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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.
The 10,000 Islands Excursion, arguably, is the best way to experience the natural world around Marco Island. Conducted within the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge, you will experience what many describe as the best of Florida. The tour is two-part: The first part is a slow, intimate boating tour among the remote islands of the refuge. While you search for dolphins, manatees and sea turtles, you may encounter ospreys, bald eagles, ibis, roseate spoonbill, egrets, herons and any number of shorebird species. All the while, your formally trained naturalist guide will talk to you about the area's ecosystems, its long history and rich culture. The second part of your excursion is an exploration of a remote barrier island beach ... an island that you only can reach by boat ... an island that few get to experience. Learn about beach dynamics; stroll through the tidal flats and wade the tidal pools of these remote islands. If you enjoy shelling, imaging shelling on islands that are NOT picked daily by 100's of people. With your naturalist guide, learn not about individual shell animals, but actually learn "how to" shell.
Every year between December and April, more than 8,000 Humpback whales journey over 3,500 miles to Hawaii where they congregate to breed, calf and nurse their young.Our 2.5 hour Whale Watching Excursion offers you a rare opportunity to view and experience this phenomenon. Our award winning marine life naturalist will astound you with facts about these gentle giants as they play, court and teach their young. You’ll hear singing Humpback whales through our underwater hydrophones, and you may also see Spinner Dolphins, Pilot and Sperm Whales, Manta Rays, Sea Turtles and more. Cruise in Comfort! Our 65′ catamaran has lots of walk-around room, comfortable seating and plenty of shade. The cruise includes light snacks, island juices, sodas, Kona coffee, assorted teas, hot chocolate and our premium cash bar Wheelchair Friendly Body Glove Cruises is wheelchair friendly. Our customized boarding ramp, with portable extensions, accommodates all wheelchairs, including manual, electric, and scooters. The lower deck of the 65 foot catamaran is fully accessible from bow to stern, including tables and restrooms. For those on our Snorkel Adventure, an array of flotation devices are provided. All captains and crew are Life Gaurd, First Aid, and CPR Certified. Dietary Needs For those requiring special dietary needs, Body Glove Cruises provides gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian requests at no extra charge with 48 hours notice.
Postmodern Jukebox is not your average band - get tickets here at ShowTickets.com to see this talented group of performers play chart-topping hits with an old-school vibe in Vegas.
Information : Important: Closing of the Queen’s State Apartment for renovation works We strongly advise against high-heeled shoes (parquet flooring in the rooms and cobblestones in the courtyard) Strollers are not permitted inside the palace Access to the palace is challenging for those with reduced mobility Photography without flash is permitted inside the palace Tuesday mornings are not recommended due to the high number of visitors The skip-the-line access is subject to the Versailles Palace procedures: The Vigipirate plan, the security control or an unforeseen crowd can slow down the entrance On-site visit duration: 2h Languages Available : English and Spanish : Every departure Italian : Wednesday and Sunday German : Tuesday, Friday French : Saturday Portuguese : Thursday Japanese : Tuesday
City Sightseeing Brighton Hop-on Hop-off City Sightseeing offers a thoroughly entertaining audio guide with fascinating facts and figures that even some of the locals won't know! Across the 15 stops of the route, you will have the opportunity to remain on the comfortable and convenient bus for the entire loop, listening to the informative audio commentary, or to hop on and off at each attraction. Join us as we start at Bus Stop 1, the famous Brighton Pier. Hop off if you would like to take a walk through a shingle and sand beach with funfairs, arcades, cafés, and shops. Take advantage of the privileged view from the open-top buses as we drive by King's Road, Grand Avenue, Palmeira Square, and Lansdowne Road. Hop off at Bus Stop 6 to take a stroll through St. Anns Well Gardens and visit a scented garden that allows the visitor to experience many different smells. Do your shopping at Bus Stop 8, Imperial Arcade, an enclosed shopping arcade in central Brighton, and hop back on to get to your next shopping destination: North Laine. City Sightseeing Brighton City Tour does not finish here. Get to enjoy a panoramic view of the shoreline from the comfortable busses as we go by the exclusive area of Brighton Marina, Royal Crescent, and Madeira Drive. Buy your ticket today and start planning your itinerary!
