Day 1 Fly from the UK to Tampa, collect your rental car and drive to Crystal River, approx. 80 miles

Located along Central Florida’s "Nature Coast," Crystal River is a place defined by water. The natural springs which feed Kings Bay and the river itself flow at a constant 22C making the waters attractive all year round, and especially popular with the manatees who like to spend their time in these pristine waters. Boat trips, kayak tours, paddleboard and swimming with the manatees are just some of the ways you can experience the nature of the area. Stroll the boardwalks, explore some of the thousands of acres of trails, terrain and caves Withlacoochee State Forest and Crystal River Preserve State Park.

Combining small-town charm and a deep and fascinating history, the town of Crystal River offers plenty of local flavour especially in the collection of shops and restaurants along Citrus Avenue in the downtown area. 

Stay three nights in Crystal River

Day 4 Drive to Fort Myers, approx. 205 miles

Known as the City of Palms, Fort Myers itself was originally inhabited by the Calusa Indians and later by early pioneers, before becoming a popular winter holiday spot when Thomas Edison and Henry Ford made their winter homes there. You can tour these estates, enjoy the brick streets of the waterfront and downtown area with great shopping and dining, take in a theatre production, go on a boat tour or rent bikes and discover some of the city parks. 

Fort Myers Beach offers a laid back, ‘real Florida’ holiday atmosphere, dazzlingly fine white sandy beaches, great seafood and local cuisine and entertainment. Visit Lover’s Key State Park for a taste of nature, and discover the length of the beach using the Beach Trolley service. 

  

Stay two nights in Fort Myers

Day 6 - Drive to Everglades City, approx. 80 miles

The unique sub-tropical wilderness of Everglades National Park is spectacular. The park is world famous for wildlife, kayaking, airboat rides and fishing. Learn about the history of Everglades City in this Nationally Registered Historic Place, restored to its 1920s appearance, or peddle along the water front on your own self-guided nature tour. 

Stay one night in Everglades City

Day 7 Drive to Key West, approx. 210 miles

A longer drive today, but plenty of places to stop, such as Bahia Honda State Park, with its historic bridge, deep near-shore waters for swimming and snorkelling, as well as water sports such as kayaking and fishing. Another great place to stop is the Key Deer Refuge. Park along one of the roads passing through the National Key Deer Refuge and you are almost certain to see one of these unique deer. 

During the day Key West’s historical museums and attractions, such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Harry S Truman Little White House, and the Key West Lighthouse and Keepers' Quarters, draw visitors who are interested in its colourful past and its position in America’s political history. And beach and nature lovers can enjoy one of Key West’s beaches or book a day trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park, where they can kayak and paddle over patch coral formations and along mangrove fringes, or snorkel to study the fish, grasses, and soft corals.

At day’s end in Key West, visitors gather at Mallory Square to experience the daily “sunset celebration” — a tradition that Key Westers share with visitors. While musicians, jugglers, mimes and other performers provide entertainment, the sun sinks slowly below the horizon as sunset cruise boats sail by in Key West Harbour.

Stay two nights in Key West

Day 9 Drive to Key Largo, approx. 95 miles

A visit to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is a must! Here you can discover the oldest underwater park in the world and enjoy the park's popular water activities: viewing the reef on a glass-bottom-boat, snorkel and scuba tours, as well as canoeing and kayaking. 

Key Largo has some of the most fascinating botanical scenery in the state. All this beauty, not to mention the island's rich history, has inspired a vibrant community of artists who show their work at several local galleries, as well as murals and street art. Key Largo is well known for the quality of its diving and fishing opportunities, and you can sample some great local seafood at a dockside restaurant.

Fly from Miami back to the UK.