The View from The Shard

Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition is the world's largest exhibition devoted to Shakespeare and the London in which he lived and worked. Housed beneath the reconstructed Globe Theatre on London's Bankside, the exhibition explores the remarkable story of the Globe, and brings Shakespeare's world to life using a range of interactive displays and live demonstrations. Visitors to the exhibition can discover how shows were produced in the theatres of Shakespeare's time, from writing and rehearsals to music, dance and performance. There are opportunities to learn about the traditional crafts and techniques used during the process of rebuilding the Globe; to find out how special effects were produced in Shakespeare's time, to listen to recordings from some of the most memorable Shakespearean performances ever, or join the cast and add your own voice to a scene recorded by Globe actors; to create your own Shakespearean phrases in the word jungle; to watch a sword-fighting display and browse the costume collection, where you can learn about the extraordinary methods used in creating clothes 400 years ago. A visit to the Exhibition includes a guided tour of the theatre where expert guide-storytellers provide fascinating half hour tours of the auditorium, taking visitors on a journey through time back to Elizabethan London as well as the reconstruction process of the 1980's-90's and how the wooden 'o' works today as an imaginative and experimental theatrical space. An exhibition visit and theatre tour lasts about one and a half hours. Information sheets are available in English, large print, German, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Polish, Romanian, Chinese and Japanese. NB: There is no access to the theatre during matinee performances. Visitors will be taken to the nearby archaeological site of the Rose Theatre, Bankside's first playhouse. Tower of London Things to do and See at the Tower of London: Line of Kings Exhibition For over 300 years visitors to the Tower of London have marvelled at displays featuring arms and royal armour, life-sized wooden horses and figures of kings. The White Tower The White Tower is one of the most famous castle keeps in the world. It was built, to awe, subdue and terrify Londoners and to deter foreign invaders. It’s an iconic symbol of London and Britain. The Crown Jewels The Jewel house at the Tower of London houses the world famous Crown Jewels. 23,578 precious stones and gems make up the Crown Jewels and include the world’s most famous diamond ‘ The Great Star of Africa’. The Yeoman Warder tours The Yeoman Warders, also known as beefeaters, are the public face of the Tower of London. As well as guarding the Tower and Crown Jewels they also provide tours for visitor where they regale you with tales from the Tower. The Royal Beasts The last thing you’d expect to see at the Tower of London would be Lions, Tigers, Elephants and Polar Bears, but for over 600 years the Royal Menagerie played host to these and many more. Discover their extraordinary stories and what life was like for them at the tower. The Ravens ‘The kingdom and the Tower will fall if the six ravens ever leave the Tower of London’, well according to legend anyway. Whether this is true or not the ravens have become on of the Tower’s most famous sites, just make sure you see at least 6 when you visit! The Tower Green Believe it or not being executed inside the Tower of London was considered a privilege for those of high rank. The Tower Green contains a permanent memorial for those ‘lucky’ enough to be executed there. The Medieval Palace Being the oldest part of the Tower of London, the Medieval Palace contains amazing interiors that you won’t see anywhere else. here you can experience what life might have been like in a luxurious medieval household. Coins and kings; the Royal Mint at the Tower An exhibit devoted to telling the history of the Mint located at the Tower for over 500 years. Learn of Isaac Newton's efforts to rid London of counterfeiters when he was Warden of the Mint, Edward I's harsh punishments for people who tampered with his coins, Elizabeth I's restoration of the coinage following her father Henry VIII’s disastrous meddling, and Charles II's rejection of Commonwealth money.

Amongst the most famous historic attractions in our care are:
Mysterious Stonehenge and Hadrian’s Wall - both World Heritage Sites.
The Home of Charles Darwin, Down House, just south of London.
1066 Battle of Hastings Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex
Dover Castle, Kent
Tintagel Castle, Cornwall - legendary birthplace of King Arthur.
Audley End House & Gardens, near Cambridge - a superb Jacobean mansion set in beautiful gardens.
Apsley House - also known as Number 1 London
Magnificent Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s beloved seaside retreat.
Customer Benefits:
Savings
Save money with this great value pass by visiting as few as THREE attractions. So even if it is used for a weekend break - it can still save money! The more the pass is used - the greater the savings.
What is an Overseas Visitor Pass? The Overseas Visitor Pass is a one-price entrance ticket to all English Heritage properties valid for either 9 or 16 consecutive days. What is included? FREE entry to over 100 stately homes, castles, abbeys, Roman and prehistoric remains. You can visit all attractions directly managed by English Heritage free of charge. Find out more about our historic attractions. FREE or reduced price entry to hundreds of action-packed events. FREE overseas visitor guidebook. I can’t possibly visit 100 attractions in 9 days. Why should I buy an Overseas Visitor Pass? We don’t expect you to visit that many attractions. The Overseas Visitor Pass is incredible value for money and you can start making savings from as few as two or three visits! How much will I save? You will realise what great value the pass is as soon as you make your first visit. For example, the price of the guidebook plus the combined normal adult admission price to Dover Castle; 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield; Walmer Castle & Gardens; and the Home of Charles Darwin, Down House - just four attractions in the South East - is £54.65. With your 9 day Overseas Visitor Pass you save £29.65.  Remember, you can visit as many attractions as you like. The more you visit, the more you save! If I stay for less than 9 days, does it still make sense to buy the Pass? Yes, the Pass pays for itself after approximately three visits so you can enjoy savings from the first or second day of your stay! Who can buy the Pass? The Pass is available for overseas visitors only. Visitors may be asked for proof of overseas residency when visiting a property. The Pass is available to groups and individuals. Groups should contact the first property they are planning to visit with a list of names of the group's members, so that we can prepare the passcards and make sure we have enough guidebooks on site. Do children need their own Pass? The family pass is valid for two adults and up to four other family members under the age of 19 living at the same address. Other than the family pass, there is no reduced child pass. Children under the age of five are admitted free of charge to our attractions, and children up to the age of 15 qualify for reduced entrance fees. For how long is the Overseas Visitor Pass valid? The English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass is valid for a period of either 9 or 16 consecutive days.  How is my Overseas Visitor Pass activated? The Pass will be validated at the first property you visit and it can then be used for the following consecutive 9 or 16 days. When are English Heritage properties open? Many properties open daily from 10.00 in summer. Nearly all are closed 24-26 December and 1 January. All sites have reduced opening times during the winter months (October to March). The exact opening times are listed on our website as well as in the Members’ and Visitors’ Handbook, which is included free of charge with the Pass. What documents do I need to take with me to collect the Overseas Visitor Pass? You need to print out your booking confirmation (voucher), and take this with the credit card used to make the booking. You must also have proof of identity with you in the form of a passport, identity card or driver’s license to authenticate that you are the rightful owner of the voucher and as proof of overseas residency. This can be a photocopy. What happens if my Pass is lost or stolen? The Pass is not transferable, refundable or replaceable when lost or stolen.

YOU SHOULD BRING: Sunglasses Hats Warm clothes during winter periods

Big Bus Paris - 1 Day Tour NEW : Half covered Open-top bus to enjoy Paris even if it is raining  FREE Paris Map FREE Headsets FREE Ponchos FREE Reward Voucher Booklet  Montparnasse 56 Observation Visit Take in the best view of the Eiffel Tower and everything else Paris has to offer on the amazing 56th floor of the Montparnasse 56 Panoramic Visit (this will also avoid you the long queues at the Eiffel Tower). If you do just one thing when you are in Paris, this has to be it! Celebrate a special occasion or just the fact that you're in the most beautiful city in the world (arguably). You will have the very best views of the Eiffel Tower. A large number of audiovisual and interactive facilities are available, as is the aptly named 360 Degree Cafe with a wide range of drinks, snacks and light meals.​ Louvre Museum The Louvre Museum is unquestionably one of the finest art galleries in the world. Home to thousands of classic and modern masterpieces, the Louvre is the jewel in the crown of French culture, a towering testament to European civilisation and history. Its quality and importance is highlighted through its popularity as the Louvre is the globes most-visited museum. To walk through the Louvre Museum is to walk through the history of France and into the minds of kings and revolutionaries. The reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV saw major expansion and a linking of the palaces and halls, which make up the museum today. The Louvre Museum contains over 35,000 pieces of artwork across numerous departments including Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints and Drawings. Masterpieces by great artists such as Da Vinci and Delacroix are part of the permanent collection of this prestigious gallery. Surrounding this iconic pyramid building are the Carrousel gardens. These beautiful formal gardens are among the finest in the world and the perfect setting to discuss and reflect on the wonders of the gallery itself.

Activities: Hiking Snow Sports Photography Adventure Wildlife & Nature Eco/Sustainable   Includes: Complimentary pick up/drop off from the San Francisco Hilton hotel (Mason St. entrance) Hotel accommodations (double occupancy same-sex or couple share, single occ supplement applies for single bookings) Narrated guided tour by a full-time professional, knowledgeable guide See Lake Tahoe, Donner Pass, Sacramento, Truckee, the Sierra Mountain Range, Emerald Bay, 2 Ski Resorts, and more! Transportation throughout tour in biofuel mini-coach   Not Included: Meals (stops will be made to purchase food). Optional activity entrance fees (Ski Resort access, Lift tickets, Lessons, etc) Gear Rental (Ski/Snowboards, Snow Shoes, Winter Clothing/Boots/Goggles/etc) Single occ supplement for private room for 1 person Guide gratuity (optional)     Suggested Gear List: Camera & charger Small day pack Change of clothes for 3 days Swimwear, towel Toiletries Sun protection, hat Water bottle Warm layers (evenings can be cooler) ADDITIONAL Gear For Partaking in Snow Sports Raincoat/jacket Hiking boots or durable sneakers (preferably Gortex or waterproof) Warm layers (long underwear & wool fleece suggested) Waterproof jacket/pants for winter conditions Gloves, wool socks and a hat (75% of your body heat is lost through your hands, head, and feet) Ski/Snowboard Gear (not provided)   ​SAMPLE ITINERARY – DAY 1 (THURSDAY) SAN FRANCISCO TO SOUTH LAKE TAHOE/HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT 10:00am:  Pick up from San Francisco Hilton Hotel (Mason Street entrance) Morning:  Buckle up! After departing San Francisco, you’ll head through California’s capital city, Sacramento, through the Sierra foothills and into the famous Gold Rush Country, cresting a high mountain pass within the Sierra Nevada. Then we’ll wind our way through large pine forests, before dramatically descending into South Lake Tahoe. Afternoon:  In the evening, we’ll settle into our centrally located hotel and then head out to happy hour with the Apres Ski crowd at the base of Heavenly Mountain Resort before a comfy night’s rest.   SAMPLE ITINERARY – DAY 2 (FRIDAY) SOUTH LAKE TAHOE: CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE All Day:  While masses of people are piling into their cars to head to the mountains, you’ll be on the first lift up to carve the groomers, or to get fresh tracks in that Heavenly powder! Don’t worry if you’re not really into skiing, our guides will offer the opportunity to go out on a fabulously scenic drive on the mountain roads surrounding Lake Tahoe, or maybe even a snowshoe adventure! If you’re really just here for the casinos, they’re open 24 hours, and you’re welcome to see if Lady Luck is on your side all day if you like! Don’t want to miss out on any of it? No problem, we’re flexible: our guides know their stuff, and we’ll help you fit in a scenic drive in the morning, get yourself a half day ticket on the mountain, and then hit the casinos all night long!   SAMPLE ITINERARY – DAY 3 (SATURDAY) SOUTH LAKE TAHOE TO SQUAW VALLEY & TRUCKEE, CA Morning:  We’ll hit the road early this morning and head toward historic Tahoe City taking in views of Emerald Bay before heading toward the famous Squaw Valley Resort. If you’re heading up onto this epic ski and snowboarding destination today, you’ll be glad if you dusted off the cobwebs on Heavenly yesterday. This place is the real deal, where you can often see extreme athletes pushing the envelope, soaring from the cliffs as you ride up the famous KT-22 Express. Make sure you bring your swimsuit too: the High Camp Pool and Hot Tub high on the resort is open for business…all winter long! This side of the lake also offers amazing snowshoeing or cross country skiing opportunities as well. Once again, you’ll be offered the choice to head up on the ski hill, or we’ll take you out on the trails through Stanislaus National Forest or maybe a snowshoe hike near the Donner Memorial State Park and explore the history of the ill-fated pioneers of the Donner Party as they struggled to travel west in their wagons and became stranded in the winter of 1846-47. Afternoon/Evening:  After a full day of winter adventures, we’ll head into the historic town of Truckee, CA to check into our accommodation for the evening, and then head out for dinner and a night on the town with the locals.   **Sample Itineraries: Please note that due to rapidly-changing conditions beyond our control (weather, crowds, traffic) and the small size of our vehicles/groups, our guides have the flexibility to adjust your itinerary to best suit the group’s needs. While we guarantee we’ll do our best to provide you with all of the highlights within this Lake Tahoe Winter Adventure Tour itinerary (conditions permitting), we don’t guarantee them in this specific order. **

Private Viewing of Stonehenge Most visitors to Stonehenge are not allowed direct access to the stones. On this special day trip from London, you'll be invited to enter the stone circle itself, and stand beside the mysterious rocks towering above you. Your guide will unlock the secrets of this ancient World Heritage site. Enjoy the peace, away from the crowds, as you experience Stonehenge at its atmospheric best at sunrise. Oxford The colleges in Oxford date back to the 13th century and among its famous students were Bill Clinton, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll. We take you on a fascinating walking tour, which includes visiting the Great Hall in Christ Church, where many scenes from Harry Potter were filmed. We'll also see the Bodleian Library and the picture perfect college courtyards for which Oxford is famous. Windsor Castle Our day continues with a visit to Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied Castle in the world, and home of the Royal Family for 900 years. Its proud, strong walls dominate the delightful town that has grown around the castle over the years. You'll see the lavishly decorated State Apartments containing priceless furniture in glorious colours and St George's Chapel, home to the 14th Century Order of the Royal Garter, our senior chivalric order.   Visitors can still enjoy the extensive Castle Precincts, St George's Chapel (except on Sundays and certain other dates - please see below), Queen Mary's Dolls' House and the exhibition in the Drawings Gallery. St. George's Chapel is open daily but closed to visitors on Sundays as services are held throughout the day. As a working royal palace, the Castle is used frequently by The Queen for State ceremonies and official entertaining and opening arrangements may change with no notice.