The Villages of Florida

Depart from Detroit Metro Airport & Fly to Tampa, Florida. Roundtrip Airfare is included. Arrive at the Plantation on Crystal River for a two night stay. This beautiful 50-year-old, 232 acre eco-friendly resort offering comfortable accommodations, a full service spa, and is surrounded by the natural springs of Kings Bay. This bay in Crystal River is one of the largest aquifers in the state and home to more than 400 West Indian manatees that migrate each year to the warmth of the springs. Dinner is included this evening at the resort. (D)

This morning starts with a scenic narrated river cruise. Explore water in King's Bay, which is home to over 41 named springs such as the crown jewel of the Crystal River National Refuge, Three Sisters Springs. The bay is also home to the Florida West Manatee. Even in the summer there can be as many as 50-70 manatees in the bay. In the winter there can be up to 600 manatees!! The afternoon is yours to discover what activities the Plantation on Crystal River have to offer. There is a variety of fishing, boating, watersports, and nature-based experiences off and onshore. There is also a golf course and full-service spa available. Dinner is included this evening at the resort. (B,D)

Arrive at The Villages! On arrival, our group will take a trolley tour with your step on guide. It will provide you with a thorough orientation to this city of over 100,000 (age 55+). From the trolley you will see and learn about each of the Town Squares, and about the requirements of residency, plus you’ll see the recreation opportunities available to you in the days to come. Four Days of Golf Car Rental: When the Trolley Tour ends you will pick up your Golf Car. One Golf Car per room. Golf Cars come standard with a roof, rain enclosure, headlights, directional signals and the 1st tank of gas free. The Villages have separate (safe from automobiles) golf car roads. Note: Golf Carts are gas powered with a range of about 200 miles. Rental requirements state that one person in every room must be over the age of 55, and one person per car must have a valid Driver’s License. Check into the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in The Villages for a four night stay. It is an extended stay hotel in Spanish Springs and is just a short walk or golf cart ride to the Spanish Springs Town Square where you will find shopping, dining, and free live entertainment each night of the year. Enjoy a free evening in The Villages. Cruise the streets, park at the Square and listen to live music from inside your cars; or dancing by the bandstand. Dinner is on your own this evening. (B)

Morning sightseeing is a group excursion onboard your motorcoach to Silver Springs Florida. This was one of Florida’s first tourist attractions. It is also one of the largest artesian springs in the world, and the park quickly became renowned for the Glass Bottom Boat tour. It provides you a unique vantage point and the experienced Tour Guides will give you an up-close and personal look at Florida’s amazingly diverse ecosystem! You have the best seats in the house for viewing wildlife, taking pictures, asking questions, and learning about the lore and history of Silver Springs. Returning to The Villages this afternoon you’ll discover that shopping and dining are an important part of the Villages lifestyle and there are literally hundreds of shops, boutiques, bistros, nationally known restaurants and stores to choose from scattered around the three Town Squares – all accessible by golf car! At each Square you find FREE, live music and dancing, modern movie theaters, and a colorful assortment of events and activities. (B)

After breakfast, your group travels to Ocala. The area around Ocala is known for Thoroughbred Horse Farms and this morning you travel past many enroute to your tour at "Chasin' A Dream" Horse Farm. This is a real broodmare foaling farm and they typically have new foals on the ground, every spring. With your guides narrating you will see mothers and their babies in the field and have photo opportunities. By the end of two hours you should have a good thoroughbred education, from breeding to training, if you still have questions there is a Q & A session at the end of the tour. This afternoon, visit the Appleton Museum of Art. The Museum has a large collection of European paintings, sculptures and decorative arts and boast over 18,000 object. Some of the permanent exhibits you can see are a collection of Florida Artists, an equine art collection that spans over 3,000 years of history as well as Colombian, Asian and African arts. This evening enjoy free time and dinner on your own in The Villages. (B)

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning to explore The Villages. This afternoon enjoy a matinee show at the Orange Blossom Opry. They present a variety of musical styles including traditional country, new country, rock and show tunes, plus their own special brand of humor! 2024 schedule has not been announced. Following the show you will return to The Villages for dinner on your own, relax and enjoy live music at one of the Town Squares. (B)

After breakfast, its time to head to the airport for your flight home to Detroit. (B)