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The Sainte-Chapelle Be dazzled by the 1,113 stained glass windows at this jewel of the Rayonnant Gothic period. The first of the Holy Chapels to be decorated with exceptional stained-glass windows. Known for having housed Christ’s Crown of Thorns, it has spectacular stained-glass windows. Veritable walls of light that make the Sainte-Chapelle the jewel of French Gothic. The Conciergerie Discover this Medieval royal palace that became a revolutionary tribunal and Marie-Antoinette’s prison. Discover on the Île de la Cité, the exceptional Gothic rooms of the first royal palace of Paris and the reproduction of the prison cells of the revolutionary tribunal. At the end of the 17th century, numerous people were imprisoned in the prison of the Conciergerie, including Marie-Antoinette. The Conciergerie is also listed as a historical building by the Unesco. Pantheon On Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in Paris, visit the Panthéon, masterpiece of the architect Soufflot. Come and learn all about the Pantheon, this incredible building by Soufflot who's ambition was to outdo the churches of St. Peter's in Rome and St. Paul’s in London. Observe the style of this building, inspired by the Pantheon commissioned by Agrippa in Rome. From 1874 onwards, the sanctuary was decorated with paintings on canvas illustrating the life of Saint Geneviève and the epic story of the beginnings of both Christianity and the monarchy in France. Make the most of the Pantheon with a visit into the Crypt, get to see the tombs of the eminent personalities who shaped France's national identity. A permanent exhibition gives details about the lives and works of those who are buried here, from Voltaire and Rousseau to Alexandre Dumas. You'll also have the chance to see the Foucault’s pendulum*, first installed in 1851 and removed then reinstalled in 1995, this device demonstrated the Earth's rotation.
NOTE: Children of 13 years or younger must be accompanied by an Adult in order to climb the Monument. Please note that in order to preserve the Monument’s original structure, visitors with large bags are requested to leave these at the base of the staircase.
The day begins with a hotel pick-up between 06:15 and 07:00. Heading east across the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge offers great views of the San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. En Route to the park we cross through the Central Valley, where we will stop at a fruit stand for some local produce. Famous for its rich volcanic soil, the Central Valley is the largest agricultural region in the United States. The section we drive through is best known for specialty fruits and nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cherries, and strawberries. After this quick rest stop, we enter the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Continuing into the mountains brings us to California gold country and the gold rush town of Groveland before we wind our way into Yosemite National Park. Maps in hand, we begin with a one and a half hour in-coach narrated tour of Yosemite's glaciated valley. You will see famous waterfalls and rock formations including Yosemite Falls - the tallest waterfall in North America - El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Falls, Sentinel Dome, and much more. During the tour you will see Yosemite Valley from a number of great vantage points, the best of which is perhaps Inspiration Point. At 4,500 feet above sea level, this viewpoint gives you a commanding view east up the valley. Yosemite is a mecca for rock climbers, and the sight of people climbing El Capitan's 3,200 ft. (1000m) sheer rock face is quite amazing. Because of our small group size, we can incorporate multiple photo stops into our tour so you can better enjoy your time in the park. After the tour, we stop for the afternoon near the base of Yosemite Falls, where there are a variety of options for lunch (not included). After eating, you will have 3-4 hours of free time to explore the valley as you choose. You can walk to the base of Yosemite Falls, check out the visitor center, visit the Ansel Adams Gallery, stop in at the Ahwahnee Hotel, rent a cruiser bike, or hike some of the trails that originate from the valley. Although you could spend three weeks in Yosemite, the three hours you get on your own is enough time to understand why Yosemite is one of America's most popular national parks. Regrouping again in the late afternoon, we head for San Francisco, stopping for a short break before arriving back in the city and dropping you at your lodging between 8:30 and 9:00pm. Highlights: See El Capitan, Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, Inspiration Point (aka Tunnel View), and Yosemite Village Free time in Yosemite Valley to explore/hike Eco-friendly transport in biodiesel mini-coaches Inclusions: Complimentary pickup/dropoff from your San Francisco hotel Full-time professional, knowledgeable guide Narrated in-coach tour of Yosemite (1.5 hrs) 3 hours of free time in the Valley Yosemite Park entrance fee Transportation to/from Yosemite in biofuel mini-coach Not Included: Meals (stops will be made to purchase food) Guide gratuity (optional) Gear List: May-Oct: Camera & charger Small bag that can fit under seat Spending money for incidentals and lunch Sneakers or hiking boots Swimwear, towel, sandals (optional) Bug spray Sun protection Water bottle Nov-Apr** - Additional items recommended are: Warm clothing, coat Knit hat, gloves **Winter temperatures in Yosemite are on average 50 F/10 C, but can be as low as 28 F/-2 C.
Highlights Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site to two sister cities: Pompeii and Herculaneum on this tour from Naples. Learn and walk around the fascinating ancient ruins of Pompeii. Wonder around Herculaneum, an ancient Roman town better preserved than Pompeii. This tour provides a great representation of what life was like in the first century. Taste delicious regional cuisine on your way to the sites with lunch prices included . Roundtrip transfers between Naples, Pompeii, Herculaneum and back in a comfortable coach Ticket Includes Coach transfers to and from Naples aboard a coach Services of a tour leader/tour assistant Lunch (excluding beverages) Ticket Excludes Pompeii Entrance Tickets Herculaneum Entrance Tickets Food and Drinks (apart from lunch)
Then you can try one of the latest water sports of paddle boarding, either stand up, or, if you prefer, you can kneel on the board as you look down into the waters at the many fish swimming beneath you. The adventure continues with kayaking and exploring the coves with your helpful guide who will help you get the most from the tour. You will get to enjoy a light snack and drinks before heading back to your hotel and all you need to bring is: swimwear, a change of clothes, sunsreen, a camera and a very big, sense of adventure!
Flight Path You will fly over some exquisite landscapes on your journey to Milford Sound. Depending on the flight route for the day, your sights may include; Skippers Canyon, Glenorchy, Mt Earnslaw, Mt Tutoko, Milford Sound, Mitre Peak, Arthur Valley, Sutherland Falls, the Milford Track, Lake Te Anau, Eglinton Valley, Greenstone Valley and Lake Wakatipu. Cruise Route Depart from the Milford Sound Wharf and make your way out past the iconic Mitre Peak. Cruise the length of the fiord while listening to informative commentary from our skipper who will highlight 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 local wildlife that can be found in the fiord, with sightings of New Zealand fur seals and dolphins spotted regularly, while occasionally the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin makes an appearance in Milford Sound. What to bring: Waterproof Jacket Sunscreen Warm Clothing Insect Repellent