Day 1 – Home to Bloomington, IL
Today we begin our journey south in hopes of sunshine. Enjoy an included noon lunch along the way. Relax at the hotel this evening in Bloomington, IL.
Included Meals: Lunch
Hotel: DoubleTree
Day 2 – Bloomington to Columbia, TN
After our hotel breakfast, we pass through the changing landscapes of Kentucky and Tennessee. Arriving in central Tennessee, we check into our hotel in Columbia and then dinner is on your own this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hampton Inn
Day 3 – Columbia to Panama City Beach, FL
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we travel to sunny Florida where sandy white beaches await us! Check into the Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach, our home on the beachfront for the next 6 nights! Take advantage of the great location within walking distance to local bites and less than a mile from Pier Park shopping. We’ll settle into our balcony rooms, and enjoy a welcome dinner with our traveling friends.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach – Beachfront (6 Nights)
Day 4 – Panama City Beach
This morning after breakfast we head out with a local guide that will give us history of Panama City Beach and maybe the local insights of celebrities that have visited. Next, we will make a stop for a little fun, food and fantastic shopping at Pier Park! Here we will not only have time to browse the premier shopping venues, we will also experience the SkyWheel! Towering nearly 200-feet above the Gulf’s emerald green waters, the fully enclosed gondolas, gives us a perspective of all the beauty the Panama City Beach coastline has to offer. Our fun continues as we try our hand at their 18-hole mini golf course! After an included lunch, we’ll visit the Duplin Winery and sample their award-winning sipping wines. Duplin is known for “cool, sweet & easy.” While relaxing on their porch, we’ll be entertained with live music. This afternoon we head back to our hotel to freshen up before experiencing a stunning sunset, sightseeing and dolphin cruise aboard the Sea Screamer. Enjoy the Captain’s informative narration as we cruise along the coastline, around Shell Island and the inland waters of St. Andrews Bay. This evening have dinner on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Panama City Beach / Apalachicola
Today we will venture down along the coast and will once again welcome our local guide to give us the tidbits and history along the way. Our first stop will be at the Tyndall Air Force Base, home to the most advanced fighter jet, the F-35. (Entrance into the Air Force Base will require valid ID such as a Real ID or passport, and security checks that will take place 2 weeks prior to arrival.) Afterwards, we’ll see the beautiful seaside community of Mexico Beach as we continue on to the little bayfront town of Port St. Joe. Port St. Joe remains a “sleepy fishing village” with its seaside charm and big character. We will also have a chance to see the unique Cape San Blas Lighthouse, that was saved from coastal erosion. Our journey continues to the warm port town of Apalachicola where we will be welcomed by the hometown charm of friendly folks, seafood houses, and maritime history. Enjoy some time here to browse this bustling port town and have lunch on your own. This afternoon, we’ll return back to our hotel for the remainder of the day and evening on your own. Perhaps you’ll choose to take a stroll on the sandy beach, hunt for shells, and capture the sunset!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – Panama City Beach / Free Day
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you have the rest of the day to enjoy the beach, take an inshore fishing excursion, dolphin cruise, cruise to Shell Island, walk across the street to the Gulf World Marine Park, or simply read a book on your oceanfront balcony. The day is yours to choose as you like!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – Panama City Beach / Wakulla Springs
After a satisfying breakfast we make our way to scenic Wakulla Springs that boasts manatees, alligators and other wildlife. Wakulla Springs State Park is one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. We will enjoy a riverboat ride to view the sapphire waters, aquatic wildlife and an abundance of bird life. After an included lunch at the historic Lodge, we will make our way back to the hotel to enjoy the rest of the afternoon & evening on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 – Panama City Beach / Seaside
After a leisurely breakfast, we take an unhurried drive along 30A to the beautiful and quaint, community-inspired town of Seaside with its open spaces and pedestrian brick roads. Stroll along and pick out one of the local favorite restaurants, as you take in the flavors and soothing rhythm of life. Maybe check out their Farmers Market held in the Amphitheater every Saturday. Return to our hotel and freshen up before we have a fun evening of dinner and entertainment. We have a private evening with Billy Ryder, who founded the Ocean Opry and continues his family legacy of talented musicians. He’ll entertain us with songs from yesteryear.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Panama City Beach to Hattiesburg, MS
This morning we bid lovely Panama City Beach goodbye, but our journey is not over yet. Today we tour the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. Here we will experience the evolution of Naval Aviation with hands-on history as we explore more than 150 restored aircrafts representing Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. (It’s required to have state issued driver’s license or passport.) This afternoon we continue our drive to Hattiesburg, MS and check into our hotel for the evening. Dinner is served at a New Orleans inspired eatery with southern classic dishes.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express
Day 10 – Hattiesburg to Memphis/Southaven, TN
After a satisfying breakfast we travel to Mississippi’s Home Town, Laurel, the official filming location for the popular Home Town show on HGTV. From its oak-lined streets to its lovely, turn-of-the-century homes, Laurel is a charming and gracious southern town. Here we will have a local step aboard our coach as we tour “The City Beautiful” and hear about its rich history as well as drive by a few of the beautifully renovated homes that have been featured on HGTV, starring Erin and Ben Napier. The Napiers are passionate about bringing the homes in their small Mississippi town back to life. We’ll enjoy some time to browse the American-made goods and locally-crafted masterpieces at the Laurel Mercantile Co. and Scotsman General Store. After our special time in Laurel, we will make our way to Memphis for an overnight at the Drury Inn. Enjoy the Drury’s Kickback Reception, which is a complete light meal.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Drury Kickback
Hotel: Drury Inn
Day 11 – Memphis/Southaven to Quincy, IL
Breakfast is served at the hotel before we depart for Illinois today. Enjoy the changing landscapes as we motor along. A farewell dinner is planned this evening at the hotel as we reminisce about our time in sunny Florida.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Stoney Creek Inn
Day 12 – Quincy, IL to Home
After our hotel breakfast this morning, we make our final stretch home with lunch and coffee breaks along the way. We’ll visit with our new traveling friends before arriving home this evening with grand memories of our Sunny Jaunt to Panama City Beach!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information
Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
18 Meals & 1 Kickback, Hotels & Activities as stated in brochure, Luxury Motorcoach
03/01/2025 03/12/2025
Tour Map
Tour Highlights
* Stay 6 Nights on Panama City Beach in Beachfront Balcony Rooms!
* Guided Panama City Beach Tour
* Pier Park including SkyWheel & 18-Hole Mini-Golf
* Duplin Winery for Tasting & Live Music
* Sunset, Sightseeing & Dohlpin Cruise
* Tyndall Air Force Base
* Leisure Time to Explore Apalachicola & Seaside
* Free Day to Enjoy Panama City Beach
* Wakulla Springs State Park Riverboat Ride & Historic Lodge Lunch
* Billy Ryder Private Evening Entertainment
* Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum
* Tour HGTV’s Home Town: Laurel, Mississippi
