Turquoise Waters and White Beaches Self Drive Holiday

Turquoise Waters and White Beaches Fly Drive Holiday Itinerary

Day 01:
New Orleans arrival
Start your journey in New Orleans, the city on the bayou and enjoy great music & film sites. This is a jazz lover’s paradise. The jazz & blues clubs are too numerous to mention, but there are two days in New Orleans to check them out!

Day 02:
New Orleans
Continue to explore this city of riverboats, jazz, and Creole cuisine. Take time to visit the beautiful botanical garden or journey out to the levees to see how they protect the city from the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This evening why not board a paddle steamer for a dinner cruise on the mighty Mississippi River (optional) or discover the unique atmosphere of “The Big Easy” at night.

Day 03: Driving Distance: 90 mi / 144 km
New Orleans – Biloxi
As you are leaving New Orleans to continue your journey to the Biloxi, take in the scenic routes of the Gulf of Mexico. This morning, experience the laid-back, sandy side of Mississippi as you make your way through its Coastal region and arrive in Biloxi, Mississippi. Did you know that Biloxi is one of the oldest communities in the country, having fi rst been settled in 1699? Enjoy the sugar-white sand beaches or any of the following optional activities such as great deep-sea or freshwater fi shing, an array of championship golf courses, museums and historic sites, tantalizing seafood restaurants, and the excitement of 24-hour non-stop casino resorts.

Day 04: Driving Distance: 120 mi / 193 km
Biloxi – Pensacola
As you continue your Mexican Gulf expedition your journey takes you from Mississippi through Alabama and into Florida. You travel along the Gulf Coast through the untouched wildlife preserves and natural habitats that dot the landscape. Find serenity when arriving in Pensacola, FL where blue skies meet the emerald-green water of the Gulf. Wander through Pensacola’s Seville District or head to the beaches of Santa Rosa Island.

Day 05: Driving Distance: 213 mi / 342 km
Pensacola – Wakulla Springs – Tallahassee
Continue your exciting vacation by venturing inland to the area close to The Capital of Florida, Tallahassee. Make your way to discover the home of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world along with the amazing wildlife it brings. Wakulla Springs offers a glimpse of the Old Florida and bountiful opportunities to see alligators, deer and turtles in their natural habitats. The park also offers daily riverboat guided tours (optional) with an amazing glass bottom boat view to see the incredible wildlife swimming below. Choose optional activities such as swimming, bird watching, visiting the Historic lodge, picnicking, snorkeling, horse trails, and many more.

Day 06: Driving Distance: 162 mi / 260 km
Tallahassee – Crystal River
Leave the freshwater springs behind and witness the beautiful views along the Gulf Coast and arrive into Citrus County and encounter the unspoiled splendor of Crystal River, the gem of Florida’s beautiful Nature Coast. Crystal River is internationally recognized for its manatee-watching opportunities. The city makes the most of its great location on Kings Bay and offer many optional activities such as fishing, kayaking, diving, river touring and other wildlife watching or simply takes a stroll down the streets of Crystal River and enjoys the historical landmarks of the city.

Day 07: Driving Distance: 106 mi / 170 km
Crystal River – Tampa Beaches area
Continue your journey south along the Gulf and pass beautiful beaches such as Clearwater Beach, which was awarded Florida’s best beach town in January of 2013. Connected to Clearwater Beach are St. Pete Beach and many small beach towns in between. Once you reach the Tampa Bay area, enjoy the scenic view with of the largest open water estuary extending more than 400 miles. You may choose to make a stop in Ybor City, which was founded in the 1880s by cigar manufacturers, and has the oldest continuously operated restaurant in Florida, Columbia Restaurant that serves Cuban cuisine.

Day 08:
Tampa Beaches area – Naples
On your way to Naples, we recommend that you make quick stop to visit to the soft, white sandy beach and crystal blue water of Sanibel Island. As you continue your drive south, you reach the beautiful beach town of Naples. Enjoy the fine dining, designer shops and the relaxing atmosphere of this beach community. This is a great place to enjoy the beach, stroll through the historic town center with lots of shops and admire the Spanish architecture. Experience an exquisite sunset, the crown jewel of Southwest Florida.

Day 09-11: Driving Distance: 128 mi / 205 km
Naples – Miami departure
Keep your fingers inside our car and prepare for a ride through the wild coast of Everglades National park, known as “Alligator Alley” due to its overwhelming number of fresh water alligators. The good thing on this single stretch of road is that it’s very difficult to get lost! End your journey here in the exciting city of Miami Beach and experience the jewel of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll be dazzled by the outdoor lifestyle, art deco architecture and design. Along with its cultural food and contagious nightlife, it’s easy to see why some never leave. This is the place where celebrities from around the world come to play. Kick back on a patio café, lay on the beach or window shop the world famous boutiques of the Lincoln Street corridor – this is the place to see and be seen

Accommodation

Standard Hotels

Standard hotels offer quality, style, comfortable accommodations, yet they are still considered “affordable”. Typically located in central areas.

Holiday Info & Extras

Travel may be any day of the week, subject to availability of all components of the program. Package rates may not be applicable over special events and during Public Holidays – rates are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.

Contact Us for Tailormade options.

Tour Operates & Prices

Standard Hotels
From £799.00 Share Twin/Double

Mandatory one way drop-off fee USD 380 payable locally, approx. £275

• Lead prices per person based on a Twin/Double Room.
• Single & Triple/Quad Rates on request.
• Extensions of stay available, likewise Accommodation upgrades

Special Discounted airfares available if booked as part of this package – request a quote.