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.
Please note:
During summer months this tour will operate mainly in daylight.
You cannot hop on and hop off on this tour.
Inclusions:
Panoramic tour of London
Exclusions:
Gratuities (optional)
Food and beverages unless stated differently
Hotel pick up or drop off
Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour - Classic
Explore San Francisco’s famous landmarks on a Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you cruise through the city on an open-top bus and learn about San Francisco's unique history. You have the choice of a personal recorded commentary, available in 10 languages, or an entertaining live commentary. This is the best way to discover all that San Francisco has to offer.
Our unique city tour has 20 stops for guest to hop-on or hop-off the bus to visit attractions and points of interest. From Fisherman’s Wharf to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, immerse yourself in San Francisco’s diverse culture, beautiful parks, stunning architecture and picturesque views.
WALKING TOURS
Chinatown Walking Tour: (Tour begins at Stop #6 - operates daily @ 10:00 & 14:00)
Walk through the world famous historic neighborhood. See the magnificent Chinatown gates, the busy marketplace and the vibrant mix of historical and modern day culture.
Northbeach Walking Tour: (Tour begins at Stop #3 - operates daily @ 16:00)
This tour will take you on a journey through the eclectic Little Italy district. From Washington Square Park to the incredible St. Peter & Paul Church, the tour will leave you with a taste of the bohemian lifestyle that inspired so many of the artistically gifted San Franciscans of previous generations.
Barbary Coast Walking Tour: (Tour begins at Stop #4 - operates daily @ 12:00)
Tour takes you through a nine block radius of what was once the haunt of the low and vile. Hear about San Francisco’s small beginnings, its boom-town growth because of the California Gold Rush and the end of The Barbary Coast due to the Red Light Abatement Act. The walk will take you through the present Financial District and Jackson Square Historic District.
Fisherman’s Wharf Walking Tour: (Tour begins at Stop #1 - operates daily @ 14:00)
The Fisherman’s Wharf walking tour takes you all the main attractions of the Wharf area, including Ghirardelli Square, the Cannery and Pier 39. See and learn about the famous food and restaurants and the historic ships at Aquatic Park. This walk will familiarize you with role the wharf has played in the history of the city—from the Gold rush, through the labor struggles of the 1930’s and the psychedelic explorations of the 1960’s.
Welcome aboard the new Odyssey. They will capture this memory with a photo—then get your cruise off to a great start with lounge music during boarding and recognisable tunes throughout your meal. Pictures available for purchase after you dock.
Enjoy new plated dishes and a larger drink selection. Order from our celebrity chef inspired menus with locally-sourced ingredients. And try something new from our expanded microbrew selection or refreshed wine list.
Dance or relax and take in the views; it’s your cruise. Make your way to our lit dance floor and let our upscale DJ entertain you. Or, head topside for light music and stunning skyline views from Chicago’s best rooftop lounge.
DINNER MENU
APPETIZERS
(Optional - for additional charge)
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail
Bourbon Cocktail Sauce
Seafood Tower
Maine Lobster | Alaskan King Crab | Jumbo Shrimp |
Bay Scallop Ceviche | Bourbon Cocktail Sauce | Parsley Aioli
~ ~ ~
FIRST COURSE
Choice of one
Caesar Salad
Buttermilk Caesar Dressing | Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese |
Herb Croutons | Italian Parsley
Lobster Soup
Brioche Croutons | Scallions
~ ~ ~
ENTRÉES
Choice of one
Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes
Sweet Corn, Red Bell Pepper & Thyme Succotash | Cajun Cream Sauce
Oven Baked Atlantic Salmon Filet
Lemon Orzo with Red Onions & Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Citrus Dill Sauce
Maple & Mustard Glazed Chicken Breast
Fingerling Potatoes & Chives | Haricot Verts | Dijon Mustard Cream Sauce
Braised Beef Short Rib
Idaho Potato & Horseradish Mash | Baby Carrots | Pearl Onions & English Peas | Cabernet Sauvignon Sauce
Jumbo Forest Mushroom Ravioli
Spanish Red Lentils & Sage | Arugula | Shallot’s | Toasted Walnuts | Basil Oil
~ ~ ~
DESSERTS
Choice of one
Eli’s Original Cheesecake
Strawberry Sauce
Duo of Sorbet
Seasonal Sorbet | Fresh Cut Fruit
Freshly Cut Fruit & Fresh Strawberries
Madagascar Vanilla & Orange Custard | Fresh Mint
Chocolate Decadent Cake
Mixed Berries | Raspberry Sauce
Odyssey Signature Warm Butter Cake
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream | Blackberry Sauce
*Menu subject to change. Please inform your server if anyone in your party has a food allergy.
DRINKS
Included With Your Ticket
Coffee, Hot Tea, Iced Tea & Water