City Tour of Paris

Departing Edinburgh, you travel north-west for your first stop of the day at magnificent Stirling Castle*, one of Scotland’s most historically significant castles, sitting high on volcanic rock and offering wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. You will have time to visit the castle and learn of the exploits of key historic figures including William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots. With lots of interesting things to see and do here, the Stirling Castle experience is a must for any visitor to Scotland.  You then continue on, past medieval Doune Castle, to the pretty town of Callander, situated on the banks of the River Teith in Stirlingshire, where you will have a chance to stop to enjoy some lunch. From here we enter The Trossachs National Park, also known as “The Highlands in miniature” for its abundance of lochs, mountains and forests, and famous as the homeland of legendary outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor.  You will then reach the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, one of the prettiest and largest lochs in the whole of Scotland. Here you can enjoy an hour long cruise* taking in spectacular views of the loch’s many islands and the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, take a stroll through the picturesque loch-side conservation village of Luss, with its quaint houses, cafes and stunning views across the loch’s western shoreline. You will then travel back to Edinburgh.  *OPTIONAL EXTRA.  Daily | ALL YEAR  Departs: 09:15 Returns: 18:30

What is Included Healesville Sanctuary entry Historic Steam Train ride Entry into penguin parade Friendly & informative tour guide

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.

Vegetarian option available on request. Lunch Menu Smoked Mackerel Rillettes - Horseradish mousse, textures of beetroot and radish Roasted Breast of English Chicken (N) - Aged Parmesan risotto, wild mushrooms, watercress puree and pan jus or Pumpkin Tortellini (N) (v) Sage butter, pine nuts, parmesan crackling  *must be pre-booked   Pistachio and Apricot Torte (v) Apricot coulis, crème anglaise, mint poache Fairtrade Coffee, Teas and Infusions - Petit fours Children's Lunch Menu Chicken, Cheddar and Leek Crumble - Garden vegetables, sweet potato fries Chocolate Brownie “Pizza” (N) -Vanilla ice cream   Bateaux London reserves the right to change menus and beverage prices as required without prior notice. Bateaux London does not certify that products are free from nuts or traces of nuts.    

What to bring: Waterproof Jacket Sunscreen Warm Clothing Insect Repellent 

Highlights Hop off to visit Royal Pavilion, Regency architecture, and Victorian aquariums, to the famous Brighton Pier, Sea Life Centre, and pebble beach Enable you to fully appreciate Brighton and its renowned seafront Ticket Includes Create your own itinerary and visit Brighton at your own pace. Make as many full loops as you wish! Audio guides in English to discover Brighton's history, architecture & culture. Free Booklet with deals and discounts to access museums, restaurants, and attractions along the way. Flexible 3-month ticket. 24h Unlimited Hop-on Hop-off bus tour with 360º panoramic views of Brighton and its surroundings