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Sarasota Tours
Circus Secrets of Sarasota
5

Circus Secrets of Sarasota

By Discover Sarasota Tours
Recommended by 100% of travellers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 12-112, max of 30 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Written guide
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
: English
More


  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water


Start:
  • 1826 4th St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
    Off Fruitville, behind the Breakfast House
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 120329P2

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Most travellers can participate
    • Guests must be 10+; no children under 10 allowed except on our family tours designed for children. Every guest must have a paid ticket in order to board.
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travellers

    • All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 120329P2

    From
    £49.24
    per adult
    Select date and travellers
    Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

    Similar experiences

    Itinerary
    • 1826 4th St, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA
      Off Fruitville, behind the Breakfast House
    • Pass by
      St. Armands Circle
    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Discover Sarasota Tours
      1,294
      Sarasota, United States
      Joined in October 2018
    • thomas_king083
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Tour of Sarasota Amish Enclave
      Kendra gave a great tour. With her connection to the Mennonite church and family in the Amish community she was ideally placed to give an informative and unique perspective on the Amish community and their way of life.
      Written 7 December 2024
    • nancygY2853ZG
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A simple lifestyle
      It was a great tour of understanding a beautiful culture. Touring the all-inclusive amish community was fascinating and eye opening. Their homes, lifestyle , food and markets are so fascinating. Don't miss this one!
      Written 6 December 2024
    • F3739ENjennifers
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      What a Great Tour!
      We went on the Amish/Mennonite Tour with Kendra. It was a great tour. We grew up in a town in Virginia with a large Mennonite community and did not think we would learn too much and boy were we wrong. Learned so much and Kendra was a wealth of information and happy to answer our questions. Definitely worth considering doing when visiting Sarasota
      Written 6 December 2024
    • Tour50727443742
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun, interesting trip.
      The tour started on time, the check in process was easy. Our guide John Mac was wonderful and entertaining, and knows his Sarasota history. He added personal information since he lives there. Driver John was also good. A definite must when in Sarasota!
      Written 3 December 2024
    • karenwJ8620LJ
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun for all ages!
      This was such a fun experience for all and we had family aged 12-86 with us! I would highly recommend this for a fun night out and something out of the ordinary to do. If you participate it is even more fun!
      Written 2 December 2024
    • cmhsrq
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amish:Bridges to Understanding Excellent Tour
      Kendra did an excellent job as our tour guide of the Amish Experience. It is called Bridges to Understanding which is exactly how Kendra shared the lifestyle, beliefs and strong community values of this population. So many of my questions were answered of how the Amish live within our complicated world. We will likely do this tour again in a couple years for a refresh. I have done a few Discover Sarasota Tours and they are all good and are an excellent way to learn more about Sarasota no matter how long you have lived here.
      Written 22 November 2024
    • Voyage17547938749
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Educational & Entertaining
      This was a great way to learn about the unique Amish history and lifestyle. I would highly recommend any of these tours. It is a great way to entertain company, so they know there is more to Sarasota than the beaches!
      Written 21 November 2024
    • PeggyM425
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Good overall tour
      Good overview of the area. Jon was an entertaining guide and Joe was a good driver. Would recommend the tour. Shop cute and well kept.
      Written 16 November 2024
    • Trek11929226733
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Excellent experience even in between devastating Hurricanes.
      Everyone was so helpful and friendly. Our tour guide Steve was amazingly knowledgeable and gifted with a love for Sarasota that was appreciated. Loved his music, fantastic. Thank you for the experience, Diane from Ohio, first time to Florida's West coast.
      Written 15 November 2024
    • Francene727
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic Upfront Experience
      Just spent 1 1/2 hours in a totally fantastic Amish Experience. Kendra, our tour guide, was so entertaining and well informed. I've always been curious about the Amish and Mennonite communities, and we got an upfront visit. I'm envious of their simple lifestyle and away from all the technology and bustle we have now. The pie at the Carlyle hotel visit was delicious. One of the best tours I've been on!!!!
      Written 14 November 2024
    • shannongJ7717NU
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      An enjoyable time
      I really had a great time on our tour. I saw a lot I’ve never seen and of course learned a lot as well! I really enjoyed our tour guide and he was very knowledgeable and knew so many architects and what they had done in their history. It was very interesting. Sarasota is a wonderful town and I’m glad I got to see more of it and learn moreof its history. Thank you for a great time.
      Written 14 November 2024
    • ronaldtj2024
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Enjoyable and educational
      Very educational tour of the parts of Sarasota other than the beach. Tour guides and staff were very friendly and made the experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommend for great places to visit.
      Written 9 November 2024
    • kimcfvh
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Very fun tour!
      We are visiting from Charlotte, NC-it was easy to find the meeting spot, and we were met by friendly smiles! Such nice people. Our guide Steve was very knowledgeable about the history of the city, with fun facts to share. We did the city tour, and they have many others. Would definitely recommend!
      Written 4 November 2024
    • 233maryannm
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic!
      The Haunted Sarasota Trolley tour was absolutely delightful! The professional entertainment was unexpected and was theater quality! The local history was fascinating to learn. Some of my friends who are lifelong residents were intrigued by the new knowledge from the troupe of actors. Bravo! I'd also like to give a shout out to Elizabeth Pickett Gray for organizing this!
      Written 2 November 2024
    • 832mayerk
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly recommend
      The whole trip was fun and unexpected. The “ghost” visits were well done. Living in Sarasota I never knew alot of the things the tour showed us. It was great!
      Written 30 October 2024
    See all 1,294 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles64 reviews
    Excellent
    61
    Very good
    3
    Average
    0
    Poor
    0
    Terrible
    0

    mainemarty
    Brewer, ME1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2021
    Great experience. Staff is courteous and pleasant. (And masked!) Office, gift shop, restroom and tour van were very clean. We felt safe and totally comfortable. It was a birthday present for my husband, a circus buff and former TV clown. We both really enjoyed the tour, and we'll definitely be trying some of your other tours. Tour Guide Bob was knowledgeable and fun, and our driver did a first-class job of navigating traffic while adding an interesting tidbit or two to the presentation. It was also fun having some of your other guides on board, too -- added a lot to the experience. We'll be back!
    Written 11 March 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    We were delighted to have "circus clown" royalty onboard and deeply appreciate your kind comments about our tour and our biz. Thanks and we look forward to seeing you again!
    Written 17 March 2021
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Sheryl G
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2020
    We took out of town guests with us on both the Historic Sarasota Tour and the Circus Tour. Both of our guides were wonderful and our driver Siggy (on both trips) was great. You learn so much about the Sarasota area and history and for people who are unfamiliar with the area it provides a comprehensive overview of Sarasota and how it grew and developed. We look forward to doing this again and trying some of the other tour options. We would highly recommend both of these tours for both locals and visitors.
    Written 30 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Aaron W
    Sarasota, FL1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Apr 2023
    I've lived in Sarasota and worked in circuses for more than 25 years and still learned a lot on this tour! My friends from out of town were fascinated by our guide, Bob's knowledge of the industry, history and culture. We'll be back whenever anyone visits us.
    Written 6 April 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    MsMac43
    Nashville, TN7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2020
    Tammy and her crew exceeded my expectations during yesterday's tour. She even made up a basket for the little ones to prevent boredom during the 90minutes that we adults were absorbing all the wonderful details offered by Bob, our tour guide. Thanks to all for a wonderful experience
    Written 30 July 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    Thank you so much for taking your family on this wonderful tour. We loved having you!
    Written 18 August 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    Patricia H
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2020 • Couples
    We participated in the circus history tour recently and we're thrilled with the tour.

    Prior to our your departure we met the owner of this tour company and she expressed her appreciation for us her customers as well as her driver and tour guide.

    This was a very professional operation and the hour passed very quickly. Not only was it informative but lots of fun.

    We higky recommend everyone to make a reservation and get in on this Sweet Gem.
    Written 22 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    I love your title--Sweet Gem! We really try to be so thank you.
    Written 24 February 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    larry f
    Tampa, FL1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2022
    Bob Collins was the tour host and his intimate knowledge of the circus and its part in how Sarasota developed into a world class small city. One of my favorite tourist type tours ever. Thanks Bob & Tammy the owner of the business.
    Written 3 January 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Colleen
    Punta Gorda, FL17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2022
    The tour guide Bob told some really great stories of the impact on the circus in Sarasota, FL. He had first hand knowledge of the Ringling circus. I really loved the personal artifacts and photos he passed around during the trolley tour. The trolley is a fun summer activity. The trolley driver did an excellent job of getting us around Sarasota and St. Armands circle safely. The house where you check in for the trolley is filled with great vintage gifts and books. Looking forward to taking many more tours. Thank you.
    Written 19 June 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Deb K
    Chicago, IL81 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2024 • Family
    Hello Trippers,
    So much history of the Ringling Circus! Don't miss the private Art that John Ringling acquired in the separate art museum. The Ca' d'Zan mansion was so beautiful and opulent. We only did the first floor of the Ca' d'Zan mansion due to the steps required (80) to see the other floors, but it was on par with the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. The Howard Circus, a miniature circus in the museum is incredible and very very intricate and brought back so many childhood memories. Do not miss this attraction.

    Enjoy,
    Deb
    Written 11 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Julie B
    Orlando, FL4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2022
    I had the pleasure of taking a tour with Bob Collins for the Circus Secrets of Sarasota and I have to say I was not expecting such an amazing adventure.

    If you ever visited the circus as a child - Bob made it come back alive. I really enjoyed his history and knowledge and he even explained the mystery of how OLD FASHION PINK LEMONADE came to be!

    I can't tell you as it is a secret to find out on the tour but I will give you a hint it has to do with the circus:).

    Enjoyable experience and don't hesitate and sign up - you will enjoy the show. I did!
    Written 11 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Tim S
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mar 2022
    Circus circle of fame on St Armand's Circle and Bob's Train Museum were my two favorite spots we visited. The speaker was excellent and provided non-stop commentary. His voice was clear and adequately loud. He had a cheerful manner and was a wealth of information.
    Written 10 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Showing results 1-10 of 61
    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

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