Fat Tire Bike Tours - Royal London Bike Tour

Discover this Medieval royal palace that became a revolutionary tribunal and Marie-Antoinette’s prison. The Conciergerie Discover on the Île de la Cité, the exceptional Gothic rooms of the first royal palace of Paris and the reproduction of the prison cells of the revolutionary tribunal. At the end of the 17th century, numerous people were imprisoned in the prison of the Conciergerie, including Marie-Antoinette. The Conciergerie is also listed as a historical building by the Unesco.  

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.  

London Eye -Standard Experience At 450ft high, the London Eye is the world's highest observation wheel. 32 Capsules, each carrying 25 guests, take you on a 30 minute journey through the most spectacular views of, over and around London spanning 25 miles in all directions. Combine your experience with the London Eye River Cruise Experience, a 40-minute sightseeing circular cruise on the River Thames, passing the Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral. London Eye 4D Experience The London Eye 4D Experience is a groundbreaking 3D film with in theatre effects, such as wind, bubbles and mist, to make the 4D. The film itself is a touching story of a little girl in London with her father. Her view of famous London landmarks is obscured by people and traffic, but a seagull draws her attention to the London Eye and her father takes her for an experience; finally she has an amazing view of the city. Colourful parties inside the capsule, time lapse of the London Eye day and night and a spectacular firework display all add up to an emotional and entertaining experience; the perfect prelude to an experience on he London Eye itself. Please remember that the boarding procedure for the London Eye takes around 30 minutes Our price is the same as you would pay buying on the London Eye website or telephone booking lines and there are no constraints on last minute bookings. For a different perspective visit at sunset and see the city lights come on and the skyline awash with vibrant colours. Unaccompanied children are not permitted to board the London Eye. Any booking made for an unaccompanied child will be taken as confirmation that the child will be joining a party under the supervision of an adult aged 18 years or older. 365 Tickets will not be held responsible if a child is turned away at the London Eye, nor will the ticket be refundable! Safety and security is our number one priority. For your safety and convenience, please read the following information on what items can and can not be taken on to the London Eye. Please be aware that all guests are subject to a security search when boarding the London Eye. Please note that the following items CAN be taken on board the London Eye: • briefcases • laptops • small day size rucksacks and bags (maximum size 18" x 13" x 8" or 46cm x 33cm x 20cm) • baby bags The following items CANNOT be taken on board the London Eye; • large bags/suitcases or rucksacks • motorcycle helmets • skateboards and rollerblades • tripods (unless agreed in advance with the London Eye) • baby buggies* • prohibited items** If you are unsure . * Baby buggies can be left at our 'Buggy' area facility in the ticket hall, although only for the duration of the experience. ** Prohibited items include sharp objects or anything which may be considered a security risk including penknives, scissors, metal nail files, toy or replica guns. If such objects are found or declared they will be checked in and returned to you after your experience providing the item is legal in the UK. Terms and Conditions 1. Confiscated objects are left entirely at the owner's risk at all times. 2. London Eye Company (LEC) accepts no responsibility for the loss of or damage to any objects left with LEC. 3. LEC is entitled to refuse to store any visitor's objects at its sole discretion whether for public safety reasons or any other reason.

RED LOOP The official tour of the National Mall, authorized by the National Park Service and National Mall and Memorial Parks. Take in all the places that are synonymous with the nation’s Capital; The White House, U.S. Capitol, Air and Space Museum, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial are just some of the iconic landmarks. Commentary provided in live guided commentary and in a choice of 8 pre-recorded languages. BLUE LOOP The Heroes tour travels to the sites and memorials honoring American heroes. Travel over the Potomac River leaving Washington, DC behind and visiting Virginia. The tour’s main features are Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, the Pentagon City Fashion Center, and the US Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue.) Other highlights include the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, WWII Memorial and Air Force Memorial. Tour is available with live-guided commentary. YELLOW LOOP Travel through the city's historic center, passing the White House and Dupont Circle before heading out to discover Adams Morgan, the National Zoo, and the old world charm of Georgetown. Recorded commentary is available in your choice of 8 languages (French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and English available). PANORAMIC NIGHT TOUR Experience the Capital’s standout landmarks beautifully illuminated after dusk. Accompanied by your knowledgeable tour guide, you will be able to discover the stories behind Washington’s iconic landmarks. Your guide will explain the history of these national monuments and reveal the perfect position to capture the most impressive photos. DURATION: 2 Hours OPERATES: March 13- May 25: 19:00* May 26 to September 4: 19:30* September 5 to March 12: 18:30* *Departure from Willard Hotel is 30 minutes earlier. REDEMPTION INSTRUCTION: Redeem vouchers at either starting location: Union Station or Willard Hotel. Commentary The multi lingual tours provide a personal commentary in a choice of eight languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese and Portuguese Your ticket will be valid for 48 hours from the first time you hop on the bus!

Stirling Castle is a great symbol of Scottish independence & a source of national pride. The Castle's long, turbulent history is associated with great figures from Scotland’s past such as William Wallace & Mary Queen of Scots. The Royal Palace The Palace at Stirling Castle allows visitors to step into the astonishing richness of royal life in the 1500s. James V’s Palace at Stirling is one of the finest and best-preserved Renaissance buildings in Great Britain. Following a major programme of research and re-presentation, it can now be seen by visitors much as it may have looked on completion around 1545. The decoration of the Palace’s six main rooms is overwhelmingly colourful, rich and elaborate. James and his French wife Mary of Guise aimed to present themselves as wealthy, learned and sophisticated. The decorative style belongs to the Renaissance – a great flowering in arts, literature and philosophy that revolutionised Europe in the 1400s and 1500s. Bright colours, expensive fabics and ornate patterns were essential elements. But this was not flamboyance for its own sake. The decorative scheme was filled with messages about power, prosperity and plenty. It was not limited to the interior chambers but also extended to the exterior walls, embellished with hundreds of statues and other stone-carvings. Why not combine your visit to Stirling Castle with other famous attractions and activities in Central, Tayside & Fife such as Discovery Point & RRS Discovery or Loch Lomond Aquarium

Free leaflets available in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Polish. DINING / REFRESHMENTS Irish tea room offering tea, coffee, homemade scones and wonderful porter cake.   SHOPPING Gift shop selling souvenirs, books and craft items.  PARKING Free car and coach parking on-site. WHEELCHAIR ACCESS Partially wheelchair accessible but assistance would be required on rough paths and terrain and at exhibits. Accessible toilet available.