Miami & The Keys

Description

3 Nights: Miami
4 Nights: Key Largo
4 Nights: Key West
3 Nights: Duck Key

The very thought of Miami and the Keys brings up images of dazzling white-sand beaches, pristine mangroves and a fabulous nightlife. You will experience all of these, of course, but there is so much more to this iconic part of the Sunshine state. On your 14-day Florida itinerary you can also go shopping, sample mouth-watering ethnic cuisine, swim with dolphins and even visit Hemingway’s home.

UK - Miami (3 nights): Everybody loves Miami, as the song goes. That’s why your multi-centre USA holiday will start right here. After all, the best way to kick off a holiday is by letting your hair down and letting off steam in the numerous clubs and bars of South Beach. Here the party goes around the clock, and even breakfast is served 24 hours, right on the beach. Off the dancefloor you can get the heart pumping by trying your hand at the numerous water sports on offer – windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing, the choice is all yours. When you need a recharge, remember that in Miami you can sample authentic South American cuisine without going to the continent itself. The numerous immigrants living in the area have created a fantastically diverse dining scene. When in the mood for a shopping spree, you can browse special gifts in the downtown jewellery district or shop till you drop at Aventura Mall, which has well over 300 outlets.

Miami - Key Largo (4 nights): After all the action, you can take a few days to relax. From Miami you will pick up a car and head to the Keys via the overseas highway. With the Atlantic on one side and the Gulf on the other, this is a truly scenic drive. It’s also a road trip that’s great for exploring the nature reserves. Arguably the easiest way to see the Everglades is on board a kayak, while John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park can be navigated via a glass-bottom boat or a canoe. The best way to see the reef of course is by scuba diving. Key Largo is a great place for lots of other water activities, such as sunset cruises and dolphin swims among others.

Key Largo - Key West (4 nights): Once you have reconnected with nature, you’ll head to Key West for a bit of culture. As the southernmost point of the USA, Key West is strongly influenced by Latin American lifestyle. Here you can try out Cuban cuisine, sip mojitos, dance merengue in the streets with locals, and turn down the tropical heat by trying out the treats served in the island’s ice cream parlours. Key West is also known for its unique Conch Houses, charming timber residences built by 19th-century Caribbean settlers. Earnest Hemingway himself lived on the isle for a while and today you can visit his former house or have a drink at one of his favourite hangouts – Sloppy Joe’s bar.

Key West - Duck Key (3 nights): After making it to the southern tip of the country, you will drive back to Duck Key. You can unwind and chill out for a few days by swimming in the saltwater lagoon and watching the sunsets. If you have brought along your kids, they will love the themed playgrounds and activities in the resort. You will also have a chance to take part in a dolphin training show that will allow you to interact directly with the friendly dolphins.

Duck Key - UK: On your last day, you will drop off your car and fly back home from Miami Airport.