North to South New York to Miami - 13 Days

Arrive in New York and make your own way to the hotel. Once there, your Tour Director will be on hand to help you make the most of your independent time in the city. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

This morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of New York, taking in some of Manhattan’s most famous landmarks. There are glimpses of the city’s iconic skyline throughout the tour, along with the unmistakable energy that gives the Big Apple its reputation. The rest of the day is free for you to explore as you wish. Your Tour Director can help with suggestions and arrangements. You may like to take a walk through Central Park, enjoy a Manhattan helicopter flight, or spend time in Times Square - camera recommended.

New York - Niagara Falls. Today, we travel across New York State through the Finger Lakes region and continue towards the Canadian border, arriving at the spectacular Niagara Falls. Along the way, we stop for wine tasting in Watkins Glen, on the shores of Seneca Lake, an area named after the Seneca Nation. This evening is spent at Niagara Falls, one of the world’s great natural wonders.

Niagara Falls - Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This morning, there is time to experience Niagara Falls at your own pace. You may wish to join an optional City Cruises boat ride to the base of the falls, followed by lunch with a view, or simply walk along Table Rock for close-up views of the powerful Horseshoe Falls. Later, we leave Niagara behind and continue into Pennsylvania Dutch Country, also known as Amish Country, for our overnight stay.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country - Gettysburg - Washington DC. We begin the day travelling through the Appalachian Mountains and along the scenic Susquehanna River, the longest river on the east coast of the United States. We then visit Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of the largest battle ever fought on American soil and where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous address in 1863. From here, we continue to Washington, D.C. This evening, you may choose to join an optional evening tour of the capital.

Washington DC - Miami. Today, you board your flight from Washington, D.C. to Miami. Airfare is not included. On arrival, make your own way to the hotel near Miami airport. This afternoon, you will meet your Tour Director in the hotel lobby.

Please note: The flight from Washington to Miami is not included and must be booked independently by you.

Miami - Orlando. This morning, we enjoy a short tour of Miami, including some of the highlights of Miami Beach. We see the city’s well-known Art Deco District, famous for its pastel-coloured buildings and distinctive 1930s architecture. We then continue north to Orlando, Florida’s best-known centre for theme parks and attractions, home to Walt Disney World, SeaWorld and Universal Studios. This evening, there is the opportunity to join an optional local dinner and show.

Today is at leisure. You may choose to spend the day exploring Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Studios Orlando or Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Attraction entry and transportation are not included. Your Tour Director will be available to help with plans and recommendations.

Orlando - St Augustine. With an early start this morning, we travel east towards Cape Canaveral. Those joining the optional Kennedy Space Center visit will be dropped off there, while those not taking part will have time to relax at Cocoa Beach. After lunch, which is not included, we continue north-east to St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the United States. Founded by the Spanish in 1565, the city still reflects its heritage through its architecture, cobbled streets and the impressive Castillo de San Marcos.

St Augustine - Clearwater/Tampa Bay. This morning, we travel west towards Gainesville, home to the University of Florida and named after General Edmund Gaines, a US Army officer who served during the War of 1812 and the Seminole Wars. We continue through central Florida via Ocala to Crystal River, where we visit Three Sisters Springs, known for its clear waters and striking colours. Manatees are often seen here, so keep a lookout during the visit. Admission is included. We then continue to the Clearwater and Tampa Bay area, with time to visit the beach before arriving at the hotel.

Clearwater/Tampa Bay - Sarasota - Naples. Today, we travel south along the Gulf Coast to Sarasota, once the winter home of the Ringling brothers, whose circus empire made them famous across America. Over time, Sarasota developed into one of Florida’s most desirable coastal communities, known for its restaurants, shops and elegant neighbourhoods. We continue south past Fort Myers, where both Henry Ford and Thomas Edison once lived, before reaching Naples. Along the way, we pass a series of popular beach communities including Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs. Before checking in at the hotel, we enjoy a brief visit to Naples.

Naples - Everglades - Key West. A short drive south brings us to the Everglades, where we enjoy an included airboat ride and visit a safari park. This vast wetland is home to a wide range of wildlife, including herons, pelicans and alligators. After our visit, we travel back towards Miami and then follow Highway 1 south through the Florida Keys, passing Key Largo, Islamorada and Marathon before arriving in Key West. The southernmost city in the contiguous United States, Key West lies just 90 miles from Cuba and has long attracted writers, artists and public figures, including Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and President Harry Truman. This evening, you may wish to join an optional catamaran cruise to enjoy one of the island’s famous sunsets.

Key West - Miami. Before returning to Miami, the morning is free for you to explore Key West at your own pace. You may choose to join an optional Conch Train tour for a relaxed introduction to the island’s history and character, or simply enjoy some last-minute shopping. The tour ends on arrival at the Miami hotel at approximately 18.00.