The Grand City Tour is carefully planned to take in the best of Victoria's lovely homes and gardens as well as points of historic interest. It includes the City Center, Chinatown, Antique Row and the English flavored Rockland area. Pass through the exclusive Uplands and Oak Bay residential areas in settings of magnificent Garry Oaks. Follow Marine Drive through the Victoria Golf Club and Beacon Hill Park and through the beautiful residential areas of Victoria, following Marine Drive with its many spectacular views of the coastline and the Olympic Mountains.

Then top off the Grand City Drive Tour with a visit to the stately Craigdarroch Castle. Craigdarroch was built in the late 1800's by Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal. Only the finest materials were used to create this superb home for the Dunsmuir family. Fine woods, stone work, and glass were all meticulously tooled to create one of Victoria's favorite landmarks. Craigdarroch Castle and the Dunsmuir family play an important role in the history of Victoria.

Please Note: Some walking and stair climbing is involved in this tour.

This tour is seasonal and only operates from February to December

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Seasonal
April 1 to December 31
Daily

Unavailable Dates:

• December 24 (Christmas Eve)
• December 25 (Christmas Day)

Departure Point:

Tour departs from in front of the Empress Hotel, Victoria.

Departure Time:

For 2007 Departures:
September 16 to November 10
10:00am, 12:00pm (Between these dates this tour is 3.5 hours in duration)

November 11 to December 7
10:00am (Between these dates this tour is 3.5 hours in duration)

December 8 to December 31
10:00am, 12:00pm (Between these dates this tour is 3.5 hours in duration)

For 2008 Departures:
April 1 to May 2
10:00am, 12:00pm

May 3 to June 6
9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm

June 7 to September 13
Hourly from 9:30am to 2:30pm

September 14 to November 8
10:00am, 12:00pm

November 9 to December 5
10:00am

December 6 to December 31
10:00am, 12:00pm

Return details:

This tour returns to the original departure point approximately 2.5 hours after departure (unless otherwise stated)

Hotel Pickup:

Hotel pick-up is available from Victoria hotels. Please enter the name and address of your hotel at time of booking. If you do not indicate your hotel for pick up at the time of booking, please call the tour operator and advise them of this information directly, at least 24 hours prior to tour date. The contact details for the tour operator will be on your voucher once you have a confirmed booking.

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• Tour on an authentic English Double Decker Bus
• Professional narration
• Admission to Craigdarroch Castle
• Roundtrip transportation
• Taxes

Exclusions:

• Gratuities (optional)

Additional Info:

• This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date
• Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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