Kensington Palace + Windsor Castle

The Queen's Gallery was built in the shell of the former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School at the entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The buildings were constructed in the 1840s with funds from the Duchess of Gordon, but fell into disuse in the late 19th century. Benjamin Tindall Architects were appointed project architects for the new Queen’s Gallery in October 1999. Their central visual theme was a celebration of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, expressed through a series of arches and screens that lead visitors from the Gallery entrance to the exhibition spaces beyond. Their design complements the original 19th-century architecture, elements of which were incorporated into the new spaces. Unsympathetic later internal alterations were removed, and a new exposed steel and concrete floor inserted to reflect the original ‘gallery’ of the Church.   A new stone arched entrance was created at the centre of the Horse Wynd frontage, opposite the new Scottish Parliament building. The use of a stone archway, with a courtyard beyond, is a traditional entrance device in Scottish architecture. The main walling is of Catcastle stone, the dressed work and lettering is of Stainton stone and the base is of Kenmay granite. ‘THE QUEEN’S GALLERY’ lettering above the entrance is the work of John Neilson, a calligrapher and carver. The letters were cut from single pieces of stone. Above sits Scotland’s heraldic lion, designed by Jill Watson. The lion sedant is based on a small red lion that sits at the feet of Mary, Queen of Scots on her tomb in Westminster Abbey. (The Palace of Holyroodhouse was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots.)   The monumental entrance doors of oak have gilded bronze hinges by Jill Watson. Continuing the heraldic theme, the main hinges are decorated with the Scottish lion and unicorn. The beasts are set against the adjacent urban scene of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and the rural scene of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. The upper hinges are made as golden boughs of flowering native trees – chestnut and laburnum, oak, rowan and hawthorn. The stone archway is decorated with a carved and gilded garland of Scottish flowers, including daisies and thistles, created by Graciela Ainsworth, an Edinburgh-based sculptor, carver and conservator. Over the old entrance to the former church is a stained-glass window by Christian Shaw.  The design shows a perspective drawing of the interior of a gallery. At night, the shape of the archway is reflected by the glass lights by Keiko Mukaide set into the paving. The artist has given the tiles a water flow pattern, mirroring the stream of visitors walking in and out of the Gallery. Inside, the reception desk by Hamid van Koten is made from curved pieces of Scottish elm with kilned glass and patinated copper. The pendant lights were designed and made in Edinburgh by Ingrid Phillips. Dividing the reception from the main Gallery area is a patterned glass screen by Jacqueline Poncelet. The screen’s bronze handles by Jill Watson incorporate figures looking at art in a gallery.   The dramatic central stair of native timber leads to the Gallery spaces above. The complex shape was designed by the architects with Charles Taylor Woodwork, who were responsible for the construction. Lights set into the first floor illuminate the curved balustrading.  

What you can expect: On this 2-hour private tour of NYC Lights you and your group may choose to travel by a luxury limo or party bus. You may start or end your tour at a location of your choice in Manhattan. Travel pass world famous landmarks such as Rockefeller Center, Times Square, Herald Square, 5th Avenue and over the famous Brooklyn Bridge. Stop in DUMBO Brooklyn for a photo in front of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Skyline. During your return back to NYC, open a bottle of complimentary champagne while listening to your favorite music. What better way to see and experience NYC! Inclusions: Glass of Champagne Beverages Driver/Guide Transport by private vehicle Exclusions: Gratuities (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)

Highlights Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site to two sister cities: Pompeii and Herculaneum on this tour from Naples. Learn and walk around the fascinating ancient ruins of Pompeii. Wonder around Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town better preserved than Pompeii. This tour provides a great representation of what life was like in the first century.  Taste delicious regional cuisine on your way to the sites with lunch prices included . Roundtrip transfers between Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum and back in a comfortable coach Ticket Includes Coach transfers to and from Naples aboard a coach Services of a tour leader/tour assistant Lunch (excluding beverages) Ticket Excludes Pompeii Entrance Tickets Herculaneum Entrance Tickets Food and Drinks (apart from lunch)    

We invite you to visit the Casa Batlló which has transcended the concept of a building to become a legendary icon of art, architecture and art nouveau. Here, light, colour and shapes interact with wood, glass, ceramics and quarried stone in Gaudí's characteristic fantastic and breathtaking style. Pick up your audioguide and begin your tour of 20 different points. You'll discover a whole host of details that are hard to spot at first glance, with metaphors and depictions of nature, particularly the undersea world, which will inspire and stimulate your senses and emotions. And if you prefer, you can hire the innovative augmented reality video guide which will take you to a magical world that is normally hidden from view. Both guides are available in 10 languages.  You'll visit the legendary mezzanine, where the Batlló family once lived; the attic, where the storerooms and laundries were located; the rooftop, with its iconic chimneys and the amazing light well which houses the staircase once used by the privileged neighbours. And you can't leave without seeing the magnificent hall and main staircase. You're sure to be impressed!

Flight Path You will fly over some exquisite landscapes on your journey to Milford Sound. Depending on the flight route for the day, your sights may include; Skippers Canyon, Glenorchy, Mt Earnslaw, Mt Tutoko, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Arthur Valley, Sutherland Falls, the Milford Track, Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Greenstone Valley and Lake Wakatipu. Cruise Route Depart from the Milford Sound Wharf and make your way out past the iconic Mitre Peak. Cruise the length of the fiord while listening to informative commentary from our skipper who will highlight points of interest along the way including the mighty Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock and Stirling Falls. Keep an eye out for local wildlife that can be found in the fiord, with sightings of New Zealand fur seals and dolphins spotted regularly, while occasionally the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin makes an appearance in Milford Sound.   What to bring: Waterproof Jacket Sunscreen Warm Clothing Insect Repellent 

Little Train of Paris Montmartre The Circuit:

Place Blanche Place du Tertre Place Constantin Pecqueur
Moulin Rouge Espace Dali La Halle et le Marché Saint-Pierre
Basilique du Sacré Coeur Musée Montmartre Anvers
Amphithéâtre / Arènes Le Lapin Agile Retour Place Blanche
Église Saint-Pierre Cimetière Saint-Vincent