Florida On The Coast

Florida is beckoning you to swap the Snow and Winter Temps for some Sunny and Balmy Weather! We depart from the Rustad Tours office and arrive at the MSP airport where we’ll catch a direct flight to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, situated on the Atlantic coast.  Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel on Florida’s east coast for a well-deserved rest! (B) (D)

After a relaxing breakfast buffet at our hotel, we’ll kick off our first full day in Florida with a guided City Tour of Miami, soaking in the city’s unique architecture, stunning coastal views, and vibrant culture. We’ll pause for an included lunch featuring local dishes. This afternoon, we’ll board the Carrie B. Paddleboat for a leisurely sightseeing cruise along Fort Lauderdale’s picturesque waterways, lined with grand mega-mansions and lively port activity. This charming paddle-wheeler-style boat tour offers an unforgettable glimpse of the “Venice of America,” including the luxury yachts of Millionaire’s Row and the impressive cruise ships docked at Port Everglades. After the cruise, we’ll return to our hotel for a free evening to explore, unwind, or enjoy the hotel’s amenities. (B) (L)

Today’s highlight is the Everglades Alligator Farm, the oldest and largest working alligator farm in South Florida, located near the entrance to Everglades National Park.  Home to more than 2,000 alligators, the park serves as both a wildlife sanctuary and an educational attraction and does not kill or sell alligators for meat.  During our visit, we’ll enjoy a guided airboat ride across the marshlands, complete with high speeds and a little splashing.  We’ll also learn more about these fascinating reptiles through educational demonstrations and exhibits.  Tonight, we’ll travel to Marathon, Florida, for a two-night stay.  Known as the “Heart of the Florida Keys,” Marathon is a 10-mile-long city that is spread across 13 distinct islands.  Our included evening meal is included near the hotel. (B) (L) (D)

Today, we’re traveling along the breathtaking Overseas Highway to the colorful island of Key West, the southernmost point in the continental United States. Known for its tropical beauty, pastel historic homes, and free-spirited atmosphere, Key West offers a unique blend of Caribbean charm, rich history, and vibrant culture. Upon arrival, step aboard the iconic open-air sightseeingConch Train, a beloved experience that has been sharing the stories of Old Town since 1958. As you ride through shaded streets lined with swaying palms and classic conch-style architecture, your guide will bring the island’s past to life—from shipwreck salvagers and literary legends like Ernest Hemingway, to its quirky identity as the self-proclaimed Conch Republic. After your guided introduction, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Stroll along lively Duval Street, browse art galleries and boutique shops, or visit landmarks such as the Southernmost Point buoy. Take in the island’s laid-back rhythm, where streets are filled with music, roosters roam freely, and the scent of the sea is always nearby. Be sure to indulge in the local flavors—fresh seafood, Cuban inspired dishes, and of course, the island’s signature Key lime pie. Whether you choose a casual café or a waterfront restaurant, Key West’s dining scene reflects its diverse cultural influences. This evening, return to the hotel to relax and the tiki bar or a local restaurant for a bite to eat. (B)

Today is a scenic travel day as we make our way north along Florida’s beautiful Atlantic coastline, where stretches of sandy beaches, coastal waterways, and swaying palms create a relaxing backdrop for the journey. Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as we leave the island charm of the Keys behind and travel toward Florida’s renowned “Space Coast.” By afternoon, we arrive in the Cocoa Beach–Port Canaveral area, a destination known for its laid-back surf culture, wide sandy shores, and connections to America’s space program. We’ll settle in for a two-night stay at a comfortable beachfront property, offering easy access to the ocean and a true taste of coastal Florida living. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take a stroll along the beach, breathe in the fresh ocean air, or unwind with the hotel’s amenities. You may also wish to explore nearby restaurants, where you’ll find a variety of dining options—from casual seaside cafés to fresh seafood establishments featuring the day’s catch. Relax and enjoy the slower pace of Cocoa Beach as you prepare for another exciting day ahead. (B)

An exciting day awaits as we visit the Kennedy Space Center, the historic site where America’s space program began and the launch and landing location for the iconic space shuttle program.  Throughout our visit, you’ll hear remarkable stories about space exploration and the courageous men and women who ventured into the unknown and the future Artemis II program.  After lunch on your own, you may choose to watch a breathtaking IMAX film about the space program.  By late afternoon, we’ll return to our ocean accommodation on Cocoa Beach.  (B)

We begin our day at the legendary site of the “Great American Race,” the Daytona 500, famously known as the “Super Bowl of NASCAR.” From thrilling NASCAR showdowns to world-class endurance racing, concerts, festivals, and fan experiences, there’s always something exciting happening at Daytona International Speedway. The Daytona 500, founded in 1959 by Bill France Sr., is the most prestigious and eagerly anticipated race in NASCAR. The inaugural event drew over 41,000 spectators and featured a dramatic photo finish that took three days to officially declare Lee Petty the winner over Johnny Beauchamp. After a behind-the-scenes tour of the racetrack, we’ll enjoy an included lunch at Crabby Joe’s. This spot offers more than just great food and views — dining over the ocean makes it truly unforgettable.  Next, Rustad’s takes you on a short drive to Lighthouse Point Park where you can take a stroll along the boardwalk and perhaps dip your toes in the Atlantic Ocean.  You’ll step back in time as we visit the Ponce de Leon Light House, constructed in 1887. It earned its fame as the third tallest lighthouse in the U.S. and as Florida’s tallest light house with a height of 175 ft.  This “Red Brick Giant” guided mariners along the Florida coast for more than 130 years.  It became a National Historic Landmark in 1998.  Ready for an afternoon treat? Grab some ice cream or snacks at the Salty Dawg Outfitters located right across from the lighthouse.  The last stop on our travels today takes us to Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, creating fine quality chocolates and candies since 1925.  During our guided tour, you’ll be able to sample delectable chocolates and candies and see how the experts make chocolates in the old-fashioned way.  After a fun and interesting day, it’s time to return to our oceanfront hotel. From your hotel room you’ll be able to take in views of the “World’s Most Famous Beach!” Daytona Beach is 23 miles of white sand beaches and became famous in the early 1900’s.  (B) (L)

This morning, you’ll wake up to gorgeous ocean views! Indulge yourself in  gentle, soothing sounds of the ocean while taking in an incredible sunrise! After a short drive, we’ll introduce you to the oldest city in the US, St. Augustine, famed for its Spanish Colonial Architecture and scenic Atlantic Ocean Beaches. This charming city is one of Florida’s must-see destinations, celebrated for its rich history, colorful streets, stunning beaches, distinctive restaurants and bars, and, of course, the beautiful Magnolia Avenue. Founded in 1565 by Pedro Menendez de Aviles, St. Augustine offers over 450 years of captivating history to explore. We’ll meet our local guide to uncover the highlights and stories of St. Augustine. After a fun and engaging day, you’ll be ready to unwind with a restful night at our hotel accommodations in St. Augustine. (B) (L)

It’s time to say fare-well to Florida and start our trek back to the Midwest. We’ll stop for an included lunch along the way and take in a self-guided tour at the World of Coca Cola Museum in Atlanta, Georgia. This interactive, multimedia museum is dedicated to the history, culture and beverage lineup of the Coca-Cola Company. By evening we will arrive at the Drury Inn in Marietta, GA. (B) (L)

After a delicious breakfast buffet, our northward journey takes us to historic Lynchburg, Tennessee.  We’ll take a tour of Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the U.S.  All of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is produced on site, fed by the pure, iron free cave water springs nearby.  Jack Daniel’s is the top selling American Whiskey in the world. After the tour, we’ll enjoy a southern-style BBQ lunch at Barrel House BBQ.  Tonight, we check into our accommodations at the Drury Inn in Bowling Green, KY. (B) (L)

Today, we travel through Kentucky, “The Bluegrass State.” You’ll marvel at its beautiful countryside lined with charming fences and streams meandering through gently rolling hills. The limestone karst topography underlying the hills and knobs of this unique landscape supports Kentucky’s equine industry, with green pastures rich in calcium that help build strong bones in horses. We cross over the border into Indiana by early afternoon, for an included meal and usual comfort stops along the way. We arrive at our accommodations at the Quality Inn in Schaumburg, IL, just in time for the evening “Manager’s Special,” complete with drinks and food! (B) (L)

The last day of the tour will pass by quickly as we travel through Wisconsin back to Minnesota. Our noon meal will be at the Perkins Restaurant in Black River Falls, WI.  This afternoon, everyone can relive their vacation by comparing “memory making moments.” We will arrive back to our cars at Rustad’s bus garage by late afternoon.  Grab a cup of coffee and a cookie before you head 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) (L)