Island hopping on Sanibel Island & Florida Keys and Miami

Today marks the start of your tour to the Sunshine State of Florida. You’ll land at Fort Myers airport.

After arrival, go through immigration and collect your luggage. In the arrivals hall, follow the signs to the car rental office, which is located inside the airport (details can be found on your voucher).

From here, a short and pleasant drive awaits to your hotel, located on the exotic barrier island of Sanibel Island.

You’ll arrive at your hotel late in the day. Warm temperatures, swaying palms, and the scent of the sea have likely already made their first impression on you – and now you can look forward to enjoying just that for the days to come.

If you decide to upgrade to a hotel on Captiva Island, please allow an additional 30-minute drive.

Welcome to “The Sunshine State.”

Today’s driving distance: approx. 40 km / 45 min.

You have the option to upgrade your rental car. Please contact your travel specialist if you’d like to learn more.

Your jet lag might have you starting the day a little early, but there’s no need to rush – you can simply relax, unwind, and forget all about time and place. You’re on an island in the Gulf of Mexico, and the pace is entirely up to you.

Sanibel Island offers more than just idyllic beaches. This barrier island is also home to one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in the USA, attracting countless bird enthusiasts each year to the “J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge.” You can explore the reserve by car or bike along a scenic route, stopping whenever something catches your eye. Spotting the stunning pink roseate spoonbill, herons, ibises, otters, raccoons, bobcats – and perhaps even an alligator gliding across the water’s surface – is not uncommon here.

Sanibel is famous for its abundance of seashells, a result of the island’s unique geography and the ocean currents surrounding it. Shaped in an east–west curve, Sanibel acts like a natural sieve, catching the shells carried in by the tides. People from all over the world flock to the island to collect shells – an activity known locally as “shelling”. Among Sanibel Island’s most iconic beaches is Bowman’s Beach, where countless shells colour the white sand in delicate shades. You can easily spend hours strolling with your eyes fixed on the ground, a posture so common here that it’s affectionately called the “Sanibel Stoop”. If you’d like to explore more of the island’s beautiful beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice – some of the most popular include Lighthouse Beach Park, Blind Pass Beach, and Gulfside City Park Beach.

We highly recommend a visit to the neighbouring island of Captiva, which is only a short drive away. At just 3 km², the island may be small, with fewer shops and restaurants, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in paradise-like beaches, cosy little cafés, and holiday homes that will take your breath away.

If you start getting a bit of “island fever”, make a stop in the charming town of Fort Myers, where the historic district is filled with restaurants, shops, and lively nightlife. You can also step back in time with a visit to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates museum, where inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford had their winter residences. The estate was the birthplace of more than a thousand patents, and you can explore the laboratory where many groundbreaking ideas first came to life.

You can also make your day even more memorable with one of the optional tours listed below.

Today it’s time to swap one island for another – this time Key Largo, the largest of the Florida Keys islands. Your route today will take you past the coastal city of Naples and through the vast wetlands of the Everglades.

We recommend setting off early, ensuring both your car and snack supplies are well stocked, and preparing for a morning drive towards Everglades Safari Park. Here, you’ll park the car and get ready for the next available airboat departure, which will take you from Everglades Safari Park out into a section of the Everglades National Park.

In Everglades National Park, you and your guide – along with the rest of the group – can feel the thrill as you seemingly glide over the water in the park’s iconic airboats. The guided tour, lasting around 30 minutes, offers a fascinating insight into the ecosystem’s unique flora and fauna within the vast 6,000 km² national park, which boasts an incredibly rich wildlife. The park is home to alligators, crocodiles, black bears, frogs, snakes, and more than 360 different species of birds.

You should allow a couple of hours for your visit to Everglades Safari Park. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy a refreshing drink or grab a much-needed bite to eat.

Later in the day, you’ll arrive at the first and largest of “The Keys” – Key Largo – where it’s time to unwind after the day’s adventures, perhaps by the pool or in a hammock, accompanied by the sound of gentle waves. Despite its name, which means “large island”, Key Largo is relatively small, covering an area of around 31 km².

Today’s driving distance: approx. 370 km / 5 hrs

Spend the day with your toes in the sand and life in low gear.

That said, there’s no shortage of things to do here – especially for those who love the water. You can try everything from beach volleyball and fishing to kayaking, jet skiing, boat trips, or perhaps test your balance on a paddleboard.

Key Largo is famous for its outstanding diving opportunities and is commonly known as the “Diving Capital of the World.” It’s home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the USA’s first underwater park, which protects a vast coral reef teeming with colourful fish, sea turtles, eagle rays, dolphins and, on rare occasions, reef sharks. Beneath the surface lies one of the island’s most iconic attractions – the bronze statue of Christ of the Abyss, depicting Jesus Christ. In the park, you can rent diving equipment or head out on kayak, paddleboard, or boat trips (arranged locally).

Key Largo has a charming atmosphere, with small marinas, tiki bars, and waterfront restaurants – the perfect place to end the day enjoying freshly caught seafood as the sun sets over the ocean.

Today’s route takes you to the southernmost point of the continental USA, located on the island of Key West. Although the journey is relatively short at around 160 km, make sure to allow plenty of time to explore the many fascinating stops along the way.

The drive along the Overseas Highway is truly unique. You’ll cross 42 bridges connecting the Florida Keys, with breathtaking views of the turquoise waters stretching between the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. With the often warm temperatures, it’s tempting to take a dip in the sea once or twice before reaching today’s final destination. This is the kind of road trip you can easily get used to.
Popular beach stops include Anne’s, Calusa, and Bahia Honda Beach, but in reality, the route is dotted with so many little coves and inviting spots that the only real question is how many times you’ll want to stop for a swim.

One of the first natural stops is on the island of Islamorada, known as the sport fishing capital of the world. Here you can, for example, visit Robbie’s Marina, a favourite among travellers who come to watch the enormous tarpon fish from the jetty or take a relaxing break in the shade with a cold drink before continuing the journey south.
Further along, you’ll reach Marathon, home to the popular Turtle Hospital – a rescue and rehabilitation centre for sea turtles that inhabit the waters around the Keys. If you’d like a guided tour and an insight into the rescue and recovery work carried out here, you’ll need to book a slot directly on the hospital’s website.
Along the route, you’ll also find a wealth of restaurants, cafés, and galleries – for instance, Rain Barrel Village on Islamorada, where you can pick up local arts and crafts as souvenirs. Just before you reach Key West, you’ll drive across the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, one of the highlights of the trip.

Upon your arrival in Key West, you’ll have time to settle into your hotel in the afternoon – and it’s likely that a dip in the pool followed by a refreshing cold drink will be high on your list for the rest of the day. This evening, you might already start exploring the area’s charming streets.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 160 km / 2 hrs 15 mins

You’ll set the pace and plan the day as you wish – and there’s no shortage of options.

Key West is truly unique, with a delightful mix of American and Caribbean influences. The island is renowned for its beautiful pastel-coloured houses, streets where chickens roam freely, iconic cafés such as Sloppy Joe’s and Blue Heaven, and of course, the world-famous dessert: Key Lime Pie. When in Key West, don’t miss the chance to taste this little slice of heaven, made with the special Key Limes found only here.

It’s a great idea to add a hop-on hop-off trolley tour, taking you to highlights such as the Truman Little White House, Lighthouse Museum, Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Southernmost Point, Mallory Square, and Hemingway House. At the Hemingway Museum, you can see where the author lived during the 1930s with his cat, White Snow, which was said to have had six toes on one paw – a trait believed to have been passed down to many of the island’s cats.

You can also spend a morning on the water by joining one of the optional tours below, where you can experience world-class snorkelling among colourful fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles.

You can spend the day exactly as you wish until late afternoon, when your sea adventure begins. Until then, you might like to relax by the pool, enjoy the beach, or head out to explore the island.

A sunset is a daily ritual celebrated in great style here in Key West. You can take it in from Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park or the world-famous Mallory Square, where locals and visitors gather every evening to watch the sun dip below the horizon. Today, you’ll experience this cherished tradition in the best possible way – with a glass-bottom boat trip, included as part of your day*. The excursion begins in the afternoon with a stop at the only living coral reef in continental USA, which you can admire through the boat’s glass bottom without getting wet. Afterwards, the pursuit of Key West’s legendary sunset begins – said to be one of a kind here, where the view over the Gulf of Mexico is completely unobstructed. Savour the dramatic shades of red, orange, and purple in the sky, and if you’re lucky, you might even witness the rare natural phenomenon known as “The Green Flash” – a brief green burst that appears the very moment the sun slips below the horizon. 

Back on the mainland, you can dive into the many dining options. Mallory Square, where many gather to watch the sunset, is a popular spot among travellers, meaning the atmosphere here is livelier than in other parts of the island. The cheerful vibe continues along the famous Duval Street, lined with restaurants and live music venues. If you prefer somewhere quieter, simply wander down the side streets off Duval Street – Bahama Village Market, for instance, is a great neighbourhood to explore for a more laid-back experience.

*Excursion: glass-bottom boat cruise to the coral reef and sunset – please check the meeting time and place stated on your voucher. Be sure to arrive on time to meet the check-in requirements prior to departure. Bring the necessary ID as indicated on your voucher. Please note that children up to and including 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at check-in.

Today marks the final leg of your road trip, and the journey back towards the mainland is just as stunning heading north. The views along the Overseas Highway never fail to impress, and if you’re driving early in the day, you might spot locals standing by the roadside, casting their fishing lines into the sea.

You’ll soon notice when you’re approaching the big city. The open ocean views gradually give way to a vibrant cityscape of tall buildings, wide boulevards, luxury cars, and impressive cruise ships. You’ll be staying in Miami Beach, famous for its colourful Art Deco buildings, long stretches of sandy beaches, and great shopping opportunities along lively Collins Avenue.

Late in the afternoon, you’ll return your car at a central city office in Miami Beach (see further details on your voucher)*. From there, it’s an easy taxi or Uber ride to your nearby hotel.

Your hotel is centrally located, and this evening you can already start discovering the city’s exciting restaurant scene. Don’t miss out on the many Cuban specialities – Miami is known for its strong Cuban culture, which is clearly reflected in the local cuisine.

Look forward to soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of sunshine, summer, and joie de vivre in this multicultural city.

*View the vehicle drop-off time as the latest possible return time – but feel free to return it earlier.

Today’s driving distance: approx. 270 km / around 4 hours.

Today is yours to spend as you please, giving you plenty of time to explore Miami Beach and the rest of the city at your own pace.

Stroll through the lively streets around Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive, where the iconic art deco buildings stand shoulder to shoulder with cafés, restaurants, and shops. Or enjoy the sea breeze and stunning ocean views on a walk or bike ride along the popular Miami Beach boardwalk.

If you fancy venturing a bit further, it’s easy to explore the rest of Miami – whether it’s the colourful Little Havana, the trendy Wynwood district with its striking street art, or the buzzing atmosphere of Downtown Miami. You can easily get around using Uber or by purchasing a hop-on hop-off bus ticket, making it convenient to visit the city’s major attractions at your own pace.

You can also take advantage of the city’s free trolley service, which runs along Collins Avenue – an easy and convenient way to get around Miami Beach.

Whichever way you choose to experience the city, you can look forward to days filled with fascinating impressions, sunshine, and vibrant city life.

Today it’s time to say farewell to wonderful Florida.

You’ll check out of your hotel and order a taxi or Uber to Miami International Airport, located 20 km away (details of your departure terminal and time can be found in your travel itinerary). The hotel can also assist you in arranging your transfer. From Miami International Airport, you’ll fly back towards Europe.

If you wish to extend your stay with some extra beach holiday time or a visit to another American city, you’ll continue to your chosen destination.

You’ll arrive at your selected airport after an exciting tour packed with wonderful memories.