Florida Keys explorer self-drive tour

Today, you will experience the fabulous culture and food of Little Havana. This easy bike tour takes in the Cuban-influenced district of Miami with a knowledgeable guide and includes tasty samples of local cuisine. The rest of the day is spent exploring Miami's glamorous South Beach area. Stroll down Collins Avenue and stop for a coffee at a pavement café before taking in the Art Deco architecture.

After breakfast and a relaxed morning in Miami, collect your hire car and take Highway 1 southbound toward Key West. Stop at the small town of Islamorada in the afternoon and check into your hotel for the next couple of nights to relax on the beach.

Today you'll get out into the mangroves on either a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak and go in search of the gentle manatees that frequent these coastal waters. In the afternoon, return to your hotel for some rest and relaxation on the beach.

Take a leisurely drive down to Marathon, as you make your way further down the Overseas Highway toward Key West. This is one of the more renowned American road trips and along your drive you'll cross bridges and causeways through small coastal towns, admiring the expansive blue waters beneath you. On arrival in Marathon, check into your hotel and relax on the beach, visit some of the local restaurants for a freshly caught fish dish or visit the local Turtle Hospital where injured sea turtles are nursed back to health.

Leave Marathon and drive to Key West, the southernmost city in the continental United States. This small island offers a unique blend of Caribbean and American culture, known for its pastel-coloured houses, vibrant sunsets at Mallory Square, and laid-back 'island time' atmosphere. Famous for its connection to Ernest Hemingway, whose home remains a popular attraction, Key West combines a rich literary history with a lively arts scene.

Enjoy a day trip to the Dry Tortugas National Park, a collection of small islands off the coast of Key West. Centred around Fort Jefferson, a historic brick-built fort, enjoy exploring the history and swimming and snorkeling in pristine translucent waters.

On your final day in Key West, take the Old Town Trolley around the island to learn more about its rich history. Hop aboard one of the distinctive orange and green trolleys for a narrated journey through Key West's most iconic spots. The tour circles the compact island, allowing you to hop on and off at any stop, including Mallory Square, the Hemingway Home, Southernmost Point, and Duval Street. The conductors share entertaining stories about the island's pirates, wreckers, writers, and eccentric characters.

Leaving Key West, drive back along the Overseas Highway toward Miami to board your onward flight back to the UK.