Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Let’s take a Road trip to a place where it’s always 5 o’clock, there’s a laid-back vibe, and music emanates from every corner. Yes, we’re talking about the fabulous Florida Keys! We’ll be on Island Time as we traverse the Overseas Highway from Miami to Key West with stunning scenery at every step and interesting stops along the way.
Around each bend is a new discovery from tiki bars and fresh seafood restaurants to gorgeous nature preserves and thrilling turquoise vistas spread across saltwater flats all leading towards a blue horizon. The rich pasts of the people, places, legends, and unique events will be felt throughout each region that all became connected by Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railway. Every morning wake up to tranquil tropical settings and every night there’s a chance to sip a tasty tropical concoction while watching the sun dip into the water as it paints the night sky.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your flip flops and sunhat and let’s get crusin!
Day One: Coral Castle
Our first stop after we enter the warm Florida climate is Coral Castle, a creative sculpture garden in stone filled with intriguing and mysterious secrets.
A guided tour will take us on a mesmerizing journey through the creations of one man who mystifyingly understood the secrets of the pyramids and used this knowledge in his stone designs that are often referred to as Florida’s Stonehenge.
Key Largo State Park:
As we make our way out towards the Keys, let’s give our legs a stretch at the Dagny Johnson Key Largo State Park, a botanic treasure rescued from developers.
Choose from the half loop Port Bougainville Trail where rock walls will reveal evidence of an ancient coral reef or continue further onto the interpretive Hammock Nature Trail winding through the largest tropical forest in the United States where you may catch a glimpse of colorful butterflies, liguus snails, and varieties of birds.
Wild Bird Sanctuary:
At our next stop you are guaranteed to see about 30 different species of birds.
Stroll along the boardwalk at the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary and you’ll be greeted by over 60 non-releasable birds who call this sanctuary home.
Island Bay Resort:
Now it’s time to make ourselves home at the Island Bay Resort, a small slice of paradise in a serene tropical setting.
Let’s enjoy an included dinner tonight as we relax the night away.
Day Two: Enjoy the Morning!
Have a leisurely morning to relax and enjoy the tropical ambiance of the Island Resort before we leave for the day to explore the village of islands that make up Islamorada, known as the “Sport-fishing Capital of the World”.
Rain Barrel Artisan Village:
We start with a stroll through tropical gardens at Rain Barrel Artisan Village to see what artistic masterpieces have been created.
Windley Key:
An interesting geological piece of history awaits at the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park. We’ll walk beside 8-foot-high quarry walls made of Key Largo limestone in which fossil corals and other ancient marine life are preserved.
Be on the lookout for red soil hiding within the walls which is actually residue from African dust blown clear across the Atlantic Ocean!
Islamorada:
Now it’s time for an Islamorada included, iconic lunch.
Walk off some calories and wander the nearby Morada Way Arts & Cultural District filled with studios and galleries perfect for browsing.
Robbie's Marina:
Off to Robbie’s of Islamorada where you can feed tarpon, shop til you drop, have a boozy cocktail with stunning views, or just chill out and take it all in.
As evening approaches, we’ll sail away on a 100-person catamaran with champagne in hand to toast to a fabulous day.
If you’re up for a quick bite to eat after, the Hungry Tarpon is right here, then we’ll make our way back to Island Resort for a restful night.
Day Three: Old 7 Mile Bridge
Our road trip towards Mile Marker 0 continues with a stop at Key West’s Historic Old Seven Mile Bridge.
Once here, we’ll take a trip back in time to the Henry Flagler era as we amble our way to Pigeon Key or as far as you please while soaking in the turquoise beauty surrounding us with the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other.
If you’d rather, hop on the guided train ride straight to Pigeon Key.
Big Pine & Deer Key:
Now sit back and relax until we hit Big Pine Key for an included lunch at a cool local spot.
While we’re on this nature lover’s dream island, let’s make our way to the Blue Hole Observation Platform and see what wildlife appears, perhaps an endangered Key Deer.
Key West:
Our drive takes us past the scenic, undeveloped Lower Keys, a few clothing optional beaches, and finally ending at the quirky, colorful Key West, the southernmost point in the U.S. where we’ll check into our new digs at Courtney’s Place Cottages.
Now get out on the town and enjoy!
Day Four: Key West Cemetery
Spend the day exploring the dazzling historic architecture, thriving arts and culture, and vibrant yet laid back atmosphere of Key West.
There’s a huge variety of things to see and do here, so take your time and find what speaks to you.
Before you venture out on your own, we’ll see how the island residents took their quirky humor to their grave at the Key West Cemetery…
Secret Garden:
…then see what secrets are revealed at Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden.
The rest of the day and evening is yours to spend as you please.
Day Five: Dry Tortugas National Park
It’s going to be a long day but one completely worth it to visit the Dry Tortugas National Park, home to the 19th century Fort Jefferson. A high-speed catamaran will whisk us across picturesque blue waters past the lovely scenery of the Marquesa Islands with an opportunity to perhaps catch glimpse of sea turtles and dolphins while hearing tales of pirate legends.
Join the guided tour of Fort Jefferson for captivating stories about its history, enjoy an included lunch and don’t miss a wander on the soft powdery sand of the pristine beaches among the crystal blue waters and swaying palm trees.
Once back in Key West, enjoy the rest of your night.
Day Six: Sea Turtles!
Sadly, it’s time to wave goodbye to vibrant Key West and turn our road trip around to head north.
There’s still more fun to have along the way, especially in Marathon where we can get up close and personal with some of those lovely sea turtles.
At the Turtle Hospital Rescue, Rehab, and Release a guided tour will teach us sea turtle identification along with a behind the scenes look at the hospital facilities and rehabilitation areas, and a chance to feed the permanent residents.
Crane Point Hammock:
Time for an included tiki lunch nearby.
Now let’s get out into nature at the Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Center where you can learn what it feels like to be under the sea at the museum, wander the trails and boardwalks for wildlife sightings, stroll the butterfly gardens, and have a fish pedicure!
Key Largo:
Sit back and relax on our lovely drive until we arrive in Key Largo where we’ll get comfy at The Pelican Cottages directly on the Florida Bay.
Tonight we’ll have an included dinner at a great spot nearby.
Day Seven: Breakfast & Flight Home
The Miami International Airport is our destination today where we can take all the laid back vibes with us all the way back to New Jersey and beyond.
Pricing & Departures:
This will be a Special, Intimate Small Group tour with a max of 10.
Air transportation is provided by United Airlines. A surcharge will apply if United Airlines increases the price of its airfare. One piece of luggage per person (baggage fee by United is not included) and one small carry-on are permitted. A valid, government-issued picture ID is required to board the plane.
Monday, April 21: Flight # departs Newark at AM and arrives in Miami at PM
Sunday, April 27: Flight # departs Miami at PM and arrives in Newark at PM
Price per person is $ Twin & $ Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to “Group Tours & Travel” and mail to our address above. Final payment is due February 1, 2024. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after February 1, 2024. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended, but not included. Educated Wanderer is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change the itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
Upon submitting final payment you are agreeing to our new policy.
Wet Blanket Policy:
Wet blanket
– a person who makes it difficult for other people to enjoy themselves by complaining, acting negatively, creating drama, etc.
– one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure
- Our philosophy of travel involves getting out of the ordinary to experience other cultures and places with an open minded attitude and flexibility. Since as in daily life, anything can and will happen, let’s embrace these situations with acceptance and understanding because they will either lead to an unexpected, amazing experience or positive learning experience.
- If anyone brings along excess baggage such as incessant complaining, under the breath rude comments, outward negativity or other such behaviors that infect the entire group or individuals, we have the exclusive right to remove them from the tour at their own cost with no refunds. (yes, this means you)
- If any major concerns arise during a tour, please just come talk to us and we’ll work it out!
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
PO Box 35 Henryville, PA 18332
973-513-9001
