Itineraries following a unique theme or centered on a special event or seasonal production can be customized for your group. Tour themes range from architectural interests to citrus to sports to gardening, and much more. As your Central Florida group tour planner, the Visitors & Convention Bureau offers multi-day packages, Step-on Guide Service, ground transportation, Hub ’n Spoke itineraries and custom group packages for: Photography Tours, Cultural Tours, Nature-based Tours, Soft Adventure Tours and others. Or just tell us what your group is looking for, and let us build a package around your client’s needs.

Polk County Tour

DAY 1 - Arrive at Fantasy of Flight to experience the history of flight, from the beginning to World War II. Participate in re-enactments of WWII B-17 bombing missions as well as flight simulators. Have lunch at the Art Deco-themed Compass Rose Diner and shop for one-of-a-kind aviation antiques and souvenirs. Visit downtown Lakeland's many antique and specialty shops around Munn Park and have dinner in this historic area.

DAY 2 - After breakfast, you’ll visit the Polk Museum of Art, Central Florida’s premier art museum, where you’ll explore the gallery of pre-Columbian artifacts, the outdoor sculpture garden and seven additional galleries. A short trip from the museum will have you at the world’s largest one-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture at Florida Southern College. Then it’s off to Bartow for lunch before visiting the Polk County Historical Museum and Genealogical Library in the 1908 neoclassical courthouse on Main Street. Your day will conclude with a stroll down Main Street to visit a variety of gift and antique shops and the popular Cool Shoppe for some ice cream.

DAY 4 - Your morning begins with breakfast at award-winning Chalet Suzanne, followed by a tour of their soup cannery. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Bok Tower Gardens. The centerpiece is the historic 60-bronze bell tower surrounded by a 157-acre garden, which is also home to more than 120 species of wild birds. Tour Pinewood Estate, a 1930s Mediterranean mansion. Later in the day, return to your hotel and relax before dinner.

DAY 5 - After breakfast, you’ll begin the day with a stop at Florida’s Natural Growers Grove House Visitor Center. Here you’ll sample Florida’s finest citrus juices and experience a virtual tour taking you through the groves, the processing plant and packaging area. Your day continues with the mystery of Spook Hill, where cars seem to defy gravity by rolling uphill. Your next stop will be lunch in the historic downtown antique district in Lake Wales then a visit to the Depot Museum and Cultural Center.

Celebrate Nature Tour

DAY 1 - Spend the morning at Lake Kissimmee State Park in Lake Wales, featuring more than 50 species of endangered, threatened, rare or special-concern animals. Kissimmee Cow Camp at Lake Kissimmee recreates ranch life in Central Florida during the 1800s. After lunch, visit the Caloosa Nature Trail located at the Babson Park Audubon Center. The Center is located in the middle of the Lake Wales Ridge on three-and-one-half acres of the Longleaf/Sandhill community. This desert-like ecosystem contains many plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. End your day with dinner in historic Lake Wales.

DAY 2 - After breakfast, arrive at Circle B-Bar Reserve and Polk's Nature Discovery Center in Lakeland where visitors are encouraged to explore the mysteries of the 1,267 acres. A tremendous bird population, including a variety of wading birds, waterfowl, ospreys and bald eagles make their homes here. Alligators inhabit Lake Hancock and may be observed from a distance. Guided trails provide educational excursions into the world of nature. Travel to Winter Haven and enjoy lunch then visit the Street Audubon Center visitor center to learn of the different bird species native to this area.

Arts and Architecture Tour

DAY 1 - Arrive at Florida Southern College for the tour of the world’s largest one-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture. The Child of the Sun structures are a tribute to our nation’s most influential architect and perhaps the most revered of this century. After the walking tour, visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Visitors Information Center and gift shop. Next stop is the Polk Museum of Art, featuring a gallery of pre-Columbian artifacts, outdoor sculpture garden and seven additional galleries, including changing exhibits and a student gallery.

DAY 2 - Start the day at the Mulberry Phosphate Museum, home to prehistoric animal fossils, a phosphate gallery containing answers to questions about phosphate, and a Mulberry memorabilia gallery. Enjoy lunch in downtown Bartow before visiting the Polk County Historical Museum. Located in the 1908 neoclassical courthouse, this historical museum offers professional exhibits featuring pioneering families, agriculture, cattle railroads and military history, just to name a few. Two galleries are dedicated to hands-on learning for children, a rotating exhibit gallery and a gift shop. Travel to Lake Wales to the Depot Museum and Cultural Center. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 1928 Atlantic Coastline Depot features a 1916 Pullman car, a 1926 Seaboard Air Line Caboose, a 1944 ACL Diesel Locomotive and the history and early industries of Lake Wales.

Garden Tour
DAY 1 - For a more regal mood, walk amidst the tiered Hollis Garden overlooking Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland. There are more than 10,000 flowers and ornamental shrubs, shade trees and a grand staircase that connect the garden and Lake Mirror Park. Hollis' neoclassical design and ornate garden sculptures are reminiscent of Italy, but the citrus scent in the air brings you back to Florida.

Next, travel to Lake Wales, home of Bok Tower Gardens. Enjoy lunch at the Garden Café before strolling the gardens surrounding the 205-foot stone and marble tower which houses a 60-bronze-bell carillon. Be sure to experience the daily afternoon recital (1pm and 3pm)and the Window by the Pond nature observatory.