Key West, Key Largo, Land of Sunshine

Sunset_party_at_key_west_by_adventurous_wench

Get ready for our third visit to Key West in as many years. It’s a unique experience for those of us from California. Warm weather (yes, even in January the average high temperature is 76, the average low 66) is the norm, and there are attractions galore to visit. Our accommodations are in the Old Town section, the best location on the island. Fly to Miami, where a tour gives you a glimpse of this interesting city, and enjoy a side trip to the Everglades and an overnight in Key Largo as you make your way to Key West. Our return is by air via Miami and Dallas (from Key West). Limited to just 25 participants, this package has sold out quickly each of the last two years.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Depart from Sacramento this morning at 6:25am, arriving in Miami about 4:25p (via Dallas on American Airlines). Upon arrival, we’ll quickly stop at our hotel to freshen up and then head to a local steakhouse for dinner. Hampton Inn Miami Airport West(D)
Day 2

A morning city tour will take you to the unique Florida Everglades National Park. Learn about this delicate and fragile environment, then board an air boat for a short everglades experience. Back in Miami, there’s time for lunch on your own, followed by a brief tour of famous South Beach, Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. These are some of Miami’s most beautiful neighborhoods. It’s an hour south to Key Largo, made famous in story and song. We’ll enjoy dinner together tonight. Ramada Key Largo Resort (ECB,D)
Day 3

Begin the day with a ride on the glass bottom boat that plies the largest living coral reef off our coasts. Next, it’s on down the Intracoastal Highway we go, the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. After lunch en route, arrive in Key West, the literal end of the highway, in mid-afternoon. Tonight, a glorious welcome dinner. It’s on the top floor of your hotel, the “Top of the Conch,” perhaps one of the most famous sunset watching spots In these United States. Enjoy a gourmet dinner with a surprise guest. Crowne Plaza La Concha – 4 nights (ECB,D)
Day 4-6

Key West has about as much history as any destination in the U.S.A. From Hemingway to Tennessee Williams to Robert Frost, many famous artisans have called the Keys home. Dozens of ships were wrecked on its reefs, and during the 19th century the city had the highest per capita income in the entire country. Only 90 miles from Havana, Cuba, it has seen its share of political exiles. Key West is, to put it mildly, a beautiful place where the action is! Your three full days in the area will include a variety of attractions and activities. The final itinerary will give you a daily schedule, but here are some of the places we’ll visit and things we’ll do: You’ll visit the homes of two famous Americans, Harry Truman and Ernest Hemingway. Tour the area aboard the famous Conch Train, stop in search of buried treasure at the Pirates Museum and visit the “Little White House,” frequented by presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Truman. See the Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, the Shipwreck Museum and the Key West Aquarium. Cruise along the shores of the island on an authentic Clipper Ship. You can walk to many of the attractions as your hotel has location, location, location. It’s right smack dab in the middle of famed Duval Street, and is a national historic landmark in its own right. Who doesn’t like to eat on vacation? How about lunch where the Sloppy Joe was invented, or a midday meal in one of the funkiest “joints” you’ll ever wander into? There’s a great Italian dinner and a dinner and cabaret show in the Key West tradition you’ll never forget on the final night. Breakfast is included each morning at your hotel. (3B,2L,2D)
Day 7

It’s time to leave our island paradise and head for home. Your 11:25am return flight takes you through Miami and Dallas on the way back home, arriving at 6:10pm. (B)