Wednesday, February 6, 2013 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
*** This tour has been canceled, we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. ***
Dating back to the
early 1900's when sponges were discovered in the local waters, Tarpon Springs
experienced an influx of immigrants from the Dodecanese Islands of Greece who
settled here to work in their native industry of sponge diving. As the industry
grew, so did the Greek community, bringing its wonderful ethnic flavor, customs
and charm with them. Today, the guests
will have the opportunity to explore the history of Tarpon Springs. One of the highlights of the tour will include the HOW TO SHOP FOR A SPONGE
SEMINAR and which will take place during the ride to Tarpon Springs and
will include everything they will need to know in order to select and care for
that perfect sponge to bring home from Tarpon Springs.
The tour will begin
at the TARPON SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER which was built in 1915 as the
original city hall and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
View their current exhibit as well as a National Geographic film done on Tarpon
Springs, its sponging industry and Greek community.
Next stop is the ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, an ornate replica of a famous
Greek Cathedral in Turkey is adorned with tons of high quality Grecian marble.
The interiors are lit by beautiful ornate chandeliers, and the bishop's throne
is carved out of solid marble. The
church is a beautiful, traditional, cultural visit
full of Greek tradition and religious icons.
Following the Church, the guests will relax aboard the coach for a drive
by tour of the VICTORIAN HOMES ALONG SPRING BAYOU where they will enjoy
a brief narrative by the guide of this scenic waterfront Area where many of
Tarpon's founding fathers built their beautiful turn of the century homes.
Next is a quick drive by of the SPONGE DOCKS, which will allow the
guide the opportunity to point out shops, restaurants and attractions for your free
time down at the docks. Guests will have
free time to have lunch on their own and shop at the Sponge Docks. Over 100
shops to choose from offering goods and merchandise from all over the world,
sponge and curio shops, abundant Greek cuisine and bakeries and even some Amish
style fudge. For the non-shoppers, several attractions are located in the area.
Price: $58.00 per person based on a minimum of 20 participants
Includes: Deluxe Round Trip
Transportation, Uniformed Tour Guide, Cultural Center Admission, Narrative Tour
of Tarpon Springs, Exclusive Sponge Seminar, Free time to explore Sponge Docks
and lunch on their own, Bottled Waters, 7% Sales tax, liability insurance,
driver gratuities and the complete coordination by Eventions of Florida of Florida
Strolling in Ybor with Spanish Lunch
Thursday, February 7, 2013 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
Discover the colorful diversity of this
National Landmark neighborhood with its Italian, Spanish and Cuban heritage,
many of whom traditions have not changed even after over 100 years in this
country. This walking tour reveals a
special mix of architecture in wrought iron balconies, vibrant Spanish tile,
classical facades, historic cigar factories, charming "Shot-gun"
style cottages and a museum.
Lunch will be served at THE COLUMBIA RESTAURANT, which was established in 1905. This
magnificent building with its hand painted Spanish tiles, center sky-lit room
and beautiful statues is a must on your trip to Ybor City. It is as much a part of Ybor's history as the
cigar industry itself. Enjoy traditional
Spanish cuisine while absorbing the ambiance of this landmark restaurant. Prior to lunch, your guests will take a BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR OF THE COLUMBIA
RESTAURANT. Their personal guide
will escort the guests through this one city block size facility exploring it’s
nearly 100 years of history, tradition and culture. Tour will include the numerous private dining
rooms, the Cigar Bar, the sky light patio room and Columbia’s many wine
rooms. After lunch the guests will enjoy
free time to shop in Columbia’s own cigar and gift shop where you can purchase
cigars and gifts imported from Spain.
Price: $78.00 per person based on a minimum of 20 participants
Includes: Deluxe
Round Trip Transportation, Uniformed Tour Guide, Narrative Walking tour of Ybor
City, Admission and Docent Tour of the Ybor City State Museum and Casitas, Exclusive
Behind the Scenes Tour and Spanish Lunch including Iced Tea and Coffee at the
Columbia Restaurant, Bottled Waters, 7% Sales Tax, liability insurance, driver
gratuities and the complete coordination by Eventions of Florida of Florida
Florida Aquarium & Dolphin Eco Cruise
Friday, February 8, 2013 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Florida Aquarium combines education and
fun for guests of all ages in this one-of-a-kind facility. Your group will be introduced to more than 20,000
fascinating aquatic animals and plants that call Florida home and even some
unique species from exotic lands…all in air-conditioned comfort. You will explore the wondrous
journey of water from its quiet underground source out to
the deep, dark realms of the open sea.
After exploring the Aquarium, guests will
have the opportunity to enjoy a 90-minute journey through the bay aboard the
Bay Spirit II. This 72 foot powered
passenger catamaran will journey out into the bay to see dolphins, numerous
species of birds and fish, manatees and more!
Along the way guests will also learn about one of the busiest ports in
the Southern United States and how the bay plays a critical role in the lives
of residents and visitors alike. Nothing compliments your indoor Aquarium
experience more than encountering Florida’s incredible wildlife in its natural
setting on the Dolphin Eco-Tour.
Price: $68.00 per person based on a minimum of 20 participants
Includes: Deluxe
Round Trip Transportation, Uniformed Tour Guide, Admission to Aquarium, 90
minute Eco-Cruise, 7% Sales Tax, liability insurance, driver gratuities and the
complete coordination by Eventions of Florida of Florida
