Nearly 100 years ago, John Ringling, the legendary circus king, pledged, “I am going to make Sarasota one of the sights of the South… [it] will become one of the most beautiful cities in Florida.” Join us as we experience Sarasota – we feel John lived up to his pledge!
Day 1 – Home to Sarasota, FL
We depart today for the Fun & Sun of Florida as we fly to Sarasota. Upon landing, our adventure begins at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens where we’ll immerse ourselves in their 10 acres of lush, tropical landscaping connected by winding jungle trails. Home to over 200 native and exotic animals, we’ll have the chance to feed a flamingo, hold a parrot, and enjoy the reptile show! Afterwards, we’ll check into the spectacular, unique Hotel Voco for a wonderful five-night stay. Our hotel is located across the street from Bay Park and Sarasota Garden Club, which connect to Central Broadway Park that is located on Sarasota Bay. This evening we will enjoy getting to know one another during our Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
Included Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Hotel Voco (5 Nights)
Day 2 – Sarasota
Breakfast at the hotel prepares us for a full day of sightseeing as a local, step-on guide is joining us today. First, we will sink our toes in the lovely sand of Siesta Key Beach, ranked the #2 beach in all of the United States! Its unique sand is made up of 99% quartz! Then we head downtown for a tour followed by a narrated sightseeing cruise complete with a luncheon buffet. As we cruise through the inter-coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico, we’ll enjoy watching playful dolphins, soaking in the warm sunshine and feeling the relaxing Gulf of Mexico breezes. Back on land, we’ll tour the Crown Jewel of Sarasota Bay, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. Next up is a walk through Bay Park and shopping at Saint Armand’s Circle. Very close by is Lido Beach, so we will head there to take in the magnificent sunset before returning to Saint Armand’s Circle for dinner on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – Sarasota
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the The Ringling Museum – a highlight for most! It’s time to run away to the circus as we immerse ourselves in circus history at their Circus Museum. We’ll be wowed by incredible human and animal feats and even have the chance to try our hand at walking the wire! Touring Ca’ d’Zan, John & Mable Ringling’s opulent winter home, will transport us back to the Roaring Twenties. Completed in 1926 after only two years of construction, this 36,000 square foot Venetian Gothic palace was meant to impress! A refreshing lunch is planned at the Ringling Grill Room located on the premises. Be sure to explore the lovely and vast grounds, especially Mable’s expansive & fragrant Rose Garden. Later this afternoon we return to the hotel for the evening and dinner on your own. Perhaps you’ll wish to walk through the parks to the Bay this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – Sarasota to Bradenton to Sarasota
Breakfast is served before we depart for the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. Home to immaculately restored vintage automobiles spanning over a 100-year history, we’ll see everything from Alfa Romeo, Edsel, and muscle cars. Next we head to Bradenton to spend time at the Red Barn, featuring both open-air and indoor flea market booths waiting to be explored. It will be easy to find something for lunch on your own at the Red Barn, perhaps to enjoy while you take in their entertainment. Early this afternoon we’ll visit The Bishop Museum of Science & Nature. Our guided tour will bring The Bishop’s collections and exhibitions to life and provide an opportunity to look deeper into Florida’s natural history. While here, we’ll also experience their state-of-the-art Planetarium show as well as their world-renowned Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat. Afterwards, we’re guests at Rosa Fiorelli Winery for the evening. After tasting six of their signature wines on the outdoor patio, we’ll tour the vineyard and production facility before heading back to the outdoor patio for a delicious lasagna buffet!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Sarasota
We head out after breakfast for a special morning of birdwatching at the famous Sarasota Audubon’s celery fields! During our Birding ID Tour, they’ll share the importance of the celery fields for birds and bird migration as well as discuss the local environment and sustainability issues they are facing. After a short boardwalk to a pavilion within the celery fields, we’ll use binoculars for some close up viewing! We depart for a tasty Amish-style lunch at Der Dutchman, with time for a little shopping in their Amish Market. We’ll then return to the hotel for a free afternoon. Perhaps you’ll wish to explore the downtown, stroll through Bay Park, or just put your feet up and rest. Dinner is on your own to eat at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. Tonight, we’ll take in a live show at a local theater.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – Sarasota to Home
After a leisurely breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and head to the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Located on Sarasota Bay, this is the only botanical garden in the world dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic orchids, bromeliads, gesneriads, and ferns. We’ll have lunch on our own before flying home with fantastic memories of our Fall Fun & Sun in Florida!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Flyaway Per Person Pricing Information
Flyaway Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
RT Airfare including taxes, fuel surcharges, & baggage fees! 10 Meals, Hotels & Activities as stated in brochure, Luxury Motorcoach
11/12/2024 11/17/2024
Tour Map
Tour Highlights
* 5 Nights at Hotel Voco in Sarasota
* Sarasota Jungle Gardens
* Sarasota Touring including Siesta Key Beach, Downtown, Bay Park & Lido Beach
* Narrated Intercoastal & Gulf of Mexico Sightseeing Cruise
* Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Tour
* Ringling Brothers Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan Mansion & Gardens
* Sarasota Classic Car Museum
* Red Barn Flea Market
* The Bishop Museum of Science & Nature
* Rosa Fiorelli Winery Tour, Tasting & Dinner
* Around the Bend Birdwatching Tour
* Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
* Live Show at a Local Theater
