Bateaux Mouches - Dinner Cruise

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.

There are keeper talks and feeding times so you can learn more about the animals, get a closer look and your questions answered. You can also feed the friendly Kangaroos and pose for photos with them in the Kangaroo exhibit.

ITINERARY: Day 1: HCM – My Tho – Ben Tre – Can Tho (L) At 8:00, leave Ho Chi Minh city, enjoy the scenic journey along the way bordered by green rice fields. On arrived at My Tho, visit Vinh Trang pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, view stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden. Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shade of the water coconut trees along natural canals, then enjoy seasonal fruit & honey tea to the sound of "Southern Vietnamese folk music", performed by the locals. Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste delicious coconut candy& observe the pastoral life as you roam through fruit plantations and villages. Proceed to Can Tho. Overnight in the hotel Free time to visit bustling Can Tho market & dinner at your own arrangement. Day 2: Phong Dien – Cai Rang (B-L) Take a leisurely boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong river (Bassac River), then proceed to visit CaiRăng floating market (& Phong Dien is optional), which are the liveliest in the whole religion. Have you ever tasted Vietnamese vermicelli soup? Well, now go and see how it is made. Then wander around the village and meet the friendly local people and experience how to cross a "Monkey bridge" which is built by only one stem of bamboo. Visit the orchard garden. Stop for lunch. Back to HCM city. SERVICES INCLUDED: A/C transsfer English speaking guide Admission fee, meal as mentioned in the program Accommodation (double or twin-sharing) Fruit, honey tea, mineral water, boat trip SERVICES EXCLUDED: Personal expenses, drinks Tips Other service not mentioned in the program Notes: The order of program subjects to change without prior notice.

Your Tour Itinerary: Stop 1 - The Bourse Building - Headquarters Stop 2 - Betsy Ross House Stop 3 - National Constitution Center Stop 4 - Chinatown Stop 5 - Reading Terminal Stop 6 - Love Park Stop 7 - Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter & Paul Stop 8 - Logan Square Stop 9 - Rodin Museum Stop 10 - Eastern State Penitentiary Stop 11 - The Perelman Building Stop 12 - The Rocky Steps Stop 13 - The Philadelphia Art Museum Stop 14 - Please Touch Museum & Memorial Hall Stop 15 - The Philadelphia Zoo Stop 16 - The Barnes Foundation Stop 17 - Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University Stop 18 - Mutter Museum Stop 19 - Ritten House Square Stop 20 - Kimmel Center Stop 21 - Antique Row Pennsylvannia Hospital Stop 22 - Head House Square South Street Vietanam Memorial Stop 23 - Korean War Memorial Stop 24 - Spruce St. Harbor Park Stop 25 - Penns Landing Stop 26 - Christ Church Arden Theatre Stop 27 - American Jewish History Museum Hours: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm

Comfortable shoes are recommended. Free tickets for disabled visitors and for accompanying persons may not be booked online. The free tickets are issued at the "Special Permits" desk or "Reception", situated in the entrance hall to the Vatican Museums. Entrance into the Vatican is subject to a strict dress code. Shoulders and knees must be covered. No low-cut or sleeveless tops or shorts will be not permitted for men and women. Clients that do not adhere to the dress code will not be permitted to enter the Vatican. The local tour provider cannot be held responsible for entry denied due to improper dress. Large handbags, haversacks etc. are not permitted inside the museum. Wardrobe services are available inside the Vatican Museums How to redeem your voucher: You can redeem your voucher on board of the Open Bus or City Sightseeing Visitor Center before 15:00

YOU SHOULD BRING: Swim wear Towel Closed and secure shoes for the Bungy Warm clothes during winter periods