Itinerary
Depart Edinburgh at 08:15 and travel west, past Stirling castle to your first stop at Doune Castle. This area of Scotland has certainly seen its fair share of fighting and warfare. Stirling castle was once known as the 'Key to Scotland', and it was here that William Wallace (immortalised by Mel Gibson in the film Braveheart) defeated the English army in 1297. After William Wallace's death it was Robert the Bruce who continued the fight for independence and you will pass the site of his most famous victory in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn. Then you arrive at the fantastic medieval stronghold of Doune castle. Built for Robert Stewart, the Duke of Albany, over 600 years ago the castle is still in great condition and you will have time for photos. You might even have seen the castle before, it was made famous by the film 'Monty Python and The Holy Grail', with many scenes filmed here.
You then continue a little further on to Callander. After a short coffee stop you cross the Highland boundary fault line leaving the rolling farms for the wild mountains and forests of the Highlands. You will make a short stop at Loch Luibnaig before you continue over the Braes of Balquhidder, the final resting place of Highland outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor. Made famous by Sir Walter Scott, Rob Roy was a sort of Highland Robin Hood, he stole from the rich, but never quite got round to giving it to the poor!
From Balquhidder the tour winds its way through the tough knot of mountains known as Breadalbane (meaning the 'high country of Scotland') before we stop for lunch in a small West Highland village. Shortly after lunch you stop for the short walk out to visit Kilchurn Castle, a magnificent ruin situated in the middle of Loch Awe and former home of the Campbells of Breadalbane. You will continue along the banks of Loch Awe through Campbell country to the picturesque town of Inveraray on the shores of Loch Fyne. Here you can visit the 18th-century castle and home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Campbell clan. (castle open Easter to mid-October). The town was built at the same time as the castle and has the air of a classic 18th-century planned village with its straight wide streets and dignified Georgian houses. You can take time to explore the town and maybe call at the Old Jail or the maritime museum, the Arctic Penguin.
Leaving Inveraray, you take a drive up through the steep-sided mountains known as the Arrochar Alps to the great viewpoint at 'Rest and Be Thankful'. It was given its name in 1753 by the weary soldiers who had just finished building the old military road up through Glen Croe. From here you skirt around Loch Long and down to the Bonnie, Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. This is Scotland's largest loch and it takes its name from the mountain Ben Lomond on the eastern shore. You make a short stop at the conservation village of Luss, with its quaint houses and stunning views across the loch. At 17.30 you make your way back to Edinburgh, with a short photo stop underneath Stirling Castle.
Return time: 18:30 approx
From Edinburgh you will travel west, passing the imposing Stirling Castle, high on its volcanic rock, and on to a visit at Doune Castle* (which featured in the cult movie ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’). From there journey into the Highlands, past Loch Lubnaig and up through impressive Glen Ogle, a steep glen that stretches for 7 miles, stopping nearby for lunch and beautiful views of the surrounding scenery.
After lunch venture further into the Highlands, stopping to view one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle, nestled on the banks of beautiful Loch Awe and stunningly framed by the surrounding mountains. You will then journey to Inveraray, a small quaint town built in the mid-18th century on the shore of Loch Fyne.
Here we have time to explore the town and pick up some Highland souvenirs or pay an optional visit to Inveraray Castle*, the historic home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, which is set in large beautiful gardens overlooking Loch Fyne.
You then start your homeward journey, driving over the Arrochar Alps, an attractive range of mountains, with a brief pause near the top of the Rest and Be Thankful Pass. A little later we reach enchanting Loch Lomond, where you can stop at the pretty lochside village of Luss before returning to Edinburgh.
*OPTIONAL EXTRA. PLEASE NOTE: Inveraray Castle open April-Oct, Doune Castle closed on Thursdays and Fridays from 1st October - 31st March. Alternatives will be offered.
Daily | ALL YEAR
Departs: 09:15 Returns: 19:00
Batobus takes you to the heart of Paris, to reach the various quarters of the capital. With 8 stops on the route, Batobus shows you a different view of Paris and is an original way of getting about in Paris.
Hop-on hop-off points
• Tour Eiffel: Port de la Bourdonnais.At the foot of the 1,710 steps of a great Parisian landmark.
• Musée d'Orsay: Quai de Solférino. Next to the museum, a stop leading to the world of the Impressionists.
• St-Germain-des-Prés: Quai Malaquais. Near the Institut de France, the Paris of artists and intellectuals.
• Notre-Dame: Quai de Montebello. The architectural harmony of the cathedral and the carefree student atmosphere of the Latin Quarter.
• Jardin des Plantes / Cité de la Mode: station was moved to the foot of the Cité de la Mode, just 10 minutes walk from its original location.
• Hotel de Ville: Close to Pont d'Arcole. The City Hall stop leads to the richness and contrasts of the Marais district and the Pompidou Centre.
• Louvre: Between Pont Royal and Pont du Carrousel. Reveals a quarter where history and history of art are one.
• Champs-Elysées: Close to Pont Alexandre III. Mythical Paris-the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais and Avenue Montaigne.
Hampton Court Palace has provided a luxurious retreat for many of Britain's most famous Kings and Queens. Henry VIII was so inspired by it that he spent three of his honeymoons here. And visitors continue to escape to Britain's greatest palace to experience its history, splendour and stunning scale.
Discover what it was really like to live and work at Hampton Court Palace. Take a fascinating journey through 500 years of royal history. Marvel at the impressive architecture and opulent interiors of the State Apartments and see the vast Tudor Kitchens in full swing. Enjoy the breathtaking Great Hall and Chapel Royal, and see how Sir Christopher Wren transformed the palace to rival Versailles. Take time to appreciate one of the finest collections of Renaissance paintings in Europe, and listen to tales of intrigue at the royal court from expert guides dressed in full historical costume. Or enjoy an audio tour, available in 9 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian, Korean and Japanese. They can be collected from the Information Centre in Clock Court.
And that's before you've even begun to explore the stunning riverside gardens where you'll find the famous Maze and one of the world's oldest vines.
‘Top Ten’ things to see and do at Hampton Court. These sights are 'unmissable'
Access to these sights is included in your admission ticket, unless otherwise stated.
Henry VIII's Great Hall
The Great Hall is England’s greatest medieval hall and one of Britain’s oldest theatres. William Shakespeare’s company performed there in 1603-4.
Young Henry VIII exhibition Meet the 'pin-up' prince, before he became fat old Henry VIII, at our Young Henry VIII exhibition (included in your admission ticket). The exhibition includes paintings and interactive displays.
The world famous Maze
Test yourself and get enjoyably lost in 'the most famous Maze in the history of the world'. Entry is included in your ‘All Palace and Gardens’ admission ticket. A 'Maze only' entry is also available.
Tudor kitchens and live Tudor cookery
Built to feed the Court of Henry VIII, the kitchens were expected to provide meals for 600 people twice a day. See the kitchens today and experience the sights and smells of a real Tudor kitchen!
Beautiful gardens
Wander through over 60 acres of beautifully maintained and internationally celebrated gardens at Hampton Court Palace. Entry is included in your ‘All Palace and Gardens’ admission ticket.
Henry VIII: Heads and Hearts
Join Henry for his wedding celebrations and see surprising portraits and personal objects of his wives.
Family fun activities
We have a wide range of activities and tours to entertain families. Choose from family trails, our world-famous maze, costumed guided tours, live Tudor cookery and much much more.
The Chapel Royal
This beautiful chapel has been in continuous use for over 450 years. Visitors are welcome to attend religious services at The Chapel Royal.
Tiltyard café - kids' meal deal!
History makes you hungry! At the Tiltyard café, choose from any kid's hot meal with lemonade or milk and a fairy cake for just Deliciously great value.
Included :
Transportation in open top-decker coach.
Recorded commentary and personal earphone sets (digital sound).
The church is closed from 12.00 to 14.30 and on Sunday morning.
Security on the top deck :
Please remain seated and do not use the stairs while the bus is in motion.
Seat belts must be worn on the top deck until the bus stops for parking.
Do not lean over the guard rails on the upper deck.
Be careful, low branches and other objects that may come close to the open upper deck.
Do not throw anything out of the bus.
Parents, for the safety of your children, please make sure that they respect the safety regulation.
Attention: Child rate from 4 to 11.
