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Private tour in Orlando Gary M
Orlando: The Country Side of the City
5.0
(4) reviews
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8 hours
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8 hours
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Gary M.
5.0
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21
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9 hrs
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Whether you find yourself in Orlando on a long layover or you'd like to take off a day or two from the theme parks, as a Florida native and theme park veteran I'd be happy to show you around. Metropolitan Orlando is a sprawling region where, away from the theme parks, you'll find adrenaline-pumping adventures, charming small towns, soothing springs and mysterious rivers, exotic wildlife, miles of beachfront, and America's portal into space. Perhaps that's why it's the most popular travel destination in America's most touristed state -- the first city in American history to welcome more than 60 million visitors. Naturally, the majority of those visitors were drawn here by seven of the world's Top Ten theme parks, but as you'll see from my tour descriptions, there's far more to Orlando and Central Florida than twirling teacups and cartoon characters. Whether you'd prefer to spend a day at Disney, explore the Space Coast, or take a motorcycle tour on some remote two-lane roads, my background as a travel writer specializing in Florida destinations will help make your visit one you'll never forget. • Former Cast Member, Walt Disney World: Ferryboat pilot, Jungle Cruise skipper, steam train conductor, desk clerk (Disney Inn), improv comedian (Italian pavilion, Epcot). • Writer, Walt Disney World: Contributing writer in the development of promotions, shows, special events, publications, attractions. • VISIT FLORIDA: On-camera talent and writer for the state's tourism division. Blogs, articles, and videos focus on rural and remote destinations, history, and adventure throughout the state. • Travel Writer & Author: Florida specialist with features appearing in newspapers, magazines, and books published by Fodor's, AAA, AA, Rand McNally, AOL, Budget Travel and many others. • Motojournalist: Author of the nation's best-selling two-wheel travel guide, 'Great American Motorcycle Tours', and National Geographic's 'USA 101' and 'Ten Best of Everything: National Parks'. • WorldStrides tour guide in Washington, DC (licensed) and Orlando. Motorcycle tours will require guests to possess a valid motorcycle endorsement on their license.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Gary M.
See the sights and meet the locals in some charming Central Florida towns
Overview of your Orlando tour
I was born near Orlando long before the arrival of Walt Disney World. It was a land of citrus groves, fishing lakes, cattle ranches, and small towns. A place where northern tourists could escape the cold and enjoy a warm welcome. You'll find this land still exists in three of the area's most charming small towns: Winter Garden, Winter Park, and Mount Dora. In Winter Park we'll visit Park Avenue, an upscale retail district filled with independent merchants. You may choose to set sail on a Chain of Lakes tour that's been operating since 1938. In Winter Garden, a popular recreational trail has brought new life to a shopping district of boutiques, galleries, and sidewalk cafes. Then we'll head to Mount Dora, considered one of Florida's loveliest small towns with quiet streets, an active shopping districts, and beautiful sunsets on 4, 500-acre Lake Dora. Amazingly, today they look largely as they have since my childhood, and when we visit them together you'll see Florida, naturally.
Your Orlando tour itinerary
From your hotel, we'll drive to the heart of upscale Winter Park where you'll be enchanted by brick-paved streets, sidewalk cafés, a charming 9-hole golf course, independent boutiques, and a beautiful park shaded by ancient oaks. We'll explore Park Avenue, visit historic Rollins College and, perhaps, take an hour-long tour of Winter Park's chain of lakes and see magnificent mansions lining the shores. We can also visit Mount Dora, known as 'The New England of Florida'. Built upon rolling hills and on the edge of a 4, 500-acre lake, the picturesque small town is an active, thriving community known for its festivals, antiques, outdoor recreation, and wildlife. If time allows, we'll return through Winter Garden. Once a town of citrus groves and fishing camps, today it is a city renewed with a railroad track-turned-recreational trail which brings in pedestrians, skaters, and bicyclists. Check out antiques, buy homemade candy, and visit the small, but fascinating, history museum.
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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv
Private vehicle, with four-person capacity. For larger groups, please contact me in advance so I can look into reserving a larger vehicle at an additional cost.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Mount Dora, Florida, 32757, United States
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
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8 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.