Kensington Palace + Hampton Court Palace

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.

The price can vary according to visit date and time selected.  Twilight This climb departs as the day closes. Get the best of both worlds as you soak up the day’s disappearing light while the moon takes its nightshift. 5 Things you need to know before your climb Health & Safety Your health and safety is important: If you are pregnant or have any pre-existing health conditions you may need to provide a doctor’s Certificate of Fitness note before you climb. You must have a blood-alcohol reading below 0.05 to climb (the same as if you are driving). You will be asked to complete a BridgeClimb Declaration Form before your Climb. Please be honest about your health so we can ensure your wellbeing is not at risk. All discussions will be confidential.  Preparations How should you prepare for your Climb: Ensure that you have eaten before your Climb and you’re well-hydrated – the experience can last up to 3 ½ hours. Wear comfortable, enclosed rubber-soled shoes such as running, sport or hiking shoes and don’t forget your sunglasses. It is recommend to wear comfortable clothing. You will be equipped with everything else you need for your Climb! Ensure you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled Climb time to allow enough time to check in. Personal Belongings All your personal belongings can be stored in lockers, including cameras: there are FREE secure lockers for you to keep your personal belongings in, including phones, cameras and GoPros. The Climb Leaders will capture photos of you during your Climb. For safety and security reasons, cameras, video technology and mobile devices are prohibited on the Climb. Restrictions You must be 8 years old and 1.2 metres in height, or taller: Children aged 8 to 15 must be accompanied by and are the responsibility of an adult, with a maximum of three children per adult.  Weather Conditions Climbs operate in all weather conditions: You will equipped with all the gear you need to keep you dry, but remember to bring your own shoes, which should be enclosed, like running shoes. In case of extreme weather conditions like electrical storms or during times of extremely high wind, Climbs may be postponed. 

ArcelorMittal Orbit Zoom high into the clouds and explore London’s famous skyline from the top of the ArcelorMittal Orbit – UK’s tallest sculpture. Enjoy a breath-taking panorama of up to 20 miles across London through stunning floor to ceiling windows before experiencing the city’s landmarks from the outside observation walkway suspended 262ft above the ground. Discover sights including Wembley Stadium, St Paul’s Cathedral and Canary Wharf and get a bird’s eye view of the iconic venues of London 2012.

SPECIAL OFFER! Save 24% on Royal Palaces entry for Black Friday! This Pass offers includes Tower of London & Crown Jewels, Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace. You can visit each Palace once, anytime over a Two Year period! Offer ends 2nd December 2018 Highlights: The Royal Central London Pass brings together over 900 years of royal history to life in a simple, convenient and prestigious package. Enjoy entry to three of London's most visited royal palaces: Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace. Unbeatable savings from buying tickets individually and a pass that’s valid for two years. Discover the three sites at your own pace.  Book in advance and bypass the main entrance lines at each palace. Ticket Includes: Instant ticket delivery. Admission to Tower of London, Kensington Palace & Hampton Court Palace. Valid for 2 years from the date of issue. One visit per palace during this time. Voucher can be exchanged at any of the three Palaces. Why Book the Royal Palace Pass? You will save yourself time and hassle by booking these three popular attractions in advance. Plus, the Royal Palace Pass lets you skip the main lines at each site and, because it's valid for a full two years, you can spread out your visits as you wish. What You Can Expect Tower of London The Tower of London has been an essential part of British royal history for almost 1,000 years and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the Tower, you can admire the breathtaking Crown Jewels, stand on the execution site of three British queens and listen to mesmerising myths and legends that have surrounded the Tower for centuries. Hampton Court Palace The oldest remaining English Tudor palace, King Henry VIII developed this majestic palace after acquiring it in the 1520s. Wonder the corridors, enjoy the extensive gardens, discover the sights and smells of Henry VIII's Kitchen, explore the famous 17th-century maze and visit the excellent exhibitions. Kensington Palace Generations of royal women have shaped this stylish palace and elegant gardens, from Queen Mary to Victoria, and more recently, Diana, Princess of Wales. Today, the palace also houses a stunning collection of fashionable formal dress worn for state and royal occasions.

You may have seen New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art before, but you've never seen it like this.  Travel through 6,000 years and across the globe in just a few hours, to gain a greater understanding of the length and breadth of this world-class collection.  In small groups of 15 people or fewer, you’ll delve into the history and art of the Met, seeing works come to life through the stories of your expert guide. We start our tour in the ancient world, with a visit to Ancient Egyptian tomb models.  Incredibly well preserved, these pieces were a more important discovery than they seem, as they offered pictorial insight into what life in Ancient Egypt was like. This insight continues at the incredible Temple of Dendur, fully intact and surreally displayed inside a naturally lit atrium, nestled in Central Park.  Our world tour returns to New York for stained glass by Tiffany and then hops over to Britain to size up the armor of notorious King Henry VIII.  We then head east for the Antioch Chalice, believed by some to be the Holy Grail itself, the cup from which Jesus drank on the night he was betrayed.  Believe the story?  You’ll have time to debate its merits with your expert guide.  For historians our next few stops are a true delight – the Greek and Roman wing contain elegant statues, imperial Roman busts, and intact frescos buried along with those at Pompeii. Off to exotic Oceania to see boldly carved Bisj poles from Papua New Guinea, for which a Rockefeller gave his life.  We’ll then move to the second floor to admire Water Lilies by Monet, a Thinker by Rodin, and the swirling strokes of van Gogh. It’s break time inside the museum or atop the rooftop garden (May-October only, weather permitting) for verdant vistas of Central Park.  If you’ve booked the extended version, the tour continues to the Golden Age of Dutch painting, perusing portraits by Rembrandt and marveling at the virtuosity of Vermeer.  After a brief passage through Italy, it’s off to Spain to see El Greco and to  France for Jacques-Louis David’s famous Death of Socrates.  A little scandal is in store, as your guide gives the inside story of John Singer Sargent’s infamous Madame X.   You’ll then be dwarfed by the immense iconic Washington Crossing the Delaware – one of the most recognized paintings in the United States.  Besides from what’s listed here, you’ll see little surprises and quirks of the collection as you tour.  Our small group and expert guides will allow you to ask questions, be engaged, and take the most from your Met experience! Inclusions: Pre-arranged Met Museum tickets, with donation included  Expert local tour guide Small groups of only 15 people or fewer *Rooftop garden (early May-October, weather permitting) Exclusions: Gratuities for guide Hotel pick-up/drop-off Food/Beverages Sites Visited: Ancient Egyptian Tomb Models (original and perfectly preserved) Temple of Dendur Egyptian mummies Armor of King Henry VIII Antioch Chalice a.k.a. the "Holy Grail" Greek and Roman Statuary Ancient Roman Frescoes Tiffany glass and mosaics Rodin sculptures Bisj Poles from New Guinea Claude Monet – Water Lillies Vincent van Gogh - Selected Works Auguste Rodin - Sculptures Rembrandt van Rijn - Portraits Johannes Vermeer - Selected Paintings Jacques-Louis David's Death of Socrates Madame X by John Singer Sargent Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emmanuele Leutze Rooftop Garden (May–October only, weather permitting) Please note, this tour is in English only.

Trip Itinerary Board our private Hellfire Express to hear some of the haunted legends that abound further afield than Dublin City Centre at famous landmarks such as St Patrick's Cathedral, Rathfarnham Castle and Kilakee House as we wind our way along the path towards the lonely dark Dublin Mountain range. Arrive at the Hellfire Club – we disembark the bus and walk up to one of Ireland’s most lonely and infamous places. The burnt out shell of this haunted hunting lodge dating from 1725 is known for its association with Satanism, the supernatural and the occult. Be warned! Although this desolate place is miles from civilisation it has witnessed activities that should not be seen by anyone on this earthly plain. It is not unusual for visitors to experience head and chest tightness as their subconscious picks up on the horrors that this lonely hill has witnessed, it is not a place for the faint hearted! Once we have arrived you are rewarded with the best view of Dublin in the world! Don't forget your camera - a must for all budding photographers. See why this is the ideal location renowned by the darker side of Dublin gentry in the 1700s.  Our talented storyteller will recount the history of this place, including the destruction of the ancient megalithic monuments, the exhumation of the demonic statue and dwarf skeleton, to the evil rituals and events that took place here such as the black masses, human and animal sacrifices, and the infamous card game with the “cloven-hoofed visitor.” The historical "Haunted Hellfire" excursion will last approximately 2.5 hours (inclusive of travel time to and from the Dublin Mountains) Feel free to bring your own torch if don't have a phone. We will however be insisting however that all mobile phones and lights be turned off at certain points on the tour... for your safety! Finish back at O'Sheas, where you can avail of our special drinks promotions and dance the night away to live music. Why not avail of our "Pour your own Pint Experience" at O'Sheas:  A Pint of Guinness, A Photograph & Certificate - €13 A Pint of Guinness, A Photograph & T-Shirt & Certificate - €25 Fingers food for group - just €10 per head Pint & Stew €10  Please note that the above extras are not included in your original ticket price.  What you need to bring with you: 1) Your ticket / Online Payment Receipt Please bring the printout of your online booking or entry may be refused. You can turn up on the night for any tour, but preference will be give to online bookings. 2) Warm Clothes Please bring very warm gear as much of the tour takes place at the summit of Mont Pellier in the Dublin Mountains and we can assure you it will be cold up there! You can always take off layers but you can't add any more! 3) Wet Weather Gear Be prepared. Please remember that it does rain in Ireland. You will not enjoy the tour if you are freezing cold and wet so please bring umbrellas and appropriate gear. We run rain, hail or shine.  4) Sturdy Walking Shoes The Hellfire Club Dublin is perched atop a lonely peak in the mountains. To get there we need to walk for approx 20 minutes uphill. Please bring appropriate shoes for this! You will not enjoy yourself if your feet are sore and/or cold. This is an outdoor walking tour, and a basic level of fitness is required. 5) Flashlights or Mobile Phone with a similar facility There are no public artificial light sources in the Dublin Mountains, if you do have a handy flashlight please bring it along as the track up the mountain is unsealed and we may be walking in darkness at some points.