Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: London – Tampa
Your Florida Gulf Coast discovery starts when you arrive the same day into Tampa Bay. On arrival collect an Alamo car rental for your entire stay in Florida. Stay 3 nights at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay(or similar).
Day 2-3: Tampa
Enjoy the many wild-to-mild attractions of Tampa Bay, from Busch Gardens to The Florida Aquarium. With its major theme parks and exciting nightlife, engaging museums and glorious golf, tranquil canoe excursions and some of the best shopping in the Gulf, it is not hard to see why Tampa Bay’s popularity with British travellers is booming. Enjoy a night out in Ybor City, whose eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants, bars and clubs has earned its reputation as the ‘nightlife capital of Florida’s Gulf Coast’. Why not take in the views of Tampa from the air, with a helicopter ride over Davis Island, the Port of Tampa and Hillsborough Bay?
Day 4: Tampa Bay – Fort Myers Beach (approx. 146 miles)
Leave behind the lively city life of Tampa today for a more sedate and laid-back pace, as you drive south along the Gulf Coast to pristine beaches of Fort Myers. Stay 3 nights at the DiamondHead Beach Resort & Spa(or similar).
Day 5-6: Fort Myers
Soak up the sun and relax in fabulous Fort Myers, known as Florida’s unspoiled island sanctuary. Nearby Sanibel offers some of the best shelling anywhere, thanks to the beaches unique location. In addition to the beautiful natural environment, active travellers can take advantage of golf, tennis and watersports. Island-hop on a charter cruise during the day, and spend those warm evenings wandering unique restaurants and boho galleries. From here, you can also explore the islands of Sanibel and Captiva which are connected to the mainland by an alluring 3-mile causeway bridge, and offer some of the finest beaches along the coast.
Day 7: Fort Myers – Marco Island (approx. 50 miles)
After your chilled out days along Fort Myers, your journey continues as you head for the sun-kissed shores of the Paradise Coast, home to Naples, Marco Island and the tropical wilderness of the Everglades, with your final destination being the sugar white sands of Marco Island. Stay 3 nights at the Marco Beach Ocean Resort(or similar).
Day 8-9: Marco Island
Situated on the southernmost tip of the Paradise Coast, as one of the Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island is home to a stunning collection of beaches that overlook the warm waters of the Gulf and the mangrove-lined estuaries of the Ten Thousand Islands. But more than just a pretty beach, Marco Island offers contrasting qualities, from sophisticated resort areas offering complete relaxation to a historic nautical community and funky fishing villages. Bring your appetite for seafood, whether you plan to catch it on your own hook or enjoy the local restaurants, Marco Island will be sure to tempt the taste buds.
Day 10: Marco Island – Fort Myers – London
Your relaxing days exploring Florida's Gulf Coast comes to an end today. After making some lifelong memories, it’s time to head back to Fort Myers to drop your car rental off at the airport and board the overnight flight back home.
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