Florida On The Coast

We will gather at the Rustad Tours office by early afternoon, then travel to Bloomington, MN, for a one-night stay where we can feel well-rested for our flight on Saturday.

After a short drive from our hotel, we’ll arrive at the Humphrey Terminal, where we’ll catch a direct flight to Orlando in the heart of Florida! Our first stop in Florida will be the Orlando Eye, where we can enjoy a “Bird’s Eye” view of the Orlando area. This iconic 400-foot-tall observation wheel provides breathtaking panoramic views of central Florida. You’ll be viewing the amazing sights of the Orlando skyline, theme parks, lakes, and lush landscapes. On a sunny day, you can view Cape Canaveral on the east coast. By mid-afternoon, we check into the Drury Plaza Hotel-Orlando Disney for a relaxing three-night stay. Rustad Tours is going to take your vacation pleasure to the next level, complete with an amazing shopping, dining, and entertainment village that has evolved throughout the years with renovations, expansion, and rebranding! You’ll have access to wonderful amenities including various cuisine options, a resort-style saltwater pool, free shuttle service to and from Disney Springs Village, the Disney World Theme Parks, and more! Get around with ease… Disney Springs Village offers you one-of-a-kind eateries, eclectic shops, and entertainment for all ages! Tonight is yours to explore, relax, and enjoy this wonderful destination! (B)

We have devoted this whole day for you to be FREE to discover the magical World of Disney with a One-Day, One Park Only Ticket. The Disney World Theme Park includes four main parks. Epcot (Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow) gives you a glimpse into the wonders of tomorrow, or you can travel the globe. Magic Kingdom features six amazing lands to explore with countless memories to be made. GET WILD about the Animal Kingdom, where you can explore like never before with some up-close and personal views of some of its most interesting inhabitants. Step into the world of showbiz at Hollywood Studios, taking you on live-action extravaganzas and VIP backstage adventures. Get around with ease by taking the hotel shuttle to and from the theme park throughout the day. (B)

After a relaxing breakfast, we begin our day by visiting the Florida’s Natural Grove House to learn about the orange juice industry. After taking a seat in their theater and viewing a 14-minute video about orange growing (from the picking of the fruit to the glass of delicious juice), you may wander through exhibits at their mini museum. You’ll get to choose your favorite drink from four different samples, then take a leisurely walk through the groves. Our next stop is to visit one of the most tranquil places in this area. Thanks to Edward Bok, the founder of Bok Gardens, this special place was created to “touch the soul with its beauty and quiet,” making it a perfect setting for a bird sanctuary. A box lunch will be included at the magnificent Bok Tower Gardens. Trails meander throughout the historic gardens, covering 50 acres of ferns, flower gardens, and trees. The gardens were a gift to the American people from landscaper Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. We’ll take a stroll along the garden path leading to the “Singing Tower,” which houses a 60-bell carillon. Sit back and relax while listening to the Carillon Bells toll, entertaining us with a beautiful musical concert.

This afternoon, Rustad Tours will take you for a walk (or ride) on the wild side. The southern third of Florida is made up of a slow-moving river of Sawgrass called the “Everglades.” This afternoon, an “Airboat” ride will take you into the wilds of the headwaters of the Central Everglades. The “airboat” drivers are very good at spotting gators, cool birds, and other fascinating wildlife. You’ll have time to wander through their small and unique zoo for an up-close and personal view of exotic animals before returning to the hotel. (B) (L)

An amazing day is ahead for you as we visit the historic site where America’s Space Program began—the Kennedy Space Center. This is the NASA launch and landing site for the space shuttle. You’ll hear remarkable stories of space and the courageous men and women who ventured into the unknown. After lunch (on your own), you may watch a breathtaking IMAX film about the space program. By late afternoon, we arrive at our accommodations on the Daytona Beach Oceanfront for a two-night stay. You’ll love waking up to the sound of soothing ocean waves! During your free time, you may want to take a walk on the “World-Famous” Daytona Beach. (B)

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 1900s. The beach’s smooth, hard-packed sand attracted high-speed automobile testing… and racing! The beach eventually became a mecca for racing enthusiasts. By mid-morning, we’ll arrive at the site of the “Great American Race”, the Daytona 500, known as the “Super Bowl of NASCAR”. The winner of the first race in 1959, Lee Petty, took home $19,050. In 2019, the winner, Denny Hamlin, received over $1.5 million! After a behind-the-scenes tour of the racetrack, we’ll enjoy an included lunch at Crabby Joe’s. There are plenty of places that boast a pretty view and great food, but Crabby Joe’s takes it one step further by offering over-the-ocean dining and making it an unforgettable experience! 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 Lighthouse, constructed in 1887. It earned its fame as the third-tallest lighthouse in the U.S. and as Florida’s tallest lighthouse 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

This morning, we travel a short distance to introduce you to the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine, known for its Spanish Colonial Architecture and scenic Atlantic Ocean Beaches. This charming city is one of Florida’s must-see destinations, best known for its fascinating history, colorful streets, breathtaking beaches, distinctive restaurants, bars, and, of course, beautiful Magnolia Avenue. St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Pedro Menendez de Aviles with lots of history to explore…more than 450 years of it! We meet our local guide to explore the highlights and history of St. Augustine, including the Foutain of Youth and an Historic Lighthouse. After a fun and interesting day, you’ll be ready for a good night’s rest at our hotel accommodations in St. Augustine. (B) (L)

It’s time to say goodbye to Florida and start our trek back to the Midwest. We’ll stop for an included lunch along the way and an afternoon shopping stop at Shute Pecan Company. This three-generation family business has been operating since 1929, selling the freshest and healthiest nuts around. By evening, we will arrive at the Drury Inn in Montgomery, Alabama. (B) (L)

Continuing northward, we travel to historic Lynchburg, Tennessee, for a southern-style BBQ noon lunch at Barrel House BBQ. After lunch, 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. We check into our accommodations in Nashville before attending a lively show at the famous Grand Ole Opry House. (B) (L)

You’ll discover the rich history and culture of Nashville during a city tour with a local guide. Since Tennessee has played a critical role in the development of many forms of American Music, it’s only fitting that we tour the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Lunch is on your own, where you might want to visit the honkytonks in the famous Broadway district to enjoy some live music. Our scenery will begin to change as our coach winds through the Cumberland Foothills of Tennessee and through a corner of Kentucky to Marion, IL, to the Drury Inn. (B)

You’ll discover the rich history and culture of Nashville during a city tour with a local guide. Since Tennessee has played a critical role in the development of many forms of American Music, it’s only fitting that we tour the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Lunch is on your own, where you might want to visit the honkytonks in the famous Broadway district to enjoy some live music. Our scenery will begin to change as our coach winds through the Cumberland Foothills of Tennessee and through a corner of Kentucky to Marion, IL, to the Drury Inn. (B)

The last day of the tour will pass by quickly as we travel through Iowa back to Minnesota, stopping for an included noon meal along the way. 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)