Proving that there’s more to Florida than just the House of Mouse, this 15-day self-drive takes you from the theme parks of Orlando to cultured, sophisticated and stylish Naples before ending amid the white-sand beaches and endlessly sunny days of the glorious Gulf Coast.
Orlando offers boundless thrills, from Disney’s iconic castles to Universal’s cinematic adventures and LEGOLAND’s colourful creations.
Beyond the rollercoasters, the Kennedy Space Center provides a fascinating journey into space exploration and scientific discovery.
Naples enchants with white-sand beaches, world-class golf, chic boutiques and a dining scene to suit every taste.
St Pete Beach promises powdery sands and turquoise waters, perfect for relaxation after the high-energy thrills of Orlando’s parks.
The nearby Everglades open up a wilderness of mangroves and wetlands, best explored on an unforgettable guided boat trip.
Arrive at Orlando Airport, collect your hire car and make your way to The Grove Resort & Water Park for a seven-night stay.
The next week has been left free for the child in you to enjoy the many theme parks and attractions that Orlando has to offer. Universal Orlando Resort boasts three theme parks; Universal Epic Universe, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, as well as a water park plus the shops and restaurants of Universal CityWalk. Disney choices range from Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park – with Cinderella Castle at its heart – to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park and the two family friendly waterparks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach. Other options include LEGOLAND Florida and, slightly further afield, the Kennedy Space Center. Just be sure to ask your travel agent about booking multi-day passes in advance as this can often save you time and money.
In the evenings – or if you want a day off from park-based amusement – you’ll find plenty elsewhere to entertain you in Orlando, including trendy craft breweries, eclectic shops and cutting-edge restaurants. The Milk District and Mills 50 are two especially up-and-coming neighbourhoods that really come alive after dark.
Drive south to Naples and check in for four nights at Naples Bay Resort. Located close to downtown, the resort offers almost every amenity under the sun, including a tennis club, fitness centre, full-service spa and a number of great restaurants. It’s also the only hotel in Naples with a marina offering direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, making it perfect for boat trips and watersports enthusiasts. Naples itself is a stylish, upmarket town known for its white-sand beaches, championship golf courses, good selection of restaurants and high-quality boutiques. It also makes a great base from which to explore the Everglades.
Take a leisurely drive up the Gulf Coast to St. Pete Beach and The Don CeSar hotel, affectionately known as the ‘Pink Palace’, where you’ll stay for the next three nights. Home to glorious white-sand beaches, including the longest undeveloped stretch of public beach in the county, clear gulf waters and 361 days of sunshine a year, St. Pete Beach is a coastal delight. Get out on the water by glass-bottom kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Visit the nearby Salvador Dali Museum, the 26-acre St. Pete Pier or the award-winning Fort De Soto Park. Head to the Corey Avenue shopping district to browse speciality shops and unique boutiques. Or plan a day out in Tampa at another of Florida’s most beloved theme parks, Busch Gardens, famous for its heart-racing rollercoasters and animal encounters.
Say a final goodbye to the deep blues of the Gulf of Mexico before returning your hire car to the airport in Tampa in time to catch your flight home.