Shedd Aquarium + Chicago Trolley - Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

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.  

Part of this tour will be the visit of the museum of Prostitution for a fascinating introduction to the red light district and what happens there. You will learn everything about the system and experience for yourself what it feels like to sit behind the windows. During this excursion, we guarantee your safety - you will be accompanied by a very reliable guide.

Explore Al Madinah religion and history with City Sightseeing from the comfort of our stylish red buses. This city invites visitors and pilgrims to delve into its heritage as the second holiest city of Islam. Take the Green Line across 4 strategically selected stops. At Bus stop 1 you will find Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque), with its amazing massive architecture and beautifully arranged lights, it is built where the Islamic prophet Muhammad used to live and is currently buried. It is believed that, if you visit the mosque, your prayers are never rejected. Hop-off at Bus stop 2 to visit the Al Baquee cemetery, which holds much significance as many Muhammad's relatives and companions are buried there. It is located south-east from The Prophet Mosque, which can be seen from the cemetery. But if you are really into learning more about the history and religion of this holy city, take the Red Line and hop-on and off as many times as you like. The tour will take you to the grounds of the Uhud Battle, which took place when The Prophet left Al Madinah with a Muslim army of only 700 to defend Madinah from invasion. On this route, you can also hop-off at Al-Noor Mall and Abu Bakr Road, which stands out as the city's key landmarks for visitors to enjoy a unique and luxurious shopping experience. Go on along the Red Line and be overwhelmed by the Masjid al-Qiblatayn Mosque, where The Prophet received the command to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Mecca, or by the Quba Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the world. Let Al Madinah and its cultural and religious heritage amaze you! Book your ticket online today!

If you want to see the Grand Canyon from all of the best spots arrive in style and learn from some of the best guides in the countryaEURthen this tour is it.

Súbete al tour nocturno de City Sightseeing de Lima en Larcomar y prepárate para tomar las fotos más inolvidables de la serenidad de Lima bajo la luna. Esta excursión también te llevara al Circuito Mágico del Agua, el complejo de fuentes más grande del mundo, certificado por el Libro Guinnes. Este circuito incluye trece fuentes ornamentales, donde las aguas danzan de la mano de luces multicolores y al ritmo de la música  ¡Esta es una experiencia imperdible en Lima! En el circuito, podrás apreciar la Fuente Mágica, con un salto de agua que alcanza los ochenta metros de altura; la Fuente de Fantasía, La Fuente de la Ilusión, la Fuente de la Cúpula Visitable, la Fuente de la Armonía, la Fuente del Arco Iris y muchas otras increíbles y llamativas estructuras. Disfruta del viaje a medida que pasamos por los más impresionantes emblemas históricos iluminados en la oscuridad.  Algunas de las atracciones más conocidas son la Plaza Grau, la Plaza San Martin, el Palacio de Justicia y el Convento de San Francisco. ¿Estás listo para vivir tu experiencia en Lima desde una perspectiva completamente diferente? ¡Te esperamos!

Along the way you will meet some of Australia’s favourite animals. At our first stop, Moonlit Sanctuary, you can cuddle a koala (**fee applicable) and hand feed kangaroos and wallabies. Enjoy lunch overlooking a billabong teeming with waterbirds before we make tracks to Phillip Island.  You will be dropped off at the Island Accommodation early afternoon and can explore the magical island coastline on your own at your leisure.  Next day we will come and pick you up early afternoon.   First stop on day 2 is historic Churchill Island. Down at Churchill Island take time to wander about the gardens surrounding the historic Amess House. Learn about the significance of this small island in the history of Victoria. Head over to the farm yards where you’ll get to see stockwhip cracking, sheep shearing and working dogs in action.  From here we’ll take you to the Koala Conservation Centre where you’ll get up close to koalas in their natural environment.  Next we head over to the home of the Little Penguins, Summerland Peninsula, but before we meet the stars of the show we’ll take a break at the Nobbies Centre.  Last but certainly not least is the world famous Penguin Parade. Here you’ll see hundreds of Little Penguins come ashore just after sunset, make their way across the beach and up into the sand dunes to their burrows. A natural wonder, this is something you will never forget.   YOU SHOULD BRING (ADVISABLE) Good shoes / boots for walking Appropriate clothing for warm and cold conditions Sunscreen, hat, water bottle Bathers for swimming (time permitted) Bring own toiletries & towel