MiamiBeach

Day 1

MIAMI BEACH

Start your day by exploring the Art Deco Historic District, the largest display of Art Deco architecture in the world. It consists of hotels and apartment buildings from the late 1920s to the early 1940s. Take a stroll along the Ocean Drive – north-south boulevard that borders the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the Lummus Park, which runs along the Ocean Beach. The park offers a great view of Ocean Drive and its line-up of Art Deco Hotels. Other places of interest, worth seeing are: Washington Avenue, Lincoln Road Mall, Collins Avenue and Collins Park, Bass Museum of Art.

Day 2	MIAMI BEACH
Back on the mainland, Miami offers a vast array of sights and attractions. Downtown Miami emanates the lively atmosphere of a Latin city. Visit the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, which recounts the region’s colorful past. Grab a bite at Bayside Marketplace, which overlooks the Biscayne Bay. Walk the streets of Little Havana, one the city’s most vibrant and exotic neighborhoods.

Day 3	MIAMI BEACH
Check out the Latin Quarter, with its charming street lamps and brick sidewalks. South of Little Havana is the area called Coral Gables, which boasts the University of Miami campus, Venetian Pool and Lowe Art Museum. For Italian Renaissance style architecture visit the Vizcaya villa in Coconut Grove.

Day 4

MIAMI BEACH » KEY WEST (170 mi / 272 km)

Depart Miami Beach towards Key West. Take the US 1 Overseas Highway. It links the 120 mile long Florida Keys island chain to mainland Florida. Arrive in Key West, the Southernmost City in the continental United States. Key West cultivates an atmosphere of inspiring tolerance that encourages a diverse mix of residents, from old-time “conch’ families (descended from the island’s original settlers) to a more recently arrived gay community. Take a biking or a walking tour of Old Town Key West. Old Town boasts more than 3000 significant historic structures including museums and other attractions. Visit Harry S Truman Little White House Museum, it gives a rare glimpse of the personality and private life of America’s 33rd president. Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society showcases gold, silver, and treasure recovered from shipwrecks around the world. The Duval Street bar and restaurant district includes many different entertainment options, all within walking distance.

Day 5

KEY WEST » KEY LARGO (105 mi / 168 km)

Key Largo, the Keys’ largest Island, for a while tried to compete with Key West for economic domination of the Keys, but lost the battle long ago. The tiny towns of Tavernier and Key Largo, which changed its name from Rock Harbor after the movie “Key Largo” -entirely shot in Hollywood- became a hit, are the island’s commercial centers. They make nice enough stops. The Florida Keys Visitor Center is at MM106 . But the essential thing to do would be a visit to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Day 6

KEY LARGO » NAPLES (170 mi / 272 km)

Naples, an upscale town reminiscent of Palm Beach, is the last urban settlement before the Everglades and the Big Cypress Swamp. Due to its great concentration of golf courses - about 40 of them - Naples is the self-proclaimed "Golf Capital of the World". The downtown Naples district is perfect for lingering around, with its shaded courtyards offering tea- and coffee sipping possibilities, and art galleries lining 3rd St South. The area is especially a shopper’s haven with numerous individually owned shops instead of chain-stores, offering merchandise of a refreshingly individual and outspoken character. For specimens of the upscale regular retail outlet variety, head for 3rd St South. After sunset, get a bite and enjoy the festive atmosphere courtesy of the keyboard soloists, tape-backed crooners, Elvis impersonators and other archaic street side delights.

Day 7

NAPLES » EVERGLADES

The Everglades are one of the very few areas in the US that enjoy UNESCO endorsement as a World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Covered by freshwater marshes, saw grass prairies, hardwood hammocks and an infinite variety of swamp-types, The Everglades form a totally self-sustained ecosystem, in its character and floral and wildlife richness unlike anything else in the world. Conveniently located in Miami’s backyard while in every aspect the utmost opposite of South Beach, it is most likely the one attraction that shows Florida as a truly special place on its own terms.

Day 8	MIAMI BEACH (No Overnight)
Depart Miami for your return trip home