Tours

Monday, April 16, 2007
TARPON SPRINGS, HOME OF THE SPONGE DOCKS
9:00am – 3:30pm
$50.00 per person
Download AACC Tour Registration Form

Dating back to the early 1900's when sponges were discovered in the local waters, Tarpon Springs experienced an influx of immigrants from the Dodecanese Islands of Greece who settled here to work in their native industry of sponge diving. As the industry grew, so did the Greek community, bringing its wonderful ethnic flavor, customs and charm with them. Today, you will have the opportunity to explore the history of Tarpon Springs.

The tour will begin at the TARPON SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER which was built in 1915 as the original city hall and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. View their current exhibit as well as a National Geographic film done on Tarpon Springs, its sponging industry and Greek community.

Next stop is ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL where you will enjoy a tour and lecture of this Magnificent Cathedral including its history, architecture and religion. See the famous weeping Icon of St. Nicholas and hear the story of the miracles surrounding it.

Following the church tour, relax aboard the coach for a drive by tour of the VICTORIAN HOMES ALONG SPRING BAYOU where you will enjoy a brief narrative by your guide of this scenic waterfront Area where many of Tarpon's founding fathers built their beautiful turn of the century homes.

Next is a quick drive by of the SPONGE DOCKS, which will allow your guide the opportunity to point out shops, restaurants and attractions for your free time down at the docks after lunch. The highlight of the tour will include the HOW TO SHOP FOR A SPONGE SEMINAR. and will include everything you'll need to know in order to select and care for that perfect sponge to bring home from Tarpon Springs.

You will have free time to enjoy lunch on your own and time to stroll down and shop at the Sponge Docks. Over 100 shops to choose from offering goods and merchandise from all over the world, sponge and curio shops, abundant Greek cuisine and bakeries and even some Amish style fudge. For the non-shoppers, several attractions are located in the area.

Tour Includes: Deluxe Round Trip Transportation, Uniformed Tour Guide, Cultural Center Admission, Tour of Church, Narrative Tour of Tarpon Springs and the Spring Bayou, Exclusive Sponge Seminar, Free time to shop at the Sponge Docks, Bottled Waters on coach, liability insurance, all applicable taxes, driver gratuities and the complete coordination by the staff of eventions.

Download AACC Tour Registration Form

American Association of Community Colleges