Excursion Grand victoria & empress tea tour at Victoria

Experience the splendid history and sites of Victoria, and High Tea at the world-famous Fairmont Empress Hotel, during this bespoke, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Victoria, Sightseeing Drive, Ornate Architecture, Affluent Neighbourhoods, Manicured Lawns

Depart the pier for a visually stunning, approximately 75-minute sightseeing drive through Victoria. With its ornate architecture, affluent neighbourhoods, countless manicured lawns, it’s easy to understand why Victoria is known as the ‘Garden City’. Your scenic and winding route traverses many of Victoria’s upscale neighbourhoods. Marvel at the many diverse and ornate architectural styles. Along the way, stops are made at the Dallas Road and other viewpoints for breath-taking panoramic views and photo opportunities of southern Vancouver Island and its surrounds.

Chinatown, BC Legislative Buildings, Inner-Harbour, Totem Pole, Peacocks, Beacon Hill Park

Next, view the world’s tallest freestanding totem pole and free-roaming peacocks at beautiful Beacon Hill Park, a stunning, approximately 183-acre (75-hectare) park located along the shores of the Juan de Fuca Strait in Victoria. Afterward, your drive continues through Chinatown en route to the spectacular Inner-Harbour, home of the BC Legislative Buildings and iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, one of the most famous hotels in all of Canada.

Fairmont Empress Hotel, Lobby Lounge, Afternoon Tea, Optional Shopping

Opened in 1908, the Fairmont Empress Hotel has become synonymous with High Tea; an English tradition and meal unto itself. Served in their ornate Lobby Lounge, your service includes a Tea Tower laden with sandwiches, scones, preserves, clotted cream, pastries, and desserts. Of course, it couldn’t be called ‘Afternoon Tea’ without plenty of the beverage, too, served on Empress china. At the conclusion of your visit, you can re-board your coach and commence the approximately 15-minute drive back to the pier, or opt to stay in the downtown area for shopping and further exploration (time-permitting), then return to the ship at your own expense.   

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Victoria, Chinatown, BC Legislative Buildings, Inner-Harbour, Totem Pole, Beacon Hill Park, Fairmont Empress Hotel, Lobby Lounge, Afternoon Tea

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 233 yards (about 213 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach; an elevator is available at the Fairmont Empress Hotel. Walking in Victoria is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing in layers with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and Canadian Dollars, US Dollars, or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 19 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary.