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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.
Royal Albert Hall - Grand Tour Did you know? There are 13,000 “A”s for Albert around Hall The Hall is home to the world's largest single woven carpet design, made of 326,666 sheep fleeces and 49 million tufts getting it into the Guinness World Records The world’s biggest Christmas pudding was made at the Hall and weighed ten tonnes The first ever body-building contest and Sumo wrestling tournament outside Japan took place in the main auditorium The Elgar Room used to be home to the Central School of Speech & Drama, giving a stage to names including Sir Lawrence Olivier and Dame Judy Dench 5,500 bottles of champagne and 1,800 bottles of gin are drunk at the Hall every year Afternoon Tea was introduced to Britain by Queen Victoria. The first tea party was held at the Hall in 1912. The tradition continues today in the Hall's Verdi Restaurant The Royal Albert Hall Grand Tour is fully accessible. Some time slots and/or dates are unavailable due to events taking place in the auditorium. The Royal Albert Hall was built to fulfil the vision of Prince Albert (Queen Victoria's consort) of a 'Central Hall' that would be used to promote understanding and appreciation of the Arts and Sciences and would stand at the heart of the South Kensington estate, surrounded by museums and places of learning. The Hall is a Grade I Listed building; and has been in continuous use since it was opened in March 1871. It was always conceived as a multipurpose building to host not only concerts of music but exhibitions, public meetings, scientific conversations and award ceremonies. It is a registered charity held in trust for the nation and is financially self sufficient, receiving no funding from central or local government. Kensington Palace and the Diana Exhibition Kensington Palace unveils a palace of secret stories and public lives. Visitors arrive through beautiful landscaped gardens evoking a past when Kensington was countryside. From the entrance hall start your journey through the magnificent Kings and Queen’s State Apartments. Filled with stories of two royal courts; the Stuarts and the Hanoverians, learn what you would have worn, how you should behave and how to succeed in the heady atmosphere of the palace state apartments. The Queen's State Apartments Explore these intimate, private rooms created for Queen Mary II, who ruled jointly with her husband, King William III, in the 17th century. The Queen’s rooms The Queen's Staircase, little changed since its construction in 1690, is deliberately plainer than the King's. Mary would have glided down its steps to reach her beloved gardens, created in the Dutch style, through the door at its foot. Diana: Her Fashion Story ‘Diana: Her Fashion Story’ will trace the evolution of the Princess’s style, from the demure, romantic outfits of her first public appearances, to the glamour, elegance and confidence of her later life. From her earliest royal engagements, everything Diana wore was closely scrutinised, and the exhibition will explore how she navigated her unique position in the public eye: learning to use her image to engage and inspire people, and to champion the causes she cared about. Discover exquisite and celebrated outfits from throughout the Princess’s public life. The exhibition will bring together an extraordinary collection of garments, ranging from the glamorous evening gowns worn on engagements in the 1980s, to the chic Catherine Walker suits that made up Diana’s ‘working wardrobe’ in the 1990s. The Princess’s relationship with her favourite designers will be explored through a display of some of their original fashion sketches, created for her during the design process. Exhibition highlights will include the pale pink Emanuel blouse worn for Diana’s engagement portrait by Lord Snowdon in 1981, and Victor Edelstein’s iconic ink blue velvet gown, famously worn at the White House when the Princess danced with John Travolta. A blue tartan Emanuel suit, worn for an official visit to Venice in the 1980s, will go on display in public for the first time. The suit, a rare survival of the Princess’s daywear, was only recently rediscovered and acquired by Historic Royal Palaces – the charity responsible for Kensington Palace - at auction. * Please note, this exhibit is due to be very popular, queues are to be expected.
You'll embark on an entirely glass-enclosed restaurant for truly enjoyable lunch. The boat will glide past some of the most famous buildings of Paris with views that are breathtaking, a piano and violin player will entertain you and the French cuisine is excellent. Autumn/Winter menu 2018/2019 (until 2nd of april, 2019) Click here to see the menu Vegeterian Menu (Available from 4th April to 2nd October 2018) Click here to see the menu
Highlights: Admire the exceptional building that houses Train World Brussels, a masterpiece in Belgian railway architecture. Stroll through the beautiful Garden that connects the station to a new industrial Hangar Visit an authentic railway cottage Marvel at steam engines, including the Pays de Waes, the oldest remaining steam engine in Europe Travel through two royal carriages, one from the time of Leopold III and Baudouin and another from the time of Leopold II and Albert I The venue is accessible to persons with reduced mobility Ticket Includes: Entrance to Train World Wireless internet Access to facilities: Gift shop and restaurant/brasserie Optional: the Ticket: Adult - Audio Guide includes an Audio Guide Ticket Excludes: Food and drinks
The London Dungeon brings 1000 years of history to life in 19 live shows, including 2 thrilling rides, all in 90 minutes. Guests will be guided through plague-ridden streets, witness Guy Fawkes’ dramatic plot to blow up Parliament, travel back to Jack the Ripper’s bleak Whitechapel and hear the latest gossip and share a drink with the locals in The Tavern. Come with us and meet London’s most infamous villains, rogues and rascals. Head-off on the all new Boat Ride to Traitor’s Gate and encounter Henry VIII. Remember, remember the 5th November in a new show with Guy Fawkes – it’s sure to be explosive. Have a short, back and sides courtesy of Sweeney Todd and ‘meat’ Mrs Lovett. She’s got fingers in a few pies. Fancy an evening stroll? Jack the Ripper would love to take you out in Old Whitechapel.
The House of Illusion is an amazing mystery theatre, geared for the whole family to remember and enjoy for years to come. Now a bigger and better show, in bigger and better premises too! Firstly, you are greeted by our very own cast of show performers and will be shown into our beautifully decorated candlelit theatre, where at once our waiters and waitress' will supply you with as much white wine, red wine, lager or soft drinks as you like, without you lifting a finger or a wallet! One of the main attractions of the House of Illusion is that it is all inclusive as well as being unlimited! Kicking off the nightly events you will be presented with Europe’s finest close up magicians, followed closely by a fantastic singer and finishing the first half of the show with a top class, hilarious comedian. All this and the main show hasn’t even begun! The amazement really starts to kick in with the second half of the show. This is the part where we take you on a journey of Manipulation, Live mind reading and Hypnosis. Then of course, we top the night with the world class illusions that will leave anyone stunned and astonished. You will experience truly spectacular happenings all in the space of one night. Witness the proof that we can make the impossible possible in front of your very eyes. VIP Access to the Exclusive VIP lounge looking out to sea A glass of sparkling cava on arrival A VIP Magical Lanyard Best VIP seats in the house (only 24 available) Individual Meal Free flowing cava throughout the performance Free flowing Wine, Sangria, Lager and Soft Drinks throughout the duration of the show Souvenir Program signed by the cast Glow Bracelet for the children GOLD Gold Zone Seating (only 24 available) Access to the Exclusive VIP lounge looking out to sea An unlimited meal of fresh salad, chicken, fries and ice cream dessert Free Flowing Wine, Sangria, Lager and Soft drinks Free flowing cava throughout the performance Souvenir programme signed by the cast Glow Bracelet for the children SILVER Great seats, as no one is further than 8 metres from the stage, giving everyone a great view of the action An unlimited meal of fresh salad, chicken, fries and ice cream dessert on the EARLY DINNER SHOW Free flowing Wine ,Sangria, Lager and Soft drinks Don’t forget the magic words: Book me in for the show please!!!!