January 29 - February 14, 2009 • 17 Days

Day 1 - Home to Bloomington, IL
Today we begin our journey  south in hopes of sunshine.  Enjoy an included noon lunch today at a delicious restaurant.  Relax at the hotel this evening in Bloomington, IL.
Included Meals: Lunch
Hotel: Hawthorn Suites

Day 2 - Bloomington to Nashville
After a breakfast we pass through the landscapes of Kentucky to Nashville.  This evening visit the famous Opryland Hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites

Day 3 - Nashville to Savannah
Motor to Savannah where your lovely hotel awaits, nestled in the heart of the Historic District.  You are guests this evening at the famous Pirates House, a unique historic tavern rich in history dating back to 1753.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Historic Hampton Inn

Day 4 - Savannah to Orlando
Motor along the coast to America’s oldest city, St.Augustine, Florida.  Climb aboard the open air trolley for a tour of the wonderful town. Stroll along this delightful area and enjoy a special lunch at a wonderful restaurant featuring Cuban flair. Depart for Orlando and check into your hotel resort for a relaxing two night stay.  R & J Tours has chosen a hotel close to all the main attractions of Orlando making it easy to pursue your
own interests here.
Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch
Hawthorn Suites Lake Buena Vista

Day 5 - Orlando
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a full day at your leisure. Enjoy free shuttle service to any of the main attractions.  Optional attractions (at your own cost) are Disney World, Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, MGM Studios, or Sea World. Lunch and dinner are on your own to choose from the many choices throughout the day.
Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale
Visit Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral on Florida’s sunny coast.  Gain insight on America’s accomplishments in the space program.  Motor along the scenic coast to Ft. Lauderdale to your hotel, which is beautifully located on the white sandy shores and the scenic intracoastal waterways. This perfect location allows easy walking to Beach Place, featuring trendy cafes and shops.  Planned with you in mind, we have given you two relaxing nights here.  Join us this evening for a wonderful dinner with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Ft. Lauderdale Beach

Day 7 - Ft. Lauderdale
This morning enjoy a cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway boasting lovely scenery, stately mansions, and beautiful yacht harbors  A special lunch is served at Shooters Restaurant on the waterway.  Late afternoon is at your leisure.  Some may want to explore the Riverwalk, a quaint new waterfront park that is connected to the city’s historic district or shopping at the famous Las Olas Shops steps from the hotel.  The Water Taxi Services depart across the street from the hotel.
Included Meals: Lunch

Day 8 - Ft. Lauderdale to Key West
Experience dramatic ocean scenery today as we motor along the causeway from the mainland to the Florida Keys.  The Overseas Highway is an ocean voyage like no other and is rated one of the most scenic drives in America.  Marathon, Key Largo, Islamorada, Sugar Loaf, 7-mile Bridge, and Key West are names that spark the imagination with sweeping vistas of clear turquoise waters surrounding.  Following a Trolley tour of Key West we check into your hotel for a two night stay.
Hotel: Sheraton Suites Key West

Day 9 - Key West
A leisure day allows time to enjoy this charming 19th-century seaside town at your own pace.  Browse the shops along Duval Street, see Hemingway’s house on the harbor’s edge, and stroll through the boutiques and museums at Mallory Square. Dinner is at a favorite restaurant before we experience the famous sunset celebration of Key West. An experience you will long remember.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Key West to Fort Myers
Head north to the mainland with coral reef islands reaching out along the way providing breathtaking scenery.  After lunch we’ll drive through Big Cypress National Preserve where we will experience a “river of grass” marshland.  We’ll enjoy an airboat ride through the everglades and don’t be surprised if you see alligators basking in the sun!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hampton Inn

Day 11 - Fort Myers to St. Petersburg Beach
Sightsee Fort Myers and visit the Edison/Ford Winter Estates.
See some of Edison’s incredible inventions and his lovely
botanical garden.  Lunch is arranged at a charming waterfront restaurant and then it’s on to St Petersburg for a three night stay at your all suite hotel on the beach.
Included Meals: Light Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel:  Sirata Beach Resort & Suites

Day 12 - St. Petersburg Beach
Motor past Clearwater to beautiful Tarpon Springs the “Sponges Capital of the World.”  This charming village was founded back in 1907.  Tarpon Springs is a Mecca of Greek culture.  Stroll around this charming seaside village where divers bring in the famous sponge from off the Gulf floor.  Walk the fishing docks and do some browsing in the local shops.  Before lunch today we’ll take a Sponge Cruise and see just how the sponge divers collect the sponges.  After lunch at a Greek Restaurant, we’ll take a Nature Cruise where we may see dolphins, manatees and many species of birds.  Then back to the resort for a restful evening.
Included Meals: Light Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Sirata Beach Resort
              
Day 13 - St. Petersburg Beach
Sleep late and enjoy a free day at the resort on sunny Gulf Coast.  Take a dip in the sparkling pool, pull up a chair on the sandy beach, ride the trolley, or do some shopping, the choice is yours.  This evening join us for dinner at a favorite waterfront restaurant.
Included:  Light Breakfast, Dinner
 
Day 14 - St. Peters Beach to Montgomery
The motorcoach group tours along into Alabama with a delightful stop at a local fruit stand.  Our home will be Montgomery for the evening. 
Included Meals: Light Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Drury Inn

Day 15 - Montgomery to Memphis
Travel to Memphis today.  Visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley and shrine to one of America’s greatest musical legends.  This evening some may want to visit Beale Street with it’s many restaurants serving up great food and entertainment.
Included Meals: Light Breakfast
Hotel: Drury Inn

Day 16 - Memphis to Hannibal
Depart for Hannibal where we will spend a restful evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Drury Inn

Day 17 - Hannibal to Home
After breakfast this morning we make our final stretch home with lunch and coffee breaks on your own.
Included Meals: Light Breakfast