Florida's Sunshine Trail

10 night tour - starting in Orlando, Florida - ending in Tampa, Florida

Escorted Tour with Trafalgar.

Trafalgar has been creating exceptional Escorted journeys for nearly 70 years, enjoy VIP return private UK airport transfers, first class hotels, complimentary WiFi on-board comfortable motorcoaches with restrooms and panoramic windows.

This spotlight on America's Sunshine State features Florida's top attractions: the hotspots of Miami and Key West, natural spectacle of the Everglades, and cutting-edge Kennedy Space Center.

2016 departure dates:
October 21st
November 11th & 25th
 
2017 departure dates:
February 3rd & 17th
March 3rd & 17th
 
TO BOOK THIS TOUR: CALL US ON FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 OR EMAIL US RESERVATIONS@PURELYTRAVELGROUP.CO.UK
View Itinerary Details

Day 1: ARRIVE ORLANDO

Enjoy your complimentary private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer to your UK departure airport. 

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 Spanishinfused, old­world charm of St. Augustine. At 6 p.m. join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

Meal(s) Welcome Reception

Hotel Gaylord Palms Resort

Day 2: ORLANDO – ST. AUGUSTINE – 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. Climb aboard the Old Town trolley to hear tales and interesting trivia from conductors, as they bring 500 years of American history to life. 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. Arrive at your beachfront hotel on beautiful Cocoa Beach.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront

Day 3: COCOA BEACH – KENNEDY SPACE CENTER – WEST PALM BEACH 

Explore the Kennedy Space Center on a NASA coach for a panoramic view of space shuttle launch pads at the LC­39 Observation Gantry. Then experience the historic Apollo 8 launch and marvel at a massive 364­foot­long Saturn V moon rocket at the Apollo/Saturn V Center. At the IMAX theatre, the dream of spaceflight comes alive with a wall of sound, a five­story screen and realistic 3D 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. This afternoon, continue to West Palm Beach.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel West Palm Beach Marriott

Day 4:  WEST PALM BEACH – KEY WEST (2 NIGHTS) 

Head south this morning 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. Stop at the Dolphin Research Center to say hello to dolphins and sea lions before arriving in Key West. Then explore Key West aboard the world­famous 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.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Sheraton Suites Key West

Day 5: KEY WEST SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME 

This morning, learn about (and sample!) the history of the Keys' favourite dessert and Local Speciality, the Key Lime Pie. The rest of the day is free to pursue your own interests. Key West is known for its amazing variety of aquatic and land­based activities. Not sure what kind of activities you want to do? Not a problem—your Travel Director is happy to help. Tonight, join the Sunset Celebration festivities in Mallory Square at the historic Key West waterfront and see the sun sink into the Gulf of Mexico.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Sheraton Suites Key West

Day 6: KEY WEST – MIAMI (2 NIGHTS) 

On to Miami today where, upon arrival, you'll enjoy a walking tour of the historic Art Deco District with a Local Expert. Discover the architectural crown jewels of South Beach's one­squaremile of traditional Art 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. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Courtyard Miami Coconut Grove

Day 7: MIAMI FREE TIME AND SIGHTSEEING

Enjoy today at leisure in vibrant Miami. This evening, meet in Little Havana for a walking tour with a Local Expert. The Cuban owner of a popular Little Havana restaurant welcomes you tonight for a private Be My Guest dinner. Indulge in a 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 classic Cuban dishes, followed by a cup of café con leche and homemade Cuban dessert.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Hotel Courtyard Miami Coconut Grove

Day 8: MIAMI – EVERGLADES – NAPLES – FORT MYERS (2 NIGHTS)

Bid farewell to Miami before embarking on a thrilling airboat excursion through the Everglades. It's an exciting ride through the saw grass prairies and mangrove wilderness. If you're lucky, you may get up­close with alligators, native wildlife and a variety of birds, such as the blue heron, American egret, bald eagle and osprey. Arrive in Naples this afternoon and explore the quaint city. Then it's on to Fort Myers for the evening.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers

Day 9:  EDISON AND FORD WINTER ESTATES EXCURSION

Visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates today, a historical museum and 17 acre botanical garden near the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford in southwestern Florida. The present site dates from 1885, when Edison first visited Florida and purchased the property to build a holiday home. His home served as a winter retreat and place of relaxation until his death in 1931. His wife, Mina, deeded the property to Fort Myers 16 years later in memory of her husband and the site was opened to the public for all to enjoy. Today, the estates and grounds are a non­profit corporation whose mission is to protect, preserve and interpret the site and future growth and development. Edison's beautiful botanical garden contains more than a thousand varieties of plants from around the world, including African Sausage Trees and a 400­foot (120 metre) banyan tree given by Harvey Firestone in 1925. It was originally an experimental garden for industrial products, but Mrs. Edison gave the garden an aesthetic turn with plantings of roses, orchids and bromeliads. Enjoy a Regional Meal this evening with your travel companions.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Regional Meal

Hotel Hilton Garden Inn Fort Myers

Day 10: FORT MYERS – TAMPA 

This morning, 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. Afterward, visit the Circus Museum celebrating the American circus, its history, and unique relationship to Sarasota. A Farewell Dinner celebration is served tonight—the perfect ending to your Florida holiday.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Hotel Renaissance Tampa

Day 11: TAMPA – DEPART ORLANDO OR EXTEND YOUR STAY

Visit the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach. From a variety of observation platforms, you may get a chance to view manatees gathering in the clean, warm water when the temperature of Tampa Bay is warm enough (This is a seasonal visit, generally November 1st through April 15th). Then it's time to bid farewell to the Sunshine State. Your Florida trail ends at Orlando International Airport or the Gaylord Palms Resort for those wishing to extend their stay in Orlando to visit one of the many amusements parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal or SeaWorld Orlando Resorts.

Meal(s) Full Breakfast

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting car for your return private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer home.

Your Trafalgar Tour Highlights


#TrafalgarCares - Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe: You’ll meet Kermit and taste his famous key lime pie. You’ll also learn about his work with MARC, a non-profit agency for adults with disabilities.

Hidden Treasures - Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure.

Be My Guest - at a Miami restaurant for a taste of Little Havana during an exciting evening of Cuban hospitality, music and dance.

Local Specialists - in Miami's Art Deco District and Little Havana.

Cultural Insights - with a key lime pie making demonstration and sampling.

Sightseeing Highlights

Orientation tour of St. Augustine
Visit Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center, Key West, Naples and Fort Myers
View the wildlife of the Everglades and Apollo Beach
Scenic drive through the Florida Keys

Dining

10 full breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners (including Be My Guest).

Travel Highlights

Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
Hand-picked Insider Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
VIP entry to many sights
Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
10 nights First Class accommodation

VIP DOOR TO DOOR RETURN UK AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Your holiday begins in true style from the moment we collect you from your front door for a relaxed journey to your choice of departure airport. Your chauffer-driven car is reserved exclusively for your use, ensuring an uninterrupted, hassle-free journey to your departure airport.

Each and every Trafalgar tour begins and ends with our unique and truly unrivalled private car door to door transfer service. You will be met at your front door by your driver who will assist with your bags before whisking you to your choice of departure airport in a private car, all in plenty of time to make your way to your check-in desk. With Trafalgar you really will experience an exclusive service, enjoying your journey in a standard of car that you would expect to associate with Trafalgar standards. All of our cars are up-to-date models and maintained to the highest standards. We will arrange a convenient pick-up time from your home that suits you, not us or other passengers. Each car is equipped with the latest satellite navigation intelligence to ensure your continued peace of mind and a speedy journey.

At the end of your tour, on arrival at your chosen UK airport, you will be greeted by your waiting driver in the arrivals hall and escorted to your car for the smooth and comfortable journey directly back home.

Should you wish to make your own way to the airport, all you need do is advise us at the time of making your reservation and a discount will be offered.

Terms and conditions apply.

Tour Only Cost: All prices quoted below are per adult person, per tour in British Pounds (GBP)

Departure Dates

Single Twin/Double Triple Quad
2016: All departures  £3244* £2407* £2131* Please call
2017: 3rd Feb £3665* £2613* £2337* Please call
2017: 17th Feb and 3rd & 17th Mar £3852* £2706* £2431* Please call
 
* 2016 Early Payment Discount - Trafalgar's most popular tours fill very quickly. Don't be disappointed, book early and pay your balance in full as below and save up to 10% Off the prices shown above - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Pay for your 2016 tour in full by 29th January 2016 and SAVE 7.5%
Pay for your 2016 tour in full by 29th April 2016 and SAVE 5%
 
Repeat Client Discount - Have you travelled with Trafalgar Tours before, within the last 5 years ! - if so you qualify for a 5% discount - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Children aged 5-17 may qualify for a discount off up to 10% when sharing a room with 2 adults - Please call us for details. 
 
Not included in your tour cost:
Flights – we can package your tour with flights at very competitive airfares using our airline partners. Please call us to discuss the best airline for your itinerary.
Pre or post accommodation - If you want to extend your stay at the start or the end of your escorted tour or add another destination to your booking please call us and we will be happy to provide a quote.
Meals, other than those listed in the itinerary.
The customary gratuities for the Tour Director and local drivers are not included and are paid locally, if you prefer these can be pre-paid to us in advance for £80.00 per person.
 
FAQs:
There are many questions and considerations you might have when planning an escorted tour with Trafalgar Tours. For more information please click here.
 

TO BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Please call us on FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 or EMAIL us reservations@purelytravelgroup.co.uk we are open 7 days a week.

We will be happy to answer any questions, check the availability of your tour, offer a quote for flights and any pre or post nights you would like to add.

When you are ready to go ahead with the booking, a non-refundable deposit of 10% will be due at time of booking or the full balance if you are due to travel within 8 weeks.