Gulf Coast Getaway

Welcome to the South (D) -Depart from DTW (Detroit Metro Airport) and arrive in Atlanta, Georgia to begin your Southern journey. After landing, enjoy free time for lunch and to visit one of two iconic attractions. You’ll have the option to explore the Georgia Aquarium or dive into the fizzy history of the World of Coca-Cola. This afternoon, travel into Alabama and arrive in Birmingham, gaining an hour as you cross into Central Time. Check into the Embassy Suites and enjoy a relaxing welcome dinner with fellow travelers as your adventure begins.

Birmingham’s Spirit and Skyline (B, D) - Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before exploring the rich and varied history of Birmingham with a guided tour. Visit Sloss Furnaces, a towering reminder of the city’s industrial roots, and take in panoramic views from Vulcan Park, where the world’s largest cast iron statue keeps watch over the city. The interactive museum explores Birmingham’s growth, geology, and culture. Enjoy an independent lunch at the lively Pizitz Food Hall, followed by a peaceful stroll through the beautifully designed Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Cap off your day with dinner at a local restaurant.

From Legacy to Leisure (B, L) - After breakfast and checkout, travel south to Montgomery. Here, you’ll visit the Montgomery Interpretive Center, which tells the story of the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March and the students who took part in this powerful movement. Watch a short film and explore the exhibits before enjoying lunch at the iconic Dreamland BBQ. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the coast and check in at The Island House Hotel in Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, Alabama. Settle into this beachfront property, soak in the view, and enjoy dinner on your own at the hotel or nearby.

Sand, Gardens and Coastal Glow (B) - Ease into the day with a relaxed morning at the beach. Stroll the shoreline, enjoy a swim, or simply unwind under the sun. In the afternoon, visit the breathtaking Bellingrath Gardens and Home near Mobile. Wander through the estate’s stunning gardens and tour the beautifully preserved 1930s home. Return to Orange Beach and spend your evening at The Wharf, a vibrant entertainment district with restaurants, shops, a Ferris wheel, and a nightly laser light show. Dinner is on your own tonight, with plenty of options to choose from.

Gulf Adventures and Relaxation (B, D) - Begin the day with a two-hour dolphin cruise aboard the Bama Breeze, where you may spot dolphins gliding through Gulf waters. After the cruise, enjoy lunch on your own at one of the nearby waterfront restaurants. You might also stop into the legendary Flora-Bama Bar for a signature Bushwacker cocktail, a frozen treat celebrating its 50th anniversary. You’ll have a free afternoon to enjoy the resort or consider an optional helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of the coast. Tonight, gather at LuLu’s in Gulf Shores for a festive dinner and live music.

Southern Stories and Scenic Stops (B, L) - After breakfast and checkout, head toward Atlanta with a special stop in Wetumpka. This charming small town, featured in the film Big Fish and on HGTV’s Home Town Takeover, offers a guided tour highlighting its colorful history and revitalization. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on to the Drury Inn & Suites near the Atlanta Airport. Settle in for the night and enjoy dinner on your own, with complimentary “Kickback” options available at the hotel.

April 30 | Farewell to the Coast (B) -Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing for the Atlanta Airport. Return home to Detroit, MI with memories of white sand beaches, vibrant Southern cities, and the relaxing rhythm of the Gulf Coast.