Aran Island & Cliffs of Moher Cruise Combo

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.  

Discover the romantic town of Paris in only 40 minutes ! The Little Train of Paris Montmartre offers a tour in the heart of Montmartre, with a return from la Place du Tertre. It also includes a full commentary with music.  This is a lovely way to go up Montmartre if you get on the train at Place Blanche and use it to go up to Place du Tertre. It is a steep way up to Montmartre and this is a great, and fun, alternative!   The Circuit:

Place Blanche Place du Tertre Place Constantin Pecqueur
Moulin Rouge Espace Dali La Halle et le Marché Saint-Pierre
Basilique du Sacré Coeur Musée Montmartre Anvers
Amphithéâtre / Arènes Le Lapin Agile Retour Place Blanche
Église Saint-Pierre Cimetière Saint-Vincent  
  The Highlights: Charming way to discover the famous district of Montmartre Circuit of 14 stages to make your tour as detailed as possible Please note that the ticket for the Paris Montmartre Little Train is valid from December 1st 2018 until 12/31/2019

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

One of the most famous buildings in the world, the Tower of London was constructed in the 11th century - almost a 1,000 years ago and has been witness to countless significant events in the development of Britain's now democratic monarchy. During your tour of the Tower of London you will meet the magnificent Yeoman Warders or 'Beefeaters', clad as they were in Tudor times, hear the legend of the ravens and spine chilling tales from the Tower's long history. See the infamous Bloody Tower where the Princes were murdered, Beauchamp Tower where visitors can read carved inscriptions of past prisoners and Traitors Gate where those unlucky enough not to survive imprisonment had their heads impaled - and much more. We sell at less than the gate price, which gives you access to all the Towers and Attractions, as well as the unique Gift Shops, the historic New Armouries Restaurant, Tower Cafe and Kiosk. Your Tower ticket also includes entry to the Crown Jewels. 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.  

There’s a lot in life to celebrate. So welcome aboard! Whatever the occasion, you’ll enjoy gentle bay breezes, glittering waves, and the dramatic San Francisco skyline. Whether it’s your birthday, anniversary, or you finally found a great babysitter, join us for gracious hospitality and stunning views. Set against twinkling city lights and legendary vistas, experience includes an elegant four-course dinner, live music and dancing around the San Francisco Bay. DINNER MENU FIRST COURSE California Hornblower Wedge Salad maytag blue cheese dressing, smoked bacon, chopped eggs, tomatoes, scallions SECOND COURSE Fisherman’s Wharf Clam Chowder potatoes, celery, onions, fresh thyme, smoked bacon APPETIZER ENHANCEMENTS Charcuterie Plate - $18.00 chef’s selection of cured meat, house made terrine, flat bread crisps, cornichons, whole grain mustard Cowgirl Creamery Cheese Display - $16.00 assorted local cheeses, rustic flat breads, dried apricots, figs Seared Ahi Tuna - $18.00 wasabi aioli, wakame seaweed salad, crispy wonton chips ENTRÉE OPTIONS Grilled Salmon Filet soy ginger glaze, barley risotto roasted vegetables Mary’s Organic Pan Roasted Breast of Chicken roasted red bell pepper coulis, cannellini bean ragout bloomfield spinach Porcini Crusted Petit Filet Mignon porcini sauce, parmesan truffle mashed potatoes watsonville late harvest vegetables Balsamic Infused Portobello Mushroom asiago parmesan polenta cake grilled vegetables DESSERT OPTIONS Fresh Fruit Tart shortbread tart shell, vanilla pastry cream, apricot glaze Chocolate Truffle Cake raspberry sauce, fresh berries Chef de Cuisine Willie Fuentes Due to the seasonality of local fresh ingredients, all menus are subject to change.