Discover the timeless charm of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, with a day trip from Orlando. This comprehensive excursion offers a range of options tailored to your interests, starting at just €90.90 per person. Explore the historical Castillo de San Marcos, stroll through the picturesque Flagler College campus, or learn about the interactive exhibits at the Colonial Quarter Museum. Enjoy a scenic cruise and take advantage of exclusive dining and shopping discounts with the included Eat & Play Card. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an unforgettable day, this guided tour promises an experience that…
Key Points
• A day trip from Orlando to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., with prices starting from €90.90 per person for a 12-hour excursion.
• The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a live English-speaking guide, and visits to historical sites like the Castillo de San Marcos and Flagler College.
• Various tour options are available, including a Scenic Cruise, Colonial Quarter Museum, and a hop-on, hop-off Road Train Tour, to cater to different interests.
• The package offers discounts on dining, shopping, and museum admissions with a Digital Eat & Play Card.
• Advance booking is required, and the tour has a small group size limited to 10 participants for a personalized experience.
Overview and Pricing
The day trip to St. Augustine offers visitors the chance to explore the oldest city in the U.S., with prices starting from €90.90 per person for a 12-hour excursion that includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour provides roundtrip transportation from Orlando, along with a driver/guide to assist throughout the journey. Travelers can opt for the reserve now and pay later option, making it easier to plan their day trip.
With a small group limited to 10 participants, the experience promises an intimate and personalized exploration of St. Augustine’s colonial Spanish neighborhoods, historical landmarks, and charming local offerings.
Tour Details and Highlights
A live tour guide in English leads the small group of up to 10 participants as they explore the colonial Spanish neighborhoods and historical landmarks of St. Augustine.
The tour takes visitors through the Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th-century Spanish stone fortress, and Flagler College, a former luxury hotel now converted into a renowned university.
Guests also visit the Lightner Museum, housed in a former hotel, to admire its collection of Gilded Age artifacts.
The Fountain of Youth and the oldest schoolhouse in the U.S. provide glimpses into the city’s rich history.
Throughout the day, travelers can enjoy the charming cafes, bars, and shops along the picturesque cobblestone streets.
Tour Options
Visitors to St. Augustine can choose from a variety of tour options to best suit their interests and preferences.
The St. Augustine Day Tour provides a full-day guided experience, allowing you to explore the city’s colonial Spanish neighborhoods and historical landmarks.
For a more leisurely journey, the St. Augustine Scenic Cruise offers a narrated tour around Matanzas Bay, showcasing the city’s waterfront views.
Those interested in interactive history can opt for the Colonial Quarter Museum, which immerses visitors in colonial-themed demonstrations.
The Road Train Tour provides a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing experience, covering 22 unique sites along a 7-mile loop.
Roundtrip Transportation
The roundtrip transportation from Orlando to St. Augustine is included in the tour package, providing a convenient and hassle-free way for visitors to reach the historic city.
The tour includes:
- A comfortable and air-conditioned coach bus that picks up participants from a central location in Orlando.
- A knowledgeable driver who ensures a smooth and safe journey, navigating the roads with ease.
- Ample storage space for any personal belongings, allowing travelers to enjoy the trip without worrying about their luggage.
- The opportunity to sit back, relax, and take in the scenic views along the way.
- Prompt drop-off and pick-up at the tour’s starting and ending points, minimizing the time spent on transportation.
Museum Entry and Cruise
Depending on the selected tour option, participants receive entry to various museums and access to scenic cruises, allowing them to enjoy St. Augustine’s rich history and stunning waterfront views.
For instance, the St. Augustine Day Tour includes admission to the Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, and the Lightner Museum, where visitors can explore the city’s colonial Spanish architecture and learn about its storied past.
Plus, the St. Augustine Scenic Cruise offers a narrated tour around Matanzas Bay, showcasing the area’s historic landmarks from the water.
These experiences provide a well-rounded introduction to the charm and significance of this oldest city in the United States.
Dining and Shopping Discounts
Travelers visiting St. Augustine can take advantage of a Digital Eat & Play Card, which unlocks discounts at a variety of local restaurants and attractions for up to 6 months. This convenient digital card provides savings on:
- Dining at cozy cafes and lively bars along the charming cobblestone streets
- Shopping sprees at unique boutiques and souvenir shops
- Admission to popular museums, like the Lightner Museum and Flagler College
- Sightseeing cruises around Matanzas Bay
- Entrance to the Pirate & Treasure Museum, showcasing a fascinating collection of pirate artifacts
With these valuable discounts, visitors can maximize their day trip experience and enjoy the rich history, culture, and local flavors of St. Augustine on a budget.
What to Bring and Restrictions
When planning for the St. Augustine day trip, visitors should pack comfortable shoes to explore the city’s cobblestone streets and charming neighborhoods. Plus, they’ll want to bring sunscreen to protect against the Florida sun. However, pets, large bags, and luggage aren’t permitted on the tours.
The tour requires advanced booking at least 2 days prior to the scheduled date. This ensures a smooth experience for all participants, as the small group size is limited to 10 people.
Visitors can look forward to guided tours of historic landmarks, free time to browse local shops and cafes, and even a scenic cruise around Matanzas Bay. With careful planning and the right preparations, travelers can make the most of their St. Augustine adventure.
Customer Reviews
Overall, customers have been quite pleased with the St. Augustine day trip, awarding it an impressive 4.5-out-of-5-star rating based on 45 reviews.
Highlights include:
- Travelers raving about the knowledgeable and engaging guide, who received a 4.9/5 rating.
- Guests appreciating the smooth and reliable transportation, which earned a 4.7/5 score.
- Some feedback noting challenges with the pickup locations and suggesting improvements to organization.
- Customers thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to explore the historic city’s colonial Spanish neighborhoods, landmarks, and charming cafes.
- Many leaving with a renewed appreciation for the unique character and rich history of the nation’s oldest city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, outside food and drinks are not allowed on the tour. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, but doesn’t provide any meals. Participants should plan to purchase food and drinks during the free time in St. Augustine.
Is There a Restroom Available During the Tour?
There are restroom facilities available during the tour. Participants can use restrooms at various stops, such as the Castillo de San Marcos, Flagler College, and other landmarks along the way. Adequate restroom access is provided throughout the day.
Are the Tour Guides Knowledgeable About the Local History?
The tour guides are praised for their extensive knowledge of the local history in St. Augustine. According to reviews, they provide insightful commentary and bring the city’s rich past to life throughout the guided portion of the tour.
Can I Extend My Stay in St. Augustine Beyond the Tour Duration?
Absolutely! The tour allows for free time to explore St. Augustine beyond the scheduled activities. Visitors can extend their stay and wander the charming streets, visit additional museums, or dine at the local cafes and bars.
Is There Wheelchair Accessibility for the Tour and Attractions?
The tour and attractions in St. Augustine generally offer wheelchair accessibility, though visitors should check specific details with the tour provider. The small group size and flexibility may accommodate most mobility needs, but advance notice is recommended.
Recap
This day trip from Orlando to historic St. Augustine promises a memorable experience.
Travelers can explore iconic landmarks, enjoy a scenic cruise, and take advantage of dining and shopping discounts.
With flexible tour options and comfortable roundtrip transportation, it’s an excellent way to discover the oldest city in the U.S. at a reasonable price.