Florida On The Beach

Come aboard as we escape the chilly winter weather and travel to the “Sunshine State” of Florida! After our included noon lunch, sit back and relax as you enjoy Wisconsin’s beautiful countryside. By early evening, we arrive at our hotel in Schaumburg, IL. (L)

We begin our travel day by skirting our way around the bustling traffic of Chicago and into the flat countryside of Indiana. Noon lunch is included along the way as we travel south to Kentucky, “The Bluegrass State.” You’ll marvel at its beautiful countryside, lined with charming fences and streams meandering between the gently rolling hills. The limestone karst topography that underlies the hills and knobs of this unique landscape is excellent for Kentucky’s equine industry, with calcium rich green pastures that build strong bones in horses.

Later this afternoon, we’re making a pit stop to view over 80 classic cars at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, for a self-guided tour of their museum. The Corvette Museum’s mission is to celebrate the invention of the Corvette by preserving its past, present, and future. Their spacious museum explains and showcases America’s premier sports car with exhibits that present the history and evolution of the Corvettes. Following our tour, we’re just a few minutes away from our accommodations at the Drury Inn. (B) (L)

After a hearty breakfast, we travel a short distance to Nashville, Tennessee, for our morning coffee stop. This is Rustad Tour’s “teaser”, introducing you to a sampling of what our Nashville-themed tours have to offer at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. There will be time for you to explore this fascinating hotel and to relax with a cup of coffee. Along the way, we take a lunch stop (on your own) before arriving in Chattanooga at the Tennessee Aquarium, rated the best aquarium in America! You’ll be taken on an amazing journey from the mountain tops to the sea, exploring above and below the surface of the aquarium’s two buildings. The aquarium aims to connect us with nature and encourages us to make informed decisions about water and wildlife. Our coach continues south to Marietta, Georgia, where we check into the Drury Inn. (B)

Florida, here we come! We cross the border this afternoon with an included lunch stop along the way. By mid-afternoon, we arrive in Ocala, Florida, at the Gypsy Gold Horse Farm. During this fascinating tour, we’ll learn the story of the Gypsy Vanner horse breed and the colorful culture it created. Gypsy Vanner horses are small, solidly built horses. During the 1800s, they were used to pull caravans in the British Isles. This eye-catching horse breed is known for its mild temperament, making them highly trainable and talented in multiple disciplines. They are also recognized for their beautiful feathering and striking coats. Tonight, our accommodations will be in Ocala, FL. (B) (L)

With great anticipation, we look forward to our final destination today…the Pink Shell Resort for a fabulous six-night stay! Our morning drive toward Ft. Myers takes us through some of Florida’s varied and tropical landscapes, including forests, prairies, small rivers, swamps, and lakes. By late morning, we arrive just in time for lunch at Babcock Ranch Eco Tours. Lunch is included at the “Gator Shack.” After lunch, we will board a “swamp buggy” that will take us on a guided tour that introduces us to some of the many ecosystems found in Florida. You’ll see a real working ranch, a cypress swamp, alligators, cattle, and a variety of native birds. One never knows what we’ll see on any given day. After a short drive, our coach arrives in Ft. Myers Beach, a beautiful slice of paradise on the Gulf Coast of Mexico and the location of our accommodations for the next six nights. Tonight, Rustad Tours is including a “Poolside Cookout” at the Pink Shell Resort. (B) (L) (D)

This morning, we take a scenic drive for a relaxing sightseeing cruise in Naples. Your sights include birds of prey, playful dolphins, and luxurious homes. There’s free time for shopping in the Old Town Tin City of Naples. Enjoy a walk along the boardwalk, stroll along the pier, or leisurely lunch (on your own) in a small café. Your afternoon and evening can be spent exploring and enjoying the Pink Shell Resort or downtown Ft. Myers Beach! (B)

Today, you’ll have a free day to experience and enjoy this wonderful beachfront getaway at the Pink Shell Resort or a chance to explore the area on your own. You may want to spend part of your day on the water with a variety of cruises to choose from, dine at one of the many eateries that include large cuisine selections, explore our neighborhood’s walking trails and parks, or visit fun and festive shops. (B)

Have your cameras ready for some amazing photos today!! Relax and enjoy as we board the “Lady Chadwick” for an island cruise that takes us to Cabbage Key Island for an included lunch, relaxing and exploring this wonderful piece of paradise. After an incredible day, you’ll arrive back at the Pink Shell Resort to enjoy our resort’s amenities! (B) (L)

Ft. Myers is the home of the Minnesota Twins in Florida, where they hold spring training from mid-February through the end of March. You’ll experience a piece of ‘Twins Territory’ during our private tour of Lee’s Health Sports Complex. The exterior of the stadium was designed to resemble Churchill Downs in Kentucky and has gone through recent upgrades and improvements. By late morning, we’ll enjoy an included picnic lunch before we begin our guided tour of Manatee Park. Manatees like to hang out in the warm waters of the Orange River. This large and unusual marine mammal is known for its gentle, slow-moving nature. On our way back to the Pink Shell Resort, our coach takes us to shop at Sun Harvest Citrus. This is your chance to purchase some delicious fruit from Florida or treat yourself to a yummy ice cream cone! (B) (L)

Time goes by quickly when you’re having fun! It’s our last day on Ft. Myers Beach! We’ll spend the morning visiting the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford are two of America’s most famous early 20th-century industrialists. Their winter homes are on display along with many personal items of both men. Our included lunch is at a themed restaurant called “Ford’s Garage.” This afternoon, you’ll return to the Pink Shell resort for some last-minute shopping or enjoy the afternoon on our beach under a shade umbrella! This evening, we’ll enjoy the views overlooking the pool and beach at our private farewell dinner party at the Pink Shell Resort to celebrate the fun times we’ve had on the Florida on the Beach tour. (B) (L) (D)

Rustad Tours will bring you to Ft. Myer’s airport for a flight to Minneapolis. When you arrive at the Minneapolis airport, you’ll be met by another Rustad Tours motorcoach and driver to transport you back to Kerkhoven. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee and a cookie before heading home. We hope that you’ve enjoyed your “Winter Escape” and will have fond memories of your vacation in Florida for years to come! (B)