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:
It’s time to leave this dreary winter behind and head to a place that sparkles! In Crystal River, the gem of the Nature Coast, we’ll gaze upon crystal clear spring fed waters that are home to manatees, migratory bird species and tons of native wildlife. From here there is so much to explore. A pre-Columbian National Historic Landmark containing a six-mound complex that served as a ceremonial center for Native Americans for 1600 years awaits our visit. We’ll wander the day away in lovely Mount Dora where we’ll view local art, take a one-of-a-kind canal boat ride and enjoy the scenery. Off the beaten path is charming, historic Micanopy, a small town that’s like stepping into the 1800s. We’ll find ourselves in a cypress jungle, cruise into the sunset, go antiquing in a delightful town, all while enjoying the amazingly warm weather that only Florida can provide in February!
Day One: Lakeside Inn Mount Dora
After landing in Orlando, we’ll make our way to a charming, one hundred plus years old historic village in the heart of Central Florida, the eclectic Mount Dora.
Our home will be here at the town’s most historic hotel, The Lakeside Inn, with its large moss draped oak trees and acres of beautifully landscaped grounds sweeping down to the white sand shoreline of Lake Dora. Throughout its 134-year history, The Lakeside Inn has hosted many noted dignitaries and celebrities and is the last of the Grand Victorian Era hotels still remaining in Central Florida.
After checking in, relax and soak up some Southern hospitality with Florida charm and when you’re ready, head out into town for a nice dinner on your own.
Day Two: Three Sisters Sanctuary
This morning will be filled with manatees! Our drive will take us to the Manatee Capitol of the World, Crystal River, a town within a world of spring fed rivers and bays that picture perfectly attract large numbers of manatees throughout the winter months. A trolley from the Three Sisters Springs, part of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge will whisk us away to the boardwalk traversing through the magnificently beautiful, crystal-clear springs where you can come close to wintering manatees enjoying the warm waters.
Take your time and enjoy the panoramic scenery where native mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians of the Florida ecosystem also dwell.
Lunch Downtown Crystal River:
When you are ready, the trolley will take you to Citrus Ave or Heritage Village in the heart of downtown Crystal River where you can find a great place for lunch on your own and browse the variety of eclectic shops.
Crystal River Archeological State Park:
This afternoon, we explore a complex of Native American mounds and get a glimpse into Florida’s past at the Crystal River Archeological State Park. This complex features an important ceremonial site in use before the arrival of Europeans where people traveled to from great distances to conduct trade and bury the dead.
If you’re up for a climb, the top of the Temple Mound, after you catch your breath, provides a spectacular vista as a gentle breeze refills your spirit. Here you’ll be standing in the same place where Native Americans stood more than 500 years ago.
Old Florida style dinner:
Tonight is a special included dinner at an Old Florida style restaurant featuring waterfront tiki dining. Bon Appetit!
Day Three: Explore Mount Dora
The morning is yours to spend in Mount Dora, wandering the flower lined sidewalks past eclectic shops and cobblestone streets.
Dora Canal:
This afternoon, join us for a ride through the scenic Dora Canal; it will be an adventure as we drive our own 2-person powered catamaran through this millennia old cypress tree lined jungle waterway filled with wildlife and interesting history. Not to worry, no boating experience is necessary!
*Please note that there is a good chance of getting wet on the boats, so dress accordingly.
If you’re not up for the adventure, relax on the narrated scenic boat tour that will take you through the same canal.
Palm Island Boardwalk:
After our cruise, let’s take a walk along the Palm Island Boardwalk that winds its way through a wooded nature area and along the Lake Dora shoreline for more spectacular views and past the colorfully scenic Grantham Point Lighthouse.
The night is yours to spend as you wish for dinner on your own downtown or at our comfy inn.
Day Four: Paynes Prairie Preserve
Far from the Far West, herds of wild bison and horses roam the prairie at the surprisingly diverse Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
Choose from one of the several trails including an observation tower, boardwalk, and magnificent oak hammocks to stroll at your own pace on the lookout for the amazing wildlife who make this preserve their home.
Micanopy:
Step back into another time at Micanopy, another small historic village filled with southern charm that’s also a perfect spot for antique treasure hunting. The Main Street here is Old Florida at its best, lined with huge oak trees enveloped with Spanish moss among historic storefronts.
We’ll have time to browse, wander and enjoy a comforting and delightful included lunch at the Old Florida Café.
Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens:
One more sight to see at the lovely Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens where you can wander through botanical gardens, cascading waterfalls, past koi ponds and picture-perfect views.
Day Five: Trimble Park
Let’s start the day with a lovely walk among nature beneath ancient oaks and cypresses and along the shorelines of two lakes.
The 1.3 mile loop at Trimble Park is an easy walk into the beautiful scenery.
Howey Mansion:
Next we step into another beauty, the Howey Mansion, an architectural gem in the Lake County town of Howey-in-the-Hills.
Our guided tour will take us through all 24 rooms of this Mediterranean Revival style mansion filled with an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you stepped back into the 1920s.
Antiques Extravaganza:
Your treasure hunt awaits at the Antiques and Collector’s Extravaganza where nearly 800 vendors from all over the country come to show their gems.
Shop til you drop and grab some lunch while browsing.
Sunset Cruise:
From here we can rest our weary feet as we sit back and relax on a sunset cruise of Mount Dora’s waterfront. A perfect way to end the day!
The rest of the night is yours to enjoy dinner downtown.
Day Six: Breakfast & Flight Home
You will have time in the morning to take in the serenity of the Lakeside Inn and Lake Dora one last time before making out way home to New Jersey bringing back fantastic Old Florida memories.
Pricing & Departures:
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.
Flight times still to de determined:
Monday, February 12: Flight # departs Newark at AM and arrives in Orlando at PM
Saturday, February 17: Flight #departs Orlando at PM and arrives in Newark at PM
Price per person is $2,895 Twin & $3,775 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 November 5, 2023. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after November 5, 2023. Group Tours 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. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended, but not included. 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 632 Berwyn, PA 19312
973-513-9001
