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:
This February, why not escape the bitter winter cold and enter into the elegance of Naples Florida. Perched along the Gulf of Mexico, the city of Naples, famous for its sophisticated downtown exudes an exclusive yet intimate, small-town feel. Filled with high end shopping, acclaimed arts and culture, and tropically landscaped streets dotted with sidewalk cafes and boutiques, it’s the perfect place for a wintertime getaway. There will be time to wander and explore the palm tree lined streets to shop til you drop, gasp in awe at the amazing mansions, or head to beach for a perfect sunset.
Surprisingly, all this glitz and glamour is surrounded by millions of acres of untamed tropical wilderness that make up the Everglades ecosystem. Don’t be alarmed, it isn’t what you think! If your thoughts lead you towards something resembling a buggy, snake infested, dismal, smelly swamp, then you’ve been misled. The real Everglades is a place of pure nature, a River of Grass, with expanses of beautiful vistas that are home to an enormous variety of wildlife that you won’t find in such abundance anywhere else. Yes, there are snakes and lots of them, but will we see one, most likely not at all. What we will see is the most diverse variety of wading birds beautifully dotting the scenic landscape like a perfect beachside painting and alligators serenely relaxing among the impressive cypress trees or swimming silently by. On our nature exploration we’ll zip through a mangrove sanctuary, immerse ourselves in unique surroundings amongst the wildlife and relax into the slow pace of nature. If you think you’ve already seen the Everglades, think again! A simple drive through the area only gives a small glimpse of what makes up this amazingly diverse natural land. So kick off those snow boots, grab your flip flops, and hop on our flight to Florida!
Day One: Arrival in Naples, Florida
We will make our way from Fort Myers Airport to the stylish and sophisticated beach town of Naples. While we’ll be surrounded by high end shopping and world class culture, we will be relaxed and comfortable at a local bay side inn providing a more intimate setting far from the hustle and bustle of crowded resorts but still within walking distance to nearby restaurants and shops.
Cove Inn Naples:
After our included dinner on the infamous 5th Avenue South, you will have the remainder of the evening to spend wandering the lovely streets of Naples or relaxing in your bay view room at the lovely Cove Inn Naples.
Day Two: Ten Thousand Islands Cruise
Today we delve into nature among the diverse ecosystems and tropical habitats of the Everglades National Park. Our cruise around the Ten Thousand Islands will take us out into the Gulf of Mexico by way of the Chokoloskee Bay and Indian Key Pass to this unique chain of islands and mangrove islets.
A naturalist guide will teach us the rich history of the area as we keep a lookout for the variety of wildlife awaiting us such as sea turtles, ospreys, manatees, and playful dolphins.
Smallwood Store:
Once back on land, we will make our way to Ted Smallwood’s Store est 1906. This historic store which served as a trading post that bought furs, hides, and farm produce in exchange for providing goods for survival, will teach us the history of the pioneers who first tamed this vast wilderness.
Lunch at Havana Cafe:
Now onto an included lunch at the chill, tropical Havana Café in the heart of picturesque Chokoloskee Island. Enjoy the delicious tastes of Cuba as we sit and relax among beautiful flora and fauna.
This is a most spectacular place!
Big Cypress Boardwalk:
On our way back home towards Naples, we’ll take a stroll on the Big Cypress Boardwalk located within the vast Fakahatchee Strand Preserve. As you wander under the tropical canopy, take in the serenity of this untamed landscape while keeping an eye out for varieties of native birds, strangler figs and those camouflaged gators!
Once back at our hotel, the rest of the night will be yours to enjoy in downtown Naples.
Day Three: Corkscrew Sanctuary
Get your camera ready for our morning exploration that takes us on a scenic boardwalk stroll through the country’s largest old growth bald cypress forest at Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary right here in Naples.
Observe the gentle, pristine beauty surrounding you as we wander through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, and into the cypress forest while keeping an eye out for native wildlife and perhaps a glimpse of the elusive Ghost Orchid.
Free Afternoon & Optional Tiki Cruise:
After an included lunch at a great local spot, the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to spend as you wish among this luxurious town to shop, sightsee, walk along the beach, wander and relax.
Join us later for an optional happy hour tiki cruise before your dinner plans where we’ll say cheers to a great day!
Day Four: Mangrove Airboat Ride
This morning we experience the beauty of the mangroves in an entirely different way. Hop onboard the airboat that will whisk us through winding tunnels allowing us to view this spectacular sight from inside the mangrove canopy.
Hang onto your hat, we’ll be moving fast!
Joanies Blue Crab Cafe:
Now off to an authentic Everglades experience, lunch at Joanie’s Blue Crab Café, housed in the oldest standing building in the area. Sit back and relax in this old-fashioned, casual joint where the air conditioning is the breeze blowing through the open windows and the friendliest waitress in the world greets you and calls you honey.
The food is delicious too!
Big Cypress Scenic Drive:
Onto our next adventure, a scenic drive through the beautifully wonderful Big Cypress National Preserve on an historic backroad that once surrounded a pioneer community with a Wild West reputation filled with people who wanted to avoid civilization.
Our slow drive along this unpaved road will take us deep into the wild areas where bridges over the crystal-clear reflective water reveal majestic cypress trees thick with airplants, flurries of wings, sunning alligators and red bellied turtles. We may come face to face with our alligator friends who laze about along the road or sometimes right in the middle!
Big Cypress - Pinecrest:
We’ll wind our way past the diverse ecosystems containing seas of sawgrass, cypress and sweetwater strands, deep culverts, pinelands and slash pines to the storied town of Pinecrest with stories of Al Capone and the infamous Gator Hook Lodge.
Hammock Snail Trail:
We’ll make a stop at the Hammock Trail where we’ll search the tree trunks and branches for the colorful shells of the Liguus tree snails hiding amongst the lushness.
Our scenic drive will take us back to Naples where we can spend a leisurely evening on our own as we wish.
World's Smallest Post Office:
Our scenic drive will take us back towards Naples where we pass by the World’s Smallest Post Office in Ochopee for a quick photo.
Once back at our comfy hotel, the night is yours to enjoy as you please.
Day Five: Keewaydin Island Cruise
Our beach island shelling cruise awaits us today, and best of all it’s right outside our door! A 53-foot Gold Coast Yacht sailing catamaran will take us to a slice of paradise, Keewaydin Island, a barrier island with nearly eight miles of untouched white sand beach. Relax on our leisurely sail in the fresh sea air, see various marine wildlife, then spend time on Keewaydin searching for treasures from the sea or just relaxing in the sand and water.
*make sure to bring along sandals or shoes that are easy to take off and put on, as the ladder from the boat will go directly into the water, so your feet will get wet*
Afternoon Tea:
Once back on land, we’ll enjoy an afternoon tea at Brambles English Tearoom tucked away down a meticulously well kept, lush passageway called Rue de Fleur on Naples Fifth Avenue South.
The rest of the day is yours to spend among the glitzy streets of Naples.
Day Six: Last Goodbyes
Dip your toes in the water one more time before making our way to the airport home, filled with fantastic Florida memories.
Pricing & Departures:
Price includes transportation to Newark Airport from Grace United Church across from The Village Teahouse.
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.
Sunday, January 14: Flight #departs Newark at AM and arrives in Fort Myers at AM
Friday, January 19 : Flight # departs Fort Myers at AM and arrives in Newark at AM
Price per person is $3,195 Twin & $4,220 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. Once airfare is purchased, despite cancellation date, we are unable to provide refunds. 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
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
