Lehigh County School Retirees Gulf Coast Getaway

Inclusions:

• 10 Meals (7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners)
• Luxury Motorcoach Transportation
• Professional Tour Guide
• All sight seeing per itinerary
• Baggage Handling
• 3 Star Accommodations
  • 3 Night in Tampa - Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa East (Casino Area)
  • 1 Night in Sarasota - Comfort Inn and Suites Sarasota
  • 3 Night Fort Myers - Courtyard by Marriott Fort Myers Cape Coral

Day 1 - Arrive at Hampton Inn and check into your hotel. Enjoy dinner at one of Florida's most historic restaurants. The Columbia Restaurant serves Spanish-Cuban cuisine paired with a Flamenco Dance performance.

Day 2 - Travel to St. Petersburg. Visit some of the oldest tropical plants in the region at Sunken Gardens. Enjoy an included lunch at the Café Gala before visiting The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum). You'll also have plenty of time to shop along John's Pass Village & Boardwalk.

Day 3 - Take a guided stroll on the International Masters of Contemporary Glass Art Tour at Imagine Museum. Have lunch at Boardwalk Arts District, and visit the Chihuly Collection at the Morean Art Center. Experience St. Pete Pier and enjoy a Dolphin Sunset Tour.

Day 4 - Visit Florida Aquarium. Visit the Manatee Viewing Center and take a Circus History Trolley Tour. Check-in to your hotel with transfers to and from the Lido Beach.

Day 5 - Discover Ca’ d’Zan’s famous residents, John and Mable Ringling, and study the delightful design elements of this stunning Mediterranean Revival mansion and Museum of Art. Explore the Circus Museum at The Ringling and Bayfront Gardens. Drive to Fort Myers and have dinner on your own.

*Day 6 - Guided tour of Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Lunch at Pinchers or Lighthouse Café on Sanibel Island. Visit Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. Relax on Bowman's Beach.

Day 7 - Embark on a Grassland Airboat Tour in the Everglades. Including an alligator show, animal sanctuary, and optional "Hug an Alligator" experience. Enjoy shopping and lunch at Promenade At Bonita Bay with an included farewell dinner at Point 57 Kitchen a contemporary American restaurant with southern & Florida coastal influences.

Day 8 - Departure by noon.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore Florida's hidden gems, indulge in delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in art and nature. Book your spot today and embark on an unforgettable adventure with us!

Day 1:

• Check into the hotel and prepare for dinner.
• Enjoy dinner at Columbia Restaurant, Florida's oldest restaurant, with a Flamenco Dance performance.
• Return to the hotel for the night.

Day 2:

• Travel to St. Petersburg.
• Visit Sunken Gardens.
• Stop by Café Gala for a meal.
• Explore The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum).
• Take some free time at John's Pass Village & Boardwalk.
• Drive back to the hotel.

Day 3:

• Travel to St. Petersburg.
• Take the International Masters of Contemporary Glass Art Tour at Imagine Museum.
• Have lunch at Boardwalk Arts District.
• Visit Chihuly Collection and Morean Art Center.
• Head to St. Pete Pier.
• Enjoy dinner on your own.
• Embark on a Dolphin Sunset Tour.
• Return to the hotel.

Day 4:

• Visit the Florida Aquarium and have lunch at Café Ray.
• Explore the Manatee View Center.
• Drive to Sarasota.
• Take the Circus History Trolley Tour or visit the Aquarium.
• Check into hotel with shuttles to and from the beach and downtown.

Day 5:

• Explore Ca'd'Zan- John Ringling and his wife Mable Burton Ringling's old Mediterranean revival residence.
• Visit the Sarasota Art Museum at the Ringling College Museum Campus.
• Enjoy lunch at your leisure at The Ringling Grillroom.
• Discover the Circus Museum and Bayfront Gardens.
• Drive to Fort Myers.
• Check in and dine on your own.

*Day 6:

• Take a guided tour of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.
• Have lunch at Pinchers or Lighthouse Café on Sanibel Island.
• Visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum).
• Explore the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) - Visitor Education Center.
• Relax at Bowman's Beach, also known as Shell Beach.
• Enjoy free time in the River District for dinner on your own.

Day 7:

• Drive to the Everglades.
• Experience a large group Grassland Airboat Tour with an alligator show, animal sanctuary, and optional "Hug an Alligator" experience.
• Have lunch on your own and enjoy shopping at Promenade At Bonita Bay.
• Drive back to the hotel and get ready for dinner.
• Enjoy a farewell dinner at Point 57 Kitchen.

Day 8:

• Depart by noon for your flight.