The Best of FloridaEscorted tour, USA

Before the Sunshine State became known for its theme parks and beach resorts, it was a haven for artists, writers and architects. Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams settled in Key West; artists established a creative community in St Petersburg; and Miami’s South Beach was transformed in a sweep of art deco colour. This tour follows in their footsteps and traces the fascinating history of Florida. We’ll cover some of the state’s best attractions, too - Everglades National Park and Kennedy Space Center.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

10 nights in hotels and 1 in flight (accommodation as specified or similar)

International flights. Prices are based on return flights with British Airways from London Gatwick. Supplements may apply from other airports

1 meal: 1 dinner (day 10)

VIP door-to-door travel service

Services of a tour manager

Travel in destination by coach

Porterage

8 excursions and visits

Visits to St Augustine and Thomas Edison & Henry Ford estates

Guided tour of Miami

Entrance to Kennedy Space Center and Hemingway House

Tour of Key West on historic conch train

Everglades airboat ride

Dinner cruise aboard the Starlite

ITINERARY

Day 1 UK - Orlando

VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your flight to Orlando. On arrival you’ll transfer to your hotel first two nights.

Day 2 St Augustine

This morning you’ll head to charming St Augustine. Founded in 1565, it is the oldest city in the United States. With its palm-lined streets and grand buildings, this charming city has much to offer. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 3 Orlando - Miami

No visit to Florida would be complete without a visit to Kennedy Space Center. It has been more than five decades since Alan Shepard first launched from Florida to become the first American in space. This afternoon you’ll travel on to Miami and your hotel.

Day 4 Miami

On a guided city tour, you’ll explore the unique cosmopolitan city of Miami, famous for its colourful art deco buildings and white sandy beaches. The afternoon is free for you to continue soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 5 Key West

Leaving Miami and heading south, you’ll have your first glimpse of the stunning Florida Keys as you arrive at your hotel for the next two nights.

Day 6 Key West

Today you’ll take the conch train, a trolley tour, which explores the island and affords views of ornate Victorian mansions, tin-roofed conch houses and many historical sights. You’ll also visit Ernest Hemingway’s home, located in the very heart of Old Town Key West where the Nobel Prize winner lived and wrote with his many cats for more than ten years. The rest of the day will be at leisure to enjoy the dramatic sunset.

Day 7 Everglades - Cape Coral

This morning you’ll leave the Keys and venture into the stunning scenery of The Everglades, the third largest National Park in the United States. Here you’ll take a brief airboat ride to further explore the area where many alligators, raccoons and pelicans reside. Heading north we arrive in Cape Coral.

Day 8 Cape Coral

A leisurely day to explore the area, home to wonderful beaches, a mixture of restaurants and great shopping venues. You might like to explore the historic downtown area of Fort Myers including the Edison Theatre. The hotel offers a water taxi to Fort Myers Beach.

Day 9 Cape Coral - Clearwater

Today you’ll visit the homes of two remarkable inventors at the impressive Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates in their tropical riverside setting. Later this morning you’ll follow the picturesque Florida coastline north to Clearwater.

Day 10 Clearwater

A chance to relax, soak up the sun and explore. This evening you’ll enjoy an included dinner cruise with dancing to live music.

Day 11 Clearwater - Orlando - In flight

You’ll transfer to Orlando Airport for your overnight return flight to the UK.

Day 12 UK

Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

The Best of Florida is located in Escorted tour, USA. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 25/03/2020