Experience the best of Central and Southwest Florida on this 14-night fly-drive, combining world-famous attractions with crystal-clear springs, abundant wildlife and the relaxed charm of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Perfect for first-time visitors and returning travellers alike, this itinerary offers the flexibility to enjoy Orlando’s legendary theme parks before discovering a quieter, more authentic side of the Sunshine State.
Begin with eight nights in Orlando, giving you the freedom to experience Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and many of the city’s other attractions at your own pace. Those looking to venture beyond the theme parks can explore picturesque Winter Park, enjoy world-class shopping, play championship golf or take memorable day trips to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Florida’s Atlantic Coast.
Leaving Orlando behind, continue to Crystal River, where crystal-clear springs and remarkable wildlife offer a complete change of scenery. Depending on the season, enjoy the unique opportunity to swim with wild manatees, paddle through peaceful waterways by kayak or discover the natural beauty of Florida’s Nature Coast.
Your journey concludes with four relaxing nights in Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach, one of Southwest Florida’s most welcoming waterfront destinations. Here, beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, boating, nature, waterfront dining and spectacular sunsets create the perfect finale to your holiday, allowing you to slow the pace before returning home.
With comfortable driving distances, excellent accommodation and the freedom to explore at your own pace, this itinerary combines iconic attractions with authentic Florida experiences, showcasing the remarkable diversity that makes the Sunshine State one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations.
All of our itineraries are fully customisable and can be tailored to suit your individual preferences. Whether you’d like to start or end in a different city, upgrade your hotel accommodation, or add sightseeing excursions to enrich your experience, your Discover North America Travel Specialist is here to help.
This itinerary can also operate in reverse, starting in Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach and ending in Orlando, Florida Your Travel Specialist will be happy to tailor the route and travel arrangements to suit your preferred direction of travel, flight options, or schedule.
We don’t include international flights in our headline prices as standard, as we work with a wide range of scheduled airline partners and offer flexible options to suit your preferences. Factors such as departure airport, airline, travel class, travel dates, and seasonal promotions can all impact the final fare. Your Discover North America Travel Specialist will take the time to understand your individual requirements and source the best-value flights tailored to your itinerary.
Find out more about the process we follow here.
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Arrive at Orlando International Airport, collect your rental car and make the short drive to your chosen hotel for an eight-night stay.
After checking in, spend the remainder of the day settling into your surroundings. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy dinner at Disney Springs, ICON Park or one of Orlando's many restaurants before preparing for the exciting days ahead.
With seven full days to explore, you'll have ample time to experience everything Orlando has to offer, whether you're visiting the world-famous theme parks or discovering the region's many other attractions.
Theme park enthusiasts can enjoy unforgettable days at Walt Disney World Resort, choosing between Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Nearby, Universal Orlando Resort is home to thrilling attractions and the immersive Wizarding World of Harry Potter, while SeaWorld Orlando combines exhilarating rides with marine life experiences. Those seeking something truly special may also wish to spend a day at Discovery Cove (advance reservations required), where guests can swim with dolphins, snorkel amongst tropical fish and relax in an all-inclusive tropical setting.
If theme parks aren't your priority, Orlando offers plenty of alternative experiences. Explore the boutique shops and lakeside cafés of Winter Park, enjoy a scenic boat cruise through its chain of lakes, browse Orlando's renowned shopping outlets, or spend time at ICON Park with its restaurants, attractions and spectacular views from The Orlando Eye. Golf enthusiasts will find an excellent selection of championship courses, while food lovers can discover the city's increasingly diverse dining scene.
Your extended stay also allows time for memorable day trips. Visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Florida's Space Coast to discover the story of American space exploration, spend a day relaxing on the Atlantic beaches at Cocoa Beach, or head west to Tampa and Busch Gardens for another exciting adventure.
Whether you choose to fill every day with excitement or balance the attractions with time to relax by the pool, Orlando provides the perfect start to your Florida holiday.
Leave Orlando behind and travel north-west to Crystal River for a two-night stay.
Renowned for its crystal-clear freshwater springs, Crystal River is one of the few places in North America where visitors can legally swim alongside wild manatees during the winter months. Depending on the season, enjoy a guided manatee tour, paddle through Kings Bay by kayak or paddleboard, visit Three Sisters Springs or explore Crystal River Archaeological State Park.
The relaxed pace provides a refreshing contrast to Orlando's excitement.
Spend today enjoying Florida's beautiful Nature Coast.
Explore the spring-fed waterways by kayak, take a wildlife cruise, go fishing or simply relax beside the water. Visitors may also wish to visit nearby Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, home to native Florida wildlife including manatees, black bears, panthers and alligators.
Today, journey south along Florida's Gulf Coast towards Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach.
Along the way, consider stopping in Tarpon Springs to experience its famous Greek sponge docks, enjoy lunch in downtown Sarasota or relax on the beautiful beaches of Siesta Key or Venice before continuing south.
Arrive in Punta Gorda during the afternoon and enjoy a leisurely evening exploring Fishermen's Village or dining at one of the area's waterfront restaurants.
Spend today exploring Punta Gorda's welcoming waterfront atmosphere.
Take a harbour cruise across Charlotte Harbor, hire bicycles to explore the city's scenic pathways or browse the boutiques and restaurants at Fishermen's Village. Wildlife cruises offer opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees and a variety of native birdlife, while the city's relaxed pace makes it perfect for simply unwinding.
Enjoy the beautiful beaches that make this stretch of Florida's Gulf Coast so appealing.
Spend time at Englewood Beach or Manasota Key, search for fossilised shark teeth, kayak through peaceful mangrove waterways or visit Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, renowned for its charming village, historic lighthouse and spectacular beaches.
Golfers will also find several excellent courses throughout the region.
Your final full day offers the opportunity to experience even more of the destination.
Join an eco-tour along the Peace River, explore local art galleries and museums, enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the marina or simply relax by the pool before watching another unforgettable Gulf Coast sunset.
The slower pace of life provides the perfect finale to your Florida fly-drive.
Your itinerary concludes today.
From Punta Gorda, you may choose to return to Orlando International Airport or Tampa International Airport for your flight home, with both offering convenient access and direct services to the UK.
For travellers with additional time, this itinerary can easily be extended. Continue south to Naples and Everglades National Park before finishing in Miami, or head north along Florida's Gulf Coast to St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Anna Maria Island. Alternatively, travel east to Florida's Space Coast, where the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral provide an excellent extension before returning to Orlando for your flight home.
This flexibility allows you to tailor your Florida holiday around your interests while discovering even more of the Sunshine State's diverse landscapes, attractions and coastal communities.