Celestun Tour - Yuctan

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.

A fantastic all-day excursion along the beautiful Costa Daurada coastline aboard the most modern luxury catamaran on the Mediterranean, sailing to the traditional village of L' Ametlla de Mar. The food option includes a delicious barbecue prepared by your captain and crew, and also includes sangria and dessert too. On arrival you will have free time to explore the morning market and visit the local shops, where you can buy some local products and souvenirs. Shopping in L´ Ametlla de Mar is a lovely pastime, where you can walk through its narrow and bustling streets, visiting little shops and boutiques. A great way to spend your day, or if you prefer, you can choose to relax on the beautiful sandy beach instead. Filled with lovely coves and blue flag beaches, L’Ametlla de Mar is an unspoilt fishing town on the Costa Daurada, Catalonia. With quaint whitewashed buildings that watch over the sea and its beautiful shades of blue and green waves lapping up against the light golden sand, L´ Ametlla de Mar is a very pretty picture. 

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  

Kia Ora Auckland Zoo, one of the best and most widely-acclaimed wildlife attractions in the southern hemisphere, Auckland Zoo is home to over 875 individual animals from 138 different species all set in comfortable, park-like surrounds within easy reach from the city centre. With tickets to this award-winning zoo, you'll have face to face encounters with the likes of elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes and many other exotics as well as New Zealand's most famous animal icon - the Kiwi. Auckland Zoo also features a range of entertaining and educational daily shows and animal encounters that provide further insight into all aspects of the animal kingdom. Bug Lab Bug Lab is a blockbuster science exhibition developed by New Zealand’s world-famous museum, Te Papa, with the Academy Award© winning Weta Workshop. Mammals From elephants, rhinos and giraffes to lions, tigers and red pandas, find out more about our mammals. Birds Both New Zealand and exotic birds can be found all over the Zoo, find out more about our birds. Ectotherms Reptiles, invertebrates, fish and amphibians, find out more about our ectotherms.