Included :
The services of a national licensed driver guide
Guided visit of Garnier Opera
Entrance tickets
Audiophone
Information :
Be careful! This tour could not be suitable for people with walking difficulties (2hrs of walking)
Language :
English : Wed
French : Wed, Sat
Spanish : Wed
* End in the quarter of "Grands Boulevards", Opera
Depart Edinburgh 09.15 and travel northwest through the historic area of Linlithgowshire, close to the historic palace. The tragic Mary Queen of Scots was born at Linlithgow palace, and became Queen when she was only 6 days old. According to legend her father James V died of a broken heart when he discovered his wife had given birth to a daughter and not the son he was hoping for! Your route along the Forth Valley is one which has been used for thousands of years by invading armies, it was the northernmost frontier of the Roman empire and was later used by the English King Edward I as he marched proudly towards Stirling (only to be sent homewards to think again!). Nowadays it’s at the centre of one of Scotland’s most important industries with huge oil refineries dominating the area.
As you approach Stirling the magnificent castle dominates your view and you make your way up towards the high volcanic rock where it imposes itself upon the surrounding land. Known as the ‘Key to Scotland’, for centuries this was the most important castle in Scotland and the views from the top make it easy to see why.
To the north is the 220ft high tower of the National Wallace Monument commemorating Scotland’s great hero William Wallace, played by Mel Gibson in the Oscar-winning movie Braveheart. From the castle you can look down over the scene of Wallace’s greatest triumph, the battle of Stirling Bridge, where he defeated the English army in 1297. To the south is Bannockburn where, in 1314, the great Scottish warrior-king Robert the Bruce defeated the English army of Edward II. The battle was fought for possession of Stirling Castle but eventually led to a far greater prize for Scotland – the restoration of independence. It’s an area alive with history and you stop at the castle to give you time to soak up the history and heritage of this great site.
From Stirling you head into the Highlands and an area known as the Trossachs. Known as ‘The Highlands in Miniature’, it marks the point where the Lowlands meet the Highlands and entering this beautifully picturesque area feels like going into a different country. With its shimmering lochs, rugged mountain tops and forest-filled glens it’s easy to forget that this was once thought of as a dangerous frontier fought over by the fiercely territorial Highland clans. You stop here for lunch in the village of Aberfoyle, made popular in Victorian times due to its great location.
After lunch you ‘take the high road’ or back-road to Loch Lomond, Scotland’s largest lochs at over 22 miles long, passing Lochs Ard, Chon and Arklet along the way as you travel through the protected lands of Scotland’s first National Park. The route you take was described by the famous Scots comedian Billy Connolly as his favourite road in Scotland, and you can discover why – it’s stunning!!
You stop at Inversnaid on the secluded north-east of the loch, making it the perfect place to enjoy a walk along the ‘bonny banks’, up to a viewpoint for a fantastic view of the loch and the mountain it’s named after, Ben Lomond. This tranquil setting was once the home of Scotland’s famous highland folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor. Made popular by many books and films Rob Roy lived an incredible life as a soldier, businessman, cattle-rustler and outlaw. By spending time on the trails by the loch you will undoubtedly be walking in the footsteps of one of Scotland’s great legends. There is also an alternative option to take a boat cruise around the north of the loch (Summer only) or merely enjoy a drink at the local hotel and sample the views. Leaving Loch Lomond you return to Edinburgh passing Scotland’s only lake – the Lake of Mentieth (although we have around 3000 freshwater lochs!). The legend states that after William Wallace was betrayed by his great friend the Earl of Mentieth and executed in London the name was changed from the Loch of Mentieth to the Lake of Mentieth so that nobody would ever forget the traitorous part the Earl played in his death.
Are you ready to explore the cultural rich city of Sharjah? Hop on board on one of the Bus Lines. Both the Leisure and Cultural Tour start from the Central Souq I, so make sure you look around before beginning the adventure as you'll find so many great shops and boutiques. Along the Leisure Tour hop-off at Bus Stop 2 if you're a nature lover. Palm Tree Oasis is a great area to breathe in the fresh air, take a stroll or even sit down for a little picnic break.
Hop-off at Bus Stop 4 to visit the Al Majaz, a relaxing area where you can enjoy the views of the waterfront. There's even a water feature in the middle which is lit up in an array of colours at night, it's breathtakingly beautiful! The Sharjah Aquarium at Bus Stop 9 is one for all the family and a great day out if you want to escape the heat for a while. At the same Bus Stop you'll find the Maritime Museum too where you can learn about everything that goes on at the Sharjah port.
If you love seafood then hop-on the Cultural Tour Bus Line and head to the Fish Market at Bus Stop 15 where you'll be able to pick up some freshly caught fish. Next up at Bus Stop 17 is the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, a spectacular landmark both inside and out, where you'll be able to see all kinds of exciting Islamic artefacts. Buy you City Sightseeing Bus Tour today!
Along the way, you can learn about the city's history by listening to the entertaining and informative commentary.
Commentary
Live Guides
Live English-speaking guides are featured on our buses.
Throughout the Tour you will be kept informed and entertained by an expert English-speaking guide with fascinating facts and stories about the Capital, ranging from the foundation of this great city right up to the events of the present day.
Departure Times
Our Night Tour runs every evening
Hop on at 7:00pm (7:30pm from July 1)
Our Night Tour runs every evening
Hop on at 7:00pm (7:30pm from July 1) from Stop #20: White House (outside the Willard Hotel) or at 7:30pm from Stop #1: Union Station. The Night Tour takes two hours and is not a hop-on, hop-off tour. Please note that Night Tour timings are subject to change without notice. Please check your ticket on the day of your tour for the most current hours of operation.
