Southern Florida Explorer

Depart London on your direct flight to Miami. Upon arrival collect your hire car or take a shuttle transfer to your chosen hotel in the Miami Beach Area. Enjoy two full days at leisure exploring this exciting city. Miami is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination that offers much to see and do. South Beach, your base for your stay in Miami with it’s trendy shops, cool bars, see-and-be-seen restaurants, and hip clubs offers much to see and do. However it’s when the sun goes down that things really start to heat up! Put on your walking shoes and learn more about the city on one of Dr Paul Georges Walking Tours. Take time to explore some of Miami’s other interesting districts like Little Haiti, Little Havana and Coral Gables as each has it’s own individual character and something to offer the first time visitor.

Spend the next few days relaxing on the beautiful Gulf Coast and enjoy all this friendly resort has to offer. Visit the nearby islands of Captiva and Sanibel, famous for its large wildlife and bird refuge. Join the locals and scour the beach for colourful conchs shells before heading out to the Sanibel Island Lighthouse.

Your next port of call is Sarasota, one of the states larger and wealthier towns. The town is also one of Florida’s leading cultural centres, both home to numerous writers and artists and several performing arts companies. Probably the most visited attractions in Sarasota is the world-class art museum, Venetian mansion and the museum built by John Ringling, of circus fame, in the early 20th century. Enjoy the beautiful white sandy Gulf Coast beaches and visit Sarasota Jungle Gardens, where you can hold an alligator. Nearby Historic Spanish Point, a nature preserve with historic and archaeological exhibits is also worth a visit.

Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Sunny Naples, on the south west gulf coast is a popular, sophisticated and charming beach destination. Boasting miles of white sand beaches and world class hotels, Naples also boasts some great boutique shopping where you can pick up antiques, home furnishings, clothes and jewellery. This charming town originates from a thriving fishing community. In 1887 a group of wealthy Kentuckians bought the whole town, they built a 600 feet long T shaped Pier to allow large ships to dock, enabling the town to become a holiday destination. Today the town is still a favourite with the rich and famous.

With two full days at leisure this stunning area of Southern Florida is yours to discover. As Naples offers easy access to secluded islands and the wilderness of the nearby Everglades you can enjoy one or more of the local activities available from here, including a number of exciting trips to the National Park, such as Kayaking, Airboats, boat charters and jungle cruises. You could also enjoy a visit to the Caribbean Gardens, a zoological garden, go fishing, shelling and bird watching, or just relaxing on the wonderful white sandy beaches.

Stretching 126 miles south towards Cuba, the stunning Keys are a perfect escape and the next stop on your Florida Adventure. Follow Highway 1 south as this spectacular road road ties together the islands and atolls of this paradise between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. Get up close with an amazing array of fish while snorkeling, diving or fishing in the warm turquoise waters. Creeks, coral and costumed spectacles are other lures along the way.

From Key Largo, you will continue your journey south to the irrepressible Key West, the southernmost point of the United States and embraces a fascinating mix of history, eccentricity and lush island charm. Famous Duval Street is full of restaurants, bars and boutiques. Mallory Square host the ‘Sunset Celebration’ where people gather at sunset, fire eaters, street performers and artists selling their wares, a great way to see the sunset and watch the boats arrive into the harbour. Explore the town either by foot or by bicycle. Alternatively, and for a more leisurely pace just hop on and off the trolley buses.

‘Village of Islands’ Islamorada is probably best known as the Sport Fishing Capital of the World. Frequently translated from Spanish as “purple isles.” the area’s four islands also offer numerous tranquil spots to relax or enjoy a sunset cruise. The area also has many unique shops and galleries.

Enjoy a last day relaxing or shopping in Miami Beach before heading back to Miami Airport later today for your overnight flight home.