Sunshine Trails

Fly to Miami. On arrival collect your car and proceed to your hotel.

Journey south, crossing 42 bridges and 32 islands as you drive on the Overseas Highway (US1) all the way to Key West, which lies just 90 miles away from Cuba. Colourful and carefree Key West is known for its watersports, lively nightlife, historic sites and its pastel, conch-style architecture. Don't miss the Hemingway House, one of Key West's most famous celebrity shrines (166 miles).

Retrace your journey back along the Keys to Key Largo whose spectacular coral reefs are undoubtedly the star attraction. By far the best way to see them is to dive right in, although glass-bottom boat tours are available at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (97 miles).

Cross "Alligator Alley" via the Everglades National Park. Spend time at the visitor centre and perhaps hop aboard an airboat for a thrilling experience (at extra expense), during which you may spy alligators as they cruise the waterways. Continue to the swanky town of Naples where designer shopping and fine dining compliment the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches (174 miles).

If you can bear to drag yourself away from the gorgeous beach, perhaps play a round of golf at one of the many challenging courses or, browse the galleries and shops of Fifth Avenue and Third Street South in the historic downtown area. After dark, you'll find no end of fabulous eateries and funky bayside bars.

Drive north to Sarasota, passing popular Fort Myers and Venice beaches before perhaps stopping to visit the winter residence of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford outside Fort Myers (at extra expense). Or, consider dropping into the tropical barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva (via a toll bridge). Continue to Sarasota, one of Florida's prime Gulf Coast cities offering an eclectic blend of culture and fine dining, circus thrills and pristine beaches, not to mention a wide array of shopping opportunities (117 miles).

Travel north and inland as you head for Crystal River, perhaps stopping en route at Homosassa Springs, home to Nature World, a reserve for endangered manatees. Crystal River itself lies along Central Florida's "Nature Coast", and is one of the few places where you can get up close and personal with gentle manatees. In the winter months hundreds of these aquatic mammals migrate here to enjoy the year-round warm waters, and some stay in the bay through to the summer months (135 miles).

This morning, visit Silver Springs Park where the first Tarzan movies were filmed or enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of Silver Springs (at extra expense). Cross the Ocala National Forest via Palatka to St Augustine, the nation's oldest continuously settled city which boasts a plethora of historically significant structures, including the Castillo de San Marcos. Other highlights include Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth archaeological park (130 miles).

We recommend dropping in on famous Daytona Beach before swinging inland and following Interstate 4 to the theme park capital of the world, Orlando (105 miles).

Two full days to get your fill of Orlando's theme parks and water parks - choose from the magic of Walt Disney World Resort and the amazing attractions of Universal Studios (all at extra expense). If that's not your scene, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping, as well as some incredible golf courses too.

Drive east to the Space Coast of Florida and land in Cocoa Beach, home of the East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame. You may want to explore the universe at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre (at extra expense) or walk the famous Cocoa Beach pier (62 miles).

Return your car at the airport (203 miles) where your tour concludes for your onward journey.