DETAILED ITINERARY

The Florida Keys are a string of low-lying coral islands, stretching 113 miles in a south-westerly direction from the tip of Florida, with the Atlantic Ocean to their east and the Gulf of Mexico to their west. They offer a tropical Caribbean-style beach holiday within the USA, with superb snorkelling, diving and deep sea fishing in clear turquoise waters. You can also visit local art galleries and museums, and feast on delicious fresh seafood.

The archipelago is connected by the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, which links all the islands, making self-driving an easy option. Your holiday will start in Miami, where you can spend a night or two and visit Everglades National Park, a 1.5-million acre wetland preserve  made up of coastal mangroves, sawgrass marshes and pine flatwoods that are home to hundreds of animal species including alligators, leatherback turtles, Florida panthers and West Indian manatees. Expect to hear a lot Spanish spoken in this trendy holiday city.

After leaving Miami head west to Bradenton, located on the Manatee River south of the city of Tampa. Here you can visit the vibrant Downtown, stroll along the River Walk and wander through the galleries and studios of the Village of Arts, a working artists’ community located in colourfully restored 1920s and 1930s cottages. You can step back in time with visits to the historic fishing village of Cortez and Manatee Village Historical Park, with its collection of restored buildings including a courthouse, schoolhouse, farmhouse, general store, boat shop, steam engine and cowboy bunkhouse.

You can also visit Robinson Preserve, a 682 acre mangrove and tidal marsh coastal wetland, offering kayaking and a 1.5 mile walking trail with excellent birding. DeSoto National Memorial Park marks the place where Spanish conquistadors landed in 1530 and met strong opposition from the indigenous people. You may also wish to visit the South Florida Museum, which has excellent natural and cultural history exhibits, as well as being home to the Bishop Planetarium and Parker Manatee Aquarium.

Then head south to Homestead and drive across the water to the first town of Key Largo. This is home to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, an undersea park where you can kayak through the lush mangroves and enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving and glass-bottom boat rides. You may even see pelicans diving into the topaz waters. Another fun way to explore Key Largo is aboard the historic African Queen steam boat, made famous by the 1951 movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn. 90-minute sightseeing cruises depart from Marina del Mar. There are also nature trails and a huge aquarium to enjoy.

Your next stop is Islamorada. This village is home to the Theatre of the Sea marine park, where you can watch a sea lion show, hold a parrot and swim with bottlenose dolphins, sea lions, stingrays and nurse sharks. You can also learn more about the islands at the Keys History and Discovery Centre (located in the Islander Resort), which has exhibits, photos, models and memorabilia highlighting various shipwrecks and their Native American history.

You will then reach Duck Key, which you will use as your base for the next week.

Marathon is the next village along the Florida Keys Overseas Highway. Here you can visit the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key. In addition to their dolphin and sea lion shows, you can chat with trainers, swim and interact with the dolphins.

Secluded Bahia Honda State Park, located on Big Pine Key, is home to more than 150 species of rare flora and fauna. It has three unspoiled beaches that are wonderful for snorkelling. At the National Key Deer Refuge, you can hike, bike or kayak through the reserve and look out for these small endangered deer that are found only in the lower Florida Keys.

Key West is the southernmost city of the Florida Keys, and no visit would be complete without a photo opportunity at the Southernmost Point, where an oversized buoy marks the end of continental United States. Key West is famous for Duval Street, which has many restaurants, boutiques and bars. The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory is located on Duval Street, and offers a quiet retreat. You can also pay your respects to one of Key West’s most famous residents at the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The Nobel Prize winner lived here in the 1930s, his most prolific writing years. At sunset head to Mallory Square on the waterfront where jugglers, tightrope walkers, sword swallowers, buskers and other colourful characters entertain the crowds as the sun drops below the horizon.

From Key West you can also take the Yankee Freedom ferry to Garden Key, a trip of 2 hours 15 minutes each way. Here you can visit Dry Tortugas National Park and explore historic Fort Jefferson. You can also swim, snorkel and dive and in the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico and enjoy brilliant birdwatching.

Wherever you choose to stay in the Florida Keys, you will enjoy crystal clear turquoise waters and warm sunshine. At the end of your holiday drive back to Miami airport to drop off your hire car and board your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a room only basis. Economy flights from London and standard car hire are included.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence. The FCO should also be consulted.