Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin

The Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin offers a unique sightseeing experience with a twist. Guests can savor a selection of teas, sandwiches, scones, and desserts as they explore the city’s historic landmarks from the comfort of a vintage double-decker bus. While the tour generally receives positive reviews for its food and knowledgeable guides, some visitors have noted room for improvement when it comes to consistency in portions and seating comfort. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply looking for a novel way to discover Dublin, this tour may be worth considering.

Key Points

• The Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin provides a 2.5-hour guided sightseeing experience on a vintage double-decker bus with afternoon tea service.
• The tour covers historic landmarks in Dublin’s city center, including the Guinness Brewery, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College.
• The afternoon tea menu includes a selection of teas, sandwiches, scones, and desserts, with accommodations available for dietary requirements.
• The tour has a maximum capacity of 36 passengers, ensuring an intimate experience, but it is not wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps.
• Feedback from previous customers highlights the great food, engaging guides, and enjoyable atmosphere, with some concerns about inconsistent food portions and passenger comfort during the bus ride.

Tour Overview

The Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin offers visitors a unique sightseeing experience with the added delight of an afternoon tea service.

This 2.5-hour tour takes guests on a vintage double-decker bus through the historic heart of the city, showcasing landmarks like the Guinness Brewery, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College.

Travelers can indulge in a selection of teas, sandwiches, scones, and desserts while enjoying the passing views.

With three departure times available and a maximum capacity of 36 people, the tour provides an intimate and memorable way to explore Dublin’s iconic sights.

Inclusions and Amenities

The Afternoon Tea Bus Tour includes a selection of afternoon tea fare, along with the services of a knowledgeable tour escort.

Guests will enjoy snacks, coffee, and tea during the journey. Those with dietary requirements can provide 72 hours’ notice to accommodate their needs.

The tour also provides pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour welcomes children accompanied by adults. Infants sit on laps.

Alcohol isn’t permitted. The tour offers a semi-guided experience, blending sightseeing and traditional afternoon tea in a vintage double-decker bus setting.

Meeting and End Points

According to the information provided, the meeting point for the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is Vintage Tea Trips, located at Stephen Court, 20-22 St Stephens Green, Dublin 2, D02 HW54, Ireland.

The tour returns to the same meeting point at the end. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

No alcohol is permitted, and infants will sit on laps. The meeting and end points are located near public transportation options.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

Customers have given the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a 4.8 rating based on 2,279 reviews.

Guests highlighted the tour’s great food, engaging guides, and enjoyable atmosphere. They appreciated the unique experience of sightseeing while enjoying tea. Specific mentions were made of excellent guides like Hannah, Adam, and Leah. Customers complimented the quality of the food and service.

However, some negative experiences were reported regarding food portions and service attention.

Guests also complained about the bus route causing discomfort during tea service. Suggestions include improving the experience for solo travelers and ensuring consistent food quality.

Highlights From Positive Reviews

Overwhelmingly, guests praised the tour’s great food, engaging guides, and enjoyable atmosphere. Many complimented the quality of the afternoon tea service, noting the fresh scones, finger sandwiches, and selection of teas.

Reviewers highlighted the knowledgeable and friendly tour guides, who brought the city’s history to life through their engaging commentary. Guests appreciated the unique experience of sightseeing aboard the vintage double-decker bus while indulging in a traditional afternoon tea.

Several reviewers singled out specific guides, such as Hannah, Adam, and Leah, for their excellent service and storytelling abilities. The positive customer feedback underscores the tour’s ability to deliver a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Areas for Improvement

While guests widely praised the tour’s food, guides, and overall atmosphere, there were some areas for improvement highlighted in the reviews.

Some visitors reported issues with:

• Inconsistent food portions and quality
• Lack of attentiveness from service staff during the tea service
• Discomfort experienced by passengers during the bus route while enjoying tea
• Limited options for solo travelers, who may feel out of place in a group setting
• Consideration of alternative, more formal venues for afternoon tea, such as the Shelbourne Hotel

Comparison to Alternative Venues

Although the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour offers a unique and engaging experience, some reviewers have suggested considering more traditional afternoon tea venues in Dublin.

Establishments like the Shelbourne Hotel are known for their elegant settings and exceptional service. These venues often provide a more refined and leisurely atmosphere, allowing guests to fully enjoy the ritual of afternoon tea.

Plus, the food quality and portion sizes at these traditional tea rooms may be more consistent than what’s sometimes reported on the bus tour.

For a classic Dublin tea experience, these alternatives are worth exploring.

Getting the Most Out of Your Tour Experience

To make the most of the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin, guests should consider a few key tips.

• Arrive early to ensure a prime spot on the vintage double-decker bus. This allows for unobstructed views and easy access to the tea service.

• Communicate any dietary requirements in advance to ensure the catering team can accommodate your needs.

• Engage with the knowledgeable tour guides, as they provide fascinating insights into Dublin’s landmarks and history.

• Savor each bite and sip, as the afternoon tea experience is a highlight of the tour.

• Take advantage of photo opportunities, capturing the unique perspective from the upper deck.

Ask Away

Is There a Dress Code for the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour?

The tea bus tour doesn’t have a specific dress code. Guests can wear casual, comfortable attire. However, dressing up a bit for the unique experience is encouraged to fully enjoy the afternoon tea ambiance.

Can the Bus Accommodate Large Groups for Private Tours?

The bus can accommodate groups up to 36 travelers. Private tours are available, but large groups should contact the tour provider in advance to discuss capacity and any special arrangements needed to ensure a smooth experience.

What Types of Tea and Food Are Served on the Afternoon Tea Bus?

The afternoon tea service on the bus includes a selection of traditional tea varieties as well as an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Guests should provide any dietary requirements at least 72 hours in advance.

How Long Does the Full Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Last?

The full afternoon tea bus tour lasts approximately 2 hours. The tour includes sightseeing of Dublin’s landmarks while passengers enjoy a selection of teas, sandwiches, and pastries during the journey on a vintage double-decker bus.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Infants can sit on laps during the tour. There are no specific age limits for this experience.

Final Words

The Afternoon Tea Bus Tour in Dublin offers a unique experience, allowing guests to savor tea, treats, and sights. While the food and guides generally impress, some have noted inconsistencies. The tour provides an intimate and engaging way to explore the city’s landmarks. With a little planning, visitors can make the most of this delightful excursion.