Free
Support
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.
A fascinating insight to the human anatomy awaits at Real Bodies exhibit at Bally's with tickets at great prices from ShowTickets.com.
* Pass the gates of Chinatown * Union Square * Embarcadero and Pier 39 * Travel to Treasure Island to view the Financial district skyline
TOUR DETAILS Your tour begins right at your Las Vegas hotel, where your Certified Interpretive Guide will pick you up in one of our luxurious Pink Adventure Tour Trekkers. Ride in style through the Mojave Desert while you learn about its geology, ecology and history. Before you know it, you’ll arrive at Valley of Fire—Nevada’s first and largest state park. Covering over 40,000 acres, your expert guide will show you the best the park has to offer. Rainbow Vista showcases views of the aptly named Duck Rock and the White Domes. Don’t be surprised if these formations look familiar—you may have seen the Valley of Fire in films like Viva Las Vegas, The Professionals, Star Trek: Generations and Transformers. Your guide will offer all the details about the area’s Hollywood heritage. Nearby, towering 75-foot slot canyons provide a maze-like experience, cooler temperatures and amazing photographs. You’ll see Atlatl Rock where, thousands of years ago, indigenous people created mysterious artwork that is still visible today. Stone cabins created in the 1930s to provide respite for travelers create another picturesque point of interest. This site showcases the stunning colors and sculptural formations of Aztec stone. Elephant Rock provides another impressive photo op before a stop at the Visitor’s Center for souvenirs caps off your adventure-filled day. We want you to focus on fun, so your tour includes a full picnic lunch, bottled water and park entrance fees.
Opening and Closing Times: Closing times vary throughout the season. Last Admission is 30 minutes before closing. The Garden are open all year except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
TOUR DETAILS Experience views that will leave you breathless during our most popular, two-hour version of the Scenic Rim Tour. You’ll climb high in elevation and see wild backcountry scenes, all while our local guide ensures that you won’t miss a thing. Step into a custom-built, open-air Pink® Jeep® Wrangler at the Pink® Jeep® Tour Plaza in Sedona. Then you’ll head toward Schnebly Hill Road’s towering red rock formations and picturesque views. Your Jeep will climb through winding canyons and over rocky trails, with your expertly trained Certified Interpretive Guide at the wheel. You’ll travel up to circular Merry-Go-Round Rock, where Elvis Presley sang “Dominic” in the 1968 MGM film, “Stay Away, Joe.” Stop at this iconic formation to take in the amazing views, including the aptly named Cow Pies. Along the way, check out Munds Wagon Trail. This road between Sedona and Flagstaff was completed in 1902 and acted as one of the state’s first cattle trails. Photo ops are plentiful and feature some of Arizona’s most stunning scenery as your backdrop. This Scenic Rim Tour is the perfect way to spend two hours exploring Sedona’s rugged, bumpy backcountry while enjoying stories and local lore. It will leave you with lasting memories and offers a great introduction to Pink® Jeep® Tours.