Excursion: VIP Butchart Gardens & Victoria Highlights

Departs 6:00pm Sunday, July 2nd (Day 7)

Duration: 4 hours

Activity Level: Moderate. Full participation may require extended periods of walking over even and uneven surfaces, steep terrain and/or water activity in a slight current. There may be steps, inclines, cobblestone surfaces, and extended periods of standing. Participants with physical limitations should take this into account.

Pricing

• Adult (13+) price: $103
• Child (4-12) price: $70
• Infant (0-3) price: $0

(ages as of sail date)

Note: Infant tickets are not required, but please notify us if you will be bringing an infant on this excursion.

Note: If Child tickets are sold out, you may purchase an Adult ticket and notify us so we can convert it to a child ticket and refund you the difference.

Tour Itinerary/Timing

• 18:00- Depart Cruise Terminal for extended Highlights tour to Butchart Gardens
• 19:10- Arrive at Butchart Gardens for 1 hour 50 minute visit
• 21:00- Continue Highlights tour via downtown
• 22:00- Return to pier

Overview

Enjoy the many highlights of Victoria and an incredible visit to the spectacular Butchart Gardens. Departing Ogden Point your fully narrated private tour will take you to Mile 0 where the world’s longest highway begins, and then into Beacon Hill Park to see free-flying peacocks and the world’s tallest freestanding totem pole.

Continue along a scenic ocean drive and through the exclusive residential districts of the Uplands and Oak Bay with their manicured grounds and gardens. Enjoy views of Mt Baker and the Salish Sea from Cattle Point.

Continue your tour to the Saanich Peninsula to visit the Butchart Gardens. See how the Butchart family transformed a barren rock quarry into what is now one of the world’s best-known horticultural attractions, covering more than 55 acres. The gardens are a lush paradise of flowers, rare trees and winding paths. Created over 100 years ago, this once private garden is spectacular. Enjoy the cascading fountains and footbridges connecting you to the many themed gardens, including the beautiful Sunken Gardens, the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden. A map will assist you with your self-guided tour of the gardens.

Enjoy more highlights on your way to downtown though the second oldest Chinatown in North America, including the "Gates of Harmonious Interest". Continue through Old Town, past Bastion Square and into the picture perfect Inner Harbour, home to the majestic Parliament Buildings and iconic Empress Hotel, making a lovely photo stop before returning to the ship.

Highlights

• Butchart Gardens: Stroll the garden paths, with Japanese, Italian, and Rose gardens set among luscious lawns, lily ponds, and streams.
• Rose Carousel: See the carousel of delightful hand-crafted menagerie of wild animals, specifically chosen by the Garden's owners
• Victoria: Travel past the historic downtown quarter, including Chinatown's Gates Of Harmonious Interest, and the Empress Hotel.

Important details and advisements

• Consider physical fitness and medical history when selecting tour.
• Walking at Gardens is at guests’ discretion.
• At night landscapes closest to pathways are the most visible.
• Guests failing to meet return bus are responsible for finding their own way back to ship.
• Tour sequence may vary.

What to wear

• Sunglasses
• Non-slip shoes
• Hat

What to bring

• Credit cards
• Local currency
• SeaPass
• Biodegradable sunscreen