Tonight you will experience the steel-bands practice in their neighbourhood pan-yards. Created over 75 years ago from discarded oil-drums, this versatile instrument is now known and used all over the world, well-suited to play any type of music. Your 2.5-3 hour night-time tour of Port of Spain starts with a pickup from your hotel. During the short drive to your first 20 minute stop, the friendly guide will tell you all about the history and evolution of the pan.Listen to the sounds of the steel-band it could comprise of 120 players or more during Carnival. During regular practice over the rest of the year there will be 20+ players. The sounds of local Calypso or Soca will fascinate you! Sometimes you are treated to some Classical music as well. It is fascinating and amazing that such a sophisticated instrument was made out of a simple oil-drum. Our guide will explain how this is done.Lets continue your pan-yard hopping experience. We make stops at a few other pan-yards in different areas of Port of Spain, where we listen to the Steel-bands practice - each one with another level of musical expression and arrangement. Every yard has its own atmosphere and typical flair. Just please remember, this is not a concert, it is a spontaneous practice!Hang out with the locals, Trinidadian people (Trinis) are friendly and always up for a chat! If available we will stop at a mascamp where Carnival costumes are displayed and you will learn all about our fascinating Carnival.We will also introduce you to our most popular nightlife areas, lined with bars, pubs, casinos, restaurants, if you feel like liming (hanging out), we will give you the latest insider tips. Epic, believe me!Our return to the hotel is at between 10.30-11.30pm according to the season. Availability:During Carnival Season Jan/Feb/March - on a daily basis.8.30-11.30pmOut of Carnival Season - every Tues/Wed/Thursday. 8.30-10.30pm
Your belly is grumbling? You are looking forward to the typical local specialties? Now its your time, we are sampling some street food! Taste a doubles, a roti, a corn-soup, a whole fried fish or BBQ or Caribbean Gyros its all up to you and your taste buds! Due to its cosmopolitan nature, our island has a wide range of culinary delights to offer!Enjoy a refreshing drink, try the local beer or rum, or even a delicious coconut water 1 drink is included in the cost of the tour.
Live Steel Drums & Street Food Experience!
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Tour Information
Key Details
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Hotel pickup Available
- Duration: 3 Hrs
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Language:
English
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Departure Time :
08:30 PM Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
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Return Details :
• Dress code is smart casual Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
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Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
Overview
Experience LIVE music in Port of Spain by night! From 8.30pm we will tour you through the energetic capital of Trinidad to various steel pan yards where the local steel-bands practice. Trinidad is the birthplace of the versatile "steel-drum" and we hear Soca, Calypso and sometimes even some Classical music - the steel-bands are everywhere! Listen to the pulsating rhythms of "Phase 2 Pan Groove" and others in their authentic neighborhoods - and of course taste some delicious street food as well. Let's check out the busy night strips (optional), we will give excellent insider tips. After the tour you can choose to stay and "lime" (hang out) or we drop you back to your hotel by 10.30pm.Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.
Know More about this tour
Itinerary:
Tonight you will experience the steel-bands practice in their neighbourhood “pan-yards”. Created over 75 years ago from discarded oil-drums, this versatile instrument is now known and used all over the world, well-suited to play any type of music. Your 2.5-3 hour night-time tour of Port of Spain starts with a pickup from your hotel. During the short drive to your first 20 minute stop, the friendly guide will tell you all about the history and evolution of the “pan”. Listen to the sounds of the steel-band – it could comprise of 120 players or more during Carnival. During regular practice over the rest of the year there will be 20+ players. The sounds of local Calypso or Soca will fascinate you! Sometimes you are treated to some Classical music as well. It is fascinating and amazing that such a sophisticated instrument was made out of a simple oil-drum. Our guide will explain how this is done. Let’s continue your pan-yard hopping experience. We make stops at a few other pan-yards in different areas of Port of Spain, where we listen to the Steel-bands practice - each one with another level of musical expression and arrangement. Every yard has its own atmosphere and typical flair. Just please remember, this is not a concert, it is a spontaneous practice! Hang out with the locals, Trinidadian people (“Trinis”) are friendly and always up for a chat! If available we will stop at a “mascamp” where Carnival costumes are displayed and you will learn all about our fascinating Carnival. We will also introduce you to our most popular nightlife areas, lined with bars, pubs, casinos, restaurants, if you feel like “liming” (hanging out), we will give you the latest insider tips. Epic, believe me! Our return to the hotel is at between 10.30-11.30pm according to the season. Availability: During Carnival Season Jan/Feb/March - on a daily basis.8.30-11.30pm Out of Carnival Season - every Tues/Wed/Thursday. 8.30-10.30pm
Your belly is grumbling? You are looking forward to the typical local specialties? Now it’s your time, we are sampling some street food! Taste a “doubles”, a roti, a corn-soup, a whole fried fish or BBQ or Caribbean Gyros – it’s all up to you and your taste buds! Due to its cosmopolitan nature, our island has a wide range of culinary delights to offer! Enjoy a refreshing drink, try the local beer or rum, or even a delicious coconut water – 1 drink is included in the cost of the tour.
Inclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Live Music by authentic steel drums invented in Trinidad
- Bottled water, soft drink or 1 alcoholic drink (beer or rum)
- Local driver guide
- Private tour or Small-group tour
- Transport by private vehicle or air-conditioned minivan
- One "Doubles" (local street food) or other, according to availability
Exclusions
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), except 1 drink (beer or rum)
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children over the age of 7 years can participate in this family friendly tour of local "panyards"
Traveler Reviews
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The tour guide was interested in providing us with the best experience. He was flexible and knowledgeable.
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Had a nice time, got some history about the island and steel pan. The only beef I have is general concerning tours in Trini. They are discriminatory to solo travelers. I had to pay for two even though it was just 1. They need to make accommodations for solo travelers...this us the 21st Century! All they need to do is give a solo price! Anyway, had a nice time.
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Nice tour, pleasant guide. We were in town, just before carnival. The guide took us to visit 4 pan yards. Which was amazing, to see all that dedication and musical talent. And of course a peak into the local culture. We hired a guide, to make sure we would not end up in unsafe areas or other trouble. It worked very well. Our guide showed us around, made sure we were allowed to take pictures (film is not allowed) and got us drinks etc. I would definitely recommend this tour around the steelpan yards. A real peak into culture and local music.
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We had fun! The tour guide was flexible and knowledgeable. I felt safe and enjoyed myself. The tour took use to 4 different pan yards
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WOW!! What an amazing experience! I started the tour with little knowledge of steel drums and left with a great appreciation for the drum and the musicians! Stefan was AWESOME! He explained the instrument’s history and the importance to the Trini culture. We saw 4 or 5 different groups who all had a phenomenal sound and great musicality and arrangements. It truly is a really beautiful sight to see and hear. Everyone is incredibly talented! Plus, Stefan introduced my friend and I to doubles and now we’re addicted! Thanks for limin with us and the fun night out!!!
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I did the Steelpan Yards tour on Thursday evening and was thoroughly entertained by the Renegades and the Silver Stars. We also enjoyed doubles and beer.
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This was a fantastic tour. Well worth the money and truly memorable. I have to apologize because I don't have the tour guide's name with me as I write this review. Truly sorry, because she was fantastic. She has a great personality and loves Trinidad. Her enthusiasm is infectious and you could not help but be excited about your adventure. On this tour, we met one of the owners of the tour company don't have his name with me either, who was also very nice and informative.
We went to several yards, not all were practicing that night. It is an experience to see the amount of vending by each yard. Food and drink are plentiful. Also, some yards have souvenirs available, which is rare in Trinidad, from my experience.
This tour starts after 8pm. It won't take long to get into the performances and forget the time. The crowds are there to hear the practice. I found the crowds to be mature and the entire tour was very safe and comfortable. The bands may go over a particular portion of a song over and over. I was surprised at how, after a while, I was able to note the subtle imperfection that the band leader heard and restarts the group. Another note, you are allowed to approach the band members and observe them playing, up close! I did get some great video.
Alas, all good things must come to an end. We were returned to our hotel with a new appreciation for the enormity of the impact that pan has on the young and old Trinidadians. Next time I go to Trinidad, I will take this tour again. -
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This was a fantastic tour. Well worth the money and truly memorable. I have to apologize because I don't have the tour guide's name with me as I write this review. Truly sorry, because she was fantastic. She has a great personality and loves Trinidad. Her enthusiasm is infectious and you could not help but be excited about your adventure. On this tour, we met one of the owners of the tour company don't have his name with me either, who was also very nice and informative.
We went to several yards, not all were practicing that night. It is an experience to see the amount of vending by each yard. Food and drink are plentiful. Also, some yards have souvenirs available, which is rare in Trinidad, from my experience.
This tour starts after 8pm. It won't take long to get into the performances and forget the time. The crowds are there to hear the practice. I found the crowds to be mature and the entire tour was very safe and comfortable. The bands may go over a particular portion of a song over and over. I was surprised at how, after a while, I was able to note the subtle imperfection that the band leader heard and restarts the group. Another note, you are allowed to approach the band members and observe them playing, up close! I did get some great video.
Alas, all good things must come to an end. We were returned to our hotel with a new appreciation for the enormity of the impact that pan has on the young and old Trinidadians. Next time I go to Trinidad, I will take this tour again. -
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This tour was just awesome! If you want to experience Trinidad like a local, this tour is just for you! Nick Ackrill was just amazing and passionate about his country and his culture. From the steelpan yards to the history of Carnival to the doubles and liming on the avenue... AMAZING!!
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This tour was just awesome! If you want to experience Trinidad like a local, this tour is just for you! Nick Ackrill was just amazing and passionate about his country and his culture. From the steelpan yards to the history of Carnival to the doubles and liming on the avenue... AMAZING!!
