Sweet Southwest Florida!

Day 1 Shreveport LA
Heading out on a wonderful and exciting vacation to Sweet Southwest Florida!

Day 2 CB Vicksburg MS
Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates a critical turning point in the Civil War. The park was the site of a battle that waged six weeks, and it consist of reconstructed forts and trenches and a cemetery holding the bodies of more than 18,000 people.

Day 3 CB Punta Gorda
The fall sunsets in Southwest Florida are nothing short of spectacular. Enjoy nature’s evening show as you cruise the blue waters of the bay.

Day 4 CB, L Fort Myers
Today we will take a guided tour of Sanibel Island. After lunch you will have free time to walk the beach and do “the Sanibel stoop” as you look for shells. Our next stop will be J.N.”Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Take time to explore the Visitor’s Center and see the 2016 Duck Stamp Contest winners. Then it is off to Fort Myers Beach to watch the sunset and enjoy dinner.

Day 5 CB Fort Myers
Want to see how the millionaires live? Keep your eyes open in Naples, Florida, one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S. with the second highest population of millionaires. Our first stop will be The Naples Depot for a USO show. Join others as they pay tribute to the music and memories of the of the 1940s Big Band sound as they honor veterans from all US armed conflicts. The afternoon will be spent exploring a very usual pioneer settlement, the Koreshan Unity Settlement, in Koreshan State Park where they have preserved the remains of this religious colony.

Day 6 CB, L Fort Myers FL
Today alligators are everywhere as we travel to the Billie Swamp Safari on The Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in the heart of the Florida Everglades. You will spend the day exploring the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, containing over 20,000 artifacts, archives and experiences representing Seminole history, take a swamp buggy ride, an airboat ride, eat lunch, and seeing two live swamp critter shows.

Day 7 CB Fort Myers FL
We will start the day at Lakes Regional Park for an outdoor farmer’s market. Then join your tour coordinator aboard the bus for a guided tour of Fort Myers. Learn the history of the area and what makes this area so popular with our winter guests. After lunch we will explore the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Enjoy a walk along the 1.2 miles of boardwalk through a natural cypress preserve. Next you will enjoy free time to shop and eat in the downtown River District.

Day 8 CB, D Fort Myers FL
You can pretend you’re a pirate today as we get a tour and tasting at the Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery in Cape Coral, Florida. Watch as they distill rum and receive a shot glass to take home. Have lunch and shop at the Flea Masters Flea Market. With over 900 vendors you are sure to find a treasure. Finish the day at Manatee Park. Watch as these “gentle giants” interact with each other in the warm waters. To make this tour a lasting memory, tonight you will be treated to a Polynesian luau and show.

Day 9 CB Tarpon Springs FL
Traveling back north, you’ll cross the scenic Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa. At a stop in the old Greek sponge fishing village of Tarpon Springs, you’ll and see life through the eyes of a sponge diver on a boat excursion cruise through the historic sponge docks of Tarpon Springs.

Day 10 CB New Orleans LA
Today it’s on to the New Orleans, or the Big Easy - a melting pot of culture, food and music.

Day 11 CB Home
Think of the post cards you can write on your way home, “Dear Friends, the sun, the sand, the food… no snow! Wish we were still there. We’ll see you soon and can’t wait to show you photos and souvenirs.” Once you tell your friends and family about your vacation, they will beg to go on the next Elite Tour with you!