Hotel Restaurant Höldrichsmühle

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.

Empire State Building Observatory The world-famous 86th and 102nd floor Observatories offer unmatched views of New York City and on a clear day one can see to New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Delaware. 1,050 feet above the city’s bustling streets, the 86th floor Observatory offers panoramic views from within a glass-enclosed pavilion and from the surrounding open-air promenade. 200 feet higher, our 102nd floor Observatory is a private and serene perch in the middle of the greatest city in the world. The Observatories have been a “must visit” for millions each year since it opened to the public in 1931. Each year approximately four million people are whisked to our 86th and 102nd floors, consistently one of New York City’s top tourist attractions. Visit the Observatories 365 days per year, day and night, rain or shine, for magnificent views of Manhattan and beyond. The Empire State Building embodies the feeling and spirit of New York City. It is recognized not only as an iconic landmark offering some of the most spectacular views on earth, but also as an international symbol of shared hopes, dreams, and accomplishment. Accessibility:  The Empire State Building is fully ADA compliant. We have handicapped restrooms on the 86th Floor Observatory and also have lowered viewing walls and binoculars. Service dogs are allowed throughout the building. Motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are permitted. The 86th Floor has ramps to make getting around easier and lowered viewing walls so that visitors in chairs can still take in the view.  Additional Options: 102nd Floor Observatory: Upgrade available at Observatory ticket office (2nd floor) or 86th floor kiosk for an additional $20.00. Express Pass: Purchase exclusively from the official Empire State Building onsite ticket office on the day of arrival to move to the front the line.  Dining: State Grill and Bar offers a prix fixe dinner package to observatory guests with fresh locally sourced foods prepared in our glass enclosed kitchen and unique, local craft beers and cocktails. There are also two Starbucks, a café, Chipotle, Sushi-teria, and the budget minded Heartland Brewery. Building Information  1,050 feet to the 86th floor Observatory 1,250 feet to the 102nd floor Observatory
1,453 feet, 8 9/16 inches to the tip of the broadcast tower
Broadcast tower adds 203 feet 8 9/16 inches
103 floors
1,872 steps to the 103rd floor
Sits on 79,288 square feet, approximately 2 acres
Weighs 365,000 tons
Volume is 37 million cubic feet
200,000 cubic feet of Indiana limestone & granite exterior cladding
An estimated ten million bricks were used in construction
730 tons of aluminum and stainless steel were used in construction
57,000 tons of steel were used in construction
Contains 473 miles of electrical wiring and 70 miles of pipe
6,514 windows
210 columns at the base support the entire weight of the building
Construction was completed in one year and 45 days
Seven million man-hours went into constructing the Empire State Building
Final cost of property and construction was $41 million
73 elevators
Five entrances
2.85 million rentable square feet New York Water Taxi Do the complete ride alone in 90-minutes - or go at your own pace, hopping on and off as many times as you like at any one of the four convenient piers (listed below), and have a blast exploring! Some of the popular sites to visit along the route: Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum Times Square / Broadway Hudson River Park National Museum of the American Indian Museum of Jewish Heritage Financial District /Wall Street South Street Seaport DUMBO Brooklyn Bridge Park ...and much, much more! All-Day Access Pass service stops at:  Midtown: W. 42nd Street Downtown: Battery Park Downtown: South Street Seaport Pier 1 - Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO   

Please note On Saturdays and Mondays, this itinerary changes : The Château de Chambord is replaced by the château d’Amboise.  Lunch will take place at Amboise instead of Chambord  For wine tastings, the Chambord wine tasting area is replaced by the Cave des Dômes wine cellar in Chenonceau without pieces of toast   In Summer (April 1 to October 31) lunch is not included. In winter (November 1 to March 31), lunch is included at the St Hubert Hotel Restaurant in Cour-Cheverny (five minutes from Cheverny). On the menu is homemade salmon terrine with lemon sauce, eggs with mixed vegetables; roast turkey with green beans, provençal tomatoes and sautéed potatoes; and warm apple tart (1/4 Bottle of wine, water, coffee or tea).   Summer 2018 : Chinese : Mon, Thu, Sat English : Everyday French : Mon, Wed, Sun Japanese : Tue Portuguese : Tue, Wed, Sat Spanish : Everyday Winter 2018-2019 : Chinese : Thu, Sat English : Tue, Thu, Sat French : Sat Spanish : Tue, Thu, Sat

Please note: On occassion, due to events, some stops might not be guarentueed, updated tour stop information can be found at the bus stops or on the online app Tour Stops: Santa Maria Maggiore Colosseum Circus Maximus Piazza Venezia The Vatican Piazza di Spagna Piazza Barberini   A full loop of the tour takes 100 minutes.    

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Late Dinner - 5 Course Meal A famous fleet of historical trams that have become The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant. These glossy, burgundy restaurants on wheels are the first travelling Tramcar Restaurants in the world and ensure a delightful, innovative approach to dining. As they cruise the city streets of Melbourne, diners can enjoy our seasonal menu, quality Australian wines or make a selection from our fully stocked bar at an all inclusive price. APPETISER House Made Dips Selection of crisp breads ENTRÉE Charcuterie In house duck terrine, chicken liver parfait, Serrano ham, cornichon, grilled sourdough Smoked Atlantic Salmon Grilled gem lettuce, avocado, heirloom tomato gazpacho, basil MAIN Roasted Chicken Breast Mushrooms, bok choy, soy dressing Seared Beef Tenderloin Potato rosti, seasonal greens, red wine jus, beurre maître d’hotel CHEESE Chef’s Selection of Local Cheese Cherry jam, water crackers, spiced fruit loaf DESSERT TASTING PLATE Chocolate and Orange Torte Vanilla Pannacotta and Mango VEGETARIAN MENU APPETISER House Made Dips Selection of crisp breads ENTREE Vegetable Salsa Grilled gem lettuce, avocado, heirloom tomato gazpacho, basil MAIN Eggplant Involtini Mushrooms, bok choy, soy dressing CHEESE Chef’s Selection of Local Cheese Cherry jam, water crackers, spiced fruit loaf DESSERT TASTING PLATE Chocolate and Orange Torte Vanilla Pannacotta and Mango * Menu is subject to change at the suppliers discretion.  The cost is fully inclusive of all food and beverages from the fully stocked bar.