DAY TOURS IN LONDON

The tour leaves Barcelona at 08.30 and heads straight down to Tarragona, the old Roman Capital. The Romans chose Tarragona's strate…

The tour leaves Barcelona at 08.30 and heads straight down to Tarragona, the old Roman Capital. The Romans chose Tarragona's strategic position as the site of a military camp during their campaigns against the Carthaginian troops in 218 BC. In time, that primitive fortress became the Capital of Hispania Citerior, one of the biggest provinces within the Roman Empire.

Our first stop is just past Tarragona where you will discover the impressive Roman Aqueduct (1st century BC) popularly known as 'El Pont del Diable' (The Devil's Bridge) or 'Les Ferreres' Aqueduct. It used to be part of the water supply network of the city and today stands in almost perfect condition. Over 200 metres long and nearly 30 metres high it is one of the hidden jewels of the area. This is a rare chance to get competely off the beaten track and visit one of the most amazing architectural wonders of Catalonia - and one that hardly anybody knows about.

From the aqueduct we travel back to Tarragona quietly entering the old part of the city through a narrow gateway in the ancient walls. Nowadays, the new city overlaps the site of the ancient Acropolis and during your visit you will see firsthand the surprising coexistence of a Roman past and modern life. Starting at the Archaeological walkway, you will be able to admire the surviving stone walls, wander through the historic old quarter - passing the medieval hospital - before stopping at the Cathedral where you can enjoy the Sunday morning antique market. Few tourists ever make it to Tarragona, and fewer still stumble across this traditional market. It's a great chance to pick up something truly unique from the area. For others, there is ample time to explore the beautiful cathedral that looks down on the antique collectors.

From there, you continue down through the old town to discover the Roman Forum and the nearby Roman Circus hidden amidst the urban design. Walk along the underground passageways that held the Circus' stands and come to one of the most popular squares within the old town: Plaça de la Font, situated inside the Roman Circus. If you stand very still and close your eyes, you can almost hear the chariots racing by. On this very spot, thousands of years ago on, perhaps on the very same day of the week, the Roman capital of the Iberian Peninsula came alive in all of its bloody glory.

And last, but certainly not least, enjoy the breathtaking seaview over the Roman amphitheatre and imagine gladiators battling each other to the death! It's a poignant moment to stand on the same dusty ground that bore witness to countless scenes of sacrifice and passion. Perhaps most fascinating of all is the Christian church built in the middle of the stage out of the very same blocks that were used in their amphitheatre.

At 12.30 we leave Tarragona and stop briefly at Roc de Sant Gaieta, an intimate little village built on the rocky shoreline. Stroll between its tiny white houses and let your imagination take you away to Ibiza fishing villages built with a touch of Roman-Greco flair. There's time to take in the rocky coastline from one of the seaside bars and enjoy some Mediterranean snacks and a refreshing drink.

We will arrive at Sitges at 14.00. This once quiet fishing village today boasts a long and sandy beach, groovy boutiques, and a handful of interesting sights. Sitges has been fashionable since the 1890s, when it became an avant-garde art-world hang-out. Get lost in its shady side streets and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere with its old whitewashed fisherman's houses. After leaving this charming labyrinth, you suddenly find yourself on the seafront. Make a stop in one of the numerous cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants and imagine yourself in St. Topez. Sitges has dining options to suit every taste and budget. After a leisurly Sunday lunch you might want to head off to one of the seventeen beaches the town has to offer.

We will meet again at 18.00 and return to Barcelona, arriving in Plaça Catalunya at approximately 19.00.

Departure point:

Tours depart from Plaça Catalunya outside the Hard Rock Café.

Inclusions:
Transport in a small minicoach, with full air conditioning.
The services of a professional guide, who will provide a guided tour in English.

Exclusions:
Lunch and refreshments.
All museums and monuments in Tarragona

Days of Operation

Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
Departs 08.30
Returns 19.00

The picturesque town of Ceský Krumlov is situated above the meandering valley along the upper Vltava river in Southern Bohemia…

The picturesque town of Ceský Krumlov is situated above the meandering valley along the upper Vltava river in Southern Bohemia. It has won an international reputation thanks to its historical riches. More than three hundred historic buildings dominated by a huge castle and the church of St. Vitus bear witness to their rich past. Ceský Krumlov has enormous appeal as an urban unity and has been included among the monuments on the UNESCO World Cultural an Natural Heritage list.
You will visit the castle and the old centre of the town. Traveling through Southern Bohemia you may admire its beautiful landscape with many forests and ponds.

The castle is closed November 1 - March 31.

We then continue to the south Bohemian city of České Budìjovice with its unique historic square, lined with Renaissance and Baroque houses and dominated by the Black Tower.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit the Town of Ceský Krumlov
Travel Through Southern Bohemia
České Budìjovice

Duration: 10 Hours
Days of Operation
Sun, Tues, Thu, Fri, Sat - Jan to Dec

This is a chance to spend a delightful day outside of Rome in Umbria, one of Italy’s most picturesque regions, rich in vineya…

This is a chance to spend a delightful day outside of Rome in Umbria, one of Italy’s most picturesque regions, rich in vineyards, olive trees and famous hill top villages across the valley.

The coach route is dotted with charming medieval towns such as Spoleto, Trevi, Foligno, Spello and the most famous of all--Assisi. This mystic city of Saint Francis, still surrounded by ancient walls, is built on the green slopes of Mount Sabasio. With its colorful houses of pink stone, narrow streets, flower-decked balconies and noble palaces, a camera in Assisi is a must.

You will visit the Basilica of St. Francis with its famous early-Renaissance frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue and its Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, also getting the chance to shop in the little stores and artisans’ shops in the old town and have a lovely lunch in a restaurant with a typical Umbrian menu.

In the afternoon, depart for the picturesque medieval town of Orvieto, known for its beautiful Cathedral. Our tour will end at the hotel in Rome, at approximately 8:00pm, traffic permitting.

Highlights
•Assisi
•Basilica of St. Francis
•Orvieto
Inclusions:
•Hotel Pick-up
•Transportation
•Guide
•Lunch Included

Exclusions:
•Optional Gratuities

Please Note:
•Free pick-up is available from centrally located hotels. Hotels in the outskirts of Rome or airport area are not serviced. If you do not see your hotel on the list below, please refer to your hotel concierge. Upon arrival at your hotel in Rome, you may confirm your departure details via 06 487861.

Redemption Instructions:
•Please confirm your tour using the phone or email instructions listed on your voucher.
•Please present your printed voucher upon hotel pick-up.

Days of Operation
Apr 1 - Oct 31
•Days: Mon, Thu & Sat
•Times: 7:30am

The tour begins at Esquilino Square and continues along the main street, Victor Emmanuel II, and finally reaches the Vatican Museum…

The tour begins at Esquilino Square and continues along the main street, Victor Emmanuel II, and finally reaches the Vatican Museums, which feature the most comprehensive art collection in the world. With 7 Km to walk across, 1.400 rooms with 65.000 works of art this gallery is second to none. The museum features Michelangelo´s Sistine Chapel and other masterpieces by the likes of Botticelli, Signorelli, Rosselli, Ghirlandaio, Pinturicchio and Perugino. The tour ends at the Bernini’s Royal Staircase.

Bernini’s Royal Staircase leads to the Basilica of Saint Peter, which was rebuilt in the XVI and XVII c. and covers a surface of over 22.000 sqm, about 66.000 square feet, with its dome of 14.000 Tons in weight. The interior of the basilica is adorned with thousands of gilt tesserae, prized marbles, Byzantine and baroque mosaics, the renowned Pieta by Michelangelo and the Tomb of Saint Peter. The tour ends at the Square of Saint Peter with its surface of 44 acres, 284 columns.

Highlights
•The Sistine Chapel
•St. Peter´s Basilica
Inclusions:
•Roundtrip Hotel Transfers (Note: Return transfer subject to traffic restrictions. Drop-off may be as far as several blocks from of your hotel.)
•Admissions at the Vatican Museums
•Special Group Entry (Skip the Line)

Exclusions:
•Food & Beverage
•Optional Gratuities

Please Note:
•Visitors in shorts or sleeveless tops are not admitted to churches or Vatican Museums.
•The morning Vatican tour included The St. Peter' s Basilica duration 4 Hrs
•The afternoon tour do not include the st.Peter' s basilica, duration 3 Hours
•Free pick-up is available from centrally located hotels. Hotels in the outskirts of Rome or the airport area are not serviced. If you do not see your hotel on the list below, please refer to your hotel concierge. Upon arrival at your hotel in Rome, you may confirm your departure details via 06 487861.

Redemption Instructions:
•Please confirm your tour using the phone or email instructions listed on your voucher.
•Please present your printed voucher upon hotel pick up.

Days of Operation
Nov 1 - Mar 31
•Days: Every day (Except on Wednesday, Sunday and Religious Holidays)
•Times: 8:30am

Apr 01 - Nov 30
•Days: Every day (Except on Wednesday, Sunday and Religious Holidays)
•Times: 7:30am

Depart from Barcelona and travel to Figueres, the birthplace of Dali and home to the world famous Dali Museum-Theatre. Here you wil…

Depart from Barcelona and travel to Figueres, the birthplace of Dali and home to the world famous Dali Museum-Theatre. Here you will be able to explore where he was born on Monturiol Street, just off the popular rambla, and visit the museum Dali himself built around the former theatre where his first exhibition was held. Originally created and built in 1961 it was not officially opened until 1974. Those wanting to visit the museum will find a museum like none other. Dali wanted visitors to see this massive collection as a 'whole' work, and for this reason he wanted no catalogues and refused to have his works placed in chronological or subject order. Step inside Dali's world of fantasy mixed with architecture mixed with paintings and sculptures. This is a complete surrealistic experience.

From Figueres the tour travels to the village of Pubol, where there will be ample opportunities to eat in a traditional Catalan restaurant. After lunch you can visit another masterpiece of Dali's Pubol Castle. The Pubol Castle stands in a small hamlet on the great agricultural plain of the Ter river, the famous Baix Emporda region. Dali gave the castle to Gala in the spring of 1970, on the condition that he himself would not enter it unless personally invited by Gala. Pubol Castle was the maximum expression of his passionate love for her. He carefully restored the old Gothic Renaissance Palace and furnished it with items bought from various antique dealers around the region. Inside he painted frescoes and later painted 2 water colours entitled 'view of Pubol'. But, perhaps most lovingly and saddest of all, he also built the crypt where Gala is now buried deep in the bowels of the castle. At the end of his life, Dali received the title of Marquis Dali of Pubol, although Dali only lived in the Castle for 2 years after Gala passed away.

In mid afternoon your tour will continue to Palamos on the coast in one of those rare hidden corners you can still find on the Costa Brava. Dali visited this region several times in the 1930s, especially a place called Mas Juny, owned by his friend Josep Sert, a famous Catalan painter of the time. This place was famous for its artistic gatherings and parties, which were attended by Dali. Even today, the Costa Brava, with its transparent waters and pine forests, is not so different from the 1930s. This rocky coastline has been saved from high buildings and large scale tourism projects and still preserves that 'wild aspect' that gave the name to Costa Brava. There is no better homage to Dali and no better way to finish the day than to enjoy the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

After some time here the tour returns to Barcelona at 8pm.

Departure point:

Tours depart from Plaça Catalunya outside the Hard Rock Café.

Inclusions:

Transport in a small minicoach, with full air conditioning.
Entrance to the DALI-MUSEUM in Figueres.
The services of a professional guide, who will provide a guided tour in English.

Exclusions:

Lunch and refreshments.
Entrances to other museums and attractions.

Days of Operation
15th June - 14th September 2012
Tuesday, Friday & Sunday
Departs 08.30 Returns 20.00 approx

Enjoy a romantic dinner comfortably seated by the window on a glass-covered restaurant boat of the Marina de Paris.
The one-h…

Enjoy a romantic dinner comfortably seated by the window on a glass-covered restaurant boat of the Marina de Paris.
The one-hour cruise on the Seine through Paris will allow you to discover the most famous bridges and monuments of Paris, all brightly illuminated.
“Decouverte” menu: Starter, main course, dessert, glass of wine or soft drink. Guaranteed individual table by Marina de Paris.
Then to the Lido to attend the glittering “Bonheur” Bluebell Girls show, which includes ½ Bottle of Champagne per person.

Formal dress required.

Days of Departure
Daily - year round (except Jun 21, Jul 14, Dec 24, 31, Feb 14)

Inclusions:

Departure from and return to your Hotel in Paris
Services of a Licensed Driver Guide
Dinner Cruise on the Seine, Découverte Menu (Starter, Main Course, Dessert, Drinks)
Lido Show
1/2 bottle of Champagne at the Lido

Exclusions:
Optional Gratuities

Please Note:
Tour must be reserved at least 5 days prior to departure.
Formal dress is suggested.
A romantic evening with a guaranteed private table reservation.
Boat with panoramic glass windows for jaw-dropping views of the monuments brilliantly illuminated by night.
Return transportation is to the general area of your hotel. Direct hotel drop-offs are not available.

The theatre lights turn down, the curtain is raised and the audience finds themselves entering the magical atmosphere of the Moulin…

The theatre lights turn down, the curtain is raised and the audience finds themselves entering the magical atmosphere of the Moulin Rouge... experience the thrill of the world’s most famous cabaret, now featuring “Feerie," a spellbinding show that brings together a troupe of eighty artists including sixty breathtaking Doriss Girls recruited from around the world. An incredible thousand costumes make their appearance, each magnificently decorated in feathers, rhinestones, sequins and glitter. Italian designed stage settings transport you to a whole new world of vibrant colors, sparkling lights and whimsical patterns.

Witness the very best in international entertainment, brilliantly choreographed on moving staircases, swings, garden settings, and a giant aquarium, all set to an original music score brought to life by eighty musicians and sixty chorus singers.

The "French Cancan" package includes a wonderful dinner at the Moulin Rouge complete with wine and time to take to the dance floor before the show.

French Cancan Sample Menu:

Starter: Foie Gras Ravioles, or Young Rabbit with Dried Apricots
Main Course: Challans Breast of Duck with Orange and Sauteed Zuchini, or Salmon Crunch with Leeks and Potatoes Paysanne
Dessert: Cheese, or Opera Pastry with Hazelnut Sauce

Inclusions:
"Mistinguett" Dinner Menu
1/2 Bottle of White, Red or Rosé Wine Per Person
Moulin Rouge Show "Feerie"
Drop-off After Show to Close Vicinity of Your Central Paris Hotel

Exclusions:
Transportation to Our Central Paris Departure Point Near the Louvre Museum
Use of Moulin Rouge Coat Room is Mandatory (Fee Not Included)

Please Note:
Tour must be reserved at least 5 days prior to departure.
Formal dress is required. Gentlemen must wear coat and tie.
Show not recommended for children under 16.

Time: 6:45pm

Days of Departure
Daily year round (except Dec 31, february 14 2013)

A full day tour to Oxford and Cambridge, the most famous university towns in England.
Included Highlights
Walking Tour …

A full day tour to Oxford and Cambridge, the most famous university towns in England.
Included Highlights
Walking Tour of Oxford, 'City of Dreaming Spires'
See the Bodleian Library
Visit Christ church college, where Harry Potter was filmed
Walking tour of Cambridge
See the Bridge of Sighs and take a guided tour of the King's College chapel
First-class luxury Motor-coach and the services of a professional Blue Badge guide


Oxford
We begin our day travelling across the Chiltern Hills to Oxford, the 'City of Dreaming Spires,' whose hushed courtyards have inspired generations of scholars including Bill Clinton and writers, Lewis Carroll who wrote 'Alice in Wonderland', C.S. Lewis who wrote 'Chronicles of Narnia' and the immortal J.R.R. Tolkein, author of 'Lord of the Rings'. On the walking tour you'll visit Christ Church college, where Harry Potter scenes were filmed, see the Bodleian Library and the picture-perfect college courtyards for which Oxford is justifiably famous.

Cambridge
Cambridge is a wonderful mixture of the everyday and the extraordinary, a living city that has shaped history and today reflects the best of historic and contemporary life. It was the inspiration for Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton and many of the Monty Python gang. We will have a guided tour of the magnificent chapel of Kings College, founded in 1441, and a fascinating walking tour of a city filled with beautiful buildings and historical quirks, including the famous 'Bridge of Sighs'.

Days of Operation
Departures May to September

Days of operation: Tuesday and Saturday
May to September
Returns to London at approx 7.00 pm

Departure is from Barcelona at 9:00am, and from Barcelona we will head straight to Montserrat, just over an hour and a half away. O…

Departure is from Barcelona at 9:00am, and from Barcelona we will head straight to Montserrat, just over an hour and a half away. On arrival, you have various options. A visit to the Sanctuary where the Moreneta is housed is a must. The sanctuary has been in use for almost 1000 years for those pilgrims and other visitors who have climbed this spectacular mountain. At 1pm on weekdays there is the opportunity to hear one of Europe's oldest children's choirs, La Escolania de Montserrat.* There is also the opportunity to visit the fascinating Museum of Montserrat, with its five collections ranging from Archaeology from the Biblical East to Modern Painting and Sculpture.

Besides these cultural possibilities, the paths of the Montserrat parkland lead you around a number of different walks, each offering a different perspective on the stunning views over the surrounding landscape, and many of which are peppered with small chapels and hermitages. There are routes to suit all tastes and energy levels, from fairly strenuous treks to gentle strolls around the park area, all of which allow you to marvel at the views and to enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this protected natural park. Another option is to take one of the two rack railways, or the cable car, offering different views of the area. Alternatively, the views can simply be savoured from the cafe, which offers panoramic views of the valleys.

At 2.30pm, the tour will leave Montserrat, to drive down to Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, the Cava Capital, via Gelida, to visit some of the biggest underground wine cellars in Europe. Sant Sadurni d'Anoia is situated in the Penedès wine-growing region, which boasts one of the widest varieties of grape of any wine-growing region in the world. The region received a major boost in the late 19th-century when French vineyards succumbed to parasite, although Penedès itself was later struck by the same problem. Production has since recovered, and cava is now a major rival to French champagne; in fact, the main difference between cava and champagne is simply the region in which they are produced.

Some of the most famous wine producers of the Penedès region are Codorníu and Freixenet.

From here, the tour returns to Barcelona, arriving at 7pm.

Departure point:

Tours depart from Plaça Catalunya outside the Hard Rock Café.

Inclusions:

Transport in a small minicoach, with full air conditioning.
The services of a professional guide, who will provide a guided tour in English.

Exclusions:

Lunch and refreshments.
Rack railway and cable car at Montserrat.

Days of Operation

Daily
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday

Departs 09.00
Returns 19.00

Depart Edinburgh 09.15am and travel northwest through the historic area of Linlithgowshire, close to the historic palace. The tragi…

Depart Edinburgh 09.15am 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.

Return time - Approx 18.00

Departure Point
207 High St, Edinburgh.

Return to Waverley Bridge opposite Waverley Train Station

Inclusions
Transportation by top of the range 16 seat Mercedes minicoach for a more personal experience.
We believe a small group tour with a maximum of 16 passengers really does make a big difference to your trip. It allows us to give you a more personal service and remain the only 5 Star operator to offer this personal guarantee. Touring with a maximum of 16 passengers you get more for your money, more personal attention, more time with the locals, more time off the bus, more time on the back-roads and just more of an authentic, friendly experience. The smaller groups allow you to meet people from all over the world and make friends for life.
Forced air ventilation as standard.
Services of a professional Rabbie's driver/guide
Rabbie's Discount Card - money off restaurants, shopping and attractions.

Exclusions
Lunch and refreshments.
Entrance to Stirling Castle, but you get 10% off with our discount card - or £2 off Historic Scotland Explorer passes - for lots of Historic sites in Scotland
Loch Lomond boat cruise.

Days of Operation
Daily - year round