We rendezvous in Pensacola and, after a welcome seafood dinner and orientation, we tour the city and visit the National Air Station Museum. Then get ready for white beaches and emerald-hued waters of Panama City Beach.
We leave the Gulf Coast and head inland to a more bustling environment – Florida’s capital city, Tallahassee. Tallahassee is a genteel Southern town, full of Southern hospitality. During our time here, we tour the city and visit the Capitol Museum, part of the Old Capitol Building.
It’s a short drive to Ocala, known as the Horse Capital of the World, and it has more horses in residence than any other county in the U.S. We explore country roads, pass lavish equestrian facilities and tour a horse farm, meeting some of these beautiful animals.
Leaving the peaceful and serene horse country behind, we head back to the Gulf Coast to spend three nights in Tampa, a charming city consisting of diverse neighborhoods, restaurants and museums. Our city tour takes us to Ybor (pronounced Ee-bore) City, which retains its early Cuban influences from its heyday as the hub of Tampa’s cigar industry. We visit St. Petersburg, which holds the title for “the most consecutive days of sunshine.” We explore the Tampa Bay Riverwalk, a meandering river on one side and plenty of shops, restaurants and other attractions on the other. But there’s still time on your own to visit Busch Gardens, get in some shopping or just relax at the famous Ft. Desoto beaches.
“Step right up” as we head south to Sarasota and the Ringling Circus Museum. In 1927, John and Mable Ringling made Sarasota the winter quarters for their famed Ringling Brothers and Barnum Circus. Today, the Circus Museum houses many of the wardrobes, props and equipment used by the circus over the years.
Next, it’s time to meet the world-famous Royal Lipizzaner Stallions at their winter home just east of Sarasota. Watch these magnificent horses gracefully prance, trot and canter as they train for their spectacular upcoming tour.
We continue south to Ft. Myers, popular for its beaches, fishing and shopping – but also the winter homes of two of our country’s most famous inventors and business leaders – Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Today, we visit both estates, now serving as museums to honor their founders and their accomplishments.
Now it’s time to really experience the wild Florida we’ve heard so much about as we journey toward Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness area in the U.S. We zip along the waters via airboat to meet Florida’s famous ‘gators, who have thrived in this area for centuries; we experience how the Miccousukee Indian tribe still exists in the heart of the Everglades when we visit their village.
Next stop is Key West, the southernmost point in the U.S. We spend several nights here, visiting Ernest Hemmingway’s home and maybe even running into a six-toed cat – a descendant of his pet, Snow White. Explore the Little White House, Harry Truman’s winter vacation spot; chase the setting sun on our snorkel cruise. There’s even time for an optional fishing trip to Tortugas National Park. Locals (almost!) guarantee a catch!
The Art Deco district, Little Havana, trendy nightlife, sprawling beaches, shops and the art and food festivals of Miami all beckon as we travel to the world’s busiest seaport. We visit Vizquaya, a European-inspired estate with 10 acres of formal gardens, terraces and fountains overlooking Biscayne Bay. Then on to Fort Lauderdale, famous for its beaches, arts and culture. We visit quaint Las Olas Boulevard, the swanky downtown heart of the city, capping off our time here with a dinner cruise aboard an authentic paddle boat – the Jungle Queen.
Our next stop is West Palm Beach, offering exquisite shops, fine dining and magnificent homes, including Mar A Lago, one of the homes of President Trump. We drive through Lion Country Safari, where tapirs, llamas, rhinos, storks, impalas, water buffalo, lions, giraffes and other African animals roam freely. Just keep the windows up! And no visit to Palm Beach would be complete without an outing to Boca Raton.
We (temporarily) leave the beaches behind and head inland to Orlando, where children and grownups all enjoy the legendary theme parks and attractions. So much to do here! Choose optional trips to any of the local attractions – or just chill at your rig and bask in the sun. Since we are here during Thanksgiving, we enjoy a special holiday dinner with our Fantasy family.
Break out the sunscreen again as we head back to America’s favorite beach, Daytona Beach. We tour Daytona International Speedway, home to the Daytona 500. Then we’re off to the Kennedy Space Center and even experience a virtual launch into space!
Our tour finally ends with a gala farewell dinner – a time to reflect on the wonders and beauties of our Sunshine State. We enjoy a continental breakfast and leave with a well-rounded view and appreciation of this destination.
This remarkable tour departs October 23, 2018. In 2019, the tour departs October 29. Get more details here.