Tuesday June 16th, 2015
Highlights of Sarasota
History buffs and art connoisseurs, nature enthusiasts and just plain fun-lovers will delight in the bounty of Sarasota’s historic sites and time-tested attractions.
Your day will begin at THE JOHN & MABLE RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART, known throughout the world for its rich and varied collections. It was planned by the Ringling’s to be a part of a grand legacy. The built their winter home, Ca'd'Zan, in 1926 and completed the art museum in 1929. The galleries were first opened to the public in March 1939. John Ringling bequeath the entire estate and the collection to the people of Florida upon his death in 1936. After the state assumed responsibility for the property in 1946, the nineteenth-century theater from Asolo, Italy, and artifacts related to circus history were also added.
For the shoppers, guests will have the opportunity to explore ST. ARMAND'S CIRCLE for the absolute shopping experience! Over 100 shops, galleries, restaurants and many more surprises. Experience the ambiance of exotic lands and far away places. Fulfill your shopping passions with fashion elegance, fine collectable, antiques, crystal, china and precious gems. Whatever your heart desires, you are sure to find at St. Armand's Circle. Guests will enjoy free time to shop and lunch on there own.
Includes: Deluxe Round Trip Transportation, Uniformed Tour Guide, Admission to The Ringling Museum, Private Mansion and Circus Museum, Private Docent Tour of the Mansion, Free Time to Shop in St. Armand’s Circle, Bottled Waters on coach, liability insurance, all applicable taxes, driver and guide gratuities and the complete coordination by Eventions of Florida
Price: $84 per person
Estimated Time: 7 hours (900AM-400PM)
Minimum # of guests: 25
Maximum # of guests: 55
*Guests will have the choice on -site to stay at museum the entire time or explore the museum & St. Armand’s Circle
**Driving time to/from Sarasota is 60 – 75 minutes each way
Wednesday June 17th, 2015
Tarpon Springs, Home of the Sponge Docks
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 Heritage Museum is located at the cultural heart of Tarpon Springs, on shady Craig Park overlooking Spring Bayou. The beautifully renovated facility, formerly a library, features a grand entrance area with two separate wings. The History Wing traces the development of Tarpon Springs from prehistoric peoples to the Second World War. The Ecology Wing explores the role of the native landscape and marine environment - including the sponge - in shaping Tarpon Springs' history and culture.
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 enjoy shopping and dinner on their own 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.
Includes: Deluxe Round Trip Transportation, Uniformed Tour Guide, Exclusive Sponge Seminar, Cultural Center Admission, Donation to Church, Narrative Tour of Tarpon Springs, Free time to shop and explore, Bottled Waters on coach, liability insurance, all applicable taxes, server, guide and driver gratuities and the complete coordination by Eventions of Florida
Price: $45 per person
Estimated Time: 2:00pm – 9:30pm
Minimum # of guests: 50
Maximum # of guests: Unlimited
St. Petersburg and Dali Museum
Framed by lush green waterfront parks, towering palm trees, sailboat masts and Mediterranean towers, downtown St. Petersburg is the sparkling jewel of Tampa Bay. There is a love of art and culture in St. Petersburg that can be felt throughout the community. It is seen in the various museums, art galleries, and private studios which populate this scenic shoreline community. Your guests will have the opportunity to tour world famous museums and shop in some of the finest galleries and shops in the Tampa Bay area.
The day will begin at THE SALVADOR DALI MUSEUM. Situated on the Bayboro Harbor in downtown St. Petersburg, the Salvador Dali Museum is home to the world's most comprehensive collection of works by the late Spanish surrealist Salvador Dali. The collection includes 94 original oils, over 100 watercolors and drawings, plus 1,300 graphics, sculptures, holograms, objects of art and photographs. You will be awed by the size and complexity of
some of the largest Dali paintings in the world. These creations will engage the imagination of the world forever. Your mind will be perplexed, confounded, stimulated and intrigued. Discover the strange world of Dali...one of the twentieth century's greatest artists. From the little known early works in which Dali painted in Impressionist styles, to his Classic and Surrealist periods, one will see hints of Picasso, Cezanne, Velasquez and others culminating in a distinctive Dali style. The famous double image paintings and the monumental canvases are among the most popular in the museum. Enjoy a private guided tour with one of the museum’s fabulous docent’s and then some free time to browse through their extensive gift shop offering merchandise ranging from prints of Dali’s artwork, multiple books on Dali, clothing, cosmetic’s and much more.
FREE TIME TO SHOP & GALLERY HOP ALONG BEACH DRIVE AND CENTRAL AVENUE will follow the museum. Some free time for you to browse through the charming shops and galleries located along Beach Drive and Baywalk. Within a short walking distance you will find such galleries as the P. Buckley Moss and The Red Cloud Galleries. Beach Drive and Baywalk offer a fine selection of Boutiques and Specialty shop which are sure to please even the most seasoned shoppers. Enjoy dinner on your own, your tour guide will give you wonderful restaurant suggestions.
Includes: Deluxe Round Trip Transportation, Uniformed Tour Guide, Museum Admission & Docent Tour at Dali, Free Time to Shop and Explore in Downtown St. Petersburg, Bottled Waters on coach, liability insurance, all applicable taxes, driver and guide gratuities and the complete coordination by Eventions of Florida
Price: $71 per person
Estimated Time: 2:30pm- 9:00pm
Minimum # of guests: 50
Maximum # of guests: Unlimited
Thursday June 18th, 2015
Dolphin Eco-Tour
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.
Includes: Uniformed Tour Escort to walk with group to Aquarium, 90 minute Eco- tour Cruise, liability insurance, all applicable taxes, driver gratuities and the complete coordination by Eventions of Florida
Price: $36 per person Adult $30 per person child (3-11 years)
Estimated Time: 2 hours (145PM-400PM)
Minimum # of guests: 15
Maximum # of guests: Unlimited
OPTIONAL ADMISSION to the Florida Aquarium (before or after Eco-Cruise) go early and enjoy lunch on your own at the Aquarium or at one of the restaurants in Channelside
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.
$23.00 additional per adult $18.00 additional per child (3-11 years)