Milford Fly + Cruise + Fly

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.  

Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history. It covers an area of 26 acres and contains, as well as a royal palace, a magnificent chapel and the homes and workplaces of a large number of people. What there is to see: The magnificent State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto, Gainsborough and the famous triple portrait of Charles I by Sir Anthony van Dyck.  In 1992 fire destroyed or damaged more than 100 rooms at the Castle. By good fortune the rooms worst affected were empty at the time, and as a result, few of the Castle's artistic treasures were destroyed.  The highly acclaimed restoration work, completed in 1997, is a testament to the extraordinary skills of some of the finest craftsmen in Europe. From October to March visitors can also enjoy George IV's private apartments (the Semi-State Rooms), among the most richly decorated interiors in the Castle. St George's Chapel is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. It is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the senior order of British Chivalry established in 1348 by Edward III. Within the chapel are the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour, and Charles I. Among the highlights of a visit to Windsor is Queen Mary's Dolls' House, the most famous dolls' house in the world. The Drawings Gallery shows changing exhibitions of material from the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. The special display below is shown alongside a selection of treasures from the Royal Library. Current/Forthcoming exhibitions: The Queen: Portraits of a Monarch Friday, 23 November 2012 to Sunday, 09 June 2013 Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most depicted women in the world. She has sat to numerous artists, from Cecil Beaton and Pietro Annigoni to Lucian Freud. Her portrait likeness, so widely circulated, has also inspired artists such as Andy Warhol, whose screenprint portraits of Her Majesty have been recently acquired for the Royal Collection and are displayed for the first time at Windsor Castle. Portraits of The Queen are made for a number of official purposes, ranging from photographs distributed at the time of a State Visit, to those that mark a particular anniversary. Portraits bearing a clear and recognisable image of the sovereign are required for use on coins, banknotes and stamps. Many of the works on display were created with one of these purposes in mind. This exhibition presents a selection of official, commissioned and formal portraits of The Queen, gathered here from the different Royal residences.    

Tour Details Sailing Season: Every day, mid-March to end October Travel time from Doolin port to Inis Oirr: 30 mins Pick up Point Doolin Pier, Co. Clare       Inis Oirr Inis Oírr (translates from Oirthir meaning “Eastern Island”) – the smallest of the three Aran Islands Size: 3km by 2km Population: 300 approx The island enjoys a good tourist trade, mainly from Doolin, as it is only a 30 minute ferry across from here. There are many attractions here for both day-trippers and people who want to visit for longer. Transport Options Inis Oirr also has a good selection of transport options: Mini-bus guided tour Pony and trap guided tour Hire a bicycle Eat & Stay Inis Oirr has a number of places for it’s visitors to enjoy good local food, from locally caught and sourced seafood, to the freshly baked brown bread made each and every day. There is also a good number of Bed & Breakfasts on the island, as well as a hotel, guesthouse, campsite and hostel. If you would like more information on accomodation on Inis Oirr, please contact us and we will be happy to help. Historical Sites Stone Fort – Dun Formna, built near the highest point on the island, contains O’Brien’s Castle within it’s wall Churches – Cill Gobnait, Cill na n-Seacht Inion and St. Caomhan (St.Kevin’s) Church, the latter is a spectacular ruin, located in the graveyard on Inis Oirr. Over the years, sand has been blown in and around the church to make it appear as if it has sunk into the ground. Recent History – The Plassey Shipwreck is a famous landmark on Inis Oirr, she wrecked here in March 1960. Read more about in in our Blog. Arts Centre – Aras Eanna is the only Arts Centre in the Gaeltacht. Throughout the year therare exhibitions and workshops hosted here. See their comprehensive website for more information.               

This tour involves a fair amount of walking. 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 Certain sites or sections of sites included in the tour may occasionally be subject to last minute changes, for example unscheduled closures. In such cases the tour operator shall be pleased to offer an alternative tour. How to redeem your voucher: You can redeem your voucher on board of the Open Bus or City Sightseeing Visitor Centre before 15:00

A Gatronomic Discovery  CREATIVE CUISINE : Bustronome offers a highly worked and inventive cuisine. Specially invited grand chefs regularly offer new culinary experiences. A WORLD OF FLAVORS : Specially composed tasting menus offer between 4 and 6 courses. Dishes are combined with the most beautiful views  of Paris. MADE TO MEASURE : Amongst the specialities available on demand  are delicious French pastries such as one would find  in a traditional tea room. Delicious views of Paris A JOURNEY THROUGH THE MOST  BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN PARIS : From the panoramic terrace, passengers  can enjoy the most beautiful views of Paris,  including its squares, avenues and monuments. A CHIC, COSY ATMOSPHERE : With conviviality and sharing at the center  of the Bustronome experience, we do not, unless specifically requested, offer commentated tours. A 360° VIEW : The Bustronome stands out thanks to its  exceptional panoramic glass terrace, offering  striking views across the French capital.

Your day begins with pick up will be from your Las Vegas Hotel in a luxury motor coach.   Make the trek east passing through the Mojave Desert and the Black Mountains and Grand Wash Cliffs of Arizona on the way.   En route to the Grand Canyon, your tour guide will provide you with expert narration of the area’s most historical and interesting facts about the Spanish explorers, numerous native cultures, and the early Western Settlers of northern Arizona.  Upon arrival to the Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center, enjoy a delicious lunch and some souvenir shopping.   Then onto the Grand Canyon National Park for several hours of sightseeing and exploring.  See a number of different panoramic views from various lookout locations while learning about the history and geology of the canyon from the expert tour guide. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Hotel Pick-Up And Drop-Off Service For Most Major Hotels On The Strip And Downtown Lunch Served At The National Geographic Visitor's Center And IMAX Theater Grand Canyon And Visitor’s Center Admission Rest Stops Included In Kingman AZ Fully narrated bus tour to the Grand Canyon South Rim and National Geographic Visitors Center from Las Vegas A stop at the Hoover Dam Bridge! - a marvel of engineering.  Enjoy at 20 minute stop and great photo opportunity.    See the extinct volcano 'Fortification Hill' Visit the widest and deepest point at Grand Canyon's South rim (over 8400 ft. deep and 21 miles across). Starting 12/15/16 all vehicles offer WI-FI on all tours: 15 minutes - free up to 25MB 1 hour - $2.95  up to 255MB 3 hours - $4.95  up to 655 MB 24 hours - $14.95 up to 1000 MB