Your journey to the Sunshine State of Florida begins when you land in Sarasota and transfer to the Lido Beach Resort on the Gulf Coast. Tonight, meet your Tour Manager in the lobby at 6:00 p.m. for a welcome dinner with your traveling companions. Meal: D On your first full day in Florida your Tour Manager shows you the surrounding area on a morning drive along Longboat Key, Tangerine Bay and Lido Shores. You will also make a stop at the grocery store to stock on any supplies you may need for your stay at the beautiful Lido Beach Resort and your deluxe kitchenette room. Meal: B Spend the day in Sarasota and visit Cà d’Zan, the dazzling palatial mansion of John and Mable Ringling. Described as “the last of the Gilded Age mansions” to be built in America, it has 56 incredible rooms filled with art and original furnishings.

Stop at Der Dutchman Restaurant for lunch and enjoy a hearty Amish-style meal. Enjoy their Barn-Raising Dinner Buffet, bountiful salad bar and Amish pies and desserts. Later, spend time in St. Armand’s Circle with its shops, galleries and boutiques. Meal: L A free day is planned for today. You may wish to join an optional visit to visit the Marie Selby Botonaical Gardens, a tropical, urban oasis featuring unparalleled horticultural displays. Nestled on the shores of Sarasota Bay, Selby Gardens’ natural beauty has something for everyone. This morning head south to the Babcock Wilderness Adventure Ranch where you will embark on an exciting Eco-Tour through the Babcock Ranch and Telegraph Cypress Swamp. Your experienced guide offers insight about the many birds, plants and animals native to Southwest Florida – including alligators!

In Punta Gorda, enjoy lunch on Fisherman’s Village before climbing aboard your vessel for a cruise on beautiful Charlotte Harbor. Be on the lookout for dolphins, seabirds and other wildlife in the area. Meal: L Begin the day at the Salvador Dali Museum. Here, the artist’s harmony between art and science flows throughout the museum’s design. At the Morean Arts Center, see the permanent exhibit by iconic glass artist Dale Chihuly.

Then, travel to Tampa’s “Latin Quarter,” Ybor City, which is an exotic blend of aromas, flavors and sounds. Lunch is at the original Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant. Later, return to the resort. Meal: L Today is a full free day in Sarasota to do as you wish. Tonight, gather with your traveling companions for a special farewell dinner. Meal: D Your Florida adventure ends with a group transfer to the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport for flights out after 11:00 a.m.