View from The Shard + Cutty Sark

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.

Windsor Castle in London ist das älteste und am längsten bewohnte Schloss weltweit. Es ist die offizielle Residenz der Queen und ist Zeuge sowie Schauplatz von 900 Jahren britischer Geschichte. Windsor Castle – ein gigantisches Schloss  Mit mehr als 1000 Zimmern, 4500 Quadratmetern Wohnfläche gehört das Windsor Castle zu den größten Gebäuden der Welt. 13Hektar beträgt die gesamte Größe des Grundstücks. Wilhelm der Eroberer erbaute die Burg nach der Schlacht in der Normandie zunächst aus Holz im Stil einer Motte (Holzburg). Im Jahr 1100 bezog Heinrich der VII die Räumlichkeiten. Er erweiterte die Burg, ersetzte das Holz durch Stein und funktionierte das Gemäuer zu seinem Königspalast um. Heimat zahlreicher Monarchen Einige der berühmtesten Monarchen Englands, darunter Heinrich VIII. und sein Vater Heinrich VII., die auch in der Schlosskirche ihre ewige Ruhe fanden, bewohnten Windsor Castle. Bis heute hatten insgesamt haben 39 englische Royals ihren offiziellen Wohnsitz im Palast. Windsor Castle war die Lieblingsresidenz von Königin Victoria und ihrem Ehemann Prinz Albert. Nach dessen Tod trug Victoria nur noch Schwarz und wurde vom Volk als die Witwe von Windsor bezeichnet. Heute ist das Schloss die Heimat von Königin Elizabeth II und wird jedes Jahr während der Osterzeit von der Königin und ihrem Ehemann Prinz Philip bewohnt. Zusammen mit dem Holyrood Palace ist das Schloss ist auch die Residenz der Königin an freien Wochenenden.   Besuchen Sie Windsor Castle Das Schloss ist das ganze Jahr über für Besucher geöffnet. Es öffnet um 09:30 Uhr und schließt um 17:30 Uhr. In den Wintermonaten (November bis Februar) öffnet das Schloss etwas später um 09:45 Uhr und schließt um 16:15 Uhr. Die Wachablösung findet jeden Morgen zwischen 11:00 und 11:30 Uhr statt. Schlossführungen sind gerade in den Sommermonaten sehr beliebt und dauern in der Regel zwei bis drei Stunden. Das Highlight im Jahr 2018: Die königliche Hochzeit Am 19. Mai 2018 fand im Windsor Castle die königliche Hochzeit von Prinz Harry und seiner Braut Megan Markle statt. Die Hochzeit wurde in der St. George's Chapel abgehalten. Die Kapelle wurde ursprünglich im 14. Jahrhundert von Edward dem VIII. erbaut, bevor sie im 15. Jahrhundert großzügig erweitert wurde. In der Kapelle finden jetzt mehr als 800 Gäste Platz und sie war Schauplatz vieler königlicher Hochzeiten, Taufen und Beerdigungen. Die Hochzeit von Prinz Charles von Wales und Camilla Parker Bowles, sowie der Taufe von Prinz Harry waren bedeutende Ereignisse der jüngeren Vergangenheit. Im Herbst 2018 wird in der Kapelle auch die Hochzeit von Prinzessin Eugenie und Jack Brooksbank stattfinden.

What You’ll See On Tour Take this amazing guided sightseeing tour of Sopranos Sites that departs from mid-town Manhattan and whisks fans through “Sopranoland” in New Jersey.  Tour guides are actors that have appeared as stand-ins or extras on the show who share little known facts and behind the scenes info.  This one-of-a-kind tour is a “must” for any Sopranos fan. Do you want a real-life peek into the locations from The Sopranos? Join On Location Tours’ guided bus tour of The Sopranos sites to become a Sopranos expert! Join us for sightseeing from NYC to the Jersey suburbs where Tony Soprano and his mafia buddies spend their days and nights. See where the mob hangs out! This is a great idea for bachelor parties in New York or New Jersey and for all fans of the Sopranos. You might even want to package it together with a dinner in Little Italy. From Manhattan to "Sopranoland" The tour of Sopranos Sites is based on the popular television show created by David Chase for HBO. Although the series ended in 2006, the episodes can still be seen on A&E. The Sopranos revolves around New Jersey mafia boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often-conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads. The show gave a bird’s eye view into mob life and allowed viewers to see the inner workings of this New Jersey crime family.  Season 1 and half of Season 2 were focused on Tony’s relationship with his mother Livia, played by Nancy Marchand.  Ms. Marchand passed away half way through Season 2’s filming, which was eventually written into the story line.  From that point on, Tony’s wife, Carmella (played by Edie Falco), his daughter Meadow (played by Jamie Lynn Siegler), along with his son AJ (played by Robert Iler) vie for Tony’s attention in between the dirty deals and beat downs that take place on a daily basis in this mob boss’ life. The tour begins in New York and starts out with sites from the opening credits, including the exit of the Lincoln Tunnel and the famous Manhattan skyline. As you arrive in Jersey, you’ll see more sites from the credits like The Muffler Man, Pizza Land, the Valley Landscape silo, a featured Tudor house, a building in the center of the Meadowlands that Tony often passes, and the ramp to the Pulaski Skyway seen at the end of every episode. The tour then hits some of the most recognizable places from The Sopranos: Barone Sanitation (Tony’s business), the Skyway Diner (where Christopher gets shot), Big Pussy’s auto body shop, and Satin Dolls, also known as the Bada Bing. The tour visits major sites that were used in filming the show such as Carmine’s Funeral Parlor; Party World and Car Wash; La Cibelle’s Restaurant, used as the locale for Nuovo Vesuvio, Artie Bucco’s (played by John Ventimiglia) restaurant in the show; Holsten’s (where the final scene of the last episode was shot); Searchlight Diner; and St. Cecila’s Church, all of which were locations for majors scenes in the show. Another major location for the television show, Satriale’s Pork Store, was a fictional establishment that was housed in an empty warehouse next to the Irish American Club in Kearny.  The set was dismantled after the filming of the series concluded, and the building was torn down to make way for condominiums. More Sopranos filming locations include the back of Big Pussy’s house; the batting cages used by Pussy, AJ and Kevin; the Gold Driving Range where Tony takes his first Prozac; the marina where the Season 5 poster was photographed; Harrison High School where AJ  vandalizes the pool; Seabra’s Rodizo, used as the Searchlight Diner where Pussy turns FBI informant; the statue of Christopher Columbus where the Sopranos get into a fight with the Native Americans; St. Cecilia’s (Carmela’s church); the funeral home used for Carmine’s wake; what’s left of the bakery where Christopher shot the guy in the foot; the Nuovo Vesuvio; the cemetery where Livia was buried, and many,  many more. You Gotta Eat... Looking for something to do after this great tour?  Why not grab a bite to eat in the great Manhattan neighborhood of Little Italy, where the Soprano family often spent time on the show.  Just follow the red, white, and green parking meters along Mulberry Street (between Grand and Canal streets) and you will find more Italian eateries than you could ever hope to visit in a single trip, like Amici II, Café Roma, Casa Bella, Lombardi’s, Fratelli, Caffe Sorrento, Il Palazzo, and more. In the late 1800’s an influx of Italian immigrants created a Little Italy that wasn’t so little.  Now, it is a bit smaller, with only a few thousand Italian-Americans calling Little Italy their home.  However, the neighborhood has never lost its charm.  Stop by Umberto’s Clam House, or Il Cortile to have a delicious lunch or dinner.  Try La Mela for family style Italian or Grotta Azzura for upscale Italian. Skip dessert and grab some great cannoli over at Ferrara Bakery and Café. Or enjoy a glass of wine and tiramisu at one of the many outdoor cafes. * In an effort to stay current, we are constantly updating our tours with new locations and cannot guarantee the presence of locations mentioned on our site. If you have a particular interest in locations from a specific TV show or movie, please let your tour guide know and we will do our best to accomodate your request.

Empire State Building Observatory The world-famous 86th and 102nd floor Observatories offer unmatched views of New York City and on a clear day one can see to New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Delaware. 1,050 feet above the city’s bustling streets, the 86th floor Observatory offers panoramic views from within a glass-enclosed pavilion and from the surrounding open-air promenade. 200 feet higher, our 102nd floor Observatory is a private and serene perch in the middle of the greatest city in the world. The Observatories have been a “must visit” for millions each year since it opened to the public in 1931. Each year approximately four million people are whisked to our 86th and 102nd floors, consistently one of New York City’s top tourist attractions. Visit the Observatories 365 days per year, day and night, rain or shine, for magnificent views of Manhattan and beyond. The Empire State Building embodies the feeling and spirit of New York City. It is recognized not only as an iconic landmark offering some of the most spectacular views on earth, but also as an international symbol of shared hopes, dreams, and accomplishment. Accessibility:  The Empire State Building is fully ADA compliant. We have handicapped restrooms on the 86th Floor Observatory and also have lowered viewing walls and binoculars. Service dogs are allowed throughout the building. Motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs are permitted. The 86th Floor has ramps to make getting around easier and lowered viewing walls so that visitors in chairs can still take in the view.  Additional Options: 102nd Floor Observatory: Upgrade available at Observatory ticket office (2nd floor) or 86th floor kiosk for an additional $20.00. Express Pass: Purchase exclusively from the official Empire State Building onsite ticket office on the day of arrival to move to the front the line.  Dining: State Grill and Bar offers a prix fixe dinner package to observatory guests with fresh locally sourced foods prepared in our glass enclosed kitchen and unique, local craft beers and cocktails. There are also two Starbucks, a café, Chipotle, Sushi-teria, and the budget minded Heartland Brewery. Building Information  1,050 feet to the 86th floor Observatory 1,250 feet to the 102nd floor Observatory
1,453 feet, 8 9/16 inches to the tip of the broadcast tower
Broadcast tower adds 203 feet 8 9/16 inches
103 floors
1,872 steps to the 103rd floor
Sits on 79,288 square feet, approximately 2 acres
Weighs 365,000 tons
Volume is 37 million cubic feet
200,000 cubic feet of Indiana limestone & granite exterior cladding
An estimated ten million bricks were used in construction
730 tons of aluminum and stainless steel were used in construction
57,000 tons of steel were used in construction
Contains 473 miles of electrical wiring and 70 miles of pipe
6,514 windows
210 columns at the base support the entire weight of the building
Construction was completed in one year and 45 days
Seven million man-hours went into constructing the Empire State Building
Final cost of property and construction was $41 million
73 elevators
Five entrances
2.85 million rentable square feet New York Water Taxi Do the complete ride alone in 90-minutes - or go at your own pace, hopping on and off as many times as you like at any one of the four convenient piers (listed below), and have a blast exploring! Some of the popular sites to visit along the route: Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum Times Square / Broadway Hudson River Park National Museum of the American Indian Museum of Jewish Heritage Financial District /Wall Street South Street Seaport DUMBO Brooklyn Bridge Park ...and much, much more! All-Day Access Pass service stops at:  Midtown: W. 42nd Street Downtown: Battery Park Downtown: South Street Seaport Pier 1 - Brooklyn Bridge Park, DUMBO