Day 1: Travel Day Depart New England for the Sunshine State of Florida. Travel south where you will overnight in the Baltimore area. Tonight features an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet. (D) Day 2: Sightseeing in Baltimore This morning, tour historic Baltimore and discover the uniqueness of this city. You will learn about Ft. Machenry - where the Star Spangled banner was written, the revival of the Inner Harbor, the market places, and so much more. After lunch the tour heads south and you'll overnight just outside Raleigh, NC. (B/D) Day 3: Savannah, Georgia There will be an early morning departure (7:30 a.m.) Arrive in Savannah, GA where you will overnight. (B/D) Day 4: Tour Savannah Today, begin a tour of Savannah with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic district. At lunch time, you will have time to explore the historic City Marketplace where surprises can be found around every corner. In the afternoon, tour the Savannah area via riverboat and relax while experiencing a bygone era. Tonight features dinner at Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House. (B/D) Day 5: Golden Isles Continue south and be joined by a local guide for a tour of the Golden Isles, an area that was once the playground winter retreat for some of America's wealthiest families. Their exclusive Jekyll Island Club, a collection of "cottages" and a variety of support structures, is now a National Historic Landmark. This area is also rich in history as a place that the Spanish pirates once inhabited. Arrive in St. Augustine, FL in the late afternoon. (B/D) Day 6: St. Agustine This morning, tour St. Augustine - the oldest continually occupied city in Florida. On your tour, you will learn about the native people, the Spanish Empire, pirate history, and so much more. (B/D) Day 7: Kennnedy Space Center On the way through Florida, stop at the Kennedy Space Center where you will learn about the space program, see where the rockets are launched, and discover how they are assembled. In the afternoon, arrive in Marathon, FL, your home for the next three nights. Your hotel is situated on the water, so if you choose not to go sightseeing, you can relax, fish and enjoy the warm weather. (B/D) Day 8: Key West Continue on to Key West where you will be given a sightseeing pass so that you can visit the sites that specifically interest you. You might want to spend time in Mallory Square and watch the jugglers, mimes, and street performers; or you might want to visit Mel Fisher’s and see the treasure recovered from the many expeditions. Perhaps you will want to visit the Truman Whitehouse, or the southernmost point in Florida. Some may choose to wander from bar to bar sampling the best frozen drinks. Key West is a destination unique in itself. You will remain in Key West until the sun sets, before returning to Marathon. (B) Day 9: Dolphin Reserach Center The day will be spent visiting the Dolphin Research Center where there is a different show taking place every half hour. For those that want to stay at the hotel, you will find lots going on around the hotel or your can just unwind in the pool. Tonight, return to the hotel in time to watch the sun setting over the Keys. (B/D) Day 10: Everglade National Park Leave the Keys today for Everglade National Park. Journey into the park via airboat with the hope of seeing alligators and the park's varied birdlife. Tonight, overnight in the Fort Myers Area. (B/D) Day 11: Sanibel Island Spend time on Sanibel Island, known not only for its beaches, but also as one of the best places to collect sea shells in North America. (B/D) Day 12: Gulf Coast Travel up the west coast of Florida where you will overnight in Tampa at Ybor City. Dinner and entertainment is included tonight. (B/D) Day 13: Tampa Today you have a day to enjoy all that Tampa has to offer. Your tour director will be able to offer you numerous options of attractions available, including visiting Rainbow Springs, Bush Gardens, the Aquarium, and a host of other activities. (B) Day 14: Atlanta Today the journey travels north to Atlanta, GA where you will overnight at the Wyndam Hotel located downtown. As part of your sightseeing today you will tour the World of Coke. (B/D) Day 15: Biltmore Estate Today, head north to Ashville, NC, where you will visit the Biltmore Estate - the country home of George Vanderbilt. This home is as impressive today as it was when it was built in 1895. You will find your visit through the Biltmore to be educational as well as entertaining. Tonight you will overnight in the Raleigh Area, NC. (B/D) Day 16: Travel Day Continue north through Virginia where you will overnight in the Washington, DC area. (B/D) Day 17: Travel Day Today you are homeward bound filled with memories of your winter escape. (B) |