Sunshine Trails

Arrive in the Sunshine State of Florida. Pick up your rental car and proceed to your hotel.

Today's journey takes you south, crossing 42 bridges and 32 islands as you drive on the Overseas Highway (US1) all the way to Key West, only 90 miles away from Cuba. Key Largo is the first in a chain of coral islands known as the Keys. The star visitor attraction is undoubtedly the only underwater park in the US, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Continue on to Key West and walk the Pelican Path or take the Conch Tour Train to get a flavour of Key West. Don't miss the Hemingway House, one of Key West's most famous celebrity shrines.

Today retrace your journey along the Keys en route to Key Largo. Be sure to stop along the way to capture photos of this unique stretch of road and enjoy some freshly-caught fish at the restaurant of your choice. Overnight in Key Largo.

Today cross Alligator Alley via the Everglades National Park. Spend time at the visitor centre and we suggest you hop aboard an airboat for a thrilling experience. Continue to the swanky town of Naples, where designer shopping and fine dining complement the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches.

A full day to relax and enjoy Naples.

Continue north to Sarasota, passing the popular Fort Myers and Venice beaches. Stop to visit the winter residence of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford outside Fort Myers. Consider taking a side trip to the tropical barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva (toll bridge). Visit the Ding Darling State Park on Captiva, where you can rent bicycles to enjoy the Floridian flora and fauna or take a kayak trip through the mangroves.

Travel north and inland today as you head for Crystal River. Stop en route at Homosassa Springs, home to Nature World, a nature reserve for endangered manatees.

This morning, visit Silver Springs Park where the first Tarzan movies were filmed or enjoy a glass-bottomed boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of Silver Springs. Cross the Ocala National Forest via Palatka to St Augustine, the longest continually inhabited European-founded city in the United States. Ponce De Leon landed here in 1513 in search of eternal youth. You can visit the mythical Fountain of Youth during your stay.

Today, visit famous Daytona Beach before swinging inland and following Interstate 4 to the theme park capital of the world, Orlando, your base for the next three nights.

The main decision during your stay will be deciding which parks to visit. Choose between Disney's Magic Kingdom, Epcot Centre, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, Universal Studios Orlando and Islands of Adventure or SeaWorld. A good sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. (Admission not included)

A full day at leisure to discover what inspires this city built on imagination.

Drive east to the Space Coast of Florida and land in Cocoa Beach, home of the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame. You may want to explore the universe at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre or walk the famous Cocoa Beach pier and enjoy the shops, food and ocean air.

Continue to Miami in time to return your rental car before your return flight.