Ultimate Florida
For a holiday that delivers on luxury, this USA tour includes stays at hotels with glistening pools, sandy beaches, seamless service and a plethora of exhilarating experiences. This 12-night adventure is a stylish self-drive trip through the sun-kissed state of Florida, taking you from the golden shores of Tampa Bay, heading towards the laid-back Keys for epic snorkelling and swimming and to experience life off the tourist trail at Key West before finishing in the vibrancy of electric Miami.
Journey highlights
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Cruise through the open roads of Florida, starting in sun-drenched Tampa in the west, heading down through the Everglades to the tranquil Keys
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Lose yourself in an abundance of iconic art and culture at The Dalí Museum
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Immerse yourself in the pools and palms of the Keys - cruise the open seas, snorkel with turtles and swim with dolphins, admiring marine life in its natural habitat
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Indulge in a fascinating laid back bike tour of Key West, taking you to hidden lanes and botanical gardens, embodying Key West’s unique free spirit
- Ultimate itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Ultimate Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
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Itinerary
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At a Glance
Welcome to the Sunshine State! Arrive in Tampa ready for your self-drive adventure to begin. Firstly, you will be acquainted with your SUV for the trip, get yourself set up and ready to go, as you begin your journey to The Don Cesar on St Pete Beach, your hotel for the first two nights. The striking pink palace sits atop wind-swept dunes with expansive sea views in every direction. Spend some time relaxing poolside, hit the golden sandy beach or rent a wave runner for salty excursions, there are an abundance of activities to choose from. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax and get acquainted to your new surroundings.The next morning your first experience of the trip takes you on a private Dalí Museum tour. Hosting the largest collection of Dalí's work outside Europe, The Dalí Museum has been the unofficial heart of fine arts in the Tampa Bay area since its opening in 1982. Today you will expand your mind and push the limits of creativity during a private guided tour of this iconic institution. Your private tour will encompass highlights from the entire collection and can be customised to focus on specific areas of interest such as psychology or religion, or on the artist’s larger-than-life public persona and controversial subjects.Later in the afternoon you will head to a marina in St. Petersburg for a sunset charter aboard a speedboat. With luck, you will spot dolphins and other curious marine life, such as bottlenose dolphins and the Florida manatee as you sail past mangroves. Returning to the dock, make your way back to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.The following morning enjoy a relaxed breakfast and maybe a dip in the pool before you drive to your next destination, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples.Where to stay
The Don CeSar (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
After your Everglades tour and fascinating walk, you will arrive at the tranquility and pure luxury of Baker’s Cay. Sitting in a prime location in the heart of Key Largo, it is a tropical retreat with eco-sustainability at its heart. Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing here taking in the blue hue of the sea letting the gentle warm breeze wash over you.The following morning you will kick off your trip with a luxurious private boat charter. Your dedicated captain will work with you to customise the day’s itinerary according to your interests and preferences. You may opt to strap on your snorkel gear and explore magical coral reefs, or paddleboard your way into a mangrove forest. Or try your hand at fishing with both backcountry and deep-sea options available. Alternatively, you may decide to spend your day relaxing and sightseeing, visiting uninhabited islands to soak up the sun and swim in crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch served on a deserted sandbar. No matter how you choose to spend your day, you will return to your hotel with incredible memories of these picture-perfect waters.The following morning enjoy a relaxed breakfast before you bid a fond farewell to Baker’s Cay and make your way to the Ocean Key Resort in Key West.Where to stay
Baker's Cay (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Wake to your first morning in Key West and a delicious breakfast ready for your day ahead. Today you will discover the true beauty of Key West during a private bike ride along the town’s quiet streets and hidden lanes. Embodying Key West’s free spirit and go-with-the-flow attitude, your private guide is a lifelong ‘conch’ who has deep ties to the community. Follow them on a hands-on journey through the island, sampling tropical fruit right off the tree, stopping to smell the Frangipani flowers and breezing by the historic homes of Tennessee Williams, Judy Blume and Ernest Hemingway. Avoiding the major touristy spots, you will visit a native wildlife preserve, explore a botanical garden, and enjoy expansive views of the surrounding waters as they share the culture of this southernmost Florida Key and truly unique destination with you.After a relaxed evening at the hotel, the following morning take breakfast in the ocean breeze and say farewell to The Keys as you head north to you next hotel on the vibrant Miami Beach.Where to stay
Ocean Key Resort Island (2 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
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At a Glance
Your Florida adventure continues as you head to Miami Beach where you will be staying at the refined Cadillac Hotel and Beach Club. This standout hotel on the oceanfront exudes the style and taste of the Mediterranean complemented by the vibrancy of Miami Beach. Your first day here is a day of leisure. We recommend you make the most of the hotel’s prime location on the beach, just steps away from the pools, an entire stretch of pristine Miami Beach awaits. Enjoy full towel and beach service including chairs and umbrellas or head down the beach to BouYah Watersports to book a water sports adventure. Speed through the waves on a jet ski, cruise around the bay in a kayak, or soar above the water on a parasail tour.The next morning, soak up some local Miami culture with a hands-on graffiti workshop followed by a street art tour. Your guide is a local street artist who will demonstrate different can control techniques before handing the cans to you to experiment! During this experience, you will work with your guide to create a mural and takeaway piece of art. Afterwards, follow your guide on a walking tour of Little Havana where your guide will unveil the area’s off-the-beaten-path art scene. Next, your guide will lead you through the district highlighting their favourite pieces and sharing stories of the artists. Your tour will conclude in Wynwood, at which point you will have the opportunity to keep exploring this exciting neighborhood, or head back to your hotel for some relaxing time on the beach.After breakfast, say goodbye to Florida, and make your way to Miami International Airport, where you will drop off your rental car and begin the journey home.Where to stay
Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club (3 nights)
Alternative Places to Stay Nearby
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination and your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
When to visit
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Florida is a year-round destination with balmy winters, but summers can be hot and humid. The best time to visit Florida is in March and April when it is warm and sunny, before the weather begins to get too hot. Hurricanes and other less serious tropical storms can strike Florida any time in the summer up to the end of November, however the risk is greatest between August and October.
We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 020 8682 5030 to start planning your holiday.
