Leading Ladies of Sarasota
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Actress and tour guide Kathryn Chesley specializes in donning period costumes and portraying Sarasota's most influential women -- Mable Ringling, Marie Selby, and Bertha Palmer -- and telling the story of the Sarasota and how each of these women and their unique contributions helped to make the city what it is today.
The past comes to life in an informative and entertaining way on this historical 90-minute city trolley tour led by costumed guide, Kathryn Chesley, as she plays the parts of Mable Ringling (wife of John Ringling), Marie Selby (wife of William Selby and Philanthropist), or Bertha Palmer (Rancher and Developer) on alternating tours.
Find out what Sarasota was like 100 years ago through the eyes of each of these impactful women during the time they lived here. See the historical places in Sarasota and learn about its key development.
Each week’s air-conditioned tour features a different leading lady founder and focuses on her unique contributions to Sarasota.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Guests must be 12+; no children under 12 allowed except on our family tours designed for children 3-11. No children under 3. Every guest must have a paid ticket in order to board.
PLEASE NOTE: Video, audio and film recording of any performance by patrons is strictly prohibited.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
What To Expect
Travel throughout the downtown Sarasota area.
Options
City Sightseeing Tour
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding
Karen S,
Nov 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Bertha Palmer was outstanding in her deliverance of the story of the leading ladies of Sarasota. The trolley driver did a great job. The scenery was terrific. I have recommended it as a 10+ to a lot of my friends.
Perfect ladies day out!!
W9414LHdianeb,
Apr 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There were 5 ladies who went on the Rose Wilson Leading Ladies of Sarasota Tour. We are all locals who have lived here for over 20 years. We all agreed that this was such a wonderful tour. The guide portraying Rose was so animated, engaging, and was a wealth of knowledge, not only about Rose & the history of Sarasota, but also took us to areas where we have never been before. It was a thoroughly enjoyable tour & all of us would go again to learn about the other historical ladies, but also to learn more, & see more of our home city. It was a great experience!!
It’s a Don’t Miss! Exceptionally good Guide.
V6007BUjoelf,
Apr 4, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Totally engaging & worthwhile. Our Family enjoyed every minute. We can’t wait to schedule another Trolley experience. May do the Amish tour next.
Early History of Sarasota
180judithj,
Mar 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting ride through downtown Sarasota with “Bertha Palmer.” Learned so Much about the early history of Sarasota County You will not be disappointed
Great tour!
ruthb00,
Mar 11, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot of Sarasota history. Highly recommend.
Well worth the time
Judy F,
Jan 13, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great tour with a knowledgeable tour guide. She was well versed with Sarasota history and development along with current city issues. Tourists would get a nice tour of Sarasota and its heritage.
LOVED IT!
Kendra C,
Mar 30, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an extraordinarily entertaining way to learn about the history of the city of Sarasota! Kathryn was so knowledgeable and witty. The 90 minutes absolutely flew by and the information was remarkable. Personifying Mabel Ringling and speaking in the first person made this tour and all of the info come alive for us. I would do this again in a minute!
From $85.61
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Operated by Discover Sarasota Tours