Shore Excursions Group
Private City Tour With Butchart Gardens
Private City Tour with Butchart Gardens
Enjoy a fully narrated private city tour around the beautiful and historical city of Victoria. Relax as your tour guide drives you through the most stunning landmarks in private comfort.
Your guided tour will begin with a pick-up directly from the cruise ship terminal. From there, your guide will drive you through some of the most scenic and culturally significant areas in Victoria. Highlights of the Tour Fisherman’s Wharf: Explore the charming houseboat community and learn about its history, which saw its peak as a bustling fishing hub from the end of WWII until the early 1990s.
Inner Harbour: Enjoy views of the iconic Parliament Buildings, the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel, the charming shopping district, and the oldest Chinatown in Canada.
James Bay: Drive through this picturesque peninsula surrounded by Beacon Hill Park, the Inner Harbour, the Outer Harbour, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. You’ll also pass by the birthplace of the renowned author and painter Emily Carr. Key Stops Beacon Hill Park: Discover Victoria’s largest inner-city park, home to lush gardens, wildlife, and the world’s tallest free-standing totem pole. Government House: Stop to admire this 33-acre estate, home to the Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, with its beautifully maintained gardens.
Craigdarroch Castle: Take in views of this remarkable “bonanza castle” built between 1887 and 1890 by Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from coal. This grand Victorian mansion offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the era.
The highlight of your tour is a visit to the breathtaking The Butchart Gardens, a designated National Historic Site of Canada. Built by Robert and Jennie Butchart between 1904 and 1943, this world-famous botanical masterpiece features: Sunken Garden: A stunning transformation of a former quarry into a floral wonderland. Japanese and Italian Gardens: Designed to reflect different cultural aesthetics. Ross Fountain and Star Pond: Fountains and ponds that add a serene ambiance to the lush gardens. The gardens attract over a million visitors annually and host local entertainment, including jazz and classical music performances, during both the summer and winter seasons.
After immersing yourself in the natural beauty of The Butchart Gardens, your guide will take you on a scenic drive through the serene Saanich countryside before returning you to the cruise ship terminal.
Please Note: Vehicle Options: SUV: Accommodates 1 to 5 passengers. Van: Accommodates 6 to 14 passengers. The entrance fee for The Butchart Gardens and other attractions is NOT included in this tour. During September, The Butchart Gardens closes at 17:00. Please plan your visit accordingly. To save time and skip the line at The Butchart Gardens, we recommend purchasing your tickets online at www.butchartgardens.com at least a few days before your tour. For the most up-to-date information on visiting hours, seasonal displays, and ticket availability, please check their official website before your visit. Important: The itinerary may be adjusted due to traffic, special events, accidents, or peak travel times to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
| Day 1 |
Victoria, the charming capital of the Seychelles, offers an enchanting blend of tropical beauty and vibrant culture. Located on the island of Mahé, Victoria is the smallest capital city in the world, but it packs a wealth of experiences into its compact size. The city’s heart is the colorful Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, a bustling hub where local vendors sell fresh produce, spices, and handcrafted goods. This market is a sensory feast, with its array of tropical fruits, aromatic spices, and vibrant fabrics. The city’s colonial architecture and British influence are evident in landmarks such as the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens. These gardens, founded in 1901, showcase the diverse flora of the Seychelles, including the famous Coco de Mer palms. A stroll through these lush gardens offers a serene escape and an opportunity to admire the unique plant species native to the islands. For those interested in history, the Victoria Clocktower is a must-see. This iconic landmark, a miniature replica of the Big Ben in London, was erected in 1903 to commemorate Queen Victoria. It stands as a symbol of the island's colonial past and offers a quaint photo opportunity amidst the city’s picturesque backdrop. A fun fact about Victoria is that it is home to the world's smallest airport. The Seychelles International Airport, while serving as a gateway to the island paradise, is renowned for its small size and quick service, adding to the island's charm and convenience for visitors. Whether you’re exploring the lively market, relaxing in the botanical gardens, or admiring the historical clocktower, Victoria’s blend of cultural richness and natural beauty promises an unforgettable experience. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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05/03/22 - 04/09/27 |
Starting At $65 |
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Guests must be able to get in and out of transportation. This tour can accommodate a collapsible wheelchair.
