I have friends that travel frequently and they always go on tours. They say that by joining a tour group, all of the hard work is figured out for you - you don't need to figure out what to do each day because someone else has done all of the work for you. Interesting! It made me wonder if maybe the best way to get out and enjoy Lake County (Central Florida) is to join a tour. I thought I'd find a few and was actually pretty surprised at all of the different types of tours that Lake County has to offer. Half of them are featured today and the other half will be featured next Monday. Let's take a look!
Airboat Tours with Justin's Jungle Airboat Rides Unlimited - I took an airboat tour years ago and absolutely loved it. If you love nature and are the adventurous type, this could be the tour for you! Tours depart from Nelson's Fishcamp in Umatilla. They are currently operating their River Ride Wild Adventure which is a 40 mile trip along the gator nesting and breeding areas of the Ocklawaha River into Lake Griffin. The Florida canals are a great place to see alligators, snakes, birds, and even an occasional bear, so they encourage you to bring your camera. Rides depart daily at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Adults are $60 including tax, kids aged 6-10 are $35, and kids under 6 are free.
Cat Boat Adventures - Tour the Lakes & Canals of Mount Dora - Join a tour where you can drive your own two person powered catamaran through the waters of Mount Dora. Tours are fully narrated and guided, beginning at the Mount Dora Boating Center & Marina. Boat operators must be 21+ and possess a valid drivers license. A 2 hour tour including Lake Dora and the Dora Canal is $65 per person plus tax (current internet promotion). There is an early-riser 75 minute tour of Lake Beauclair & Lake Carlton for $49 plus tax or a sunset tour for $45 plus tax. Tickets can be purchased online and gift certificates are available.
Royal Palm Railway Experience - The Polar Express Tour - You and your children can take a train ride that recreates The Polar Express Movie. Your golden ticket will be punched by the conductor and dancing chefs will serve hot cocoa and a tasty treat. You'll be able to interact with characters from the movie including the Hobo, and the book The Polar Express will be read along your journey. Once at the North Pole, Santa and his elves will visit with each family and children will receive a silver bell from Santa's sleigh as a gift. On the return journey, Christmas caroling will take place and you'll return to Tavares full of Christmas joy. Coach class is $48 + taxes & fees or $58 on the weekend (sold by single seat or a group of seats). Custom Coach Class is $68 + taxes & fees or $78 on the weekend (pairs of two or more), and First Class is $78 + taxes & fees or $88 on the weekend. If you travel on Dececmber 1st, you'll get to meet the voice of the "know it all" Eddie Deezen.
St. Johns River Tours - Scenic Tour of Old Florida - Depart from the Blackwater Inn in Astor on a Florida River Cruise where you'll learn about the history and wildlife of the St. Johns River. You'll have the chance of seeing exotic plants and wildlife including alligators, bald eagles, and manatees as you board the 38' 20 passenger MV Neptune Star (restroom on board, wheelchair accessible). Make your reservations to be assured a seat on this two hour tour down river through Blue Creek in the Ocala National Forest. From there, the tour enters the St. Johns River to Lake George and then returns to Astor. Tuesday through Saturday, tours depart at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. On Sunday when reservations must be made in advance, tours depart at 1:00 pm. Tickets are $25 for adults or $15 for children 10 and under.
Taste of Our Town - Mount Dora's Guided Food & Wine Tour - Food and Wine Enthusiasts will enjoy this three hour tour that's seasoned with history and full of scenic highlights. Tours take place on Friday and Saturday beginning at 2 pm and depart on foot from the Mount Dora Chamber of Commerce. They take 12 people maximum per tour and the tour includes 6-7 tastings for $55 per person plus tax. Tastings vary daily and have included items from Juliannes Coastal Cottage, the Magical Meat Boutique, the Wave Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar, The Loft Cafe, Las Palmas Cuban Restaurant, Bev Neal's Gallery & One Flight Up Cafe & Wine Bar, Mount Dora Olive Oil, Copacabana Cuban Cafe, the Lakeside Inn and Gatehouse Gallery, Olive Branch Mediterranean, Fiesta Grande, Cody's on 4th, and the Frog & Monkey. Tickets can be purchased online and gift certificates are available.
Here are some additional options of things to check out this week in Lake County Florida if none of the tours work for you:
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