October 19-27, 2007
9 Days
DAY 2: BUSCH GARDENS / DINNER / TAMPA, FL: We'll enjoy the day at Busch Gardens. Your cameras will be clicking away as you experience "The Dark Continent". See a wide selection of animals and birds, both tame and wild, mingled with tropical blooms in a setting of rare beauty. Tonight we enjoy a special dinner at a local favorite. (D)
DAY 3: RINGLING MUSEUM OF THE CIRCUS / RINGLING MUSEUM OF ART / RINGLING RESIDENCE / THOMAS EDISON HOME / FORT MEYERS, FL: In Sarasota we visit the Ringling residence, the Art Museum, and Museum of the Circus. The Museum has a collection of circus wagons, calliopes, and costumes covering the history of the circus from Roman times to present. Then we tour the winter home of inventor Thomas Edison. Built in Maine, this house was brought by ship to Florida in 1885. The museum contains a rare and beautiful collection of antique phonographs as well as an exhibit depicting the history of electric light. We overnight in the Fort Meyers area. (Boxed Lunch)
DAY 4: EVERGLADES AIR BOAT RIDE / KEY WEST, FL: Today we are skimming across swamp waters on an airboat tour in what is often called " The eighth wonder of the world", spotting alligators as we travel through the Everglades, before heading south to the Florida Keys. We spend two nights in Key West.
DAY 5: TOUR / FREE TIME IN KEY WEST: Today we begin our exploration of Key West with it's sub-tropical palms, flowers, shady banyan trees, 19th century gingerbread houses and its Cuban foods and dialects that became a part of the culture when cigar-making was the island's cheif industry. We'll hear all about the fascinating history of the Florida Keys, and learn about the bridges, the explorers, the pirates, the buccaneers, and the Indian wars. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy this tropical city at your leisure. Be sure not to miss Key West' famous sunset!
DAY 6: JUNGLE QUEEN SIGHTSEEING CRUISE / FORT LAUDERDALE, FL: This morning we head back to the mainland enjoying the beautiful tropical scenery along the spectacular over-seas highway. Mid-afternoon we board the Jungle Queen in Fort Lauderdale for a cruise up the intra-coastal waterway. See why this city is aptly nicknamed the "Venice of America". We overnight in Fort Lauderdale.
DAY 7: DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY / FREE BEACH TIME / DAYTONA BEACH, FL:
Heading north along the Florida east coast, we arrive in Daytona Beach for lunch and an exciting ride and tour of the Daytona 500 Speedway. This afternoon, take a stroll up the sandy beach and soak up the sun, or just kick back and relax. Daytona Beach has plenty of entertainment for everyone.
DAY 8: TRAM TOUR OF AUGUSTINE, FL / LUNCH / SHOPPING / VALDOSTA, GA: This morning, we tour St. Augustine, the oldest permanent settlement in the United States. At the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, we see the fort that serves as a venerable symbol of the Spanish presence in Florida. It is a unique specimen of a vanished style of military architecture and engineering. After an included lunch at a special restaurant we will have leisure time for browsing in this quaint old city before heading north for our last overnight stay.(L)
DAY 9: LUNCH @ WHISTLE STOP / HOME: We stop mid-day in Juliette, GA for lunch at the infamous Whistle Stop Cafe (home of Fried Green Tomatoes) for a good 'ole "down-home" meal. Continuing on, we bid farewell to our many new friends and make our way home. (L)
$1589.00 $1229.00 $1139.00 $1059.00
Deposit required to sign up. Make checks to the Lawrence County Senior Center. Please call the Senior Center for more information.
Deluxe motorcoach
All attractions
8 Nights Lodging
Meals: 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner
Luggage Handling
Tour Director
