Combine the excitement of Orlando with the relaxed charm of Southwest Florida on this 14-night fly-drive, perfectly balancing world-famous attractions with beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, authentic waterfront communities and unforgettable natural experiences. Ideal for families, couples and first-time visitors alike, this itinerary showcases two very different sides of the Sunshine State, allowing you to experience both its iconic attractions and its more laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Begin with seven nights in Orlando, giving you the freedom to enjoy Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and many of the city’s other renowned attractions at your own pace. Beyond the theme parks, Orlando also offers championship golf, excellent shopping, vibrant dining districts and easy access to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Florida’s Atlantic Coast.
Your holiday then continues with seven nights in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, one of Southwest Florida’s best-kept touring bases. Set on the shores of Charlotte Harbor, the destination combines waterfront dining, boating, wildlife and spectacular Gulf Coast sunsets with easy access to many of the region’s most celebrated attractions. Beautiful beaches at Englewood and Manasota Key, the elegance of Boca Grande, the cultural attractions of Sarasota, the sophistication of Naples and countless parks, nature reserves and golf courses are all within comfortable driving distance, allowing you to experience remarkable variety without constantly changing hotels.
With comfortable driving distances, excellent accommodation and the flexibility to explore at your own pace, this itinerary combines thrilling attractions, stunning beaches, abundant wildlife and authentic coastal experiences, offering the perfect introduction to the remarkable diversity of Central and Southwest Florida.
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.
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 a seven-night stay.
Depending on your arrival time, settle into your accommodation before perhaps enjoying dinner at Disney Springs, ICON Park or one of Orlando's many restaurants.
With six 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. 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 to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Cocoa Beach or nearby Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, ensuring there's something to suit every interest.
Leave Orlando behind and journey southwest to Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach for a seven-night stay.
Rather than travelling directly, you may wish to break up the drive with a stop in Lakeland, explore the boutiques and cafés of historic downtown Venice or enjoy lunch overlooking Sarasota Bay before continuing to your Gulf Coast destination.
Arrive during the afternoon and enjoy your first evening strolling around Fishermen's Village or dining at one of the area's waterfront restaurants.
Spend your first full day getting to know Punta Gorda itself.
Browse the shops and restaurants at Fishermen's Village, take a scenic harbour cruise across Charlotte Harbor, hire bicycles to explore the city's waterfront trails or simply relax beside the marina. Wildlife cruises offer opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees and a wide variety of birdlife, while the city's welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to unwind.
Today is perfect for discovering the beautiful beaches that give the destination its name.
Relax on the soft sands of Englewood Beach, search for fossilised shark teeth at Manasota Key, explore Stump Pass Beach State Park or enjoy kayaking through peaceful mangrove waterways. Those looking for a leisurely afternoon can enjoy waterfront dining while watching another unforgettable Gulf Coast sunset.
Take the short drive to elegant Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island.
Known for its historic lighthouse, charming village atmosphere, beautiful beaches and world-renowned tarpon fishing, Boca Grande offers a wonderful day out. Browse local boutiques, hire bicycles to explore the island or simply enjoy its relaxed coastal character before returning to Punta Gorda for the evening.
One of the great advantages of staying in Punta Gorda is its easy access to many of Southwest Florida's most popular destinations.
Today, head north to Sarasota, where you can visit The Ringling Museum of Art, browse the boutiques of St. Armands Circle or spend time relaxing on Siesta Key, regularly recognised as one of America's finest beaches thanks to its powder-soft white sand.
Return to Punta Gorda in time for dinner overlooking Charlotte Harbor.
Travel south along the Gulf Coast to discover sophisticated Naples.
Spend the day exploring Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, relax on Naples Beach, stroll along the historic Naples Pier or enjoy lunch at one of the city's many elegant restaurants. Those wishing to experience Florida's remarkable natural environment may also consider a boat trip into the nearby Ten Thousand Islands.
Return to Punta Gorda for your final evening.
Your final full day offers the flexibility to enjoy whatever interests you most.
You may wish to join an eco-tour along the Peace River, visit nearby Myakka River State Park for wildlife viewing, spend another relaxing day at the beach, play one of the region's excellent golf courses or simply enjoy Punta Gorda's laid-back waterfront lifestyle.
Alternatively, use the day to revisit one of the neighbouring destinations you've enjoyed most during your stay.
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.
If you have additional time, this itinerary can easily be extended. Continue south to Everglades National Park and Miami, travel north towards Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Anna Maria Island, or explore Florida's Space Coast, home to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and Cocoa Beach.
This itinerary perfectly demonstrates why Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach is such an outstanding touring base. Ideally positioned within easy reach of many of Southwest Florida's most celebrated beaches, coastal communities and natural attractions, it allows you to discover an extraordinary variety of experiences while returning each evening to one of Florida's most relaxed and welcoming waterfront destinations.