Florida Sunshine

Day 1: Miami

Miami
Welcome to Miami! This Metropolis, known for its hospitality, white sandy beaches of South Beach, the Salsa music and the world’s largest International Cruise ship port, greets you upon exiting the airport terminals. Upon arrival, transfer independently via hotel shuttle bus to your Miami Hotel, where you will meet the Tour Director at the hospitality desk between the hours of 2 and 8pm.

Day 2: Orlando

Miami - Orlando
Depart on a short morning city tour and see some of Miami Beach’s attractions, including the Art Deco District marked by the pastel-hued buildings with intricacies and impressive craftsmanship that went into each building during the nineteen thirties. This architectural style became well known during this time and is found in other major US cities as well. Continue north to the State of Florida’s most well-known city for amusement parks and themed attractions, Orlando. The city, home to Walt Disney World, Sea World and of course Universal Studios and many others, was at one point the fastest developed and growing region during the 1970s. Join your fellow travelers tonight for a local dinner and show.

Day 3: Orlando

Orlando
Today is your day at leisure. Enjoy exploring the entertainment complex of Walt Disney World or see Orca at SeaWorld Orlando or peek behind the scenes at Universal Studios Orlando or Disney’s Hollywood Studios (attractions and transportation not included). Your Tour Director will be available to assist with planning your day.

Day 4: Saint Augustine

Orlando - Kennedy Space Center - St. Augustine
This morning with an early start, you will be traveling eastbound towards Cape Canaveral where those that signed up for the optional tour to Kennedy Space Center will be dropped off and those not participating will spend time this morning at Coco Beach. After lunch (not included) you will continue northeast to St. Augustine, the nations’ oldest settlement. Settled by the Spanish in 1565 it still has that old world Spanish influence today, marked by architecture and cobble stone streets and of course Castillo de San Marcos fortress.

Day 5: Tampa

St. Augustine - Crystal River - Clearwater / Tampa Bay
This morning you will depart westbound and travel towards Gainesville, home of the Florida State University and named after a US Army officer Edmund Gaines who serviced during the war of 1812 and the Seminole Wars within Florida. The journey continues through the center of the state via Ocala to Crystal River. Once in Crystal River you will visit the three Sisters’ Springs known for beautiful scenery, and the springs with the most interesting color combinations. Manatees have been spotted at the Three Sisters’ Springs so keep an eye out for them! (admission included) You continue along the coast to the Clearwater / Tampa Bay region and visit the beach before arriving at the hotel.

Day 6: Naples

Clearwater / Tampa Bay - Sarasota - Naples
Travel south along the coast to Sarasota. At one time home to the Ringling brothers, who became famous through their years of running a successful and popular circus. Sarasota became their favorite winter residence, followed by many others who turned the city into one of the most sought-after communities filled with fine dining and upscale boutiques. Continuing along the gulf coast, passing Ft. Myers, where both Henry Ford and Thomas Edison were among the residents in the city’s past. As you approach Naples, the destination of the day, you have experienced many different beach communities along the way including Ft. Myers Beach, and Bonita Springs, where many visitors and residents alike enjoy the beach and the warm waters of the Mexican Gulf. Enjoy a brief visit to Naples before reaching your hotel.

Day 7: Key West

Naples - Everglades - Key West
A short drive southbound will take you to the Everglades where an exciting airboat ride awaits you and where you will learn about the Everglades and its National Park. This wetland is home to many species of wildlife, including the blue Heron, Pelicans and of course the Alligator. Enjoy the airboat ride and the safari park. (Admission included). After the visit to the Everglades your adventure continues back towards Miami but then following Highway 1 south across the keys passing Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon before reaching your overnight stop in Key West. Key West is the southernmost city in the contiguous United States and is only 90 miles away from Cuba. Attracting many visitors a year, Key West was also home to individuals like American novelist Ernest Hemingway, American Playwright and Screenwriter Tennessee Williams and the 33rd US President Harry Truman. Join your fellow group members tonight on the catamaran boat ride, “ Commotion on the Ocean” (Optional tour) to witness the beautiful sunsets Key West is known for.

Day 8:

Key West - Miami
Before we journey back to Miami, enjoy a morning at leisure to explore the Key West community some more by yourself. Or take an optional Conch Train tour across the Island to learn more interesting facts. This morning is also a good opportunity for last-minute souvenir shopping before you return to Miami. The tour concludes upon arrival at the Miami Hotel at approximately 18:00 Hrs.