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Sarasota Circus Secrets: Historian-Led Cultural Tour
4.9
69 Ratings
Sarasota
Discover the hidden secrets of Sarasota’s circus history on a historian-led cultural tour. Uncover the fascinating stories behind the Big Top and its influence on the city’s arts and culture scene. Book now!
Duration:
1 hour, 30 minutes
Highlights
- St. Armands Circle - Learn about the Circus Side of Sarasota with tour guide Bob Collins, by visiting key city landmarks and hearing stories of the colorful cast of circus characters, showmen, and performers who called Sarasota home.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Additional Information
The Greatest Show on Wheels!
Discover why Sarasota is known as Circus City USA!
Join our tour guide, circus historian Bob Collins, as he shares the fascinating history of the circus in Sarasota through captivating stories about the various locations you’ll visit. These spots include numerous hidden gems with circus ties. You’ll also hear about the showmen who founded the circus, including John and Charles Ringling and their families.
- 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.
Location
1826 4th St
4th Street
Off Fruitville, behind the Breakfast House
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(69 Ratings)
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Jjiskm
Apr 16, 2024
Fun and Informative Trolley Tour - We booked this tour for an Art Association activity and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We were all over the City from The Ringling to Payne Park. Bob was excellent at sharing his knowledge and experience with the Ringling Circus. Gretchen was an excellent driver. It was a fun and knowledgeable experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pioneer00859711041
Mar 11, 2024
Wonderful Tour! - Wonderful tour. Our guide Bob was phenomenal. From a very early age he dreamed of working for Ringling and for many years he did.
Ringlings had so much influence on the Sarasota area and this tour really gave us a greater appreciation of their contributions.
Loved the tour. Was sad when it was over.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Foxhillgirl
Mar 10, 2024
Find the hidden gems! - Excellent tour! We have done many of the circus related attractions in Sarasota. We learned a lot about the history of the circus and its impact on the development of the city. Bob is quite knowledgeable and shared information in a most inviting way.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tom
Mar 5, 2024
Ringling Museum Visit - This is an amazing display to fully appreciate what bringing the circus meant to cities across America in the early 1900
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Terimy3128vw
Feb 19, 2024
Great tour - The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. I learned a lot and the sites were fascinating. The circus history buffs in our group loved this tour. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leslie_a
Feb 18, 2024
Not just for tourists, go even if you live here, you'll love it! - Bill was very informative and entertaining. The program was run very well and very professional. We learned a lot, and we live in the Sarasota area. My only suggestion is that since the seats on the bus are very uncomfortable, a chance to get up and walk around for 5 minutes part way through would be really beneficial.
Review provided by Viator
390deniser
Feb 15, 2024
Great tour! - So interesting! Mr Collin’s is very knowledgeable and makes it very interesting. Everyone affiliated with the company is so friendly! Will definitely book with them again next time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Debk116
Feb 11, 2024
Circus, Mansion, and Art! - 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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mary
Feb 3, 2024
Knowledgeable Guide & Helpful Tour Office! - Our group of 6 enjoyed this informative tour of not only circus secrets but also Sarasota. Penny at the tour office was helpful & top-notch! Our tour guide, Bob, was kind knowledgeable. Be sure to check out the eclectic gift shop!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
180judithj
Feb 15, 2024
A good way to spend an afternoon - It was a good tour taking you throughout the areas that had circus history
I mostly liked the information Bob gave us on the Ringling family and their contributions that started the interest in Sarasota
Review provided by Tripadvisor
