Fantastic Florida & the Keys

Day One

ARRIVE MIAMI - FT. LAUDERDALE: Today arrive at the Miami Airport and meet your Tour Director. Transfer to your hotel in Ft. Lauderdale for a three-night stay. The city is known as the “Venice of America” with 300 miles of inland waterways and canals. This evening join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Day Two

MIAMI CITY TOUR - CRUISE: This morning enjoy a Miami City Tour. See the iconic neighborhood of South Beach, famous for its pastel-colored Art Deco Historic District buildings daO ng from the 1920s and 1930s, and its lively oceanfront atmosphere. Continnue across the scenic Rickenbacker Causeway to the tropical island of Key Biscayne, an elegant seaside community incorporated in 1991 and known for its palm-lined parks, sweeping bay views, and relaxed coastal charm. Also visit the colorful Cuban heart of the city, Little Havana to see the lively streets, domino parks, and authentic cafés. Later enjoy a scenic Fort Lauderdale Cruise and navigate through the city’s picturesque waterways, often called the “Yachtng Capital of the World,” while admiring luxurious waterfront homes, mega-yachts, and the sparkling Intra-coastal Waterway.

Day Three

EVERGLADES - SHARK VALLEY TRAM TOUR & EVERGLADES AIRBOAT RIDE: Today journey west to the vast wilderness of Everglades National Park, established in 1947 and later designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its extraordinary biodiversity. Visit the informative Shark Valley Visitor Center, located along the park’s northern boundary to learn about the “River of Grass.” Enjoy a narrated Shark Valley Tram Tour through the wetlands. Spot native wildlife such as alligators, wading birds and turtles, take in sweeping views and capture photos of this unique landscape. Then enjoy an exhilarating Everglades Airboat Ride. Skim across the sawgrass in water as low as 6" as your guide shares fascinating stories about the region. Keep an eye out for wildlife like alligators and large birds such as egrets and wood storks. Late afternoon return to your hotel in Ft. Lauderdale for an evening at your own pace.

Day Four

BISCAYNE NAT’L PARK - EVERGLADES - LUNCH IN FLAMINGO: Enjoy a scenic drive south this morning to visit the tranquil Biscayne National Park, known for being 95% underwater, protecting a rare combination of turquoise bays, mangrove forests, and the northernmost Florida Keys. Stop at the Visitor Center to learn more about the park famous for its vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and rich marine life. Continue west through Homestead and enter the southern part of Everglades National Park. This 1.5 million acre diverse ecosystem is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist in the wild. Arrive deep in the Everglades in the remote area of Flamingo for an included lunch. Flamingo is the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula. During your time in the park stop at the Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook, a scenic tower offering sweeping views of the Everglades. Also visit the elevated Anhinga Trail Boardwalk, perfect for observing the park’s abundant wildlife. Look for herons, egrets, turtles, and alligators in their natural habitat. Later arrive in Homestead for your overnight stay. The evening is free to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of southern Florida.

Day Five

OVERSEAS HIGHWAY - KEY WEST: Depart mainland Florida and travel on US-1 through the legendary Florida Keys, a breathtaking chain of 1,700 tropical islands stretching 125 miles into the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico & the Atlantic. Make a stop on Islamorada, the “Sportfishing Capital of the World.” Visit Robbie’s of Islamorada, a lively waterfront marina famous for its island atmosphere. Maybe feed the venormous tarpon fiish from the docks. Continue along the scenic Overseas Highway and arrive in the colorful island city of Key West for a twonight stay. Enjoy a Key West Old Town Trolley Tour highlighting landmarks like the Southernmost Point, historic neighborhoods, and the island’s lively Old Town district including Duval Street, famous for its cafes, restaurants, bars and nightlife. This evening join your fellow travelers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day Six

KEY WEST AT LEISURE: Today is free to explore and enjoy the laid back tropical vibe of Key West. Perhaps you’ll explore the historic neighborhoods with their colorful “gypsy chickens” and tropical plants, relax at the beach, and experience a Mallory Square sunset. Maybe visit the Shipwreck Museum or the Little Truman Whitehouse in Key West or take the full day to explore Dry Tortugas National Park & Fort Jefferson by ferry.

Day Seven

HEMINGWAY HOME - MARATHON KEY - MIAMI: This morning visit the historic Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, the beautifully preserved Spanish Colonial residence where the legendary American author lived during the 1930s and wrote some of his most celebrated works. Built in 1851, the home is famous not only for its literary history but also for its lush tropical gardens and the descendants of Hemingway’s distinctive six-toed cats that still roam the property. Later begin the scenic return journey to the mainland. Enroute stop on Marathon Key to visit the worldrenowned Turtle Hospital to see injured sea turtles being rehabilitated, learn about their care, and even feed them. The first of its kind veterinary hospital was founded in 1986. Continue back to South Florida & the Miami area for your final evening. Enjoy your Farewell Dinner tonight at a local restaurant in Miami.

Day Eight

FLY HOME: Transfer to the Miami airport with wonderful memories of Fantastic Florida and the Keys.

FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner