Welcome to Victoria, known during the summer as the driest city in Canada and referred to as the City of Gardens. This lovely tour showcases the old world charm of this beautiful city that features a picturesque waterfront location nestled against the back-drop of the majestic Olympic Mountains that lie to the south.
Boarding your coach at the cruise terminal, you tour first brings you through the upscale neighborhoods that surround the Inner Harbor, traveling past stately homes with manicured lawns and gardens. Along the way, you will stop at a few scenic viewpoints that will afford you an opportunity to imagine the ambiance of living in one of North America's most scenic cities. This guided tour comes to its finale with your arrival in the heart of Victoria, The Inner Harbor, which is home to the Parliament Buildings and the ivy-covered Fairmont Empress Hotel, one of the oldest and most famous hotels in Canada.
Opened in 1908, and commonly known as The Empress, this is the site of the famous Empress High Tea. Served in their ornate Tea Lobby, the service includes tea served on Empress china, along with a Tea Tower, laden with tea sandwiches, scones, preserves, cream and pastries. Most popular among visitors and locals alike is the Empress Blend so make sure to ask your server about this house specialty.
After a memorable and relaxing 90-minute visit at The Empress, and being treated to a delicious High Tea experience, you may either return to the cruise terminal on the coach, or elect to spend more time in the city and make the 20-minute walk back to the pier on your own.
Please note: This tour includes a minimal amount of walking mainly at the guest's discretion. It is available to guests who utilize a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their way on and off the coach and have a companion to assist them. The Empress is a first-class experience, and requires a minimum of smart casual dress, although you may certainly feel free to dress to the nines for this event.