Orlando Like a Local Off the Beaten Path Private Tour

Discover Orlando Like a Local with This Private Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour

For those seeking a more authentic look at Orlando, this private 6-hour tour offers an intimate journey into the city’s hidden gems. Priced at $96 per person, the experience includes hotel pickup, scenic transportation, and visits to iconic spots like Lake Eola Park and Winter Park. This trip is perfect for travelers who want to explore beyond the theme parks and enjoy a curated taste of local culture, flavors, and scenery. It’s designed for most travelers, with no strict physical requirements, and provides a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to savor local drinks, bites, and beautiful views.

A key advantage is the private nature of the tour, ensuring an exclusive experience tailored to your group. The inclusion of scenic train and boat rides, combined with visits to lively neighborhoods and historic sites, offers a well-rounded, leisurely exploration. A notable consideration: guests are responsible for their own alcoholic drinks and snacks at various stops, giving flexibility but also a bit of planning.

Key Points

• Private, guided 6-hour tour with hotel pickup in Orlando
• Includes scenic train ride to Winter Park and boat tour on the Chain of Lakes
• Visits historic Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park, and Orange Avenue & Corona Cigar Co.
• Focus on local flavors, hidden spots, and scenic views
• Designed for most travelers, with most accommodations and easy pacing
• Cost is $96 per person, with free cancellation available

Starting with Hassle-Free Pickup at Westgate Lakes Resort

The adventure kicks off at 10:00 AM with a private pickup from Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa. This seamless start means no worries about transportation arrangements, setting a relaxed tone for the day ahead. The guide, Brittany, leads a personalized experience, ensuring your group enjoys Orlando’s undiscovered side with comfort and flexibility.

The pickup marks the beginning of a day filled with local flavor, scenic views, and cultural insights. From the outset, an emphasis on private transportation makes the experience smooth and convenient, avoiding crowded tour buses and allowing for personalized attention.

Exploring Downtown Orlando at The Wellborn and Lake Eola Park

The first stop is a visit to Downtown Orlando, where you can unwind at The Wellborn. This historic venue offers handcrafted cocktails and tapas, set within a charming garden environment. The ambiance combines a sense of privacy with the relaxed vibe of a hidden retreat, making it ideal for soaking in local flavors.

Next, the tour takes a stroll through Lake Eola Park, one of Orlando’s most recognizable landmarks. The park features a picturesque lake with a swan boat pond and lush scenery, providing a peaceful setting for walking and photos. This stop highlights the city’s natural beauty and is a favorite for capturing memorable views.

Visiting Orange Avenue and Corona Cigar Co.

The tour continues along Orange Avenue, a lively stretch with frequent local activity. Here, visitors explore Corona Cigar Co., known for housing one of the largest humidors in the world. The cigar lounge offers a glimpse into Orlando’s cigar culture, and while guests are responsible for their own cigar purchases or tasting, the experience adds a unique flavor to the trip.

Orange Avenue’s vibrant atmosphere contrasts nicely with the earlier quiet parks, giving a sense of the city’s nightlife and craft scene. The mix of old and new makes this area a highlight for those interested in Orlando’s diverse character.

Scenic Train Ride to Winter Park

One of the tour’s standout features is the SunRail scenic train ride to Winter Park. This local train offers a relaxed, authentic way to see the city from a different perspective. The journey provides scenic views of suburban neighborhoods and lush landscapes, setting the tone for the cultural exploration ahead.

Once in Winter Park, the guide leads guests through boutique shopping streets and charming cafes. The train ride adds a touch of local life, making the experience feel like a day spent with a friend showing you their favorite spots.

Wine Tasting, Oysters & Craft Beer on Park Avenue

After arriving in Winter Park, the tour includes a visit to Park Avenue, where guests can indulge in wine, fresh oysters, and craft beer. This stop emphasizes local culinary options, showcasing Orlando’s taste for quality drinks and bites. Visitors have the chance to sample a variety of wines, enjoy fresh oysters, or relax with a craft brew, all while exploring boutique shops and cafes.

The lively yet intimate atmosphere of Park Avenue makes this segment especially enjoyable for those who appreciate good food and drink in a charming setting. It’s an ideal place to soak in the local ambiance and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two.

Scenic Boat Tour on the Winter Park Chain of Lakes

The tour concludes with a romantic boat cruise through the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. This scenic boat tour showcases estates, lush landscapes, and picturesque canals. It offers a serene way to end the day, allowing travelers to sit back and enjoy the beauty of Winter Park from the water.

The boat ride is relaxed and provides excellent photo opportunities of historic homes and natural scenery. This final stop captures the essence of the area’s charm and makes for a memorable conclusion to the private tour.

Practical Details: Logistics and Inclusions

The private transportation, including the scenic train and boat rides, forms the backbone of this experience. The meeting point at Westgate Lakes Resort is convenient and familiar, and the tour ends back at the same location, simplifying planning.

The price of $96 per person reflects the value of a personalized, curated experience with multiple well-chosen stops. While food, snacks, and alcoholic beverages are not included, guests can purchase their own at various stops, allowing flexibility.

The tour is most suitable for most travelers, with good weather required for the outdoor activities and boat ride. The experience is designed to be comfortable and engaging, without strenuous physical demands.

The Unique Charm of This Orlando Private Tour

This tour offers an authentic glimpse of Orlando beyond the theme parks, with a mix of historic sites, scenic rides, and local flavors. The combination of guided storytelling, scenic transit, and leisurely stops provides a balanced, relaxed pace that suits curious explorers and casual visitors alike.

The private setting ensures exclusivity, making it a good choice for couples, small groups, or families looking for a personalized taste of the city. The inclusion of scenic boat and train rides adds a special touch, making this tour stand out from more conventional city excursions.

While the tour emphasizes local secrets and hidden treasures, the sightseeing is flexible enough for varied interests, from history buffs to food lovers. The free cancellation policy also adds peace of mind, allowing for flexible planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The private transportation, scenic train ride, and boat tour are included. Guests are responsible for purchasing their own food, drinks, and snacks.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa at 10:00 AM and ends back at the same location, providing a convenient pick-up and drop-off point.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Since most travelers can participate and the pace is relaxed, it is generally suitable for most, but physical mobility should be considered for walking and boat rides.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with full refunds available.

How long does each stop last?
Stops are designed to be manageable, with highlights including the downtown area, Lake Eola, Orange Avenue, and Winter Park, with the entire experience lasting approximately 6 hours.

Are drinks included?
No, alcoholic beverages, wine tasting, oysters, and snacks are not included but can be purchased at specific stops.

Is there a guide or host during the tour?
Yes, the experience is led by Brittany, providing personalized attention and insights into Orlando’s local scene.

What kinds of sights will I see on the boat tour?
The boat cruise along the Winter Park Chain of Lakes offers views of estates, lush landscapes, and picturesque canals, providing a peaceful and scenic finale.

How does this tour compare to other Orlando experiences?
Unlike typical theme park visits, this tour focuses on local neighborhoods, hidden spots, and scenic rides, offering a more relaxed and authentic look at Orlando.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, outdoor activities and boat rides depend on good weather. If canceled due to weather, a different date or a full refund is offered.

This private tour provides a thoughtful, scenic, and flavorful exploration of Orlando’s lesser-known side, making it an excellent choice for those wanting an insider perspective.