Oxford Official Walking and University Tour

Discover Oxford's Iconic Sights on a Guided 2-Hour Official Walking Tour of the Historic University and City
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Oxford Official Walking and University Tour
From £ 32.00 For 1 Person
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Discover Oxford's Iconic Sights on a Guided 2-Hour Official Walking Tour of the Historic University and City
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the historic heart of Oxford with the Official University & City Tour! This two-hour walking tour is a fantastic way to soak up the sights and stories of this enchanting city, often referred to as the "City of Dreaming Spires." Led by an engaging guide brimming with knowledge, this experience offers a delightful mix of Oxford's rich history, architectural marvels, and intriguing anecdotes that have shaped the legacy of one of the world's oldest universities.As the tour unfolds, wander through stunning college grounds, passing by iconic landmarks such as the Bodleian Library, Sheldonian Theatre, and the picturesque Bridge of Sighs. Discover hidden lanes and secret passages while learning about the brilliant minds who have walked these halls, from authors like J.R.R. Tolkien to scientists such as Stephen Hawking. Plus, movie enthusiasts will appreciate tales of Oxford's cinematic connections, from “Harry Potter” to “Lewis,” making each step of the tour not just informative but truly captivating!This immersive tour is not only a perfect way to explore Oxford, but it also makes a wonderful gift for friends, family, or anyone who appreciates history and culture. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a thoughtful gesture, sharing an experience in this iconic setting is sure to create lasting memories and inspire a love for Oxford that can be treasured for years to come!

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Oxford Official University & City Tour

An Oxford Official Walking Tour is the best way to explore the "City of dreaming spires". Led by one of our knowledgeable guides this award-winning University & City Tour is 2hours. You'll be able to walk by Oxford’s most popular sights, including its colleges*, the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Bridge of Sighs and many more! This University & City Tour is the best way to learn about the traditions and secrets of Oxford, the University and its colleges. Be led down hidden lanes and alleyways, and let years of history unfold before you. Your guide will lead you past Oxford’s famous movie locations, including Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and the Morse, Lewis & Endeavour TV series. You'll hear stories of the great academics and scientists who've studied here in our beautiful heritage city. *Many Oxford University colleges remain closed therefore you will often only be able to see them from outside. The 1pm Tour includes a college visit (subject to availability)

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Days Out Requirements

Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please contact the Walking Tours office if you have any mobility issues and we will do our best to adapt the tour, as some of the ancient buildings are not wheelchair accessible. Please note, only Assistance Dogs are allowed on tours.
In case of severe and dangerous (Yellow) weather warnings tours may be postponed, but normally tours go ahead whatever the weather. Please come comfortably dressed and prepared for the weather.

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How long is the Oxford Official Walking and University Tour

Experience Duration: 2:00

Time Spent at Venue: 2:15

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Guest Info For Oxford Official Walking and University Tour

Participants: The Oxford Official Walking and University Tour is for 1 participant.

Max Group Size: 15

Spectators Allowed on Site: No

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Activity Location

Oxford (Oxfordshire)

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What to Wear For This Activity

Please dress according to the weather on the day of your experience, with sensible shoes suitable for the activity.

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Is This Activity Weather Dependent?

The experience takes place in most weather conditions, but may be rescheduled in the event of unsafe weather conditions.

Oxford Official Walking and University Tour Reviews

Florent - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
The tour was interesting with a passionate guide! However, I was expecting to go inside some buildings (even if I would have to pay the entrance ticket, it was not a problem). The whole tour was outside! Lucky us that it was sunny!
Debbie_S - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Our guide was local and extremely knowledgeable. He was friendly and eager to share Oxford's history with our group. We appreciated the way he filled every moment of the tour with interesting facts and background about our surroundings! ...
Our guide was local and extremely knowledgeable. He was friendly and eager to share Oxford's history with our group. We appreciated the way he filled every moment of the tour with interesting facts and background about our surroundings! Highest recommendations for this guide.
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Treyab73 - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Absolutely stunning! A MUST DO when in Oxford. The knowledge of the staff, the beauty of city blew my mind. I did the City of Oxford Walking Tour which took about an hour and a half. I wish I'd had more time in Oxford to then visit all the ...
Absolutely stunning! A MUST DO when in Oxford. The knowledge of the staff, the beauty of city blew my mind. I did the City of Oxford Walking Tour which took about an hour and a half. I wish I'd had more time in Oxford to then visit all the places pointed out on the tour and to take another tour. There is so much history that having someone explain just a little of it was an incredible experience. Shout out to the amazing guide! The tour does leave you feeling a little insignificant after hearing some of the accomplishments that have come out of this city and this university!
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alonr857 - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
Fun tour by a local guide who was clearly passionate about the history of this amazing town. Definitely would recommend.
russs714 - Anonymous location
  • 10/20/2024
Dan was an excellent guide. His welcome was perfect, his knowledge of the whole university scene, especially as it was the matriculation (the arrival of the new students). We had two hours of informative entertaining discussion. Thanks Da...
Dan was an excellent guide. His welcome was perfect, his knowledge of the whole university scene, especially as it was the matriculation (the arrival of the new students). We had two hours of informative entertaining discussion. Thanks Dan.
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peterhA9370OY - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Our guide was Naima - she took us around a great mix of historic, cultural and university sites. It was well planned and entertaining. Naima was good fun and full of interesting facts and enthusiasm. Recommended!
Maisa - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
A very interesting tour by our good-humoured guide Jay. Didn't notice the time passing. This was a good resume of Oxford's main points of interest.
dougw45 - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
Our walking tour with Jaye was very informative and entertaining. Jaye did an excellent job of giving us a real feel for the culture as well as the facts that surround how Oxford developed through history and became the city it is today. He...
Our walking tour with Jaye was very informative and entertaining. Jaye did an excellent job of giving us a real feel for the culture as well as the facts that surround how Oxford developed through history and became the city it is today. Her passion for the city and its history is clear and contagious. We particularly appreciated how she explained the overview of how the city, the colleges and the university are interrelated to create a unique and vibrant community.
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clarkenorman - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
There were only two of us on this tour, so we got the guide's full attention. We got to see some views of parts of Oxford not available to the public. Lucy, our guide, was knowledgeable and entertaining.and even extended the time slightly...
There were only two of us on this tour, so we got the guide's full attention. We got to see some views of parts of Oxford not available to the public. Lucy, our guide, was knowledgeable and entertaining.and even extended the time slightly to show us a few extra sights.
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janetk528 - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
William, our tour guide was knowledgeable, humorous, and shared interesting stories. The 2 hour walking tour of Oxford was absorbing and went by so quickly. It gave us an overview and understanding of what the city and University is about. ...
William, our tour guide was knowledgeable, humorous, and shared interesting stories. The 2 hour walking tour of Oxford was absorbing and went by so quickly. It gave us an overview and understanding of what the city and University is about. Well worth doing!
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RobNixon49 - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Whilst on a company well- being event in Oxford we booked this tour and our guide was Jonathan . The tour itself covered the university and city and explained the history and relationship between the two . Jonathan was a mine of information...
Whilst on a company well- being event in Oxford we booked this tour and our guide was Jonathan . The tour itself covered the university and city and explained the history and relationship between the two . Jonathan was a mine of information and was a lot of fun making the university part especially interesting as he had been a student there himself. This intimate knowledge of college life and inter college rivalries added an extra dimension. For any Morse or general film buffs it was again fun to learn of the buildings and parts of the cities that had been used in various films and series from Morse ( and the subsequent spin offs ) Harry Potter to Brideshead revisted.
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Lisa - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
Steve was a fabulous guide taking us to so many beautiful locations in the city and the various colleges. He shared many historical and humorous stories with our group! I highly recommend this tour to help orient yourselves in Oxford and pr...
Steve was a fabulous guide taking us to so many beautiful locations in the city and the various colleges. He shared many historical and humorous stories with our group! I highly recommend this tour to help orient yourselves in Oxford and provide an overview of the history of this incredible city!
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Vacation529681 - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
The friendly and knowledgeable guide, available to answer any questions. The visit to the topical places of the city was enriched by anecdotes, curiosities of the past and present, useful for understanding the importance of this city from a...
The friendly and knowledgeable guide, available to answer any questions. The visit to the topical places of the city was enriched by anecdotes, curiosities of the past and present, useful for understanding the importance of this city from a historical, economic and social point of view. Recommended only if it's not raining, the visit is an urban trek entirely in outdoor locations.
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ashleaver - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
We were lucky enough to be the only booking for our tour and the wonderful David made our experience very memorable! It was his 100th tour and we believe it was one to remember. His knowledge was exceptional and was able to answer our many ...
We were lucky enough to be the only booking for our tour and the wonderful David made our experience very memorable! It was his 100th tour and we believe it was one to remember. His knowledge was exceptional and was able to answer our many questions with ease. We learnt lots of facts and got a great insight to Oxford from a true local. Thank you David!
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Pete - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Very interesting - engaging tour guide. Gave a nice tour, but sadly the library would no allow us to enter on the day we visited
Di - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
We had a lovely walking tour with the tour guide Edward. It’s much more interesting and insightful than walking by ourselves.
Hoozit - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
It was great that there were only about a dozen of us on Sally's walking tour, so it was easy to hear her softly spoken informative narrative. She set an alarmingly spritely pace considering she was using two crutches, outpacing the majorit...
It was great that there were only about a dozen of us on Sally's walking tour, so it was easy to hear her softly spoken informative narrative. She set an alarmingly spritely pace considering she was using two crutches, outpacing the majority of us to keep to her strict time schedule, especially as we were allowed into the dining hall of Exeter College as they were preparing for lunch. I lost count of the number of colleges we saw but each has it's own character, and all so beautiful. Those couple of hours has whet our appetites for a longer stay in this beautiful city to delve deeper. Thank you Sally.
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Discover62714650033 - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
Really interesting tour covering a wealth of Oxford history and architecture, and including a visit to Wadham College. Really enjoyed the tour!
Nadia - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
My tour guide, David, was amazing. He shared so much historical knowledge about different colleges in Oxford, events that took place there over hundreds of years, and incorporated his personal life stories while growing up in Oxford and sha...
My tour guide, David, was amazing. He shared so much historical knowledge about different colleges in Oxford, events that took place there over hundreds of years, and incorporated his personal life stories while growing up in Oxford and sharing childhood memories about various streets and parks he used to visit with his grandfather, that it gave so much more meaning to the history of this amazing medieval city to me as a tourist visiting it for just a few days. David shared the story of “town v gown” that I never knew about Oxford. Needless to say, this tour will be in my memory for the rest of my life. Thank you very much for being so passionate about the history of this amazing place and sharing it with me that day!
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Steve - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
We joined a small group led by Marcus, a perfect gentleman and a fountain of knowledge. Marcus delivered a fascinating commentary during a tour conducted at just the right pace to suit all. Amusing anecdotes were blended in with detailed ...
We joined a small group led by Marcus, a perfect gentleman and a fountain of knowledge. Marcus delivered a fascinating commentary during a tour conducted at just the right pace to suit all. Amusing anecdotes were blended in with detailed historic facts making this a memorable event. Thank you Marcus
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Vicki4548 - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
A fascinating tour. Lots of really interesting information and good suggestions for after the tour. Libby was very well prepared and had lots of stories.
shambhala8 - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Our tour guide, Brian made this tour very enjoyable. I lived in Oxford for the first 19 years of my life but he told me so many things I never knew. I went on the first day of a week long stay in Oxford and this gave me the appetite to visi...
Our tour guide, Brian made this tour very enjoyable. I lived in Oxford for the first 19 years of my life but he told me so many things I never knew. I went on the first day of a week long stay in Oxford and this gave me the appetite to visit and learn much more, especially the Bodelian Library. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting Oxford.
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918silvinac - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Very interesting tour!! Our guide Michelle was very kind, patient and knowledgeable. I highly recommend it!! Thanks!!
ecbj22 - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Lucy was such a wonderful host, she was an alumna of the university which added so much valuable information that really gave the tour special insight. We had a wonderful morning walking around the city, she was full of energy and really ma...
Lucy was such a wonderful host, she was an alumna of the university which added so much valuable information that really gave the tour special insight. We had a wonderful morning walking around the city, she was full of energy and really made sure we saw the best parts of the city and university!
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264chrise - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
Oxford was beautiful and our tour guide Jaye was fantastic! I don’t think we were suppose to be in her group but tagged along and so glad we did. She was really knowledgeable about the city and made the walk so enjoyable. She even gave us s...
Oxford was beautiful and our tour guide Jaye was fantastic! I don’t think we were suppose to be in her group but tagged along and so glad we did. She was really knowledgeable about the city and made the walk so enjoyable. She even gave us some great recommendations for food, drinks and site seeing. If you get a chance to do a walking tour be sure to ask for Jaye Johnson!
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tinsdale - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Highly recommended! Engaging stories about Oxford inhabitants, the way university and colleges operate. Interesting facts!
susanelizabethd2016 - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
David was the perfect tour guide! Knowledgeable, engaging, and full of enthusiasm for the city and its history that he obviously loves. Highly recommended as an informative and entertaining way to get to know Oxford.
Shania_H - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
The Tour Guide was very informative, my only one area for improvement would be to allow more time at the stops as it felt very on the move and not a lot of time to take in each stop.
camilletH6348NL - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Wonderful Oxford walking tour with Rob on October 29th. Also got to see Hartford college. Very enjoyable and knowledgeable guide!
Elizabeth - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
We took the tour on a Saturday morning. David was our guide and he had a lot of knowledge about the history of the University in the city. We went into Balliol college at the start of the tour and he then took us to some interesting sites w...
We took the tour on a Saturday morning. David was our guide and he had a lot of knowledge about the history of the University in the city. We went into Balliol college at the start of the tour and he then took us to some interesting sites within easy walking distance. His style was really easy to listen to and amusing. And we took up some of his recommendations to follow up later in the day.
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Venture37612136488 - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
Excellent walking trip. Guide AJay was informative and clear and obviously passionate about Oxford . Information was interesting with a good mix of serious and frivolous
Michael_G - Anonymous location
  • 3/17/2025
Libby was a fantastic tour guide. It was great to be guided by someone with first hand knowledge of the current university system and who told us things you'd never be able to google. She was very pleasant, friendly, informative and even ou...
Libby was a fantastic tour guide. It was great to be guided by someone with first hand knowledge of the current university system and who told us things you'd never be able to google. She was very pleasant, friendly, informative and even our 14-year-old was interested and remembered a few of the facts.
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Lillian-JLJ - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
I‘ve attended several tour trips in Oxford. I would say this one with Ajar is the best tous so far. The 2hours’ trip was informative and interesting, woven with his personal experience and thinking as an Oxford student. Bravo!
JerseyMindy - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
My tour guide was David and I cannot say I’ve had a better tour guide anywhere ! He delivered historical and current information, along with some personal experience of being born and bred in Oxford. His enthusiasm and passion not just for ...
My tour guide was David and I cannot say I’ve had a better tour guide anywhere ! He delivered historical and current information, along with some personal experience of being born and bred in Oxford. His enthusiasm and passion not just for sharing his beautiful city with us but also his knowledge, was a delight to be around and listen to. Thank you for a very lovely experience David ( booked through Get your Guide ) Vanessa
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Rita - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Ian was a very knowledgable guide Very interesting and informative Enjoyed his company for the 2 hours
MagsMorgan - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
Lovely tour of Oxford centre including so many landmarks and made really interesting with Richard’s historical knowledge and local tales.
Bev - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Fantastic tour with a fantastic guide. Suzanna was friendly, inclusive and extremely knowledgeable. She welcomed questions and provided in depth information from a local perspective. The tour was a great length and incorporated the main sit...
Fantastic tour with a fantastic guide. Suzanna was friendly, inclusive and extremely knowledgeable. She welcomed questions and provided in depth information from a local perspective. The tour was a great length and incorporated the main sites in the city centre.
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Meander302922 - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
I attended the 2-hour walking tour of Oxford. Jane was my guide. She was very well-informed, and she clearly delighted in the history of Oxford. The stops were appropriate and Jane’s narrative was detailed. I would not hesitate to join anot...
I attended the 2-hour walking tour of Oxford. Jane was my guide. She was very well-informed, and she clearly delighted in the history of Oxford. The stops were appropriate and Jane’s narrative was detailed. I would not hesitate to join another tour with this service again.
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891francish - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Kenny our guide made the experience very entertainang by telling the facts through stories he was also happy to answer any questions asked.
Clem - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
This was a very informative and interesting tour, including a tour of the grounds of one of the one the colleges (different ones on different days). Dave, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and gave informative answers to all the questi...
This was a very informative and interesting tour, including a tour of the grounds of one of the one the colleges (different ones on different days). Dave, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and gave informative answers to all the questions he was given. If you'd like to know the history of the development of the Oxford colleges, how they came about and why, then you will really enjoy this tour.
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anjawI9018PV - Anonymous location
  • 3/17/2025
Gabriel was a great guide, who could talk a lot about the city and university. His knowledge was great. Since we only were a small group, we could hear everything that he said, even on a busy street or corner. We 100% recommend this tour th...
Gabriel was a great guide, who could talk a lot about the city and university. His knowledge was great. Since we only were a small group, we could hear everything that he said, even on a busy street or corner. We 100% recommend this tour through Oxford, and would gladly do another tour with Viator again - the complete experience was great! :D
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shoshannap873 - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
Rob’s Walking Tour changed our lives! Jokes aside - great tour! Loved hearing all the insights, and Rob sure knew his stuff!
99ruthj - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
Richard was our group's guide and was very amiable and knowledgeable. The tour covered the highlights and was a good introduction to Oxford. I felt it dragged just a little at times, but that might have also been due to sore and tired feet ...
Richard was our group's guide and was very amiable and knowledgeable. The tour covered the highlights and was a good introduction to Oxford. I felt it dragged just a little at times, but that might have also been due to sore and tired feet after too much walking in the preceding days. The tour didn't go a full 2 hours but that was fine by me as I find 2 hours is too long for me to stay engaged.
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Petespill - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
Jeremy was knowledgeable and engaging. We really did access some beautiful sites in Oxford and we had a great time. Thank you.
Arleen_G - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Our tour guy David was incredibly knowledgeable and showed us the key highlights of Oxford including an opportunity to see some of the Oxford University colleges. The history of Oxford is fascinating and I would highly recommend this tour.
B6711SPsusanh - Anonymous location
  • 8/31/2023
Lucy was terrific, a very informative and enjoyable tour. Oxford is awesome and you should visit …….
Stephenoye - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
Fantastic tour of Oxford and it's premier university made even better by the knowledgeable guide (David I think) who was extremely passionate about the city and the historical relationship between Town, Gown and Religion.
Minakshi_M - Anonymous location
  • 10/17/2024
The guide shared stories and personal experiences which made the tour memorable Going into the university grounds was a great experience as only students were allowed but this was done through special arrangements

Questions about Oxford Official Walking and University Tour

What is included in the Oxford Official Walking and University Tour experience?
The Oxford Official Walking and University Tour includes a guided tour by a knowledgeable local guide, who will take you through the historic sites of Oxford University and share fascinating stories and insights about its rich history.
How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts about 2 hours, allowing you to explore the highlights of Oxford while providing ample time for questions and interactions with your guide.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for all ages, making it a perfect gift experience for families, friends, or anyone interested in history and culture.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to book in advance to secure your spot, as this popular tour can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
What should I wear for the tour?
We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking, as the tour involves a considerable amount of walking around the beautiful streets and grounds of Oxford.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Absolutely! Feel free to take as many photos as you wish during the tour to capture the beautiful scenery and memorable moments.
What happens if it rains on the day of the tour?
The tour operates rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. In case of severe weather conditions, alternative arrangements may be made.
How do I redeem my gift experience?
Once you purchase the gift experience, you will receive a voucher with instructions on how to redeem it for your chosen date and time for the tour.
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