victoria island bus tour

Sightseeing Victoria

Hop-On Hop-Off Tours

Unlimited sightseeing, stops at the best attractions around Victoria, BC, what better way to explore the City! Hop aboard our open top double-decker bus and explore all the popular attractions Victoria has to offer.

The Butchart Gardens Experience

Explore the world-famous garden with its captivating landscapes, exotic plants, and serene water features. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression!

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Gray Line Sightseeing Victoria

Truly the best way to discover Victoria’s must-see points of interest! Experience Victoria like no other, join us aboard one of our iconic open top double-decker buses! Sightseeing Victoria’s Hop on Hop off Tour allows guests great flexibility to explore the many popular attractions Victoria has to offer. Your ticket grants unlimited 24 hour access to our Hop-On Hop-Off double-decker bus service allowing you to discover Greater Victoria at your own pace.

Travelling to The Butchart Gardens? We’ve got you covered! Join Sightseeing Victoria for a fully narrated round-trip transportation between Downtown Victoria, and The Butchart Gardens. Your ticket includes admission into the Gardens for convenient access.

Insider’s Tip

Please arrive 15-20 mins before departure time and check in with our Gray Line agent out front of The Fairmont Empress Hotel, seating is based on a first come first serve basis. Book your ticket now at  www.sightseeingvictoria.com .

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721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5, Canada

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Victoria + Butchart Gardens

About This Tour

Victoria + butchart gardens tour.

Discover the best of BC’s beautiful greenery and coastal scenery on this adventurous Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour, from Vancouver. Watch for seals and whales from the comfort of your BC Ferry on the Georgia Strait crossing. S troll among Butchart Gardens’ verdant flowerbeds, where colourful flowers bloom across the seasons, and hit the historic sites of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Along the way, your expert guide shares knowledge of the region’s rich history and heritage.   

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EXPLORATION STOPS

Next stop: Adventure! Step off the bus, stretch your legs, and explore at your own pace. We've created our itinerary to give you the perfect amount of time at each unforgettable stop! Not sure where to start? Our guides are always happy to show you their favourite hidden gems!

Victoria Inner Harbour

The Butchart Gardens

Tour highlights.

Each of our tours shine a spotlight on the region's most iconic landmarks, neighbourhoods, and culture — all with live narration from our expert guides. Don't forget your camera! Our oversized, tinted windows are designed for sightseeing so you won’t miss a thing!

Prices include attraction admission and taxes. Gratuity is optional and is not included in the price. If you feel our staff have gone above and beyond your expectations, gratuity will be greatly appreciated.

How long will we spend on BC Ferries?

How much free time will we have in victoria, how much time will we spend at butchart gardens, is there food on the ferry, are the butchart gardens wheelchair accessible, what can i do during my free time in victoria.

10 Best Tours in Victoria BC: Sightseeing Tours by Sea, Street, and Sky

Victoria’s mild weather, stunning West Coast scenery, and quaint colonial architecture make it the perfect city to explore – so consider the best tours in Victoria more of a prescription than a suggestion.

That’s why I’m gonna walk you through the top Victoria BC tours so you can book the best whether you’re in need of history, food, views, wildlife, or some crazy combination of all four.

Let’s get this Victoria sightseeing party started:

The Best Tours in Victoria, BC, for Sightseeing

• Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour : Best Victoria bus tour
• Butchart Gardens Tour : Best day trip tour from Victoria
• Victoria Panorama Tours : Best Victoria tour for views
• Victoria Historical Walking Tour : Best sightseeing walking tour
• Castles & Neighbourhoods Tour : Best sightseeing bike tour
• Private Victoria Tour with Local Guide : Best tour of Victoria for cruisers
• Ocean Magic Whale Watching : Best Victoria tour on the water
• Victoria Brewery and Distillery Tour : Best tour of Victoria for drinks
• Vancouver Island Rainforest Tour : Best rural Victoria BC tour
• Guided Food and History Tour of Victoria : Best culinary tour of Victoria

Victoria Hop on Hop off Tour – Best Victoria Bus Tour

Location: Empress Hotel | Duration: 1/2 Day | Price: From $45.00 CAD

The Victoria Hop on Hop off tour allows you to create your own customized Victoria itinerary, slaloming in and out of all the top things to do in Victoria .

In booking your tickets, you’ll get 15 carefully selected stops that cover virtually all of the city’s top attractions – aboard an open-air UK-style double-decker bus .

The tour is perfect for first-time visitors, cruise ship passengers, families, and those with limited mobility. You can get off at every stop or choose a select few. This is probably the most flexible and convenient Victoria tour on offer.

This Victoria sightseeing tour includes:

• Pick up/drop off at any of the 15 stops (stop #1 is the Empress Hotel)
• Unlimited afternoon access
• Fully narrated tour
• Knowledgeable driver/guide

Grab Victoria HoHo Bus Tour Tickets Now

Related : Best Cheap Hotels in Victoria

Butchart Gardens Tours – Best Butchart Gardens Tour

Location: Inner Harbour | Duration:  3-5 hours | Price: From $50.00 CAD

Victoria’s Butchart Gardens are far and away the most popular attraction in town. In fact, this lush urban oasis attracts over one million visitors a year.

Unfortunately, due to the Gardens’ distance from Downtown Victoria, it isn’t on the HoHo itinerary. This also makes it difficult to reach for travellers without wheels. The answer? Take a tour!

You’ll board your shuttle from a convenient Inner Harbour pickup spot – and in just 20 minutes (all the gas, traffic, and directions-related stress left to the driver), you’ll be at the spectacular garden haven, which contains a plethora of lush greens and colourful blooms year round. 

This Butchart Gardens tour from Victoria includes:

• Inner Harbour pickup/drop off
• Transport to and from Butchart Gardens in Brentwood Bay
• Butchart Gardens admission
• 2-4 hours to explore Butchart Gardens (seasonally dependent)

Grab Butchart Garden Tour Tickets Now

Related : Victoria Butterfly Gardens

Related : Vancouver to Butchart Gardens Tour Options

Victoria Panorama Seaplane Tours – Best Victoria Excursion by Air

Location: Inner Harbour | Duration: 30 min | Price:  From $161.00 CAD

Are you looking to gain the ultimate perspective of BC’s capital city? You should seriously consider taking the dramatic Victoria seaplane tours .

Just head to the end of Wharf Street and jump on the most prototypically Westcoast method of transport: the floatplane. You’ll soar high over the famous Inner Harbour, gaining stunning views of the iconic Empress Hotel and the Parliament Buildings.

The Olympic Mountains, the Straight of Juan De Fuca, and the Vancouver Island coastline will serve as your backdrop for this thrilling 20-minute seaplane ride .

Included in this Victoria seaplane tour:

• 20-minute seaplane flight
• Stunning views of Inner Harbour, Olympic Mountains & Pacific Coastline
• Intimate experience (limited to 5 passengers)

Grab Victoria Seaplane Tour Tickets Now

Related : Vancouver to Victoria by Sea Plane

The Historical Victoria Walking Tour – Best Victoria Walking Tour

Location:  Old Town |  Duration: 1.5 hours | Price:  From $21.00 CAD

If a seaplane freaks you out too much or you’re looking to avoid bus tour crowds, this is your Victoria, BC, tour!

This Victoria walking tour, run by a local historian , departs from a convenient Inner Harbour meetup spot. From here, you’ll get a fascinating tour of the Old Town , Bastion Square and Canada’s oldest Chinatown. You’ll learn about the city’s early days as a rugged pioneer outpost during the Fraser gold rush.

You’ll also gain valuable insight into the city’s history and culture . It’s also a great place to get oriented, so I’d recommend this as the first thing to do in Victoria.

This historical tour of Victoria includes:

• Professional local guide
• A 90-minute tour of Victoria
• Headsets to hear the guide clearly
• Guided tour of the Inner Harbour, Government St., Bastion Square, Market Square, Chinatown, Fan Tan Alley

Grab Victoria Walking Tour Tickets Now

Related : Planning the Perfect Vancouver to Victoria Day Trip

Victoria Castles & Neighbourhoods Bike Tour – Top Victoria Bike Tour

Location:  Inner Harbour | Duration:  2 hours | Price: From $68.00 CAD

Victoria has a tantalizing combination of mild weather and a seemingly endless network of bike lanes, paths, and trails.  It’s renowned as one of the most bikeable cities in North America .

That’s why I’m highly recommending taking a Victoria bike tour . Follow your expert guide as you meander through Chinatown, the Inner Harbour and Cook Street Village neighbourhoods. You’ll also learn the garish history of the allegedly haunted Craigdarroch Castle .

You may not want to leave after one spin through Beacon Hill Park to the stunning Dallas Road waterfront!

*Castle admission is separate

• Expert local guide
• Bike and helmet rental
• Guided Tour of Inner Harbour, Chinatown, Craigdarroch Castle, Beacon Hill Park, Dallas Road Waterfront
• Visit to one of the world’s tallest totem poles

Grab Your Castles & Neighboourhoods Bike Tour Tickets

? Coming from Vancouver ? Check out the 5 best Victoria tours from Vancouver .

Victoria Welcome Tour with Local – Best Victoria, BC Tour from Cruise Port

Location:  Cruise Port/Anywhere | Duration:  2-6 hours | Price: From $60.00+ CAD

This is the best Victoria tour for cruise ship passengers who might be getting in at odd hours.

There’s great flexibility here: local guides run these tours every hour on the hour well into the evening. 

In fact, these passionate local tour guides will come right to the cruise dock if you want. The custom pickup option makes this a breeze.

Guests can select between tours of 2-6 hours .

• Customized private walking tour
• Pick up at the cruise port, hotel, or other central location
• Customized tour times at all hours

Grab My Victoria Welcome Tour Tickets

Ocean Magic Whale Watching Tours – Best Boat Tour in Victoria, BC

Location:  Inner Harbour | Duration: 3 hours | Price: From $199.15 CAD

The sight of a whale breaching is easily a top 10 life experience. In fact, I grew up in a commercial fishing family, and I still can’t get over them.

That’s why I’m always down for a trip to the Strait of Juan de Fuca for a fascinating glimpse of majestic orca, grey, humpback and minke whales in their natural habitat.

Victoria whale watching tours have an unmatched 95% sighting rate ; if you don’t see one, they’ll even let you come back the next day. These three-hour tours conveniently leave from the heart of Victoria’s Inner Harbour .

You have two choices: feel the breeze and the cool ocean spray in an open-air zodiac, or go for a more protected vessel with a heated indoor cabin. 

This Victoria whale watching tour includes:

• Inner Harbour departure point
• Multiple sailings throughout the day
• Friendly and professional guides (captain & 3-4 guides/naturalists)
• Whale sighting guarantee (free tour if you don’t see any whales!)
• Chance to see orcas, humpback, grey and minke whales, as well as marine mammals, eagles and other wildlife

Grab Your Whale Watching Tickets Now

Victoria Craft Beer and Distillery Tour – Best Victoria Beer Tour

Location: Downtown Victoria | Duration: 3.5 hrs | Price:  From $120.00 CAD

But in Victoria, the craft beer phenomenon is nothing new. The city has been home to a multitude of exciting craft breweries and brewpubs since the 1980s. A time when most Canadians were still busy drinking Labatt’s Blue.

This Victoria craft beer tour will escort you to two local breweries and one distillery . You’ll learn more about the local beer scene and production process at each stop.

And, of course, you get to drink the beer ! Tastings will be included at each stop.

You’ll receive transportation to and from your central meeting point , including a trip to the award-winning Caledonian Distillery in the picturesque Saanich Peninsula.

This Victoria brewery tour includes:

• DT Victoria pick up/drop off point
• Transportation between 2 breweries and one distillery (often Category 12, Vancouver Island Breweries and Caledonian Distillery)
• Limited to 14 participants
• Samples and snacks at each location

Related : Best Victoria Hotels

Vancouver Island Rainforest Guided Hike – Best Victoria Tour for Nature Lovers

Location : DT Victoria (pick up) | Duration: 3 hours | Price: From $110.00 CAD

British Columbia contains a staggering 25% of the world’s temperate rainforest. Furthermore, Victoria is near some of the most accessible morsels of untouched old-growth rainforests anywhere in the province.

Not only are these vital ecosystems stunningly beautiful. They are immensely important in the fight against climate change. Moreover, they also offer immeasurable recreational opportunities for visitors and locals alike.

This private, guided hike offers convenient hotel/port pickup and drop-off. From here, you’ll be transported into the very best of the Island’s lush coastal rainforest on this incredible outdoor Victoria excursion.

Along the way, you’ll check out waterfalls, native plants, local wildlife and towering trees up to 1000 years old.

*Though most trails are relatively simple, hiking shoes are still required.

This Victoria rainforest tour includes

• Hotel/cruise port pick up/drop off
• Professionally guided hike through local temperate rainforest
• Chance to see enormous trees and local flora and fauna
• Choice of departure time, route and trail difficulty
• Learn about the local environment

Book Your Guided Rainforest Hike Tour Now

Victoria Guided Food and History Tour – Best Victoria Tour for Foodies

Location:  Downtown | Duration: 2 hours | Price: From $89.95 CAD

Having trouble choosing between a Victoria food and a walking tour? This popular guided tour allows you to explore the city’s history and culinary scene all in one convenient package.

Here, you’ll join a group of like-minded travellers and a knowledgeable guide for a guided tour of Victoria’s most prominent landmarks . You’ll hit up the Parliament Buildings, Inner Harbour, Chinatown, Market Square and much more.

You’ll also stop for mouthwatering tastings of delicious local food products . Sample everything from tapas, cheese and olive oil to tea, chocolate and local craft beer. This popular Victoria tour provides a healthy dose of knowledge combined with food and new friends . 

This Victoria food tour includes:

• Guided walking tour of Victoria’s most notable sights (Including the Inner Harbour, Parliament buildings, Trounce Alley, Bastion Square, Victoria Public Market, Fan Tan Alley etc.)
• Numerous local food tastings (craft beer, chocolate, tea, tapas, cheese, bread, olive oil, and other local products.)
• Learn valuable insight into Victoria’s history

Book a Victoria Guided Food Tour Now

Still Looking for Victoria Sightseeing Tours?

I’ve looked at (and taken) dozens of tours in Victoria, BC, to try and bring you a list of the best holiday choices, but I’m aware every visitor is different.

That’s why I’m inviting you to write me in the comment section below or on our Vancouver Planner Facebook Page, if you’re in need of any extra help.

Whether it’s Vancouver or Victoria, we’re here to help. But until then, enjoy your favourite Victoria tour!

Related posts

How to Plan the Perfect Day Trip to Victoria from Seattle in 2024

Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane: What to Expect + New Times

14 Best Hotels in Victoria BC: Best Places to Stay in 2024

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Book Tickets

• Hop-On Hop-Off CitySights
• Butchart Gardens Experience
• Reasons to go
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Double Decker Digest

The Butchart Gardens Experience

The world-famous Butchart Gardens: a wonderland of spectacular themed gardens, exotic plants, streams, ponds and fountains—sure to create a lasting impression!

Round-trip transportation between Downtown Victoria and the Butchart Gardens , onboard our fully narrated coaches. Your ticket includes admission into the gardens.

Tour Highlights

Saturday Night Fireworks

During the month of July enjoy fireworks at Butchart Gardens. Each show features original aerial and ground displays choreographed to music and designed by Jennie Butchart’s great-grandson Christopher Ross. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. Fireworks are included with your admission to the gardens.

Ticket Prices

Departs daily from in front of the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, see “Route and Schedules” or departure times.

This experience includes:

• Admission to The Butchart Gardens Included in price
• Round Trip Transportation
• Live Driver narration
• The Most Modern Coaches on the Island

Routes and schedules are subject to change.

Buy Tickets Schedules

Schedules can vary by season. Check with your Gray Line agent on check-in to confirm times.

What Our Customers are Saying

Seattle to Victoria Day Trip With The Butchart Gardens

• The Butchart Gardens are rated among the world’s most beautiful garden attractions & top places to go in Canada by USA Today, CNN Travel, Condé Nast, many more!
• Includes Victoria Clipper fast ferry from Seattle, motorcoach pickup right from the FRS Clipper terminal in Victoria, admission to The Butchart Gardens
• Returns you to downtown Victoria with an afternoon drop off back at the FRS Clipper Victoria terminal

About This Trip

Immerse yourself in more than 300,000 blooms at world-renowned The Butchart Gardens with a quick day trip to Victoria from downtown Seattle on our high-speed Victoria Clipper catamaran. Soak in the culture of Victoria and wander The Gardens’ intimate paths lined with an array of flowers. With 55-acres bursting with color, no visit to Victoria is complete without exploring the iconic gardens!

Have more time? SAVE on your Victoria Clipper fast ferry when booking our Seattle to Victoria Overnight with The Butchart Gardens !

Need some travel inspiration? Check out our Ultimate Guide to The Butchart Gardens .

Clipper’s Butchart Gardens Tour

NOTE:   Times may vary by season. Below reflects a sample itinerary for 2023 season.

8:00 AM Depart Pier 69 in Seattle – Climb aboard the Victoria Clipper fast ferry at Pier 69 for a quick and scenic  2-hour and 45-minute cruise through the Salish Sea to the heart of downtown Victoria.

11:50 AM Depart Victoria Terminal on Motorcoach – Hop on a motorcoach for a scenic narrated 45-minute drive to The Butchart Gardens.

12:25 PM Arrive at The Butchart Gardens – Immerse yourself of 55-acre oasis that is The Butchart Gardens. Wander past a variety of colorful plants and flowers and indulge in the Dining Room restaurant’s award-winning Afternoon Tea service.

2:30 PM Depart The Butchart Gardens ( NOTE:  Jun 15 – Sep 15, this is a 3:00PM bus departure time ) – Enjoy a motorcoach ride back to Victoria’s downtown core.

3:05 PM Arrive Back in Downtown Victoria – You’ll be dropped off back in front of The Fairmont Empress hotel on the Inner Harbour.

5:00 PM Depart Victoria – Hop back on the Victoria Clipper fast ferry for your scenic journey back to Seattle.

7:45 PM Arrive at Pier 69 in Seattle – Disembark the ferry and enjoy the rest of your evening on the Seattle waterfront!

Prices vary by season. Prices listed are minimum prices per adult. All applicable taxes included.

• Includes all applicable taxes • All prices shown in USD including tax • Best available rates based on 7-day minimum advance purchase • Rates may be higher per segment of travel for Saturday departures from Seattle and Sunday departures from Victoria • A fuel surcharge, port and security fee may be added to all Victoria / Seattle fares • Passport, Passport Card or EDL required when crossing an international border • Restrictions apply, subject to change

"We had an excellent time! We took the 7 am tour to Victoria and purchased the combo pack that took us to the Butchart Gardens… I highly recommend this tour!"

- Daniela R. TripAdvisor

"The easy way to visit Butchart Gardens without driving!"

- RealRoadWarrior, San Clemente, CA TripAdvisor

"We love gardens around the world. Butchart Gardens is one of our favorites, but getting there can be inconvenient by car. We take the Clipper to Victoria and avoid the hassle."

Similar experiences.

Victoria Day Trip With The Butchart Gardens & Butterfly Gardens

Discover the City of Gardens with a quick and easy day trip to Victoria, BC on our sleek, high-speed Victoria Clipper ferry. Explore 55-acres of blooms at the world-renowned The Butchart Gardens and get up close and personal with an array of beautiful butterflies at the tropical Victoria Butterfly Gardens.

Victoria Day Trip With Tea at the Fairmont Empress

Experience one of Victoria’s quintessential traditions with a day trip from Seattle to Victoria on the Clipper for tea at the Fairmont Empress. Choose from over 21 of the finest loose leaf tea and dine on a lineup of scrumptious goodies.

Seattle to Victoria Sea and Sky Day Trip

Enjoy two epic travel experiences in one great Pacific Northwest getaway! Soar through the skies via Kenmore Air seaplane to Victoria and cruise back on the sleek, high-speed Victoria Clipper fast ferry to Seattle.

Trip Experience

Itinerary & map, terms & conditions.

Choose an Option to Begin Planning Your Trip

For guests traveling internationally, please review our ID and Requirements carefully before booking travel.

• Includes one-way or round trip travel via the Clipper ferry.
• Routes available between Seattle and Victoria
• Includes travel to any of our destinations with activities or hotel stay or both.
• Enjoy the convenience of booking the entire trip all at once.

Need help planning your trip? Call our Clipper Pacific Northwest travel experts at 800-888-2535 between 9am-6pm PDT (Mon-Fri), 9am-3pm PDT (Sat-Sun).

Plan Your Trip

Children's ages

Clipper defines a child as 11 years and younger, but hotels and tours may have different child ages. Please enter the ages for all children 18 and under. Infants under 1 (<1) are free on the Clipper, but are not provided a seat.

Agent Login

Travel Advisors with existing accounts can log in to create new bookings. If you are a Travel Advisor and would like to view/edit an existing booking, please visit the Agent Dashboard.

For your guests traveling to Canada, please read our ID and Requirements page carefully before booking travel. Thank you!

Sign Up for the Latest from FRS Clipper

Explore Smolensk on a Private Day tour (from Moscow)

• Transfer to and from train station
• Transportation by fast train to Smolensk and back to Moscow
• Transportation in Smolensk by car
• Museum entrance fees
• Should your hotel not be listed, You have to provide us with your hotel location so that we can arrange your pick up. Otherwise, we can not guarantee your timely pickup Pickup from your hotel at 6:15 am
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 Cathedral of the Assumption (Uspensky Sobor) Stop: 45 minutes See details
• 2 Smolensk Fortress Stop: 60 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• TravelSomeMore24 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unique Authentic Russian Experience We had such an incredible experience. It felt like we were transformed into a different time. Our guide was so informative and gracious. We are so grateful for a unique experience and would absolutely recommend it to everyone. Read more Written July 21, 2021
• JulieArquette 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great day 😘 in Moscow We booked a one day your and were able to change the itinerary as we wanted to visit WW2 memoreal. Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate and explained us a lot about Moscow life now and back to Soviet times. Loved our day, thank you, Mariya and all Read more Written March 5, 2020
• creitzy 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Guide Have used Anton 2 times now for different friends when they have visited Moscow.he is very knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and speaks very good English.i would recommend the metro tour and WW II museum. Thanks again Read more Written February 11, 2020
• JeffKuptchuck 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles This is definitely a unique experience After looking at all of the big cathedrals in Moscow and being rather overwhelmed this was a much more intimate and personal experience. It was great to be able to be there by ourselves and the monk that showed us around and Anton both were obviously very passionate about the monastery so you were able to understand much better what the various churches and icons meant to them The view from the bell tower was awesome even if the climb up took some faith! Dinner was very good except for my wife who doesn't like fish and that is all they eat at the monastery besides vegetables, but still very unique dinner. Read more Written February 9, 2020
• justinbM9877MC 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sightseeing in Moscow over New Year’s Anton was great, very friendly, knowledgeable about local history as well as general Russian history, and had good recommendations for day trips that didn’t over-schedule. He was easy to work with and an excellent English-language speaker. Would highly recommend. Read more Written January 26, 2020
• TanechkaVas 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The whole day tour to Zvenigorod, the country side of Moscow, with Anton. We organized that tour from Australia well ahead of time, planning to visit Zvenigorod with big group of extended family and friends with teens as part of our New Year trip to Moscow. The communication with Anton, our guide, was excellent during the time since booking till the excursion day. The actual day was organized very good, taken into account mixed group of adults, born in USSR and kids, born in Australia. Anton organized our activities to be suitable for all of us. As adults, we were enjoyed country side during winter and Monastery's quietness and ability to jump to the cold "holy" water at one of the oldest Monasteries of Russia - Savva Storoghevskiy Man Monastery. That was the most amazing and nearly magical experience! Kids were enjoyed of snow and treats Anton provide for us, including buisquits and Sbiten'. We also visited very interesting Museum of Russian desserts and learn a lot about ancient russian sweets; have a look on our past in the Museum of USSR and bought some yammie things to enjoy later. In general we all agree that our tour to Zvenigorod with Anton was enjoyable and educational; well organized and unforgettable. We wish we would have more time there! We would recommend such trip to everyone wishing to see Russia's country side. Read more Written January 17, 2020
• GuidesAndGuides 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved this experience. Especially the hidden gems! Anton brought us around places which we couldn't have done it alone. I went with the family, my husband and two daughters and they enjoyed every minute. Anton was very attentive to our needs and have good connections with the local communities. We tasted delicious Russian lunch on this tour. We had a fun time painting our Russian dolls (matryoshka) and finished the trip with a great feeling of connection to Russian culture, tasty food, fantastic people and magnificent architecture.   Do not hesitate to book this tour. It is worth your money and time. It was a great day, Thank you Anton! Read more Written January 14, 2020
• 161sinemg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles It was a very interesting experience This tour was the most exciting activity on our trip to Moscow. I would strongly recommend but climbing stairs was a bit hard. I will not forget all my life. Many thanks to our guide Hektor and Anton Read more Written January 7, 2020
• Mustafa19890 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Tour was amazing We had exceptional experience 45 meters deep underground. You really feel how it was to be in Soviet Union during the Cold War era, what were their fears Read more Written December 27, 2019
• yeatharhiu 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Unique Experience Victor is our English speaking guide. It's a small group tour so you dont have to worry about being left out. He took us down the bunker 43 meter down the surface, explained about the heavy doors and let us open them, kept us informed about its functions and introduced us whatever exhibits were left there. Very patient guide and informative tour. Sign up for it if you are in Moscow. Read more Written December 26, 2019
• NickRobson101 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles WOW. We absolutely recommend this tour! This is a tour for the senses and truly exceeded our expectations. There is an interesting balance of history, access you would not expect around a monastery, the visuals of the architecture and decoration, unique chance to observe the inner workings of the monastery, views from vantage points and the towers. Favourite parts included climbing the bell tower for the bell ringing and an exceptionally good meal. For something interestingly different that will add unique memories and experiences Read more Written December 20, 2019
• Loxiee 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The Highlight of our trip Elena, was very attentive and knowledgeable. She took us through the city as if she was a long lost friend. She made us not only feel comfortable in any way possible but she made the experience feel like a another day in our hometown. I am so happy to have met her, she was the highlight of our entire trip. Read more Written December 17, 2019
• Deryabayazit 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing and delicious We had great time, Anton showed us around Moscow local food, it was jus awesome. Tasty and a lot of fun!!! Read more Written December 14, 2019
• ShingoKamiki 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting and delicious Had a tour and dinner inside the monastery with Moscow with Locals. It was a very interesting tour, a monk presented us the monastery, the temples, the bell tower with ringing bells. Amazing! And then we had delicious dinner with Russian traditional cuising, Lovely! Arigatou, Anton! Read more Written December 8, 2019
• Hideo_Aoki78 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Moscow is marvelous Good job, Anton! We were a group of friends from Japan and Anton did a great job, showing us Moscow. The metro is so interesting and important for local citizens, Red Square is amazing, St. Basil cathedral was iconic both outside and even more interesting inside. It was both interesting and educational seeing central Moscow streets. Anton managed to book us a table for lunch with delicious local food and he helped us with recommendations for dinner (booked is a table as well). Brilliant job, Moscow with locals! Read more Written December 1, 2019

Explore Smolensk on a Private Day tour (from Moscow) provided by Moscow With Locals

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Rusmania • Deep into Russia

Day trip to Yasnaya Polyana from Moscow: transport, sights, tips, advices

Main Sights

Of course the main sight here is the Yasnaya Polyana estate itself. Located within the estate are the house where Tolstoy lived plus the auxiliary buildings of the estate which now contain exhibits dedicated to the work of peasants in running the estate.

The natural surroundings of the estate are also a highlight and don't forget to visit Tolstoy's simple grave on the territory of the estate.

During the low season from November until April, it is possible to visit the main house by yourself and take an audio guide (Russian, English, French or German). However from April until November you can only join a Russian group excursion.

Excursions around Yasnaya Polyana are held about every hour - tickets are bought at the ticket office next to the main gates. Excursions start there as well.

During the excursion, you will visit the central part of the estate, the Tolstoy House, and the exhibition in the Kuzminsky House.

Some exciting activities are offered by the museum including horse riding, carriage rides or sleigh rides, and tea drinking at the Coachmen's house with an interactive tour of a traditional Russian peasant's hut. In summer, excursions on bikes around places connected with Tolstoy are also organised. Activities should be booked in advance by email.

There is a little cafe called Prishpekt located just opposite the main gates where you can buy tea, pies and some hot dishes. Two kilometres from the Yasnaya Polyana estate, there is a restaurant and cafe and places where you can spend the night.

Visiting Tula

Three to five hours is enough to see all the sights and museums of the estate. So you should have time to go back to Tula and have a quick look around before heading back to Moscow. You could also make the trip into a weekend trip by spending the night and next day in Tula, which is worth a day-trip in itself as the city has a nice Kremlin and is associated in Russia with samovars, weapons and the Russian equivalent of gingerbread known as a 'pryanik'. To find out more about Tula visit our Tula pages.

Suggested Timetable

Here is our suggested timetable for making the most of a day-trip to Yasnaya Polyana. All train and bus times are approximate as the exact time may change.

There are a few souvenirs shops near the car park for the estate where you can buy standard Russian souvenirs such as Russian dolls and some local ones dedicated to the estate, Tolstoy and his work.

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Moscow Bus Tour

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Description

Highlights:.

• Explore most popular parks of Moscow;
• Get this special feeling of the ancient times;
• Experience the best route of a local public trolley;
• Take a ride along the border of medieval Moscow;
• Take a stroll through the city's only hanging bridge;
• See stunning, extraordinary sculptures and statues in Muzeon park;
• Learn the history of the names of the main squares, streets and embankments;
• Enjoy vintage and Soviet architecture of our city;
• Enjoy scenic views of Moscow from the Crimean Bridge.

Bus Tour Itinerary:

Want to feel like a real Muscovite and experience the atmosphere or this extraordinary city in just a few hours? Then explore ithe main artery of Moscow - the Garden Ring.

After you visited the ancient Kremlin, explored the area of Kitay Gorod and enjoyed the sights of White city, it's time to move on and take a ride along the 17th century border of Moscow - the Garden Ring.

After we explore the Stalin skyscraper -  building of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we will turn to Old Arbat pedestrian zone. You will see lovely houses of 19 centuries and feel the atmosphere of old Moscow, as the Arbat preserved it almost untouched.

In 90-s Arbat was chosen by the members of numerous subcultures as the place for hangout. Nowadays Arbat is Bohemian place and one of Moscow's symbols. But long time ago it was just a suburb.

Soon we’ll find ourselves on New Arbat, that was founded in 60-s, and was conceived as a government road. This New Arbat dramatically differs from the Old Arbat.

Patriarch Ponds

One more beloved place among the Muscovites with a very rich history. A lots of famous and outstanding personalities lived in this area: poets, scientists, militaries and even criminals. In 17 century Patriarch Hermogenus founded a Patriarch's village here, hence the name. Moreover, this place is famous all over the world thanks to the genius Russian writer M. Bulgakov. He chose Patriarch's ponds as the scene of his novel "The Master and Margarita".

Hermitage Garden

The next coziest and memorable place for all of Muscovites is Hermitage Garden. Before the Revolution it was a Bohemian place, frequently attended by the great actors and writers, art workers, and patrons. Here for the first time in Moscow a movie of Lumiere's brothers was shown. Today tradition continues and there are two theaters inside the park, lots of memorials and fun.

Museon Park & Gorky Park

Today Muscovites can't imagine their leisure activities without visiting Museon Statues Park and Gorky Park. These are fun areas. Take a look at Soviet monuments of Communist rulers, take a walk along the embankment, note what's wrong with the Peter's the Great monument, enjoy big musical fountain in Gorky park and observe how Russians spend their free time.

Crimean bridge

The last part of our Moscow bus tour you'll spend walking over the Crimean bridge. Long time ago on that place was a ford, which the Crimean Tatars used in order to attack Muscovy, that's why it was called Crimean. This hanging bridge is the one of a kind in Moscow. Moreover, it serves as a fabulous observation point, it is really a mysterious place.

On the tour you will find out:

• why Stalin was mad when he saw the building of Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
• how Muscovites truly call New Arbat;
• the real reason why Bulgakov chose Patriarch's ponds as the scene where Devil arrived for the first time;
• who suggested to build Moscow rings;
• where are hidden all the gardens on the Garden Ring;
• why Crimean bridge is very dangerous.

On the tour you will see:

• Historical buildings of 19 century;
• Stalin's Empire;
• 4 out of 7 Stalin Skyscrapers;
• Old and New Arbat;
• Most popular Moscow Parks;
• First electric street lamp in Moscow;
• Main squares of the city;
• Fascinating non touristy places;
• Muscovites daily life and transportation.

Fun Facts from our Bus Tours:

What is the garden ring in moscow.

Actually, we call the Garden Ring  a series of streets, separated by the squares.

A great number of fascinating and historical places a re situated on the Garden Ring.  Traveling along that street, you can briefly learn about all main areas of Moscow, learn its history and meaning. It will help you to navigate Moscow better and surely you can feel more like a local on this tour.

Every square on the Garden Ring has its own historical background. For example, Sukharevskaya square in 19 century hosted a market. It was very popular among Muscovites, but usually stolen things were sold there. Often people had to buy there their own stuff again after it was stolen. The Smolenskaya, Crimean, Serpukhovskaya, Taganskaya squares were market places too.

Triumphalnaya square bears its name in memory of triumphal arch that stood here to commemorate the victory over Sweden, built by the order of Peter the Great, as well as Red Gate square placed another triumphal arch. In the beginning of 20 century Triumphal square was a cultural place. Several theaters were situated there, Meyerhold’s theater among them, a circus and a park.

Three squares of the Garden Ring became real battlefields during the revolution between the bolsheviks and tsar's supporters in 1917. And finally capitulation of royal regime was signed in the building, situated on the Garden Ring.

"And the Garden ring became a wedding ring to us…"

These are words from the official soundtrack to the very popular soviet movie "Moscow does not believe in tears" that has won an American Academy Award for the best foreign language film in 1980. Not coincidentally Garden Ring is mentioned in this song as a symbol of Moscow. As it is very important part of our city, it reflects all historical events beginning from the end of 16th century.

A Garden Ring? No. An earthern rampart!

The territory outside White city's wall was called Earthern city . The Earthern city was an area were traditionally poor citizens used to settle: peasants and craftsmen. In comparison with the White city this area has always been dirty and less prestigious. For example, in White city streets were paved in stone and buildings stood on the stone basements while Earthern city had only wooden houses.

This area was proclaimed as a part of Moscow only in 1593. And great fortification wooden wall, that surrounded the territory of Earthern city, was erected by the order of tsar Fyodor Ioannovich only in a year and was called "Skorodom" - fast-built house. Outside Skorodom was additionally fortificated with the moat and the rampart.

In Times of Troubles Skorodom was burnt down by Poles and restored by the Great Tsar Alexis Mikhailovich the Silent. Finally it had 57 towers and 11 entry gates.  Nowadays on that spots, where gates once stood, you can spot the main squares of Moscow.

Skorodom was destroyed and restored a lot's of times: during the Times of Troubles, Napoleon's invasion, in frequent Moscow fires. And finally in 1830 Skorodom was demolished as it lost its functions.

Miraculous transfiguration on Stalin’s orders

In 1917 the Great October revolution blew up everything that seemed to be right at that time. And in 1930-s Moscow was reconstructed… again. This time communists were making Moscow a model of communistic city. Surely that large-scale reconstruction touched the Garden Ring. The road was widened up to 60-70 meters, paved and became a ring with the help of new bridges: Crimean and Krasnokholmskiy. Since that time the Garden Ring is considered the main artery of Moscow.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow bus tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

*This Moscow bus tour can be modified to meet your individual preferences.

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