Getaways

Blue Spring State Park Boat Cruise

Manatees anyone?! Enjoy the Natural Wonders of Florida’s Longest River System! The spring is much more than a scenic area for canoeing and swimming; it’s a place that plays a vital role in the survival of one of Florida’s most beleaguered residents – the manatee. Conservation measures can produce astounding results. In 1970, two years before Blue Spring State Park was established, researchers tracked 14 manatees in the spring run. By 2018, that number skyrocketed to a record 485. Besides “sea cows,” fish abound in the spring run, and these attract a variety of wading birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers.

Angel & Phelps Chocolate Factory

Angel & Phelps has been crafting fine quality chocolates and candies since 1925. Take the factory tour and through large cottage windows you'll view experienced candy makers doing things the Old-Fashioned way! Enjoy your FREE samples at the conclusion of the Tour!

Gypsy Vanner Horse Farm

Before World War II, horses that pulled British gypsy carts and caravans were not a recognized breed. It was only after World War II that a vision was born to create the horse now known as the Gypsy Vanner Horse or Vanner. Discover the history of this enchanting animal, first brought to America in 1996 by Dennis & Cindy Thompson. Enjoy a two-hour tour of the farm and the horses, discovering the story of this unique breed.

Trolley St Augustine Light Show

The holidays are a popular time for decorating your home in the spirit of the season. In America’s Oldest City, they take the decorating to a whole different level. Inspired by the early Spanish settler’s traditional holiday practice of displaying lit candles on windowsills, today The Annual Nights of Lights brightens up the holidays in The Ancient City!  Enjoy the Nights of Lights tour with Old Town Trolley as you experience the glow of the season with more than 3 million sparkling white lights adorning every corner of the city, stretching for nearly 20 blocks.

Morse Museum

The Morse Museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933), an artist and designer best known for his stained glass works.   On display are the artist’s jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass lamps and windows, his chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and art and architectural objects from his Long Island country estate, Laurelton Hall. 

Winter Park Boat Cruise

Take an hour-long guided scenic boat cruise on the tranquil Winter Park chain, meandering through three of the seven lakes and two, narrow manmade canals. On any given tour, you may observe cranes swooping waterside to snag a large fish or a lazy alligator languishing on a nearby bank. Every tour guarantees plenty of swaying palms, towering cypress trees, a variety of flourishing sub-tropical flowers and breathtaking views of opulent private homes and sprawling shoreline exquisite estates.

Dolphin Cruise & Dinner

Imagine....you, leisurely feasting on a mouth-watering dinner aboard the Lady Dolphin of Daytona while on a sightseeing Cruise on the Halifax River. Leave your cares behind as you relax and enjoy the warm gentle breezes and breath-taking Halifax River scenery with a 2 hour cruise. 

Stress-free Holiday Planning

Skip the worry this holiday season and let us take care of you! Even the uncertainty of exchange rates is covered, since most of the costs of the trip are included, and paid in Canadian dollars.

Relaxing Combination of a Tour & Long Stay

In keeping with our long stay programs, there will be a balance of free time, excursions to local interesting and historic places, and social get togethers, but for this trip, the excursions and special dinners are included!

St Augustine “Nights of Lights” Trolley Tour

This annual tradition is something special to see. The oldest city in America, inspired by its Spanish roots decorates the town with more than 3 million sparkling white lights. You don’t need to walk far to see it all. Board a trolley that takes you around the city, exploring 20 blocks of beautiful old architecture all decorated for the holidays. 

• Motorcoach transportation (flights are an additional charge)
• 10 nights of accommodation at the Bahama House
• 10 breakfasts, 02 lunches, 06 dinners
• All highlights listed
• Services of a Professional Tour Director
• Connections Program
• All taxes

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person, and include all applicable taxes.

Included Highlights

• Gypsy Vanner Horse Farm
• Blue Springs boat cruise
• Angel & Phelps Chocolate Factory
• St. Augustine “Nights of Lights” by trolley 
• Morse Museum
• Winter Park Boat Cruise
• Paddle Boat Dinner Cruise

Day 1:  Depart for Daytona Beach, FL

Start your journey to the sunny south on one of our deluxe motor coaches.  This is an "express" trip with comfort stops for meals and to stretch your legs.  Check out our web-site FAQ's for some travel tips.  You'll be in Daytona enjoying the sunshine before you know it!

Day 2:  Arrive in Daytona Beach, FL

We'll arrive in Daytona Beach, early afternoon, and the first order of business is a trip to get some groceries.  You'll want a few snacks and adult beverages, perhaps some items for lunches, and something for tonight's dinner.

Stay: Bahama House, Daytona Beach (10 nights)

Day 3:  Christmas Eve, Free Day to get settled in

Become acquainted with the deluxe hot breakfast at the Bahama House, relax, unpack, and explore as you wish.  This evening, enjoy an included dinner at a popular local restaurant. Then settle in at the hotel for some Christmas carols and some Christmas Eve cheer.

Meals: B, D

Day 4:  Christmas Day, Church for those who wish, Christmas treats

Merry Christmas! Transportation will be offered for those wishing to go to church this morning. The Party Room is available for our merry band as of 11 am. We will serve some light refreshments before attending a Christmas Champagne Buffet midafternoon, at a local hotel, and more holiday cheer will follow. 

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5:  Free day to explore

Today is a day to explore the beach or enjoy the pool. Get together with other guests for card games or find a quiet spot and enjoy a good book. Feel free to check with our tour director for exploring ideas.

Meals: B

Day 6: Gypsy Vanner Horse Farm, Carney Island Conservation

A lovely country drive will take us to the Gypsy Vanner Horse Farm, home to beautiful, graceful horses first brought to this country in 1996. While touring the farm, learn about the history of the horses, and be sure to get a photo with one of these elegant creatures. Then it’s on to Carney Island Conservation area where a delicious lakeside picnic lunch awaits. There'll be some free time back at the hotel before we head out for dinner.

Meals: B, L

Day 7:  Blue Spring State Park, Angel & Phelps Chocolate Factory

This morning, we’ll be welcomed aboard for a narrated boating adventure down the St. Johns River! The St. Johns River is rich in history and wildlife, and the friendly crew are excited to share its wonders. Common things to see on the river include wading birds, manatees, aquatic plant life, cypress forests, and alligators. Travel to the River Front district of Daytona Beach for some free time to explore and grab some lunch. Then, take a tour of the Angel & Phelps Chocolate Factory. See how they make their delicious treats, then spoil yourself in the gift store. Return to the hotel with free time to relax before departing for an included dinner.

Meals: B, D

Day 8:  Relaxing or Shopping Day

This is a day to do it your way. Shopping will be offered in the morning, departing around 10:30 am, for at least 2 hours. Return to the hotel in the afternoon to relax at the beach or pool. In the evening enjoy an included dinner with your fellow travellers.

Meals: B, D

Day 9:  St Augustine

After a relaxing morning, board the coach for a drive to St Augustine. Arrive in the oldest city in America, and enjoy free time to explore the streets or visit Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States.  While exploring, be sure to select your restaurant for dinner and experience the local flavours - don’t forget the key lime pie!  After dark, meet up with the group to take a trolley tour around the beautiful city, aglow with dazzling displays with more than three million lights!

Meals: B

Day 10:  Morse Museum, Boat Cruise of Winter Park, New Year’s Eve

Today we visit Winter Park, one of Florida's finest cities, famous for its stately trees, brick-lined streets, spectacular homes, museums, and fine shops along Park Avenue. Visit the Morse Museum, home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections by Louis Comfort Tiffany, master of the art of stained glass. Spend free time strolling Park Avenue and find a nice spot to have lunch. After lunch, see this spectacular area from the water with a one-hour guided boat cruise. Arrive back at the hotel in time for a fun cocktail hour and party for dinner.

Meals: B, D

Day 11:  New Year's Day, Dinner Cruise

Spend a relaxing day on your own exploring the area, or just hang out by the pool.  Meet up with everyone for a dolphin watching river cruise with an included dinner.

Meals: B, D

Day 12:  Begin the journey homeward

Say goodbye to your Florida ‘home away from home’ and travel northward. Watch a movie, read a book, or just watch the countryside passing by.

Meals: B

Day 13:  Return home

 We'll be crossing the border at Sarnia, and then you'll bid ‘adieu’ to new friends with fresh, warm memories of Christmas and New Year’s in the sunny south!

Bahama House Hotel, Daytona Beach, FL (10 nights)

The family built, family operated and family-friendly Bahama House is a chic, inviting gem of a hotel. The air-conditioned guest rooms boast a modern décor with spacious living areas, and private balconies with ocean views. In addition to free Wi-Fi, in-room comforts include a coffeemaker, microwave oven, 2-burner cook top, refrigerator, plush bedding, and flat-screen televisions with cable. The famous Daytona Beach sun, sand and surf are mere steps from the hotel, and sunseekers who can do without the sand can lounge in a comfy chaise on the deck by the seasonally heated oceanfront pool

There are three choices of rooms, however the rooms are limited so avoid disappointment and book early:

Ocean View kitchenette, two queen beds

Ocean View Kitchenette, one King Bed

Ocean Front Kitchenette, two queen beds

This tour includes our unique Connections Program, and follows travel Route A, picking up in the following locations:

• Lindsay
• Peterborough
• Bowmanville
• Whitby
• Markham
• Brampton
• Milton
• Cambridge
• Woodstock
• London
• Sarnia

As with any tour if you have dietary issues please let us know at the time of booking. This allows us to talk to caterers and restaurants where group meals are provided to arrange appropriate substitutes for you.

For this tour, you will want to be sure to bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and your camera!  Since evenings can be a bit cool, you’ll want to bring along a jacket. Non-slip, comfortable walking shoes are a good idea, too, especially for the boat tours.

It is possible for guests from anywhere in the world to join this tour!  Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.