Ripley's Believe It or Not! Times Square
OverView
Debuting on July 10, the World Trade Center exhibit is a perfect scale model of the New York City complex, assembled from more than 470,000 matchsticks. Standing at 17 feet tall, the wooden wonder was created by artist Patrick Acton of Gladbrook, Iowa.
Set against a graffiti-like back-drop created by the renowned New York-based art collective Tats Cru, the “Fastest Tour of New York” takes place in just 16 steps down a staircase, immersing visitors in the real sounds of the City, from the Bronx to Wall Street.
Guests can add their heads to Ripley’s prized collection of shrunken heads with the new Amazonian Makeover exhibit. Guests simply take their picture at a special kiosk, shrink their head down to the size of a human fist and accessorize with hair, bones and war paint. Images can then be sent to a phone via text or personal email address for further sharing on social media channels.
The new “Recollections” room allows guests to see their dance moves projected and repeated in a rainbow of florescent colors on an over-sized screen.
Historic London Pubs & Beer Tasting
Enjoy an insider’s walking tour through the back streets of London to discover three of the oldest pubs in London. These incredible icons of the city are steeped in history and have been the scene of many a rousing debate between famous literary figures of the day including Samuel Johnson and Charles Dickens. Historic Pub Walking Tour Includes: afternoon walking tour of historic Bankside (starts 3pm) a visit to three London pubs with an incredible history Professional English-speaking tour guide personal audio headset – never miss a word of your live-guided commentary a beer 'flight' (3 tasters of British Beer) Tour Excludes: food Highlights: Visit one of the most historic parts of the city on this fascinating walk: see the Clink Prison, the Palace of Winchester and walk across the Millennium Bridge with it's stunning views up and down the River Thames. There are a few more quintessentially English experiences than enjoying a pint of ale in a centuries old public house. This walking tour takes you on a unique experience to some of the oldest and most famous pubs in London. Practical Information: Tour Starts: 3pm, at iconic St Paul’s Cathedral Tour Finishes: 6pm, Bankside
Tower Bridge Exhibition + HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS Belfast is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during the Second World War. HMS Belfast played a leading part in the destruction of the battle cruiser Scharnhorst, and also the Normandy Landings. In service with the Royal Navy until 1965, she was saved for the nation in 1971 as a unique reminder of Britain’s naval heritage. Launch! Shipbuilding Through the Ages This new family-orientated exhibition will use hands-on and computerised interactive displays and engaging film and footage to demonstrate techniques of shipbuilding, from the ‘age of sail’ to modern prefabrication methods. The exhibition will focus on the science, engineering and social history of shipbuilding in Great Britain, and the interactive elements of the exhibition will allow children of all ages to get involved and experience this history. Explore ‘What shall we give in return for so much?’ One of the most powerful large light cruisers ever built, HMS Belfast is now the only surviving vessel of her type to have seen active service during the Second World War. Serving Britain for 32 years, she played an important role in both the Second World War and the Korean War as well as performing peacekeeping duties throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Saved from destruction in 1971, HMS Belfast is now part of the Imperial War Museum and is the first ship to be preserved for the nation since Nelson’s Victory. Through its team of staff and volunteers – many of whom are veteran crew – the Imperial War Museum is dedicated to making sure that HMS Belfast still has a role to play in reminding visitors of her unique place in Britain’s maritime heritage. History of HMS Belfast The term 'cruiser' goes back to the days of sailing ships when large frigates could be detached from the main fleet to cruise independently. The sailing cruiser, like her twentieth-century counterpart, was sufficiently powerful and fast to attack and destroy enemy commerce raiders. During the nineteenth century when sail gave way to steam and wooden ships were replaced by those built of iron, and later of steel, the cruiser evolved into a powerful warship which was used to patrol the Empire trade routes and protect friendly merchant shipping. After the First World War (1914-1918) a single category of cruiser emerged whose size was indicated by the size of its guns; thus, HMS Belfast is a 6-inch cruiser, designed for the protection of trade, for offensive action, and as a powerful support for amphibious operations. Please note: children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please allow 1½ - 2 hours for your visit. Tower Bridge Exhibition Walkways & Exhibition: Visitors enter Tower Bridge Exhibition via the North Tower. They are then transported by lift to the top of the Tower (47 metres above the Thames) where they have a unique opportunity to see the Bridge’s steel skeleton from within. A short film explains the history and provenance of the Bridge and then there is the chance to admire the spectacular views – from both covered Walkways. On Monday 1st December, Tower Bridge’s East Walkway will reopen with its own GLASS FLOOR, joining the West Walkway to complete our new-look exhibition. Together with far-reaching views of East London, the walkway will be bolstered with a further 20 revered bridges in the extended popular display, ‘Great Bridges of the World’. On the east Walkway there are fantastic views of the Docklands and from the west Walkway you can see the new GLA building, the Tower of London, St Paul’s, the city, the Pool of London and Big Ben and the London Eye in the distance. Interactive computerised kiosks and graphic panels explain the significance of the views to visitors, as well as providing more information on the history and building of the Bridge. The interactive material and graphic panels are written in seven languages and an audio loop for the hard of hearing is also in place for the video show. There is another film to view in the South Tower before descending for the short walk to the historical Engine Rooms, included in your ticket price. Victorian Engine Rooms: These provide a fascinating insight into late 19th century engineering. Installed for the completion of Tower Bridge in 1894, these huge, and beautifully maintained, coal-driven engines were used to power the thousands of bascule Bridge lifts performed until 1976. Although lifts are now operated by electricity, the original steam engines are still in place. The Engine Rooms give visitors a chance to experiment with models demonstrating the technology behind the Bridge. There are also some amazing photographs of Tower BridgeTthroughout its lifetime – including a revealing picture of the heavy steel structure of the Bridge as the stone cladding was installed over it.
Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition & Globe Theatre Tour + Afternoon Tea with Prosecco
A Midsummer Night’s dream Afternoon Tea inspired by scenes from the play, guests will be able to enjoy a collection of sweet and savory delights, many of which can be traced back to the food and characters seen in the play itself. Visitors to the exhibition can discover how shows were produced in the theatres of Shakespeare's time, from writing and rehearsals to music, dance and performance. There are opportunities to learn about the traditional crafts and techniques used during the process of rebuilding the Globe; to find out how special effects were produced in Shakespeare's time, to listen to recordings from some of the most memorable Shakespearean performances ever, or join the cast and add your own voice to a scene recorded by Globe actors; to create your own Shakespearean phrases in the word jungle; to watch a sword-fighting display and browse the costume collection, where you can learn about the extraordinary methods used in creating clothes 400 years ago. A visit to the Exhibition includes a guided tour of the theatre where expert guide-storytellers provide fascinating half hour tours of the auditorium, taking visitors on a journey through time back to Elizabethan London as well as the reconstruction process of the 1980's-90's and how the wooden 'o' works today as an imaginative and experimental theatrical space. An exhibition visit and theatre tour lasts about one and a half hours. Before or after your visit why not indulge in Afternoon Tea served at Swan at the Globe? Enjoy the lovely view of the River Thames while savouring a very British & delicious tea. All ingredients are sourced from local farmers, foragers and markets. MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM AFTERNOON TEA Sandwiches Herb fed lemon chicken, pea flower Smoked salmon, grape mustard & dill pancake Wild mushroom, whipped truffle cheese tart Duck egg mayonnaise, asparagus Sweets Chocolate & Violet chouquettes Lemon & rose cake Strawberry delice, elderflower meringue Hibiscus & apricot shot Mulberry scones & plain scones served with clotted cream and Midsummer jam Drinks Served with tea of your choice and a glass of prosecco
Mardi Gras World Tour + Steamboat Jazz Sightseeing Cruise
Steamboat Natchez Cruises - Daytime Jazz Cruise Rates do not include gratuity to drivers and/or guides. MARDI GRAS WORLD: WHERE MARDI GRAS IS MADE! There are plenty of tours in New Orleans, but only one offers a real, behind-the-scenes look at New Orleans Mardi Gras, and that’s the Mardi Gras World tour. Mardi Gras World gives you an authentic Mardi Gras experience all year round, whether you visit while sightseeing in New Orleans, enjoying a New Orleans family vacation or taking a break from your business trip. Take our day tour to see what it takes to bring Mardi Gras to life year after year. Our tour allows you to see firsthand the hard work and extensive planning that goes into this grand event. Since 1947, Blaine Kern Studios has built the breathtaking parade floats for major parades not only for Mardi Gras, but for parades all over the world. Mardi Gras parades would be nothing without the fantastical floats that line the parade route year after year. The hard work that goes into making these spectacles is what makes Mardi Gras in New Orleans the greatest show on Earth! Our knowledgeable guides take the mask off Mardi Gras with an all-access Mardi Gras tour, winding through the massive studio where these magnificent floats are built from the ground up. You’ll learn about the history of this unique and festive tradition and go beyond its reputation to get a deeper understanding of the real Mardi Gras. The whole family will love the experience of touring the space where our artisans create spectacular floats for over 40 parades each year. There are plenty of opportunities for photos in front of floats, with props, or wearing a traditional Mardi Gras costume on this New Orleans tour. This is an experience you will want to document, so don’t forget to bring your camera! A FREE shuttle is provided with ticket purchase, and has pick-ups at 20 convenient downtown locations. Just call 504-361-7821 to see where our designated pick up locations are. Call when you are at one of our many locations and we will quickly pick you and your party up. If you do not wish to use our complimentary shuttle, the closest parking is available in Lot J across from the Mardi Gras World entrance. ($15.00/vehicle, owned by the New Orleans Convention Center, subject to change) Wandering through the magical float den is an exciting experience for kids and adults alike, so come join us for the best Mardi Gras tour around.
City Sightseeing Inverness Hop-on Hop-off
Your incredible Inverness expedition is sure to blow you away, as you board the super double decker buses and take a trip through the Scottish streets that have so much character and history. We set off from Bank Street by the river Ness, where you can find the answers to any questions about Inverness before we start. The 2nd Bus Stop is a must see - St Andrews Cathedral; the organ, stained glass windows and the paintings and carvings make it worth a visit. The tour passes Queen's Park Stadium and Inverness Leisure before crossing Tomnahurich Bridge, Jacobite Cruises and Torvean Golf Club. As we return to the city centre, at stop 11 you may alight to visit Muritown Locks. Hop off here and walk around the beautiful canal, before hopping back on board to return to the starting point Bank Street. What are you waiting for to get to all these amazing places? Buy your ticket online today.
Mekong Delta Day Trip w/ Cooking Demonstration & Cai Be Floating Market
ITINERARY: After pickup from your hotel, transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to the town of Cai Be, located approximately 100 miles (160 km) southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. On the way, stop to take photos of the beautiful landscapes and typical farmers working in the rice fields. Upon arrival in Cai Be, hop on a motorboat with your small group and visit the Cai Be Floating Market, established in the 19th century on the Tien River. Observe locals trading fruit and other wholesale goods, hung from poles aboard boats and rafts, in the bustling floating market. Then, disembark for a short walk to a coconut candy factory and tour the facility to learn how the sweets are produced. You‟ll have the opportunity to purchase some candy before meandering with your guide around the small villages of the Mekong Delta. Visit a fruit orchard and plantation, and listen to traditional southern Vietnamese music called don ca tai tu, which combines elements from court music and folk music. Afterward, cruise along the Mekong Delta to Tan Phong Island. Here, join your small group in a half-day cooking class with your guide. You‟ll learn to prepare Vietnamese dishes from several regions as you discover the many cultural influences at play in Vietnamese cuisine. Try your hand at making savoury specialties like fried elephant-ear fish, grilled steak cooked in a bamboo cylinder, grilled fish in banana leaf and fish braised in a clay pot. Enjoy your delicious creations with your fellow food lovers before hopping on a bicycle to ride along the village path. Pass fruit orchards and a bonsai garden as you explore the neighbourhood with your guide and mingle with the local villagers. Your day trip ends with a boat ride back to Cai Be and return transport to your Ho Chi Minh City hotel.