FLORIDA & KEY WEST TOUR

Join Heaven Bound Tours next Spring as we journey to the Sunshine State. Enjoy some fun in the Florida Bus Tours on our Group Tour To Florida and the southernmost point in the United States. This tour features three nights in beautiful Key West. Key West offers a tropical blend of azure waters, tropical foliage, southern charm and Caribbean flavor.

Thursday April 29 – Travel day to Pensacola

The bus will pick-up folks from two departure points in southeast Texas – Liberty and Silsbee. Once everyone is onboard we’re off for the Sunshine State. Our stop tonight is the Hampton Inn & Suites in Pensacola, FL.

Friday April 30 – Travel to Orlando

Today we head south into the Sunshine State and make our way to exciting Orlando where we will spend 2 nights at the beautiful Drury Inn and Suites in Orlando. Tonight enjoy a dinner and show in Orlando’s Medieval Times. You will enjoy a thrilling tournament and a sumptuous royal banquet in a castle lined with artifacts, armor and coats of arms. Take-in show-stopping displays of falconry and horsemanship as you linger over a four-course meal served by medieval staff. Listen to hooves pounding in the Grand Ceremonial Arena, cheer your knight through a series of exciting jousting matches, then see Queen Maria Isabella crown the evening’s champion with plenty of pomp and fanfare

Saturday, May 1 – Orlando and Kennedy Space Center

Today we explore the greatest space adventure on earth at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. From the dawn of space exploration to current and ongoing missions, you will get an up-close, hands on feel for the story of humans in space.

Wouldn’t it be fascinating to see behind Kennedy Space Gates? Today you will get exclusive access to historic launch sites and working spaceflight facilities on the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour.

Lunch today will be at the Kennedy Space Center. It will be a buffet lunch with a real live Astronaut.

Discover what it means to be a hero through the stories of NASA’s space pioneers at Heros and Legends featuring the Astronaut Hall of Fame. Walk among giants in the Rocket Garden and appreciate the technology that taught us how to defy gravity.

At the heart of the Apollo Space program and a remarkable decade of achievement was the team who worked in Mission Control. You will be able to hear the story through their testimony, and through the supporting voices of Apollo astronauts and modern NASA flight directors. Mission Control: The Unsung Heroes of Apollo is a 45-minute film that you will enjoy in the Universe Theatre.

Sunday, May 2 – Travel to Key West

Today we travel to the southernmost city in the USA – Key West. Key West is an oasis surrounded by gorgeous crystal waters. A tropical island paradise, Key West boasts some of the most beautiful weather you could ever wish for. With sunshine and balmy ocean breezes, tranquil waters and warm and friendly locals, you can’t help but relax in Key West. Your Key West excursion will start with a journey along the Florida Keys Scenic Highway. Highlighted by the crystal clear waters and tropical breezes, the drive is one of the greatest in America, its panoramic, scenic views in great abundance. See dolphins swimming next to their young, manatees floating along the shore and birds gliding through the brilliant blue sky.

Our home away from home will be the Southernmost Hotel and Resort in the United States. It is a beautiful place to spend the next 3 nights – Southernmost Beach Resort.

Monday, May 3 – Key West

Today we will visit several interesting places in Key West. One such place will be Ernest Hemingway House and Museum. Home of the famed author during the 1930’s. Built in the 1850’s this lovely Key West home is where the legendary author lived and worked for more than 10 years.

Another place we will visit today holds a special place in the history of America the Harry S. Truman Little White House. It was a place where an array of leaders, legendary inventers, dignitaries, visionaries and many prestigious visitors were drawn to throughout history. Constructed in 1890 to serve as the naval station’s command headquarters during the Spanish-American war, World War I and World War II, this historic site later became the second White House.

Other places on the agenda today will be the iconic southernmost point buoy for a photo opportunity. Then on to see the Oldest House in South Florida built in 1829 by Captain Francis Watlington who was, among other things, a wrecker. Watlington and his wife and seven daughters lived in the house for many decades. A beautiful example of the kind of colonial architecture found in the Caribbean.

Tuesday, May 4 – Key West

Today is a non-structured day for you to enjoy however you want. Stay around the resort, relax, enjoy the swimming pool, go to the beach, or you may choose to take the Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour and explore Key West attractions that interest you. Perhaps you want to go shopping along Duval Street or Mallory Square. From the endless T-shirt shops on Duval Street to Clinton Street Market at Mallory Square, Key West is a mecca for the unique, the affordable, the exceptional and even the outrageous. Delight in a dozen galleries and shops featuring Caribbean Art on Duval Street. The day and how you spend it here in paradise is all up to you. The group will have a Farewell Key West Dinner together this evening but the day is however you want to enjoy it.

Wednesday, May 5 – Travel to Miami

Today we depart the southernmost city in the United States and head to Miami where we will spend two nights at the Embassy Suites.

Miami is an international city. Cuban influence is reflected in its cafes and cigar shops that line Calle Ocho in Little Havana. On barrier islands across the turquoise waters of Biscayne Bay is Miami Beach, home to famous South Beach. This glamorous neighborhood is famed for its colorful art deco buildings, white sand, surfside hotels and trendsetting nightclubs.

When we arrive in Miami we will head to Bayside Marketplace for lunch on your own and some shopping opportunities. Bayside Marketplace is a two-story open air shopping center located in downtown Miami. The banks of Biscayne Bay wrap around the property with the City of Miami marina at its side. It is recognized by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitor’s Bureau as the number one most visited attraction in Miami.

Most locals will tell you – to really see Miami, you must get out on the water. And there is no better way to enjoy the experience than on the Biscayne Bay Island Queen Boat Tour.

Downtown Miami Skyline

Cruise Miami’s beautiful downtown skyline, your boat tour will take you past dramatic views of Miami’s major museums, banks, company headquarters, government offices and other high-rises that make the Miami skyline so spectacular.

The Port of Miami

Watch as ships come and go as you sail past the Port of Miami, officially named the Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami-Dade. Situated on Dodge Island which is made up of Dodge, Lummus and Sam’s Island, the Port of Miami is the 11th largest cargo container port in the United States and of great significance to Miami accounting for 176,000 jobs and with an annual economic impact of 18 billion dollars.

Fisher Island

Heading south, you will journey past Fisher Island. While it is just a short ferry ride away from Miami Beach, it might as well be nonexistent to most Miamians. The island houses some of the finest condos that sell for upwards 12 million dollars.

Miami Beach

Continuing forward you will cruise by Miami Beach, a coastal resort city incorporated in March of 1915. Cosmopolitan and tropical, Miami Beach is a sophisticated community that draws crowds regardless of the season. As you sail by you are bound to see locals and visitors taking advantage of the endless activities the beachfront has to offer with oceanfront resorts, sandy beaches, clear blue skies and a big, bright sun as their backdrop.

Millionaire Row

Before heading back to the Bayside Marketplace, you will navigate past Miami Beach’s Millionaire Row. An exclusive stretch of sun, sand and surf on Collins Avenue from 41st Street to 62nd Street, Millionaire Row is renowned for its opulent, spacious homes. Unlike some of Miami’s grand neighborhoods, Millionaire Row is not a secluded island or exclave, so it offers residents the perfect location in Miami Beach for vibrant luxury living.

Thursday, May 6 – Miami

This morning we will be doing a sightseeing tour of Miami with a step-on guide. She will show us the best Miami has to offer from the comfort of our bus. We will see the top Miami tourist attractions from the most thrilling and attractive areas such as South Beach to iconic buildings like the Versace Mansion.

Brickell Financial District

Settled in the modern era in the mid-1800s by early pioneers, Brickell is a neighborhood of greater Downtown Miami and includes Miami’s Financial District. Headquarters for major banks, real estate companies and law firms line Brickell, but that’s not all. Buildings featured in television programs including Miami Vice, Burn Notice and CSI Miami can also be found in this neighborhood.

Coconut Grove

Among the hustle and bustle of Miami’s ever-growing metropolis is the laid-back waterfront community of Coconut Grove. Nestled between Biscayne Bay and Highway U.S. 1, this unique village in a city is the oldest modern continuously-inhabited neighborhood in Miami, offering visitors an alternative experience to the standard South Florida visit with everything from outdoor dining to some of Miami’s favorite art galleries.

Coral Gables

Coral Gables is one of the nation’s oldest planned developments, built almost entirely out of coral limestone quarried in the area. Delight in the tropical foliage, charming boutiques and architectural grandeur of Coral Gables. Historic landmarks such as the Biltmore Hotel provide a document of the history of the beautiful city while its Venetian Pool provides relaxation in a setting of exquisite beauty.

Coral Gables Biltmore Hotel

Built in 1926 by John McEntee Bowman and George Merrick as part of the Biltmore hotel chain, the Coral Gables Biltmore Hotel is one of the few hotels designated as a National Historic Landmark in Florida. Reminiscent of the old world, admire the exquisite craftsmanship and detail as you pass by.

Venetian Pool

Created in 1923, the Venetian Pool is an aquatic facility unlike any other, enjoyed by thousands of tourists from all over the world. While the pool itself was created from a coral rock quarry where much of the coral rock was used to accentuate the pool, the facility also features two large historic lookout towers with a view of Coral Gables, waterfalls, loggias, porticos, palm trees and a signature bridge.

Miracle Mile

Miracle Mile in Coral Gables offers locals and visitors an exciting shopping, dining and entertainment experience. Located along Coral Way between Le Jeune Road and Douglas Road, Miracle Mile boasts a unique lineup of boutiques, over 70 restaurants and a number of playhouses and art galleries.

Little Havana

Little Havana is a vibrant Cuban neighborhood offering a taste of multicultural Miami at its best. Colorful murals, men playing dominoes as they discuss politics and cigar rollers deep at work amidst Little Havana’s ever-present aroma of Cuban coffee set the scene of this neighborhood. Such notable landmarks in Little Havana include: Calle Ocho, lined with fruit stands, art galleries, Cuban restaurants and cigar shops and Walkay of the Stars, honoring Latin American celebrities.

Port Miami

Watch as ships come and go as you pass by the Port of Miami, officially named the Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami-Dade. Situated on Dodge Island which is made up of Dodge, Lummus and Sam’s Island, the Port of Miami is one of the largest cargo container ports in the United States and of great significance to Miami accounting for hundreds of thousands of the city’s jobs.

Holocaust Memorial

Located in Miami Beach is the Holocaust Memorial of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Developed in 1984 by a small group of Holocaust survivors, Holocaust Memorial is dedicated to the six million Jews who perished at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust.

Fontainebleau Hotel

The Fontainebleau Miami Beach, frequently referred to as the Fontainebleau Hotel is situated on Collins Avenue in the heart of Miami’s Millionaires Row. Known as one of the most historically and architecturally significant in Miami Beach, the Fontainebleau Hotel has been a landmark since its debut in 1954 and is recognized today as one of the world’s most dynamic destination resorts.

Ocean Drive

Ocean Drive is a major thoroughfare in the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach and the center of the sleek shapes and vibrant colors of the Miami Art Deco District. As you explore Ocean Drive, admire the Art Deco Hotels and the famed Versace Mansion, one of the most photographed houses in North America.

After lunch today we will visit the

Coral Castle Museum

Edward Leedskalnin was rejected by his one true love, Agnes Scuffs, the night before they were supposed to be married. Shattered by his loss, Ed embarked on a journey to create a monument in honor of his lost love that is known today as one of the world’s most remarkable accomplishments, Coral Castle. On the Register of National Historic Places since 1984, Coral Castle Museum draws visitors looking to uncover the mystery of how one man single-handedly and secretly carved over 1,100 tons of stone.

Friday, May 7 – Travel to St. Augustine

Before we completely leave Miami and head north we will do one last thing here –

Everglades Airboat Ride

. We cannot visit Florida without experiencing the Everglades. The Everglades is an amazing “River of Grass” set up by nature to purify our water supply and environment. You will see a rare collection of magnificent birds, reptiles, and flora above the water, in its own habitat of 1.5 million acres. It would take about a week to navigate the 100 mile wilderness waterway which winds through rivers, creeks and bays on its way to Flamingo Bay. A vast variety of wildlife can be seen everywhere in the Everglades. Our airboat ride today will be lots of fun and exhilarating.

Saturday, May 8 – St. Augustine

St. Augustine is a city on the northeast coast of Florida. It lays claim to being the oldest city in the United States, and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture as well as Atlantic Ocean beaches.

One of our stops today will be

The Castillo de San Marcos

. It is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States, Castillo de San Marcos is a National Monument located on the shore of St. Augustine’s Matanzas Bay. A monument not only of stone and mortar but of human determination and endurance, the Castillo de San Marcos symbolizes the clash between cultures which ultimately resulted in our uniquely unified nation. Still resonant with the struggles of an earlier time, these original walls provide tangible evidence of America’s grim but remarkable history.
The Castillo is one of only two fortifications in the world built out of a semi-rare form of limestone called coquina. Given its light and porous nature, coquina would seem to be a poor choice of building material for a fort. However the Spanish had few other options; it was the only stone available on the northeast coast of La Florida. However, coquina’s porosity turned out to have an unexpected benefit. Because of it conglomerate mixture coquina contains millions of microscopic air pockets making it compressible.
A cannon ball fired at more solid material, such as granite or brick would shatter the wall into flying shards, but cannon balls fired at the walls of the Castillo burrowed their way into the rock and stuck there, much like a bb would if fired into Strofoam. So the thick coquina walls absorbed or deflected projectiles rather than yielding to them, providing a surprisingly long-lived fortress.

Also on the agenda today is the Old Jail. This historic jail served St. Augustine from 1891 – 1953. Visitors can take tours of the jail during the day or night, experiencing history as inmates in period dress guide them through the women’s cells, men’s cells, and the maximum security cells where only the most dangerous criminals were kept.
In 1891, with the opening of his Ponce de Leon hotel, Flagler wanted to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for his patrons by creating a secure fortress to house criminals. It was important to Flagler that the exterior appearance of this fortress wouldn’t disrupt the majestic atmosphere of the Ancient City. In order to accomplish this, it was designed with a Romanesque Revival style that gave it the distinct appearance of a Victorian house without the interior comfort and charm. It was unrecognizable as a jail apart from the barred windows.

We will also be visiting the

Cathedral De Bascillica St Augustine

. America’s first parish and the oldest Catholic Church in the city. The cathedral walls are adorned with exquisite murals that depict scenes from the history of the Catholic Church in the development of the New World. There are also stained glass windows showing scenes form the life of Saint Augustine of Hippo, for whom the city was named.

Other places of interest today will be

Ponce De Leon’s Fountain of Youth, St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum and the Oldest Wooden School House.

It is the oldest wooden school building in the United States. The exact date of construction is unknown, but it first appears on tax records in 1716. Made completely by hand, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse is an architectural and historical icon in St. Augustine. Originally the building had no electricity, no running water, no kitchen or bathroom. There is an old pecan tree that has been there for 250 years – a magnificent site. The school master lived upstairs, above the small classroom. Their kitchen was separated from the main building because of threat of fire and to spare the house of any excess heat during the long summers.

Sunday, May 9 – Travel To Tallahassee

Today we’re off to the capital city of Florida – Tallahassee. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places Florida’s Capitol is an architecturally and historically significant building. During the Civil War Tallahassee was the only Confederate state capital east of the Mississippi not captured by Union forces, and the only one not burned.

Also today we will visit Mission San Luis. From 1656 to 1704, Mission San Luis served as the principal village of the Apalachees and was the Spaniards’ westernmost military, religious, and administrative capital. Mission San Luis was one of over 100 mission settlements established in Spanish Florida between the 1560s and 1690s. It was home to more than 1,400 residents, including a powerful Apalachee chief and the Spanish deputy governor. Mission San Luis received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1960. Today Mission San Luis is the only reconstructed Spanish mission in Florida. As a living history museum it is devoted to sharing the stories of its former Apalachee and Spanish residents.

Monday, May 10 – Travel to Baton Rouge, LA

We will begin to head back home today but one last stop in Florida before we leave the Sunshine State. We will stop and visit the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. This museum is located aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL, the cradle of naval aviation. Established in 1914, NAS Pensacola is the oldest naval air station, and all Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aviators and Naval Flight Officers pass through her gates. NAS Pensacola also serves as the home base for the world-famous Blue Angels Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron.

Tuesday, May 11 – Home

HOTELS DURING THE TRIP:

Pensacola, FL(1 night)Hampton Inn & Suites