Self-Drive: Coastal Florida and the Beaches of Key West

Day 1 UK to Miami

Today fly from the UK to Miami non-stop using either British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. On arrival collect your hire car from the airport and drive to your hotel which is located in the relaxed Coconut Grove neighbourhood south of Miami’s downtown. One of the city’s hidden gems, this historic district dates to the late 1800s and is known for its strong Bahamian culture. Alternatively, for a taste of Cuba, visit Little Havana and Calle Ocho which is the centre of Cuban life in the city. (N)

Accommodation in Miami: Residence Inn by Marriott Coconut Grove (or similar)

Day 2 Miami to Key West - 160 miles

This morning, before leaving Miami, you may wish to visit Villa Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, historic Venetian Pool or eccentric Coral Castle. The drive south on Highway 1 to Key West is one of America’s great road trips, crossing 42 bridges that link a string of tiny islands all the way to tip of the Florida Keys. Famed for its pristine beaches, abundant marine life and laidback lifestyle, spend two nights soaking up Key West’s unique atmosphere. (B)

Accommodation in Key West: Truman Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Key West

Once home to Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams, today you are at leisure to relax and enjoy Key West. Enjoy the many bars, restaurants and art galleries, explore the pretty backstreets with their white-washed clapboard homes, visit Hemingway’s house – now a museum – or simply relax on one of Key West’s beautiful beaches. (B)

Accommodation in Key West: Truman Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Key West to Everglades City - 210 miles

Today retrace your steps back to the Florida mainland and travel west through the Everglades following the Tamiami Trail scenic route to Everglades City where you will stay overnight. A vast and varied ecosystem containing the largest mangrove forest in North America, the brackish waters of the Everglades support a range of animal and birdlife including heron, egret, stilts, duck, wood stork, spoonbill, alligator and otter. Later take a memorable 3-hour mangrove tunnel kayak eco-tour through the creeks to experience the sights and sounds of this special environment. (B)

Accommodation in Everglades City: Ivey House (or similar)

Day 5 Everglades City to Sanibel - 90 miles

Leaving Everglades City, this morning drive north along the coast crossing the causeway to the Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The beaches here are some of the finest in Florida and spend the rest of the day relaxing by the sea. For those interested in ecology and wildlife, Sanibel’s beaches are famous for their seashells and the island is also home to the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge which supports over 240 bird species of and a large number of different reptiles and amphibians. (N)

Accommodation in Sanibel: Sanibel Island Beach Resort (or similar)

Day 6 Sanibel to Clearwater - 160 miles

Continue by road along the beautiful Gulf Coast and arrive in Clearwater where you will stay for the next two nights. Located to the west of Tampa, Clearwater is one of Florida’s best known beach destinations and a place particularly popular with families. Pier 60 has nightly music and performances and tonight you may wish to spend the evening here. (N)

Accommodation in Clearwater: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Clearwater Beach (or similar)

Day 7 Clearwater

Today you are at leisure to enjoy Clearwater. Spend the day by the beach or travel a little way up the coast to the white-sand beaches of Caladesi Island State Park. Caladesi Island can only be reached by boat and a ferry service from neighbouring Honeymoon Island makes regular trips to the reserve. (N)

Accommodation in Clearwater: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Clearwater Beach (or similar)

Day 8 Clearwater to Crystal River - 100 miles

This morning leave Clearwater and drive north towards the town of Crystal River for a two night stay. Set in an area of wildlife and aquatic reserves, which are fed by and centred on the pristine Crystal River and numerous warm water springs, this region is famous for providing a home to over 400 West Indian manatees that migrate here when winter water temperatures of the Gulf of Mexico drop. (N)

Accommodation in Crystal River: Plantation Inn & Golf Resort (or similar)

Day 9 Crystal River

Today enjoy Crystal River and your hotel. A number of different activities from fishing and boating to water sports and wildlife viewing can be arranged should you wish and we will be happy to advise you. (N)

Accommodation in Crystal River: Plantation Inn & Golf Resort (or similar)

Day 10 Crystal River to Orlando - 90 miles

Heading inland, today drive east to Orlando where you will stay for the next two nights. Orlando is the entertainment capital of Florida and the ultimate family destination. There is plenty to see and do in and around the city and the range of attractions and theme parks on offer is almost unrivalled. (N)

Accommodation in Orlando: Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando (or similar)

Day 11 Orlando

Today enjoy all that Orlando has to offer. You may wish to visit the world famous Walt Disney World including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot or Disney’s Hollywood Studios or head to Universal Studios with its array of rides, shows and attractions. Alternatively, a day trip to the Kennedy Space Centre could be made where you will have the unique opportunity to learn about NASA’s launch and landing facilities. Please note that tickets to Orlando’s many different theme parks or the Kennedy Space Centre are not included in the price of this itinerary, however, we will be happy to make these arrangements for you should you wish. (N)

Accommodation in Orlando: Holiday Inn & Suites Across from Universal Orlando (or similar)

Day 12 Orlando to Miami - 240 miles

This morning leave Orlando and drive south back to Miami where you will stay for the next two nights. Your hotel for the final two nights of the holiday is located in South Beach – Miami’s iconic neighbourhood of 1920s and 1930s art deco buildings, world-renowned restaurants, swaying palm trees and enticing white-sand beaches. (N)

Accommodation in Miami: Washington Park Hotel South Beach (or similar)

Day 13 Miami

At leisure to enjoy South Beach. Experience Miami’s colourful city life, enjoy a lazy lunch or spend the day exploring the many small independent shops and boutiques. Alternatively, Miami is home to a number of excellent museums and galleries or you may simply wish to lounge on the beach. (N)

Accommodation in Miami: Washington Park Hotel South Beach (or similar)

Day 14 Miami to the UK

This afternoon transfer to Miami Airport in good time to catch your non-stop return flight with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic to London Heathrow. (N)

Self-Drive: Coastal Florida and the Beaches of Key West

14 days from £1850 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Coastal Florida and the Beaches of Key West

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