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Cairns is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city nestled between the sea life of the Great Barrier Reef and the rolling downs of the Atherton Tablelands. As the gateway to the wet tropics, the city buzzes with a lively mix of travellers, from backpackers to luxury-seekers keen to soak up the sun. As night falls, the wide streets come alive with bars, galleries and seafood restaurants enticing diners by the waterside. Snorkel, dive or simply recline on a glass-bottomed boat to admire the breathtaking wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Take a luxurious day trip to Port Douglas, an hour’s drive north, to dine on succulent seafood and shop in fashion boutiques. Walk among the towering ancient trees and lush greenery of the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest, keeping an eye out for brilliantly coloured butterflies and rare tropical birds; or marvel at enormous prehistoric reptiles in one of the region’s crocodile parks. Closer to home, take a stroll down the Esplanade to find countless dining options and interesting shops. By night the same stretch comes alive with the Night Markets, where clothes, trinkets and Australian keepsakes are all up for grabs. Spend days simply soaking up the tropical sun on the beach, splashing about in the water when the heat gets too much.
Activities: Hiking Snow Sports Photography Adventure Wildlife & Nature Eco/Sustainable Includes: Complimentary pick up/drop off from the San Francisco Hilton hotel (Mason St. entrance) Hotel accommodations (double occupancy same-sex or couple share, single occ supplement applies for single bookings) Narrated guided tour by a full-time professional, knowledgeable guide See Lake Tahoe, Donner Pass, Sacramento, Truckee, the Sierra Mountain Range, Emerald Bay, 2 Ski Resorts, and more! Transportation throughout tour in biofuel mini-coach Not Included: Meals (stops will be made to purchase food). Optional activity entrance fees (Ski Resort access, Lift tickets, Lessons, etc) Gear Rental (Ski/Snowboards, Snow Shoes, Winter Clothing/Boots/Goggles/etc) Single occ supplement for private room for 1 person Guide gratuity (optional) Suggested Gear List: Camera & charger Small day pack Change of clothes for 3 days Swimwear, towel Toiletries Sun protection, hat Water bottle Warm layers (evenings can be cooler) ADDITIONAL Gear For Partaking in Snow Sports Raincoat/jacket Hiking boots or durable sneakers (preferably Gortex or waterproof) Warm layers (long underwear & wool fleece suggested) Waterproof jacket/pants for winter conditions Gloves, wool socks and a hat (75% of your body heat is lost through your hands, head, and feet) Ski/Snowboard Gear (not provided) SAMPLE ITINERARY – DAY 1 (THURSDAY) SAN FRANCISCO TO SOUTH LAKE TAHOE/HEAVENLY MOUNTAIN RESORT 10:00am: Pick up from San Francisco Hilton Hotel (Mason Street entrance) Morning: Buckle up! After departing San Francisco, you’ll head through California’s capital city, Sacramento, through the Sierra foothills and into the famous Gold Rush Country, cresting a high mountain pass within the Sierra Nevada. Then we’ll wind our way through large pine forests, before dramatically descending into South Lake Tahoe. Afternoon: In the evening, we’ll settle into our centrally located hotel and then head out to happy hour with the Apres Ski crowd at the base of Heavenly Mountain Resort before a comfy night’s rest. SAMPLE ITINERARY – DAY 2 (FRIDAY) SOUTH LAKE TAHOE: CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE All Day: While masses of people are piling into their cars to head to the mountains, you’ll be on the first lift up to carve the groomers, or to get fresh tracks in that Heavenly powder! Don’t worry if you’re not really into skiing, our guides will offer the opportunity to go out on a fabulously scenic drive on the mountain roads surrounding Lake Tahoe, or maybe even a snowshoe adventure! If you’re really just here for the casinos, they’re open 24 hours, and you’re welcome to see if Lady Luck is on your side all day if you like! Don’t want to miss out on any of it? No problem, we’re flexible: our guides know their stuff, and we’ll help you fit in a scenic drive in the morning, get yourself a half day ticket on the mountain, and then hit the casinos all night long! SAMPLE ITINERARY – DAY 3 (SATURDAY) SOUTH LAKE TAHOE TO SQUAW VALLEY & TRUCKEE, CA Morning: We’ll hit the road early this morning and head toward historic Tahoe City taking in views of Emerald Bay before heading toward the famous Squaw Valley Resort. If you’re heading up onto this epic ski and snowboarding destination today, you’ll be glad if you dusted off the cobwebs on Heavenly yesterday. This place is the real deal, where you can often see extreme athletes pushing the envelope, soaring from the cliffs as you ride up the famous KT-22 Express. Make sure you bring your swimsuit too: the High Camp Pool and Hot Tub high on the resort is open for business…all winter long! This side of the lake also offers amazing snowshoeing or cross country skiing opportunities as well. Once again, you’ll be offered the choice to head up on the ski hill, or we’ll take you out on the trails through Stanislaus National Forest or maybe a snowshoe hike near the Donner Memorial State Park and explore the history of the ill-fated pioneers of the Donner Party as they struggled to travel west in their wagons and became stranded in the winter of 1846-47. Afternoon/Evening: After a full day of winter adventures, we’ll head into the historic town of Truckee, CA to check into our accommodation for the evening, and then head out for dinner and a night on the town with the locals. **Sample Itineraries: Please note that due to rapidly-changing conditions beyond our control (weather, crowds, traffic) and the small size of our vehicles/groups, our guides have the flexibility to adjust your itinerary to best suit the group’s needs. While we guarantee we’ll do our best to provide you with all of the highlights within this Lake Tahoe Winter Adventure Tour itinerary (conditions permitting), we don’t guarantee them in this specific order. **
From your starting point by Edinburgh Castle, you head out of the city to the charming village of Roslin, making your first stop at one of Scotland’s most extraordinary buildings - Rosslyn Chapel*. The Chapel’s worldwide fame increased thanks to Dan Brown’s bestselling novel ‘The Da Vinci Code’. Described as the “Library in Stone”, the inside walls of Rosslyn Chapel are adorned with thousands of ancient carvings, each with a story of its own. You can also learn of the myths and legends surrounding the chapel, including tales of the Knights Templar. Leaving Rosslyn you will continue into the heart of the Scottish Borders, an area rich in hills, valleys, rivers and moorland, as well as being the traditional home to Scottish rugby. Next travel to the historic town of Melrose, birthplace of the game of Rugby Sevens and location of Melrose Abbey, founded in 660 AD, and said to be the burial place of the casket containing the heart of Robert the Bruce. Here you stop for lunch and have free time to explore Melrose and its Abbey*. On your return journey, you will travel via the village of St. Boswells and pause for a photo stop at Scott’s View, where you can enjoy glorious scenic views overlooking the valley of the River Tweed, reputed to be one of the favourite beauty spots of the famous Scottish author, Sir Walter Scott. The journey north takes you to Pencaitland, where you will visit the charming Glenkinchie Distillery*, one of the few Lowland whisky distilleries in Scotland. Here you can enjoy “a tour and a taste”, learn more about “the water of life” and sample some of Glenkinchie’s finest malts. You will then return to Edinburgh. *OPTIONAL EXTRA. Mon, Thu & Sat | ALL YEAR Departs: 09:30 Returns: 17:15
Leaving Glasgow you travel north-east to Stirling, where your first stop is the WallaceMonument*; a towering stone testimonial to the Scottish legend William Wallace. Inside you will find fascinating exhibits leading you through the life of the real Braveheart and most impressive of all, Wallace’s legendary 5ft 6in(1.7m) tall broadsword. You then travel further north to Gleneagles Hotel Estate - one of Scotland’s world class golf resorts and site of the 2014 Ryder Cup. Enjoy a photo opportunity here and see where the international legends of golf play. You will continuey your journey through the pretty countryside of Perthshire to your next stop in Crieff, where we visit The Famous Grouse Experience* at Glenturret Distillery. Learn about the traditional whisky-making process, see how you measure up to the world’s largest bottle of whisky and sample some of ‘The Water of Life’ itself at the fantastic Taste Experience bar. Timberbush Tours customers can also enjoy an exclusive tasting of the Black Grouse Alpha Edition; a rich, smoky blend available only at Glenturret Distillery. Enjoy a range of tasty lunch options in the Glenturret Cafe or take a stroll in the distillery grounds. In the afternoon you will travel west past beautiful Loch Earn and down through Strathyre to Kilmahog Woollen Mill for the chance to meet Hamish the Highland cow† continue on through the Trossachs - Scotland’s first national park, known as ‘the Highlands in miniature’ for its abundance of lochs, mountains and forests, where you'll discover the lands of legendary outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor. You will then make a brief refreshment stop in the pretty town of Aberfoyle, before returning to Glasgow. *OPTIONAL EXTRA. †Hamish the Highland cow is moved to another location during winter months. Wed & Sat | ALL YEAR Departs: 09:30 Returns: 18:00
During the dinner you will be served by the pirates themselves while Captain Hook tells you about his adventures on the Spanish Main. But be careful, while you are eating, another ship is silently approaching in the darkness, preparing to board the galleon. No need to be afraid, Captain Hook discovers the enemy’s ruse and orders his men to take up battle stations, the cannon are ready to fire. Pirates armed to the teeth with cutlasses and pistols jump from the rigging down to the decks where a sword fight ensues between the crew and the enemy pirates with amazing sound and light effects. And all this excitement you’re bound to be feeling hungry so it’s time to sit down at Captain Hook’ s table for a banquet where you can feast on delicious lobster as well as a buffet of salads, steamed vegetables, pirate rice, baked potatoes, grilled chicken and dessert. As well as unlimited Mexican drinks throughout the voyage. Come with us on this adventure on the high seas.
ITINERARY 8:00 AM Depart from the Molly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street in Dublin city centre. 9:30 AM Loughcrew Passege Toms 11:00 AM Trim Castle 12:20 AM Hill Of Tara, the seat of the High Kings . 14:30 PM Monasterboice /Celtic High Cross. 15:15 PM Drogheda / Relic of Saint Oliver Plunkett. 17:15 PM Depart Drogheda for Dublin City. 18:00 PM Arrive in Dublin City centre.
