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Description: Your guide meets you at St. Mark’s Square. Through thrilling anecdotes and swash-buckling stories, learn about the history of Venice and St. Mark’s Basilica—like how it received its precious relics via a 9th-century kidnapping! But then comes the real treat. All of the passersby will wonder where you’re going as a custodian unlocks the basilica’s doors for you and Walks of Italy’s small groups of maximum 15 clients... And walks you right in. Inside, take a deep breath. You’re experiencing St. Mark’s Basilica as almost nobody else does, or ever has ever been able to (aside from the Doge himself)—empty! No standing elbow-to-elbow with other tourists, no seeing the church as if through a strobe light from hundreds of popping flashbulbs, no noise from the crowds. In-stead, you’re alone with your guide and the custodian. So you can experience the ba-silica as it should be experienced: in tranquility and peace. Of course, you’ll also be able to skip all the lines—not only into the basilica, but also to see the Pala d’Oro, the spectacular, Byzantine altarpiece that uses more than 1,900 gems! During the day, there’s a line to see this, but now? You have it almost all to yourself. Since you’re alone in the basilica with Walks of Italy groups only, you can even go where others, visiting during the day, can’t. Like the crypt, which the custodian un-locks for you: This is where the bones of St. Mark are said to actually be kept. Plus, you can see the stained walls here from the past floods that have devastated Ven-ice—the crypt used to be flooded every time the high tide hit the city! Aside from the emptiness of the basilica, nighttime is the best time to visit because that’s when the mosaics are at their most beautiful. All 43,000 square feet are lit up, glimmering and sparkling in the dark! If just seeing the basilica this way weren’t entrancing enough, there’s also your guide, an expert who’s passionate about Venetian art and history—and about shar-ing it with you in the most fun way possible. You’ll hear the tale of how St. Mark’s became St. Mark’s, a story that pivots on a kidnapping and and a dangerous sea voy-age! You’ll learn where the precious marbles decorating St. Mark’s really come from... A one-hour tour that will give you memories which will last a lifetime! Important Notes: Please remember that the basilica is a holy place and attire must be appropriate: Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks of Italy cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to im-proper dress. Backpacks are prohibited inside of St. Mark's Basilica. This tour runs rain or shine.
Your Journey: Take off from Queenstown, and fly above the rugged backcountry of Central Otago, before heading westward to where the glacial fed rivers empty into Lake Wakatipu. Witness what the power of nature has created over the years, as you journey over two remarkable National Parks; Mt Aspiring and the world heritage listed Fiordland National Park. On arrival in Milford Sound, join your purpose-built small boat for a comfortable two hour cruise through one of the world’s natural wonders. Make your way out past the iconic Mitre Peak and cruise the length of the fiord while our skipper highlights points of interest along the way, including the mighty Bowen Falls, Lion Mountain, Copper Point, Seal Rock and Stirling Falls. Keep an eye out for wildlife that can be found in the region including seals, pods of dolphins and the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin (seasonal). Complete your journey with a birds-eye view of the largely untouched region as you fly back over the Southern Alps and are welcomed to the incredibly blue Lake Wakatipu upon landing in Queenstown.
What time is best to visit? It's a question we're often asked, and the truth is that there is no best time to visit the Sydney Tower Eye. Whether it's bright sunshine, overcast, windy, night or even foggy, there's always something to see. Sunset is our busiest time of day, so if you want to catch an amazing sunet, be sure to arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset.
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. The Slide Are you brave enough to ride the twists, turns and drops of the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide? Relax and enjoy stunning views of up to 20 miles across London before challenging your friends and family to a 40 second descent in the 584ft long slide. Travel through light and dark sections at speeds of up to 15mph as The Slide loops its way around the ArcelorMittal Orbit 12 times taking visitors through gentle curves, thrilling drops and a tight corkscrew!
From Edinburgh you will travel west, passing the imposing Stirling Castle, high on its volcanic rock, and on to a visit at Doune Castle* (which featured in the cult movie ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’). From there journey into the Highlands, past Loch Lubnaig and up through impressive Glen Ogle, a steep glen that stretches for 7 miles, stopping nearby for lunch and beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. After lunch venture further into the Highlands, stopping to view one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle, nestled on the banks of beautiful Loch Awe and stunningly framed by the surrounding mountains. You will then journey to Inveraray, a small quaint town built in the mid-18th century on the shore of Loch Fyne. Here we have time to explore the town and pick up some Highland souvenirs or pay an optional visit to Inveraray Castle*, the historic home of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, which is set in large beautiful gardens overlooking Loch Fyne. You then start your homeward journey, driving over the Arrochar Alps, an attractive range of mountains, with a brief pause near the top of the Rest and Be Thankful Pass. A little later we reach enchanting Loch Lomond, where you can stop at the pretty lochside village of Luss before returning to Edinburgh. *OPTIONAL EXTRA. PLEASE NOTE: Inveraray Castle open April-Oct, Doune Castle closed on Thursdays and Fridays from 1st October - 31st March. Alternatives will be offered. Daily | ALL YEAR Departs: 09:15 Returns: 19:00
Highlights: ~ Rannoch Moor ~ Glen Coe ~ Great Glen ~ Fort Augustus ~ Boat Cruise on Loch Ness ~ Loch Lomond ~ Pitlochry Your tour passes through the remote beauty of Rannoch Moor and magnificent Glencoe, scene of the clan massacre of the MacDonalds by the Campbells in 1692. Then through Fort William to the beginning of the “Great Glen” and the Caledonian Canal, which you follow up to Fort Augustus, nestling on the banks of Loch Ness. Here you can enjoy your lunch, before travelling the full length of Loch Ness to Inverness. Along the way you will have the opportunity to take a 5 star Jacobite boat cruise on Scotland's most famous loch, giving you a chance to search for the legendary monster, popularly known as "Nessie" and enjoy the views to the ancient stronghold of Urquhart Castle. From here you return south to Glasgow via “Monarch of the Glen” country and the Cairngorms National Park, stopping in Pitlochry and passing Stirling Castle on the way. Inclusions Transportation by top of the range Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience with a maximum of 16 passengers on tour. We believe a small group tour with a maximum of 16 passengers really does make a big difference to your trip. It allows us to give you a more personal service and remain the only 5 Star operator to offer this personal guarantee. Touring with a maximum of 16 passengers you get more for your money, more personal attention, more time with the locals, more time off the bus, more time on the back-roads and just more of an authentic, friendly experience. The smaller groups allow you to meet people from all over the world and make friends for life. Air Conditioning as standard. Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide Your chance to see "Nessie" Exclusions Lunch and refreshments. Entrance fees to any Visitor Atttractions Loch Ness boat cruise. *Children under the age of 5 are unable to join the scheduled tours