Westminster Abbey + Tower of London

The Queen's Gallery was built in the shell of the former Holyrood Free Church and Duchess of Gordon’s School at the entrance to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The buildings were constructed in the 1840s with funds from the Duchess of Gordon, but fell into disuse in the late 19th century. Benjamin Tindall Architects were appointed project architects for the new Queen’s Gallery in October 1999. Their central visual theme was a celebration of The Queen’s Golden Jubilee, expressed through a series of arches and screens that lead visitors from the Gallery entrance to the exhibition spaces beyond. Their design complements the original 19th-century architecture, elements of which were incorporated into the new spaces. Unsympathetic later internal alterations were removed, and a new exposed steel and concrete floor inserted to reflect the original ‘gallery’ of the Church.   A new stone arched entrance was created at the centre of the Horse Wynd frontage, opposite the new Scottish Parliament building. The use of a stone archway, with a courtyard beyond, is a traditional entrance device in Scottish architecture. The main walling is of Catcastle stone, the dressed work and lettering is of Stainton stone and the base is of Kenmay granite. ‘THE QUEEN’S GALLERY’ lettering above the entrance is the work of John Neilson, a calligrapher and carver. The letters were cut from single pieces of stone. Above sits Scotland’s heraldic lion, designed by Jill Watson. The lion sedant is based on a small red lion that sits at the feet of Mary, Queen of Scots on her tomb in Westminster Abbey. (The Palace of Holyroodhouse was once home to Mary, Queen of Scots.)   The monumental entrance doors of oak have gilded bronze hinges by Jill Watson. Continuing the heraldic theme, the main hinges are decorated with the Scottish lion and unicorn. The beasts are set against the adjacent urban scene of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and the rural scene of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags. The upper hinges are made as golden boughs of flowering native trees – chestnut and laburnum, oak, rowan and hawthorn. The stone archway is decorated with a carved and gilded garland of Scottish flowers, including daisies and thistles, created by Graciela Ainsworth, an Edinburgh-based sculptor, carver and conservator. Over the old entrance to the former church is a stained-glass window by Christian Shaw.  The design shows a perspective drawing of the interior of a gallery. At night, the shape of the archway is reflected by the glass lights by Keiko Mukaide set into the paving. The artist has given the tiles a water flow pattern, mirroring the stream of visitors walking in and out of the Gallery. Inside, the reception desk by Hamid van Koten is made from curved pieces of Scottish elm with kilned glass and patinated copper. The pendant lights were designed and made in Edinburgh by Ingrid Phillips. Dividing the reception from the main Gallery area is a patterned glass screen by Jacqueline Poncelet. The screen’s bronze handles by Jill Watson incorporate figures looking at art in a gallery.   The dramatic central stair of native timber leads to the Gallery spaces above. The complex shape was designed by the architects with Charles Taylor Woodwork, who were responsible for the construction. Lights set into the first floor illuminate the curved balustrading. The Queen’s Gallery was opened by Her Majesty The Queen on 29 November 2002, as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. It hosts a programme of changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection.

Your day begins with pick up will be from your Las Vegas Hotel in a luxury motor coach.   Make the trek east passing through the Mojave Desert and the Black Mountains and Grand Wash Cliffs of Arizona on the way.   En route to the Grand Canyon, your tour guide will provide you with expert narration of the area’s most historical and interesting facts about the Spanish explorers, numerous native cultures, and the early Western Settlers of northern Arizona.  Upon arrival to the Grand Canyon National Geographic Visitor Center, enjoy a delicious lunch and some souvenir shopping.   Then onto the Grand Canyon National Park for several hours of sightseeing and exploring.  See a number of different panoramic views from various lookout locations while learning about the history and geology of the canyon from the expert tour guide. HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Hotel Pick-Up And Drop-Off Service For Most Major Hotels On The Strip And Downtown Lunch Served At The National Geographic Visitor's Center And IMAX Theater Grand Canyon And Visitor’s Center Admission Rest Stops Included In Kingman AZ Fully narrated bus tour to the Grand Canyon South Rim and National Geographic Visitors Center from Las Vegas A stop at the Hoover Dam Bridge! - a marvel of engineering.  Enjoy at 20 minute stop and great photo opportunity.    See the extinct volcano 'Fortification Hill' Visit the widest and deepest point at Grand Canyon's South rim (over 8400 ft. deep and 21 miles across). Starting 12/15/16 all vehicles offer WI-FI on all tours: 15 minutes - free up to 25MB 1 hour - $2.95  up to 255MB 3 hours - $4.95  up to 655 MB 24 hours - $14.95 up to 1000 MB

See all the major sights of London in all their glory by night: • Houses of Parliment • Piccadilly Circus • The London Eye • Trafalger Square • St. Paul's Cathedral • Westminster Abbey • Tower Bridge • Tower of London • Big Ben To see the majestic Tower of London and Tower Bridge highlighted together as our open top tour bus approaches is a picture post card in the making. The huge clock face of Big Ben shines brightly like a beacon from a lighthouse letting everyone know that they really are in London. The fountains in Trafalgar Square dance with joy from the light that shines from within them. The neon lights in Piccadilly reminds you of New Years Day and when you see the lights all around Harrods, well, it’s Christmas all over again. When you see the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament, then you realize why we called ourselves ‘See London By Night’

This is the text for the Frequently Asked Questions that applies to this specific tour. (Q) Do tours run all year round? (A) Yes, from November to March we will run tours on a reduced schedule at 11am from Thursdays to Mondays, inclusive. Please see the tour page for full details. (Q) Where is the meeting point for the tour? (A) Directly outside Queensway tube station, which is on the central line (the red line cutting across the map from east to west). 15 minutes before the start of the tour, one of our guides will be standing by the red phone boxes holding a Fat Tyre sign. (Q) Is the tour difficult? (A) No. Most of the time is spent on bike lanes within the Royal Parks. There is a bit of road riding and a few crossings so a basic level of cycling proficiency is required. (Q) What happens if it rains? (A) We run tours rain or shine and have plenty of rain ponchos. We find tours in the rain to be a different kind of fun and an even more fun memory! If you have a reservation and the weather is really bad, you are welcome to reschedule the tour for any other day for up to year. (Q) Do we stop for lunch? (A) Yes. We usually stop near Trafalgar Square where there are plenty of options for lunch including to join your guide at a traditional English pub. Otherwise, we may stop in St James park next to a cafe. (Q) Where does the tour end? (A) Both tours finish at the same place they start. (Q) Do we go inside the sites? (A) No, the bike tours are an overview of the sites and more about getting a feel for the city. However, on private tours you can arrange to take extra time at the sites if you'd like to go inside. (Q) Will we be able to take photos? (A) Yes. There will be a chance to take many photos at the designated stops. (Q)Is there a space to store bags or luggage? (A)Yes. You are welcome to leave bags, luggage or unwanted family members in our garages. Someone is usually in the office and it will be locked up if they have to leave. While we have never had a single case of theft or loss of items, you do leave them at your own risk. (Q) Do you provide the bikes? (A) Absolutely. (Q) Can I supply my own bike? (A) You are welcome to bring your own bicycle. Our insurance only covers the theft of our own bicycles, so please do bring your own lock for the lunch stop. (Q) Can an adult ride on the tandem? (A) No. Our tandems are known as tag-alongs which attach to adult bikes and are designed for children up to about the age of five years old.. (Q) Are helmets provided? (A) Yes. You are not compelled by law to wear helmets in the UK, but we have more than enough for everyone so the choice is entirely yours.

Your next stop will be at the village of Prades and here you will have 1 hour 15 minutes to stroll around the village and take a break for lunch. You can bring your own packed lunch and have a picnic or you can buy a menu of 3 courses and a drink for just 12 euros, 2 euros less than the normal price. You will notice you are surrounded by the red colour of the sharp stones used to build the walls, the church and many of the houses. In the Plaza Mayor, you will see the Spherical renaissance fountain, where once a year it is filled with cava and the locals spend the day and night drinking from it. You can also see the Gothic Church of Santa Maria. Then onto another picturesque village, Siurana, where you will be taken back in time as you walk on the cobbled streets and pass the old stone houses. Here there is a small shop where you can but local produce, ice creams and postcards. There are spectacular views of the mountains and surrounding landscapes and you can look down to the lake of Siurana which will be your next stop. This really is one of the most beautiful villages you could hope to visit. Your last stop will be to the water for another dip or swim and a good chance to cool off. Then, after a great day out you will be taken back to your hotel and you will be given a present of a bottle of wine to take back with the rest of the lovely memories you will have. 

A Gatronomic Discovery  CREATIVE CUISINE : Bustronome offers a highly worked and inventive cuisine. Specially invited grand chefs regularly offer new culinary experiences. A WORLD OF FLAVORS : Specially composed tasting menus offer between 4 and 6 courses. Dishes are combined with the most beautiful views  of Paris. MADE TO MEASURE : Amongst the specialities available on demand  are delicious French pastries such as one would find  in a traditional tea room. Delicious views of Paris A JOURNEY THROUGH THE MOST  BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN PARIS : From the panoramic terrace, passengers  can enjoy the most beautiful views of Paris,  including its squares, avenues and monuments. A CHIC, COSY ATMOSPHERE : With conviviality and sharing at the center  of the Bustronome experience, we do not, unless specifically requested, offer commentated tours. A 360° VIEW : The Bustronome stands out thanks to its  exceptional panoramic glass terrace, offering  striking views across the French capital.