Fabulous Florida Flyaway

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Day 1 – Home to St. Pete’s Beach, FL

Today we begin our journey south in search of warmth & sunshine. Our flight will take us from the snow to the beaches of Florida. Arrive at Tampa airport where you will be met by your R&J Motorcoach and transported a short distance to the Sirata Beach Resort on the beautiful Gulf shore. Enjoy an included dinner tonight at one of our favorite restaurants.

Included Meals: Dinner

Hotel: Sirata Beach Resort (3 nights) 

Day 2 – Tarpon Springs

After breakfast we will motor past Clearwater to beautiful Tarpon Springs, the “Sponge Capital of the World.” This charming village was founded back in 1907 and is a Mecca of Greek culture. Stroll around this charming seaside village where divers bring in the famous sponges from off the Gulf floor. Walk the fishing docks and do some browsing in the local shops. We’ll take a historic Sponge Cruise and see just how divers of the past collected the sponges. After lunch at a Greek Restaurant, we’ll take a Nature Cruise where we may see dolphins, manatees, and many species of birds. Return to the resort in the afternoon.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 3 – St. Pete’s Beach

Sleep late and enjoy a free day at the resort on the sunny Gulf Coast. Take a dip in the sparkling pool, pull up a chair on the sandy beach, ride the trolley, or do some shopping – the choice is yours!

Included: Breakfast 

Day 4 – St. Pete’s Beach to Fort Myers

We’ll depart St. Pete’s Beach this morning and travel along the Bay as we head south towards Ft. Myers. Our first stop will be at a Manatee Park where we can observe these large “Sea Cows” enjoying a swim in the warm waters. Lunch is arranged at a waterfront restaurant before we visit the Edison/Ford Winter Estates with the opportunity to see some of Edison’s incredible inventions and his lovely botanical garden. Then it’s time to check into our hotel and enjoy the evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express 

Day 5 – Fort Myers to Ft. Lauderdale

After breakfast we’ll board our coach and head towards Ft. Lauderdale on the Atlantic Coast. Our first stop will be for an Everglades airboat ride – we will watch for alligators basking in the sun! We’ll continue our drive across the everglades enjoying the sights of this beautiful area. Plenty of birds and alligators will make the drive exciting. We will then check into our hotel on Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Enjoy an evening walk along the beach and check out the local shopping!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott (2 Nights) 

Day 6 – Ft. Lauderdale

This morning we take a memorable cruise on the Jungle Queen, which travels the spectacular intracoastal waterways. Enjoy the lifestyle of the “rich and famous” on this cruise and don’t be surprised if some alligators show up along the way. A late lunch will be served along the intercoastal waterway and the rest of the afternoon will be free to enjoy the spectacular beaches of Ft Lauderdale!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 7 – Ft. Lauderdale to Daytona Beach

Enjoy watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean during an early morning walk or from the hotel breakfast area this morning. It’s a little later start today as we travel north to Daytona Beach. Our stop after lunch will be the Daytona Speedway, home of NASCARS “Daytona 500.” We’ll take a tour of the track that will be of interest to everyone, then give you some time in the museum and the gift shop. Your NASCAR friends will be envious! Then it’s a short ride to our beachfront lodging for the next two nights…the Wyndham Ocean Walk Resort! We’ll relax on a chaise lounge & listen to the sound of the ocean surf, take a swim in the indoor and/or outdoor pools, play a round of miniature golf, & enjoy our suite amenities!

Included Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: Wyndham Ocean Walk Resort (2 nights) 

Day 8 – St. Augustine 

After breakfast we’ll travel to America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, Florida. Climb aboard the open air trolley for a tour of this wonderful town. Stroll along this remarkable area and enjoy a special lunch in historic St. Augustine. There will be some time for shopping before we return to Daytona Beach.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 9 – Daytona Beach to Orlando

This morning we will depart Daytona Beach and travel to the Kennedy Space Center where we will gain insight on America’s accomplishments in the space program. A bus tour takes you to see the launch pads and also the largest rockets NASA ever sent to space! There’s a special display of the shuttle Atlantis that is a must see and of course, lots of food and souvenirs. Later we travel to Orlando and check into our hotel for a relaxing two-night stay. R & J Tours has chosen a hotel close to all the main attractions of Orlando, making it easy to pursue your own interests here.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Managers Reception

Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites (2 nights)

Day 10 – Orlando

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we travel to Epcot Center for the day. “Explore exciting attractions, enchanting international pavilions, and special events & tours. Celebrating the human spirit, Epcot has 2 distinct realms: Future World, which features technological innovations, and World Showcase, which shares with Guests the culture and cuisine of 11 countries: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom and Canada.” Remember your walking shoes for this great day of exploring an incredible park!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Managers Reception 

Day 11 – Orlando to Home

We’ll wake up in the warmth of Florida once more today before we depart to the airport for our flight home. We’ve traveled around this interesting state the last 10 days, enjoying our time away from a Minnesota Winter. Fly home today packing with you the memories of a great winter vacation in Florida!

Included Meals: Breakfast