With its mix of historic architecture and modern landmarks, a culture infused with Cuban and Spanish flavours, vibrant neighbourhoods and beautiful waterways, Tampa is a wonderful place to begin your holiday. In the downtown area you will find the Tampa Riverwalk, perfect for strolling, running or biking, plenty of hip bars and innovative restaurants and amazing restorations of turn-of-the-century buildings. Ybor City, which was created around the Cuba cigar-rolling industry in the late 1800s, is now world renowned as a hot nightlife spot, its old red brick buildings now filled with lively music, cocktails and late-night dancing.

If you’re into hiking, biking, paddling or bird-watching, hit one of the Tampa area’s many parks and preserves, such as Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa or Lettuce Lake Park in north Tampa. Rent a kayak or stroll the trails amid serene surroundings, encountering beautiful Florida birds, pop-up turtles, lazy gators and the occasional manatee. 

Busch Gardens has plenty of rides, shows and attractions to fill up a full day and the nearby Adventure Island water park offers daring drops and relaxing wading pools.

Stay three nights in Tampa

Located along Central Florida’s "Nature Coast," Crystal River is a place defined by water. The natural springs which feed Kings Bay and the river itself flow at a constant 22C making the waters attractive all year round, and especially popular with the manatees who like to spend their time in these pristine waters. Boat trips, kayak tours, paddleboard and swimming with the manatees are just some of the ways you can experience the nature of the area. Stroll the boardwalks, explore some of the thousands of acres of trails, terrain and caves Withlacoochee State Forest and Crystal River Preserve State Park.

Combining small-town charm and a deep and fascinating history, the town of Crystal River offers plenty of local flavour especially in the collection of shops and restaurants along Citrus Avenue in the downtown area. 

Stay two nights in Crystal River

Naples and the Paradise Coast’s natural beauty has inspired artists throughout the ages, and so it’s no surprise that the area is a haven for the arts. With music and theatre shows, museums, historic sites and art galleries, you are spoilt for choice. From the Calusa Indians to Pioneer settlers and then the wealthy Northern and Midwestern holiday-makers of the 1920s, Naples has grown into a stunning coastal resort with an abundance of culture. However nearby communities such as Everglades City, Immokalee, Chokoloskee and Ochopee still offer glimpses into the days of yesteryear.

Stay three nights in Naples

This is a place where traditional Florida charm can still be found, and somewhere brimming with opportunities to experience Florida at its most real and authentic. Flip flops are a way of life and the speed limit never exceeds 35mph. High rise condos and fast food restaurants are pleasantly absent - instead it is home to beautiful turquoise waters and its award-winning white-sand beaches, including the reclusive Whitney Beach on Longboat Key and seven miles of uninterrupted beach on Anna Maria Island. 

No more than a few blocks (or cute houses) wide, Anna Maria Island has the sounds of waves and visions of the sunset in every location. Bradenton Area provides access to accommodations and outdoor activities - while at the same time offering an enjoyable selection of shops, restaurants, performing arts, wildlife, history and other attractions. 

Stay two nights in Bradenton 

Drop-off your car in time to check-in for your flight.