing, on-board toilet, high quality audio systems and TV monitors.“

20 Brand New Coaches spring into action

There’s a special, if not unbreakable, bond between dogs and their owners.

Crufts is a true celebration of our four-legged friends and is a date not to be missed on the calendar of dog lovers up and down the country.

This year the show is set to be the biggest and best yet, with over 25,000 dogs making their way to the LG Arena in Birmingham to bid for some of the most coveted prizes in what is the FA Cup of the doggy world!

Dogs are recognised as ‘man’s best friend’ and at Crufts it’s easy to see why people return to this fabulous show every year to see some of the world’s most beautiful dogs.

The show is ‘littered’ with enthralling competitions in disciplines such as obedience, agility and training competitions, plus stunning demonstration routines from display teams and specially trained working dogs.

You’ll be left astounded at some of the tricks and skills that these dogs can pull off, especially in the ‘Flyball’ and ‘Heelwork with Music’ competitions.

The culmination of this spectacular four-day event is without doubt the eagerly anticipated ‘Best in Show’ competition, where dogs from each of the seven groups – Working, Utility, Hound, Pastoral, Toy, Terrier and Gundog – put their best paw forward and strut their stuff in the parade ring with their owners, before being judged on their health and condition, coat, character, temperament, movement and how close they meet the breed standards set by the Kennel Club.

It’s an exhilarating show as all creatures great and small, including St Bernards, Chihuahuas, Labradors, Poodles, Boxers, Terriers and Huskies, show off their furry credentials and battle it out for the top prize.

With a long and illustrious history, Crufts’ ‘Best in Show’ is an event not to be missed by canine lovers.

Last year Elizabeth, a Lhasa Apso was crowned ‘Best in Show’. But what will scurry off with the most prestigious accolade in the doggy world this year?

With National Holidays you can cheer on your favourite and judge for yourself by taking your seat at the ‘Best in Show’ competition with on a two-day weekend break. As well as admission to the show, you will also receive overnight accommodation at our select hotel on a bed & breakfast basis plus inclusive excursion to Warwick Castle the following day. Price is £69.

Departures from Hull Region – click here

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Tell us what makes your dog so special?

TAIL WAGGING FAMILY FUN AT CRUFTS!

Paris

With roughly 50 countries in the continent spread over an area of 10,180,00 km², it could be said that Europe is a very big place with a whole host of opportunities, events and people within its borders.

Although for the average US citizen, the idea of flying country to country may seem a more appropriate way to get around, the truth is that you’re far more likely to see the true beauty of Europe on the ground, rather than form 30,000 in the air.

Although the benefits of travelling around Europe in a coach may not seem obvious, the happy truth is however that there are many:

1. If you’re flying over to Europe from the United Sates, the chances are that by the time you reach your destination, you’re going to get there after nearly half a day of flying, at an arrival time that suits the airline – not you.

From herein however, you now have to your feet the whole of Europe and if you travel by coach, you get to do so at a time that you desire, not the company that is taking you there.

1. Not only are the times of departure more convenient, but so too are the prices of each trip.

As on a flight you risk paying hundreds of Euro’s depending on how and when you book, you will nearly always find coach travel to any European city more affordable; an important consideration for any cash strapped backpacker.

1. Though you may not think it, the truth is that travelling by coach is actually friendlier for the environment than travelling by coach. Thanks to strict regulations that were put in place over twenty years ago, coach fleets are constantly improving the cleanliness of their coaches; meaning that every single year, coaches are becoming more and more viable for the environment.

As far as coaches go, they have advantages over convenience, price and environmental impact; three of the major considerations for any traveller in the 21^st century. But what other tips are there for the road?

Remember to treat yourself

Although many young travellers wear poverty on their chests like a badge of honour, sometimes, for the sake of your sanity, it is recommended that you treat yourself to somewhere comforting at least once in a while.

For anyone on the road, although it is a hugely enjoyable experience, it can also at times be stressful and weary, meaning that the occasional dinner in an expensive restaurant can do you a world of good.

Consider your phone

If saving money during your time in Europe is key to your survival, then making sure your phone is all in order may just make the difference between an extra week or two in Europe or travelling back home.

Although most people tend not to use their phones whatsoever, or in the least very intermittently, the truth is that this does not have to be so. International phone & SIM card rental companies such as SIM Smart pre-paid, you can save money on calling your loved ones across the Atlantic from anywhere in Europe.

Enjoy hostels

Throughout Europe there are millions of accredited, safe and ‘hip’ hostels for young travellers to rest their weary heads and feet. If you’re unsure as to which ones to stay in, don’t be afraid to ask your fellow travellers or even locals.

Though some may wince at asking local people about the best places to stay, more often than not they will be more than happy to help out, because at the end of the day, your stay in the right hostel will contribute to the local economy; meaning that they too will benefit from you getting a good night’s sleep.

If you have the luxury of the internet, sites such as Hostelling International offer reviews, hints and tips to the best hostels all over Europe.

Europe is best seen through the eyes of a coach rather than a plane

It’s easy to see why Madagascar has become one of the biggest grossing animated film franchises ever.

The comical adventures of an eclectic gang of four wayward Central Park Zoo animals unexpectedly shipped back to Africa have thrilled film audiences over the past few years.

Yet it’s perhaps the underlying message of friendship and bond between the films’ characters – a vain lion, eccentric zebra, a hypochondriac giraffe and an aggressive yet friendly hippo – that strikes a chord with audiences most of all.

Now after running amok in the Big Apple, causing chaos in Africa and more recently mayhem across Europe, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and the plotting penguins are coming to the UK.

But don’t worry; they won’t be pounding the streets!

They’re simply stopping off for a new groundbreaking theatrical arena show where you can join your favourite characters for a wild and exotic action-packed journey to the sub-continent.

Who knows what this motley crew will get up to during this thrilling show but there will no doubt be plenty of wit and close shaves along the way not to mention a rendition of the hit song ‘Move It, Move It!’ as you are magically transported on a continent-spanning adventure brought to life by visually spectacular sets, colourful characters and costumes.

If you love the films then you’ll love Madagascar Live! It’s a great uplifting show and perfect for the whole family.

With National Holidays you can book to see Madagcascar Live in 2013 at Birmingham or Nottingham. As well as admission to the show and overnight accommodation at a select hotel on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis you will also enjoy an exciting excursion the following day to West Midlands Safari Park. Adults £99 Children £89.

Departures from Hull Region – click here

Departures from Leeds Region – click here

Departures from Newcastle Region – click here

Departures from Middlesbrough Region – click here

Who is your favourite Madagascar character? Tell us who and why?

Enjoy an exotic adventure at Madagascar Live!

Saturday nights wouldn’t be the same without seeing a team of tanned celebrities strutting their stuff in sequins and spandex on Strictly Come Dancing.

Since hitting our screens ten series ago, the programme has been an overwhelming success, overtaking the X Factor in the ratings charts and helping dancing to enjoy somewhat of a renaissance.

Anybody who remembers ‘Come Dancing’ in the early nineties couldn’t have imagined how successful a celebrity version of the show would be. Back then its predecessor was often the butt of jokes and ridiculed at a time when there was a definite stigma attached to dancing, especially for men.

But how times have changed!! The show is pulling in the audience figures and now celebrities are queuing up to put on their dancing shoes and try their hand (or should that be feet?) at cha-cha-chas, heel turns and fleckerls in front of the nation, from former politicians, sportsmen and women to singers, actors and television broadcasters.

The show has propelled all-kinds of celebrities onto our screens and in return they’ve given us some iconic TV moments to cherish. Who doesn’t remember John Sargeant’s hilarious Paso Doble when he dragged his partner across the floor like a dead weight, Ann Widdecombe rather ungraciously flying through the air or Russell Grant being fired from a cannon.

Although the show has provided moments of TV gold, the show’s success is perhaps down to the fact that at all times dancing triumphs over the pantomime stuff.

Yes, there may be smattering of comedy and banter between the judges Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, Darcy Bussell and sharp-tongued Craig Revel Horwood, but at all times focus is placed entirely on the steps, choreography and timing of the dances.

Following its triumph on the small screen, it’s little surprise that the programme has also made an equally as successful transition to a stage production too, where Strictly fans can banish their post-Strictly blues by gaining first-hand experience of the show’s glitz, glamour and breathtaking choreography.

Over the past five years over 1.5million tickets have been sold for this multi-million pound stage production, and this year it’s expected to get even bigger!

As you would expect, the tour features all the must-haves from the TV format, including stunning costumes, live band, voice-over man and scoreboard, not to mention outspoken comments from the judges and dazzling dances from your favourite celebrity contestants. And like the TV show, it’s fully interactive, putting you in charge of the all-important live voting and the winner of the glitter-ball trophy! If you love Strictly you can’t afford to miss it!

With National Holidays you can book to see the Strictly Come Dancing – The Live Tour in January 2013 at Birmingham or Liverpool. As well as inclusive admission to the show and overnight accommodation at our select hotel on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis you will also enjoy an exciting excursion the following day. Adults £119.

Departures from Hull Region – click here

Departures from Leeds Region – click here

Departures from Newcastle Region – click here

Departures from Middlesbrough Region – click here

Who do you think will be crowned the Strictly Come Dancing champion 2012? Tell us who and why?

Spray tans and sequins at the ready – Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2013!

Over the years Disney has given us some of the most iconic pictures and memorable moments in film history.

The tear-jerking moment when Bambi’s mum was killed in the forest had most of us reaching for the tissues, whilst the traumatising moment when Woody and his pals enter the furnace in Toy Story 3 was pure edge of your seat stuff.

Meanwhile we all begged Snow White not to eat the poisoned apple and urged Prince Charming to wake Sleeping Beauty with a kiss.

It’s these magical scenes that epitomise Disney films and have defined their success.

Like most Disney films, The Lion King has managed to stand the test of time. Its true portrayal of the animal kingdom, told through the moving story of a young lion cub called Simba, has turned this beautifully animated picture into a powerful movie classic.

It is full of dramatic tear-jerking moments, evil villains and colourful scenery. But it’s perhaps the underlying message of dealing with one’s personal struggles and responsibilities that helps it to connect with its audience most of all.

Indeed it is this deep connection that it makes with both children and adults alike that has also helped The Lion King make a successful transition from animated film to stage musical.

First seen on Broadway in 1997, the stage adaptation has enjoyed unrivalled success over 15 years and has been seen by over 65 million people across five continents. Now after a run of over 11 years at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End The Lion King is embarking on a UK tour.

With extravagant costumes, puppetry and special effects, Lion King The Musical is nothing short of a spectacular visual feast that hits you once again with the energy and raw emotion from the 1994 hit film.

It features over 40 singers and actors, and draws on cultural influences  to perfectly recreate the vast expanses of the African Savannah whilst pulsating rhythmic beats and musical numbers ‘Circle of Life’, ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight’ and ‘Hakuna Matata’ help bring the story to life.

If you loved the film then Lion King The Musical is definitely a must see! But like the film this heartfelt story will almost certainly clutch at your heart-strings so remember to pack the tissues!

With National Holidays you can book to see Lion King The Musical on selected dates throughout December and early 2013 at the Palace Theatre in Manchester. As well as inclusive admission to the show and overnight accommodation at our select hotel on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis you will also enjoy an excursion the following day to Liverpool and have free time to spend in Manchester. Adults from £119 (selected dates only).

Departures from Hull Region – click here

Departures from Leeds Region – click here

Departures from Newcastle Region – click here

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Departures from the Midlands region – click here

Who is your favourite Disney Character? Tell us who and why?

Lion King The Musical – A Roaring Stage Success!

Thanks to our friends at Stage Entertainment Touring Productions, we’re delighted to be able to share with National Holidays’ customers these fabulous first pictures of the characters from the new exciting, ground breaking arena production of Ice Age Live! – A Mammoth Adventure which premieres in the UK in October.

This thrilling family show will take you on a new storyline, inspired by the highly successful animated film franchise, with friends Scrat, Manny, Diego, Sid, Ellie, Peaches, Buck, Eddie and Crash ready to join in the fun.

We strongly advise to expect the unexpected from this mischievous group as you take a trip in the subzero temperatures of the Ice Age in this new comical adventure.

But with the promise of jaw-dropping action, stunning special effects, gravity defying acrobatics, mischievous humour and toe-tapping songs there’s definitely going to be some fun along the way to warm you up!

Each character from the film has been handcrafted especially for the show and brought to life with unbelievably realistic facial expressions.

At National Holidays we can’t wait to see them in action and are now counting down the time to see this thrilling show! We hope you’re excited too!

You can also see exclusive video footage of Ice Age Live! Check it out here

At National Holidays we still have places available for you to enjoy a spectacular two-day break to see Scrat and his pals at Ice Age Live – A Mammoth Adventure on 27^th October 2012 at the Capital FM Arena, Nottingham. As well as inclusive admission to the show and overnight accommodation at our select hotel on a dinner, bed & breakfast basis you will also enjoy an excursion the following day to West Midlands Safari Park with inclusive Safari Tour. Adults £99 (Over 12) Children £89 (Under 12).

Departures from Hull Region – click here

Departures from Leeds Region – click here

Departures from Newcastle Region – click here

Departures from Middlesbrough Region – click here

Who is your favourite character from Ice Age Live! Tell us here!

Exclusive first images of Ice Age Live!

What do you get when you mix a Radio 1 Breakfast Show DJ, a former Spice Girl and award-winning comic?

The answer is an all-star cast for Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber’s arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar featuring Mel C as Mary Magdalene, outspoken presenter Chris Moyles as King Herod and comedian Tim Minchin portraying Judas Iscariot.

Bizarre casting? Perhaps, especially as all three are not normally known for starring in musical theatre.

But with many arena dates already sold out and extra dates added due to phenomenal demand there’s no doubt that this new rock opera, based loosely on the Gospels’ account of the final week of Jesus’s life, is one of the most richly anticipated musical productions ever to hit the UK stage.

To most people the casting certainly raises a few eyebrows. But who are we to question Lloyd Webber – the impresario of UK theatre and mastermind behind classics such as Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express, the Wizard of Oz, Cats and Evita. If anyone can put a winning cast together it’s Lloyd Webber, and something tells us he may have just struck gold with this stellar line-up.

Anyone who ever saw Chris Moyles perform on Celebrity X Factor knows he has an unexpectedly powerful voice, whilst Mel C was widely regarded by many as the best singer in the Spice Girls. Then there’s Minchin, a talented Australian comic and performer who won an Olivier Award earlier this year for his musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Matilda.

Although it may be the inclusion of the three Ms – Moyles, Minchin and Mel C – writing the headlines at present, they’re certainly going to be re-created by Ben Forster, winner of the ITV Show ‘Superstar’, in the lead role of Jesus. The 31 year-old Sunderland singer  was without doubt the stand-out candidate in the competition with a string of superb performances which showed off both his exceptional vocal stamina and acting ability. For him, the role of Jesus is surely just the start of a glittering career in the West End.

Lloyd Webber has already hinted that his interpretation of Jesus Christ Superstar will be different to previous productions. So don’t expect a true biblical representation of Judas’s betrayal of Jesus – instead anticipate a much edgier version brought to the stage with leather jackets, a dreadlocked Mary Magdalene and baton-wielding policemen. A bizarre combination for sure, but the ingredients of a 2012 hit musical!

With National Holidays you can enjoy a 2 day break to see Jesus Christ Superstar at the Manchester Arena on 30^th September for just £129, including one night dinner, bed and breakfast at our select hotel, admission to the show, free time in Manchester plus inclusive visit to Liverpool.

 Departures from Hull – more info                                       Departures from Leeds – more info

What do you think about the cast for Jesus Christ Superstar? Tell us here!

Star-studded cast resurrect Jesus Christ Superstar

It only seems two minutes since Will Young first hit our screens as the winner of Pop Idol following a gripping final with Gareth Gates back in 2002. But ten years, and many hit singles later, he’s now making his musical debut on stage in the touring production of Cabaret.

Given his successful music career, which has seen him sell over 9 million albums, it’s perhaps surprising that Young has had to wait so long to make his musical debut. But after making his theatre debut in The Vortex at the Manchester Royal Exchange and enjoying a cameo on screen in Mrs Henderson Presents, Young now has the chance to take centre stage in the lead role alongside former Eastender and Doctor Who sidekick Michelle Ryan.

Rufus Norris’s revivial of his double Olivier-award winning production sees Young cast as Emcee, the flamboyant master of ceremonies at the Kit Kat Club in 1930s Berlin.

With iconic songs such as ‘Money Makes The World Go Round’, Two Ladies’, ‘Maybe This Time’ and of course ‘Cabaret’ this is no doubt a role suited perfectly to Young’s voice, a role which he is looking forward to playing.

He says: “I am very excited about the challenge of choosing Cabaret as my first musical theatre role. The role of Emcee is a part I have wanted to play since before I started training at Arts Education in Chiswick when I first moved to London.”

“I have spent the last ten years singing, dancing and acting all separately. For the first time I get to do all three in one show. How could I NOT be excited.”

Many singers have tried and failed to make the transition from music to the world of acting. Anyone remember Britney’s acting debut in Crossroads? Or Mariah Carey’s painful performance in Glitter? (No, I didn’t think so!)

But there’s always been an actor in Young. He’s a talented performer and, after gaining experience in numerous small roles, he’s ready to take centre stage and his musical debut in Cabaret will no doubt be the perfect foundation to a glittering acting career.

With National Holidays you can enjoy a 2 day break to see Will Young in Cabaret at the Lowry on 29^th September for just £129, including one night dinner, bed and breakfast at our select hotel and an inclusive visit to Liverpool.

What’s included?

• Coach travel with reserved seating
• One night dinner, bed and breakfast at our select hotel
• Inclusive admission to see Cabaret at The Lowry
• Time in Manchester
• Inclusive visit to Liverpool

Departures from Hull Region – click here

Departures from Leeds Region – click here

Departures from Newcastle Region – click here

Departures from Middlesbrough Region – click here

Do you think Will Young can make a successful transition from music to acting? Tell us here!

FROM POP IDOL TO CABARET

Who’d have thought that tales about a woolly mammoth, sabre toothed tiger, acorn-obsessed sabre-toothed squirrel and a sloth could be so enthralling. Yet it’s hard not to fall in love with the mischievous prehistoric characters of the Ice Age films.

With a superb combination of slapstick action and comical quips, the adventures of Manny, Sid, Diego, Peaches, Buck and friends have tickled the hearts and funny bones of kids (and older children!) for the past decade.

 And with a fourth instalment of the film impressing at the box office at present, it seems almost guaranteed that the success of Ice Age won’t be melting away anytime soon.

 Now, building on the success of its hit franchise, Twentieth Century Fox has teamed up with Stage Entertainment to present Ice Age Live! A Mammoth Adventure – a new groundbreaking arena show where you can join your favourite Ice Age characters in one spectacular family stage production.

 Who knows what Manny and his pals will get up to in this sub-zero show but there will no doubt be plenty of wit, drama and close shaves along the way as you are magically transported on a rib-tickling adventure with this humorous tribe and perhaps some new friends you won’t even have met before.

With incredible sets and exceptional ice skating as well as toe-tapping music, dance, acrobatics and puppetry to match, A Mammoth Adventure will almost certainly be the coolest show you will ever see!

So remember to wrap up warm!

With National Holidays you can enjoy a spectacular two-day break to see Manny, Ellie, Sid, Diego, Scrat and their pals at Ice Age Live – A Mammoth Adventure on 27^th October 2012 at the Capital FM Arena, Nottingham.

Adults £99 (Over 12) Children £89 (Under 12).

 ”What’s included?”

•  Coach travel with reserved seating
•  One night dinner, bed and breakfast at our select hotel
•  All bedrooms with en-suite facilities
•  Inclusive admission to see Ice Age Live! A Mammoth Adventure at the Capital FM Arena, Nottingham
• Admission to the West Midlands Safari Park along with inclusive Safari Tour.

Departures from Hull Region – click here

Departures from Leeds Region – click here

Departures from Newcastle Region – click here

Departures from Middlesbrough Region – click here

Departures from Manchester Region – click here

Who is your favourite character from the Ice Age films? Tell us who and why?

Ice Age Live – grab your thermals for a super cool adventure!