In the water. Over the water. Under it, around it. Paddle on it, pedal above it. Plunge into it, sharing the experience with kaleidoscopic fish and maybe even sea turtles. Watch the sun set over it from the southernmost point in the country. How do you enjoy the true keys to happiness? It’s easy—just add water.
Trip Facts & Dates
- Great for: Couples, Friends & Solos
- Trip Length: 5 days & 4 nights
- Dates: Late December 2022, January/February/March/April/December 2023, or January/February/March/April 2024.
Days 1-2
Leaving bustling Miami, head to the Shark Valley Visitor Center and into Everglades National Park, an incredibly diverse place poetically referred to as a “river of grass”.
On a private airboat tour, venture through the fascinating swamp habitat and learn about its rare flora and fauna.
Cycle on a car-free bike path through the park’s wetlands—keep an eye out for herons, storks and sunbathing alligators!
Look for wading birds in the mangroves as we travel from the Everglades to Islamorada, the Village of Islands, and our home for the first two nights. Discover colorful tropical fish in shallow-water snorkeling.
Stay at Cheeca Lodge & Spa – Part of the Islamorada scene since 1946, this amenity-rich beachside resort is set on 27 lush acres. (pool, spa). Enjoy a relaxing afternoon or take advantage of the resort’s amenities.
On day 1, you’ve got 2 options: Level 1 biking for 15 miles with light elevation gain or an everglades air boat tour for 1 hour. On day 2, there’s a half day snorkeling excursion available.
Days 3-5
Kayak through mangroves, searching for wildlife above and below the water.
Explore Key West, part of the Florida Keys archipelago and known for its pastel-colored conch-style houses, on a walking tour, learning about the city’s rich architectural heritage and why everyone from Harry Truman to Ernest Hemingway couldn’t escape its unique lure.
Bike along the Overseas Heritage Trail, a scenic paved path just for cyclists and pedestrians. Sail at sunset in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, home to the world’s third-largest coral reef. For a new perspective, discover unique mangrove ecosystems on a stand-up paddleboard. Looking for the quintessential Key West experience? Join the revelers at the Sunset Festival, brimming with street performers and local artisans.
Stay at The Marker Waterfront Resort – Ideally situated on two acres of waterfront land and designed with a barefoot tropical luxury aesthetic, the Marker is named for the mile markers that lead to the southernmost part of the United States. (pool)
On day 3, you can do a half day kayaking excursion, and also there’s a 1.5 hour Key West Walking tour too! On day 4, you can take the level 1 bike hike of 17 miles or level 2 bikers may prefer the 24 mile ride. There’s also a 1.5 hour sunset sail option! On day 5, this lovely active vacation offers stand-up paddleboarding for 1.5 hours.
What’s included with this Biking Tour?
- Bikes: Not only do you have activity level options but you also have choices of either the performance road bike or touring bike, depending on your preferences.
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
- Expertise and services of experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
The Florida Keys are a truly unique destination teeming with fascinating history, vibrant character and quirky culture. On this journey expect to see everything from pristine beaches, out-of-this-world sunsets and mangrove forests to cruise ships, tackle shops and t-shirt stands.
Doesn’t that sound amazing?! Ready to plan your next vacation or getaway?
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