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Day 1
ARRIVE ORLANDO
Welcome to the Sunshine State! Relax or explore your resort with its breathtakingly beautiful tropical gardens and signature atriums that recreate three Florida environments—from the gently rising mists of the Everglades, to the funky and vibrant island revelry of Key West, to the Spanish-infused, old-world charm of St. Augustine. At 6 p.m. join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 2
ORLANDO - ST. AUGUSTINE - SPACE COAST - COCOA BEACH
Travel north to St. Augustine, the nation's oldest city. An orientation tour introduces you to its charming cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. Relive the story of the first settlement in North America as you visit Castillo de San Marcos, the Spanish fort built in the 17th century. Explore the site of the first Mass in America at the Mission of Nombre de Dios. Experience early St. Augustine as you visit old St. Augustine Village, featuring houses from the 18th and 19th centuries and the oldest wooden school in the Americas. This afternoon, head down Florida’s famous Space Coast to Cocoa Beach, the surfing capital of the East coast. This evening, enjoy a dinner at a charming local restaurant.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 3
SPACE COAST - CAPE CANAVERAL - MIAMI (2 NIGHTS)
Explore the Kennedy Space Center on a private NASA coach for a panoramic view of space shuttle launch pads at the LC-39 Observation Gantry. Then experience the historic Apollo 8 launch and marvel at a massive 111-metre-long Saturn V moon rocket at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. Feel like an astronaut as you experience the sights, sounds and sensations of a real Space Shuttle take off aboard Shuttle Launch Experience. At the IMAX theatre, the dream of spaceflight comes alive with a wall of sound, a five-story screen and realistic 3-D special effects featuring dramatic footage shot by NASA astronauts during actual missions—you will feel like you're floating alongside them! End your space journey at lunch where you are joined by a veteran astronaut from NASA's famous Astronaut Corps. Drive down to Miami. If you'd like, enjoy dinner on your own at the Bayside Marketplace upon arrival.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 4
MIAMI SIGHTSEEING
This morning, join an expert guide for a private guided tour of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a Renaissance-style villa housing a priceless collection of 15th through 19th century furnishings and decorative arts. This evening, meet in Little Havana for a walking tour with a Local Guide. The owner of a popular Little Havana restaurant closes his doors for our group tonight for a private Be My Guest dinner. Indulge in a mojito or glass of Sangria while the host enlightens you on the influences Cuban cuisine has in Little Havana. After some appetisers sit down for a dinner featuring some classic Cuban dishes, followed by a cup of Café Con Leche and homemade Cuban dessert.
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Day 5
MIAMI - KEY LARGO - KEY WEST (2 NIGHTS)
Today, explore Miami with its famous port, mansions, yachts and famed neighbourhoods. Start with a walking tour of the historic Art Deco District with a Local Guide. Discover the architectural crown jewels of South Beach's one-square-mile of traditional deco in the first 20th century neighbourhood to be recognised by the National Register of Historic Places. You’ll also view the area's most infamous residence, Casa Casuarina, once the home of Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace, who was killed on the steps in 1997. Then head south along the fabled "Road to Paradise"—the Florida Keys Scenic Highway. With the Atlantic Ocean on your left and the Gulf of Mexico on your right, the Highway winds through vistas of natural beauty and areas rich in history, legends and stunning views. Arrive in Key West where your hotel is at the southernmost point of the continental United States.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 6
KEY WEST SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
This morning join an expert and learn the history of the Keys' favourite dessert and Local Speciality, the Key Lime Pie. Then explore Key West aboard the world-famous Conch Train Tour and discover Key West Historic District’s many points of interest including world famous Duval Street, the Key West Bight, West Martello Fort, and much more. The rest of the day is free for you to pursue your own interests. Key West is known for its amazing variety of aquatic and land-based activities. Not sure what kind of activities you want to do? Not a problem—your Travel Director is happy to help.
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Day 7
KEY WEST - EVERGLADES - NAPLES (2 NIGHTS)
Retrace your steps along the Florida Keys Scenic Highway and stop in Big Pine Key at the visitor centre for the National Key Deer Refuge where you will learn about this endangered species of deer that lives only in the lower Florida Keys. After a quick stop in Key Largo, head west through the Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve before an early arrival in Naples on Florida's "Paradise Coast." This evening, a Highlight Dinner is served at one of the restaurants at The Village on Venetian Bay, home to fashion boutiques and restaurants perched over the waters of Venetian Bay. This evening back at the hotel, enjoy an interpretive presentation by a Local Expert about the popular manatee, as well as the amazing ecosystem of the Everglades, which you will visit tomorrow.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 8
NAPLES SIGHTSEEING & FREE TIME
This morning, enjoy an exciting excursion through the Everglades, where you will embark on a thrilling airboat ride through the sawgrass prairies and mangrove wilderness. Get up-close with alligators, manatees, native wildlife and a variety of birds, such as the Blue Heron, American Egret, Bald Eagle and Osprey. Enjoy some time on your own for lunch in Everglade City where locally caught seafood reigns, from stone crab in season to grouper, shrimp and snapper. Back in Naples, the rest of the day is yours to do as you please: stroll around Naples’ Fifth Avenue South with its boutiques and art galleries, then head a few blocks away and do it all again along Third Street South.
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Day 9
NAPLES - FORT MYERS - SARASOTA
Meet a historian who leads you on a private visit to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, a 20-acre National Register Historic Site featuring historical buildings, award-winning historic gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab and the Edison Ford Museum. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch on the beautiful grounds of the estate and then head for beautiful Sarasota. Tour the dazzling palatial mansion, Ca' d'Zan, of John and Mable Ringling (of circus fame). With a guide, discover this tribute to the American Dream reflecting the splendour and romance of Italy. Next, visit the Circus Museum celebrating the American circus, its history, and unique relationship to Sarasota. A special Farewell Dinner celebration is served tonight—the perfect ending to your Florida trail.
M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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Day 10
SARASOTA - DEPART ORLANDO
Time to bid farewell to the Sunshine State, but not before a stop at the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach. From a variety of observation platforms, you get a chance to view manatees gathering in the clean, warm water when the temperature of Tampa Bay falls below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Your Florida trail ends at Orlando International Airport or the hotel in Orlando for those wishing to extend their stay in Orlando to visit one of the many amusement parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal or SeaWorld Orlando Resorts. Please do not schedule any flight before 2 p.m.