Domestic
2027 Florida Keys - Lighthouses and Key Lime Pie
This tour is special due to its unique location. The Keys were originally inhabited by the Calusa and Tequesta people and were later charted by Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513. De León named the islands Los Martires ("The Martyrs"), as they looked like suffering men from a distance. "Key" is derived from the Spanish word cayo, meaning small island. For many years, Key West was the largest town in Florida, and it grew prosperous on wrecking revenues. The isolated outpost was well located for trade with Cuba and the Bahamas and was on the main trade route from New Orleans. The scenery is palm trees and beautiful views and sunsets that will take your breath away. Of course, we have to experience their cuisine, especially Key Lime Pie. Join this tour for fun and adventure.
Tour Leaders: Dean Lohmeyer, Cassandra Rowland
Tour Cancellation/Refund Policy/Trip Insurance
210-180 day prior to departure date $150.00 processing fee will be charged
179 - 150 days prior to departure Deposits become non-refundable
149-90 days prior to departure 25% of tour price becomes non-refundable
89-60 days prior to departure 50% of tour price becomes non-refundable
59-1 days prior to departure 100% of tour price becomes non-refundable
NOTE: Trip Insurance is now required or a signed waiver on file at the USLHS headquarters
NOTE: Due to the dynamic and fluctuating world markets, the price per person may change. The actual cost will be establish after all the tour elements have been negotiated and finalized.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Friday April 16, 2027 (D)
We start this adventure in Miami at the beautiful hotel, Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon. We will have our Welcome Dinner here and get to know each other.
Day 2 - Saturday April 17, 2027 (B/L/D)
Today we start our adventure at Cape Florida Lighthouse. We will have plenty of time to climb the lighthouse and walk the sandy beach. From there we head to the Bayside Market Place where we will have lunch at the Hard Rock Café. There will be time to shop in the local shops. After this leisure morning we go to Dinner Key Marina where we will board a cruise boat to see Cape Florida Lighthouse from the water, Boca Chita Lighthouse and Fowey Rock Lighthouse. This evening tour will last 4 hours so we will enjoy the sun setting as we head back to the marina. We will have dinner in a local Café and then go back to the hotel.
Day 3 - Sunday April 18, 2027 (B/L/D)
This is a day full of boat rides. After we pack our bags onto the bus, we go to Amoray Dive Center where we will board a boat for an early morning ride to see Carysfort Lighthouse and Key Largo Lighthouse from the water. We then make a quick stop at Founders Park to get a photo of Pacific Reef Light Lantern Room. Next is a stop to pick up a lunch/dinner so we have time to get to our next boat ride at Robbie's Marina. This is a 6 hour boat ride due to the distance that has to be traveled to reach our next lighthouses, Alligator Reef and Tennessee Reef. We end our day with a quick ride to our hotel in Marathon.
Day 4 - Monday April 19, 2027 (B/L)
One more boat ride today after we load up the bus with our bags. We arrive at Captain Hooks Marina for a 3.5 hour boat ride to see Sombrero Key and Faro Blanco Lighthouses. We will have lunch at a local restaurant and then head to Key West where we will climb the Key West Lighthouse. We will have time to tour their fabulous museum and gift shop. We will go to our hotel, Hilton Garden Inn, early enough that you will have time in the evening to explore the city and have dinner on your own.
Day 5 - Tuesday April 20, 2027 (B/L)
This is an early morning so we can get on the ferry, Yankee Freedom III, that will take us to Dry Tortugas National Park. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on the ferry. Here you will tour Fort Jefferson and get a close up picture of Garden Key Light. We are there for approximately 5 hours and then you return on the ferry. You will be able to get a distant view of the Dry Tortugas Lighthouse (weather permitting) but on the way back you will be able to see it closer. You may even be able to see Pulaski Shoal Light. After returning to Key West, you can pick any excellent restaurant to have dinner on your own. Hotel bus will pick you up at designated location and various times to take you back.
Day 6 - Wednesday April 21, 2027 (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will go to Fury Adventures to board a boat to see Sand Key Lighthouse and American Shoal Lighthouse. This will be a 4 hour boat ride and lunch will be served on board. When we get back we will go to a local restaurant for dinner and then back to the hotel..
Day 7 - Thursday April 22, 2027 (B/D)
After breakfast you are free to tour the city of Key West and visit the many museums and visitor sites until dinner. There are range lights that you will be able to see while walking the city. Our Farewell Dinner this evening will be at the Key West Lighthouse. This will be a time to show pictures and reflect on the memories experienced on this fabulous tour.
Day 8 - Friday April 23, 2027 (B/L)
This is a day traveling to airports. For those that are flying out of Key West, the bus will take you there. For those flying out of Miami it will be a 3 plus hour bus trip to Miami. We will stop for lunch on the way. We should arrive in Miami by 2 PM and can take you directly to the airport. If you decide to stay longer at Key West or Miami, the arrangements for airport arrival are up to you.
Costs:
What's Included:
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Tickets for 5 Boat Rides
Tickets on Ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park
Want more details?
Contact Headquarters: (415)362-7255 or jeff@uslhs.org
and encourage them to come along!
Register
Download a Tour Registration Form (PDF). Complete and mail your check to USLHS, 9005 Point No Point Rd NE, Hansville, WA 98340.