Touchdown in Miami in the afternoon and collect your car, before making your way your way to Miami’s South Beach.

Miami is an international city, rich with a multi-ethnic culture which is reflected in the cuisine and architecture. Miami’s South Beach is a particularly stunning and often intoxicatingly beautiful place. Warm breezes, swaying palm trees, and the sound of the waves washing ashore act as a backdrop for pastel-coloured, Art Deco buildings.

Miami International Airport > South Beach > 11 miles

Gale South Beach or similar

Today you are at leisure to explore this cosmopolitan city. You may choose to begin the day with a walk along Ocean Drive and the Miami Beach Boardwalk, or even cross the sands for a dip in the ocean.

Then you could head to Wynwood Walls, Miami’s outdoor street art museum. Stroll through the Wynwood Walls complex to see colorful murals and graffiti art by local and international artists.

You could choose to grab lunch at a local Cuban bakery or café in Little Havana. Enjoy traditional Cuban pastries like pastelitos and a café con leche while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Then visit Domino Park to watch locals play dominoes and browse the shops selling Cuban cigars and souvenirs.

In the evening, watch the sunset from a beachfront bar or rooftop lounge while sipping cocktails and listening to live music. For dinner, indulge in fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant overlooking Biscayne Bay or the Miami River. Try local specialties like stone crab claws, ceviche, or grilled fish prepared with Caribbean flavors.

Optional Experience – Miami Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
This Miami Sightseeing Tour has been specially designed to show the best Miami has to offer. Enjoy it all from the comfort of the open-top buses; hop off wherever you like, then hop back on to continue your journey. You will see all the most interesting and attractive areas: South Beach, Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Little Havana and more.

Gale South Beach or similar

Depart Miami towards the tropical paradise that is Key West, at the far end of the Florida Keys. You will travel through the Florida Keys by way of the Overseas Highway, with its stunning sea views, via 42 bridges to the southernmost city of the continental United States.

After checking in to you hotel, take a walk along Duval Street to enjoy the festive atmosphere and sample a local favourite food, conch fritters. No visit to Key West is complete without taking part in the Sunset celebration at Mallory Square; performers, vendors and artists line the water’s edge to bid the daylight farewell.

Miami > Key West | 168 miles

Parrot Key Hotel & Villas or similar

Whilst you are exploring Key West, be sure to take a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s Home and Museum, where the famous author lived and wrote during the 1930s. Explore the beautifully preserved house and gardens, home to descendants of Hemingway’s beloved six-toed cats. Nearby you can also snap a photo at the Southernmost Point Buoy, a colorful landmark marking the southernmost point in the continental United States, just 90 miles from Cuba.

You may like to immerse yourself in the tropical beauty of the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Wander through lush gardens filled with exotic plants and hundreds of colorful butterflies fluttering freely around you, alternatively you may prefer to climb to the top of the Key West Lighthouse for panoramic views of the island and surrounding waters.

From Key West you can catch the ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, the historic site of a fort, that now stands guard over a pristine beach and seabird habitat.

In the evening you will want to explore Duval Street, Key West’s main thoroughfare, lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and historic sites. Take a leisurely stroll along the street, browse the unique boutiques and galleries, and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Parrot Key Hotel & Villas or similar

After a leisurely breakfast,  depart Key West and return along the Overseas Highway, but only as far as Key Largo, the largest island in the upper Florida Keys.

On the way you may enjoy stopping at the Turtle Hospital and the Dolphin Research Centre, both of which offer the opportunity to encounter their residents, and learn about their conservation efforts around the Florida Keys.

Key Largo is known as the “Diving Capital of the World” for its spectacular coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. You could join a guided dive or snorkel tour to explore iconic dive sites like Molasses Reef, Christ of the Abyss, and the Benwood Wreck. For those less confident under the sea, it is also possible to join a glass-bottom boat tour for a dry view of the underwater world.

Key West > Key Largo | 98 miles

Bakers Cay Resort or similar

Back on the mainland, leave the Florida Keys behind and venture across the Everglades National Park towards the Gulf Coast.

On the way across the Everglades you may like to explore the park’s unique ecosystem by taking an airboat tour, going on a guided nature walk, or stop at one of the many signed trails to cross boardwalks whilst looking out for local wildlife such as turtles and alligators.

Once you reach the warm waters of the Gulf Coast, you may like to stop at Naples, a charming city known for its pristine beaches, boutique shopping, and outdoor restaurants. You can spend some time exploring downtown Naples, visiting the Naples Pier for scenic views of the Gulf of Mexico, or stroll along to the Naples Botanical Garden to admire tropical plants and flowers.

You could also stop in Bonita Springs, located between Naples and Fort Myers, for a visit to the Everglades Wonder Gardens. Explore this historic botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary, home to exotic plants, animals, and birds, including flamingos, alligators, and tropical birds.

Key Largo > Fort Myers | 175 miles

Diamond Head Resort, Fort Myers or similar

Fort Myers is known for its white sand beaches and clear, warm seas. You can spend a day enjoying swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and plenty of water sports such as kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing.

For more coastal experiences take a short drive to Sanibel and the Captiva Islands, renowned for their pristine beaches and abundant seashells. Here you can visit the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife refuge for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, or just explore the islands’ charming shops, galleries, and restaurants.

For further wildlife encounters, head to Manatee Park to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Particularly during the cooler months, the manatees gather in the warm waters of the Orange River, providing excellent opportunities for viewing and photography. You could also visit the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve where you can follow the boardwalk trails through the cypress swamp to observe birds, turtles, alligators, and other native species.

Of an evening you can discover the vibrant arts and culture scene of downtown Fort Myers in the River District. Browse art galleries, boutique shops, and antique stores, dine at eclectic restaurants, and enjoy live music and entertainment at local venues.

Diamond Head Resort, Fort Myers or similar

Follow the Gulf Coast northwards towards Clearwater, following the Barrier Islands where possible.

You may like to stop at Venice and aander through the charming streets of the historic downtown area, known for its Italian Renaissance-style architecture and boutique shops. You can browse art galleries, antique stores, and specialty shops, or stop for a meal or a coffee at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

Venice Beach is known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World” for its abundance of fossilized shark teeth found along the beaches. You could choose to spend some time combing the shores for these ancient treasures, or explore the Venice Pier for spot of fishing or birdwatching.

Continue your journey to Siesta Key, renowned for its powdery white sands and clear turquoise waters. Take a break on Siesta Beach, known for its soft quartz sand, or explore the shops and restaurants in the nearby village area.

Head north to Longboat Key, a tranquil barrier island known for its luxury resorts and pristine beaches before crossing over to Anna Maria Island a charming barrier island with quaint beach towns and historic landmarks.

Finally cross over the impressive Sunshine Skyway Bridge, with panoramic views over the lower Tampa Bay, before continuing up through St. Pete Beach to Clearwater.

Fort Myers > Clearwater Beach | 165 miles

Sheraton Sand Key, Clearwater Beach or similar

Clearwater Beach, one of Florida’s most popular beach destinations so you are probably going to spend the day relaxing on the sugar-white sands and swim in the warm Gulf waters.

After sunrise, grab breakfast at one of the many beachside cafes or restaurants along Mandalay Avenue or Gulfview Boulevard and then set up your beach gear, soak up the sun, and take a refreshing dip in the clear turquoise waters. If you’re feeling adventurous you could rent jet skis, paddleboards, or kayaks to explore the shoreline.

Take a leisurely stroll down to Pier 60, a bustling hub of activity and entertainment. Browse the vendors selling handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs, or watch local artisans create sand sculptures on the beach.

Alternatively you could embark on a dolphin-watching cruise to see wild dolphins playing and frolicking in their natural habitat, or take a short ferry ride from Clearwater Beach to Caladesi Island State Park, a pristine barrier island known for its unspoiled beaches, nature trails, and abundant wildlife.

Sheraton Sand Key, Clearwater Beach or similar

It is a relatively easy drive straight across from Clearwater Beach to Orlando, so consider taking the scenic route rather than the interstate to see a little more of the real Florida.

Consider taking routes such as State Road 574 or 60, which offer picturesque views of the Florida landscape. These roads pass through rural areas, small towns, and citrus groves, providing a more leisurely and scenic drive compared to the interstate.

At Plant City you could choose to stop at the family-friendly Dinosaur World, or continue on to Lakeland, known for its historic downtown area and beautiful lakes.

Near Apopka, you can take a scenic drive along the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. This one-way, 11-mile drive offers excellent birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities, with chances to see alligators, wading birds, and other native species in their natural habitat.

On arrival in Orlando, you can explore the city’s vibrant dining and entertainment scene or go shopping at one of the area’s malls or retail outlets.

Clearwater Beach > Orlando | 110 miles

Doubletree by Hilton, Orlando or similar

Today is yours to enjoy Orlando’s world famous theme parks. The choice is yours, and they can all be pre-booked by your FREEDOM Consultant.

Walt Disney World Resort
With four separate theme parks and two water parks, plus shopping, dining and entertainment, Walt Disney World is a multi-day destination for fun experiences. Choose from:

• Magic Kingdom
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom
  Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Epcot
  Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Universal Orlando
At this real film and television studio, you’ll go behind the scenes, beyond the screen and right into the action of your favourite movies, like Harry Potter, Minions and Jurassic World. You can visit:

• Universal Islands of Adventure
• Universal Volcano Bay
• Universal DreamWorks Land
• Universal Epic Universe
• Universal’s CityWalk

Kennedy Space Centre Experience

• Astronaut Hall of Fame
• Rocket Garden
• Space Shuttle Atlantis
• Journey to Mars
• Path to the Moon

Doubletree by Hilton, Orlando or similar

Today’s drive takes you south along the Atlantic Coast to Fort Lauderdale. If you haven’t visited already you could start at the Kennedy Space Centre at Cape Canaveral, and then head down to Melbourne, a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and historic downtown area.

Further south at Vero Beach you can visit the McKee Botanical Gardens to see tropical plants and water features, or stop at Fort Pierce to visit the National Navy SEAL Museum, dedicated to the U.S. Navy soldiers. You can visit Dubois Park, in the town of Jupiter, to explore the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and walk along the Loxahatchee River.

As you near Fort Lauderdale, stop in Boca Raton to enjoy its fashion boutiques, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Visit Mizner Park for shopping and dining, relax on the beaches at Red Reef Park or South Beach Park, or explore the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and its sea turtle rehabilitation facility.

Orlando > Fort Lauderdale | 221 miles

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale or similar

You may like to spend the day relaxing on the sandy shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach, known for its pristine sands, clear blue waters, and vibrant atmosphere. You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, water sports, and scenic strolls along the iconic promenade.

To explore Fort Lauderdale’s waterways, board a Water Taxi, offering hop-on-hop-off service to various attractions, neighborhoods, and dining destinations along the Intracoastal Waterway and various canals. Alternatively take a stroll along the Riverwalk, a scenic pathway that winds along the New River downtown. Enjoy waterfront views, lush landscaping, public art installations, and access to various galleries and museums.

Away from the water, visit Las Olas Boulevard, a bustling thoroughfare lined with shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife venues. It is great for browsing boutiques, dining al fresco, or just taking a leisurely walk along the tree-lined street to soak in the atmosphere.

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale or similar

If you have time, you may like to take advantage of the retail opportunities in Fort Lauderdale to pick-up some Florida souvenirs. Then make your way back to Miami International Airport in time to return your rental car and check-in for your return flight.

Fort Lauderdale > Miami International Airport | 31 miles