Gratis
Apoyo
Visit Bannatyne's Hastings for a spa break for two - includes dinner and bed & breakfast
Finding Hobbiton! In 1998, Sir Peter Jackson’s team of location scouts were searching for the iconic rolling hills and lush green pastures of Hobbiton™. An aerial search led them to the Alexander farm, a stunning 1,250 acre sheep farm in the heart of the Waikato. They noted the area’s striking similarity to The Shire™, as described by JRR Tolkien, and quickly realised that the Hobbits™ had found a home. In one particular part of the farm, a magnificent pine tree towered over a nearby lake, adjacent to a rising hill. Bag End now sits atop that hill, overlooking the Party Tree, as that pine would later be known. The surrounding areas were untouched; no power lines, no buildings and no roads in sight. This meant that Sir Peter Jackson could leave the 20th century behind, and fully submerge himself in the fantasy world of Middle-earth™. In March 1999 the crew began the nine month quest to bring the ideas for Hobbiton to fruition; help was provided by the New Zealand Army, and soon 39 temporary Hobbit Holes™ were scattered across the 12 acre plot used for the set. Secrecy was key, and strict security measures were put in place by the production company throughout construction and filming. Filming commenced in December 1999, and it took around three months to get a wrap on The Shire. After an initial attempt at demolition, 17 bare plywood facades remained. These shells would serve as the catalyst that propelled Hobbiton forward into the public eye, with guided tours commencing in 2002. In 2009, Sir Peter Jackson returned to film The Hobbit trilogy, and he left behind the beautiful movie set you’ll see today; 44 permanently reconstructed Hobbit Holes, in the same fantastic detail seen in the movies. In 2012 The Green Dragon™ Inn was opened as the finale to the journey. Guests now finish their Hobbiton Movie Set experience with a refreshing beverage from the Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ Range. There’s an abundance of movie magic nestled inside the fully operational farm.
Start your day trip to the East Algarve with a hotel pickup, and then travel by air-conditioned coach to the pretty town of Almancil, roughly 8 miles (13km) northwest of Faro. Head inside the town’s crowning glory, the beautiful Church of St Lourenço (Igreja de São Lourenço de Matos), and marvel at its stunning blue-and-white wall tiles while exploring. The tiles depict the story of St Lourenço who used money from the Catholic Church to pay for the poor until he was caught by the Romans. Continue to Faro, the Algarve’s capital, for a walking tour of its elegant Old Town. Amble around the charming cobblestone streets and see the Arc da Vila, a monument that was commissioned to mark the entrance to the Old Town after a devastating earthquake in 1755. After exploring the streets, enjoy some free time to sightsee independently or shop for souvenirs to take home. Meet back up with your guide and travel to the nearby town of Olhão with its bustling fishing port and Moorish-esque neighborhoods and cube-shaped houses. Stretch your legs on a walk around with your guide, and then take a break for lunch at your own expense; your guide will have plenty of restaurant recommendations if you need them. Your last stop of the day is the beautiful city of Tavira, a town often called the 'Venice of the Algarve' after its location that straddles the River Gilão. Steeped in history, Tavira is home to Roman bridges, Renaissance churches and historical monuments aplenty, but it’s Tavira Castle — a structure thought to date to Neolithic days — that is the town’s most intriguing sight. Pay your entrance fee and then head inside the site to explore the castle's ramparts and ruins. Leave Tavira in the late afternoon and travel back to your Algarve hotel where your day trip finishes.
Please call them for special requirements such as a car seat. Collapsible wheelchairs acceptable when accompanied by another adult. Nevada law requires children to be properly secured in a car seat until they are at least 6 years old and 60lbs. No children under 2 will be permitted on tour. TOUR INCLUDES Personally guided and narrated tour All fees included Small group experience Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off
The old port in Fira is accessible only: By cable car: It is perfectly safe, it consists of 6 wagons and has capacity of 6 persons per wagon. During high season (April-October) it runs every 20 minutes. Single tickets cost €5 for adults and €2.50 for children. On foot: You would need to walk down the famous 600 steps of the traditional road that connects the old port with the town of Fira. The descend takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your physical condition. By donkey: The donkeys used to be the traditional transportation way of the island. They go up and down to the old port of Fira frequently. A single ride costs around €5 per person and takes about 20 minutes. Most people prefer to take the donkey on their way up.