Join us on this sun-soaked vacation around Florida, including Florida’s east and west coasts and the Florida Keys. Begin your trip in Orlando, the “capital” of Disney’s entertainment parks, and travel north to St. Augustine, situated on the Atlantic Coast and the oldest European city in the Unites States. Next, overnight in Cocoa Beach and head to Cape Canaveral for a NASA tour at the Kennedy Space Center. Turn south and visit Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach before crossing 42 bridges to Key West, the southernmost town in the continental United States—only 90 miles from Cuba. Check out the many boutiques and museums, relax on the beach, and be sure to sample delicious Caribbean cuisine. Then travel back to the Florida mainland and be on the lookout for sunbathing alligators as you experience the Everglades via a thrilling ride aboard an airboat. Overnight in Naples and head to St. Pete Beach, one of Florida’s most popular resort cities. Relax at your seaside hotel and take advantage of warm-weather activities before heading back to Orlando for two nights. What a relaxing and fun way to end your Florida vacation adventure. The sunshine state awaits!
Highlights:
Scenic Highlights:Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Gold Coast, Miami Beach, Florida Keys, Key West, Everglades National Park, Gulf Coast shoreline, and St. Pete Beach.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Orlando. Enjoy time at leisure to relax or to do some independent exploring. Your Tour Director is on hand this evening to answer any questions.
Day #2 Orlando–St. Augustine–Cocoa Beach. This morning, head to picturesque St. Augustine, the oldest European city in the United States, founded by Juan Ponce de Leon in his search for the legendary Fountain of Youth. You’ll visit the OLDEST HOUSE in the U.S. and the 17th-century CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS NATIONAL MONUMENT, the oldest masonry fort in the country. End the day with a walk on sandy Cocoa Beach.
Day #3 Cocoa Beach–Cape Canaveral–Fort Lauderdale. Cape Canaveral and the KENNEDY SPACE CENTER are the hub of America’s space operations. Enjoy a NASA tour, which provides insight into the achievements of America’s space program. After your tour, head south to Fort Lauderdale, where you will stay for the next two nights. (B)
Day #4 Fort Lauderdale. Miami Beach Excursion. This morning, join our included excursion to Miami Beach with its colorful art deco buildings, and stop at Miami’s lively Bayside Market. Afterward, return to Fort Lauderdale. Since the rest of the day is at leisure, enjoy the Florida sun while relaxing by your hotel pool.
Day #5 Fort Lauderdale–Key Largo–Key West. This morning we head south to the Overseas Highway, crossing 42 bridges through the Florida Keys to picturesque Key West, the southernmost town in the continental U.S. Our suggestion for this evening: visit Mallory Square to enjoy the spectacular sunset, then stroll along Duval Street with its colorful cafés.
Day #6 Key West. On this morning’s optional sightseeing tour, sit back and relax on the open-air trolley and view some of Key West’s most famous sights, including Ernest Hemingway’s home; Fort Zachary; Southernmost Point, situated less that 90 miles north of Cuba; and the Audubon House & Gardens. Spend the afternoon beachcombing or visit the many boutiques and museums. Be sure to sample the delicious Caribbean cuisine for which this semi-tropical paradise is so famous.(CB)
Day #7 Key West–Everglades–Naples. Head back to the mainland to the subtropical wilderness of the EVERGLADES. Board your AIRBOAT for a thrilling sightseeing ride through the extensive swamplands. Sleepy alligators basking on the banks of the waterways are a common sight. Overnight in Naples. (CB)
Day #8 Naples–St. Pete Beach. Visit famous inventor THOMAS EDISON’S WINTER HOME & LABORATORY. Step through the always-open “Friendship Gate” to visit HENRY FORD’S WINTER HOME. Don’t miss the enormous banyan tree in the garden. Tonight, your Tour Director suggests an optional dinner cruise.
Day #9 St. Pete Beach. A full day to relax at your seaside hotel in a resort city that offers a fine selection of warm-weather activities. Your Tour Director will have suggestions on the best places to shop and dine.
Day #10 St. Pete Beach–Orlando. This morning, the motorcoach continues to Orlando. Check into your hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott-Marriott Village, for the next two nights.
Day #11 Orlando. Relax and explore the many sights in the Orlando area. With so many attractions to choose from, Cosmos has put together a varied and exciting selection of optional outings. Excursions are available to Disney’s huge entertainment parks, including Magic Kingdom,® Animal Kingdom,® Epcot,® or MGM Studios.® Also on the list are SeaWorld® (America’s biggest marine life park) and fabulous Universal Studios®. Your local host will help with suggestions and reservations and can offer advice on the best places to shop and eat.
Day #12 Orlando. The trip ends today with guests departing on individual schedules. Transfers are provided to Orlando International Airport.
Hotels:
ORLANDO Courtyard by Marriott-Marriott Village (F)
COCOA BEACH Best Western Ocean Beach Hotel & Suites (MF)
FORT LAUDERDALE Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel (F)
KEY WEST Comfort Inn Key West (MF)
NAPLES Courtyard by Marriott Naples (F)
ST. PETE BEACH Postcard Inn on the Beach (MF)