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Canoeing Three Rivers: Explore Florida's Nature Coast From the Water Up

Program Number: 2176RJ
Start and End Dates:
2/24/2013 - 3/1/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Crystal River, Florida
Price starting at: $897.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Water Sports Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    

Gently paddle your way into the heart of Florida as you canoe along three river systems. Led by expert naturalist-guides, learn about an amazing variety of plant and animal species as well as human impacts on the environment. Evening sessions in your comfortable hotel present fascinating aspects of local history, biology, anthropology, archaeology, geology, literature and folk music.




Highlights

• Study flat-water river systems of west-central Florida from their sources to their outlets.
• Learn from naturalists about the plants and animals that inhabit this region of the state.
• Enjoy exciting and educational canoe excursions on three of Florida’s most spectacular rivers.



Activity Particulars

Canoeing up to 10 miles, 3.5 hours plus breaks. Paddling mostly with current.




Crystal River

Crystal River is a city on Florida’s Nature Coast known as the “Home of the Manatee.” During the winter, when water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico cool, more than 400 manatees take up residence in Kings Bay. The large, loveable sea cows aren’t the only fascinating wildlife here — you can also find alligators, colorful birds and more.
Accommodations
Eco-friendly resort in Crystal River on the "Nature Coast" of Florida. Borders the Gulf of Mexico, surrounded by natural springs.
Meals and Lodgings
   The Plantation Golf Resort
  Crystal River, FL 5 nights
 The Plantation Golf Resort
Type: Resort
  Description: Located in Crystal River, Florida amid the unspoiled splendor and beauty of Florida’s Nature Coast – Plantation Golf Resort & Spa is the perfect setting for a unique and relaxing Florida getaway that is unlike any other vacation you’ve had before. This first-class Crystal River, FL hotel accommodations truly embody the meaning of “Southern Hospitality”. At Plantation Golf Resort & Spa, they don’t use this term lightly because we insist on applying it as our absolute standard. When it comes down to it, the fact of the matter is our service, charm, and style are 100% pure southern in every sense. It’s no coincidence that year after year we consistently show up in Lodging Hospitality’s “Top 100 Performing Hotels”. At the tranquil setting along Central Florida’s Nature Coast, we invite you to escape your typical routine and make yourself at home here at the Plantation Golf Resort & Spa, surrounded by 232 acres of picturesque countryside with rolling greens, well-manicured lawns, and grand live oaks, palms, and pines. Upon arriving at the Plantation manor, kick back in any one of our 202 warmly-appointed resort accommodations or suites.
  Contact info: 9301 W Fort Island TRL
Crystal River, FL 34429 USA
phone: 352-795-4211
web: www.plantationgolfandspa.com/
  Room amenities: Complimentary Coffee & Coffee Maker Iron/Ironing Board Hair Dryer Data Ports Full Cable TV with Premium Channels and In-House Pay Per View Movies & Games Individual Climate Control Air Conditioning Down Comforters High Speed Wireless is Available for a Nominal Fee
  Facility amenities: Bar/lounge Restaurant(s) in hotel Parking (free) Business center Banquet facilities Multiple conference/meeting rooms Safe-deposit box - front desk 24-hour front desk Elevator/lift Swimming pool - outdoor Number of floors: 2 Year Built 1962 Room service (limited hours) Internet access in public areas - complimentary Internet access - wireless Breakfast available (surcharge) full Wireless (high-speed) Internet access - complimentary Number of restaurants 4 Golf course on site Tennis on site
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call the hotel Call the hotel directly for availability and pricing. Mention that you are part of the World Events/Road Scholar group.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call the hotel Call the hotel directly for availability and pricing. Mention that you are part of the World Events/Road Scholar group.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
5:00 PM Crystal River, FL. You will be staying at The Plantation Golf Resort that night.
  End of Program:
11:00 AM Crystal River, FL. You will be staying at The Plantation Golf Resort the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Our forms completed with your individual Emergency information. World Events LLC and its sub-contractors may also require liability waivers for certain activities
  Parking availability:
Contact the hotel for details
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Crystal River, FL
  Nearest city or town:  Brooksville and Homosassa
  Nearest highway: I-75
  Nearest airport:  Tampa International Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Crystal River, FL
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Crystal River

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Top Hat Taxi
phone: 352-628-4927

   

Tampa Airport
 
Driving Directions
  From Jacksonville I-10 West to US 301 Exit South to SR 24 SR 24 West to Gainesville, to US121 Southwest on SR 121 to US19 South on US19 to SR 44 Intersection in Crystal River Continue19 south to 2nd traffic light West Ft. Island Trail, Turn right go .8 miles, located on the right side.
  From Orlando Florida Turnpike North to I-75 I-75 North to Exit 329 Wildwood West on SR 44 to Crystal River South on US 19 to 2nd traffic light West Ft. Island Trail, Turn right go .8 miles, located on the right side.
  From Tampa FL-589 Toll North to US 98 West (left) on US 98 to US 19/SR-55 North (right) on US 19/SR-55 to Crystal River Turn left on Ft. Island Trail Located 1/8 mile on right side
Equipment Requirements: Outdoor Clothing, small pack/duffel for belongings in canoe, insulated lunch box, beach towel, 3-4' rope, shoes that can get wet, rain gear, sunscreen and hat, water bottle, zip lock bags for a change of clothing, insect repellent, flashlight.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Orientation/ Canoeing Review/Dinner/Lecture
(Sunday, February 24)
   
 Afternoon: Orientation at the Hotel Meeting Room. Introductions of the participants, the weekly schedule, and question/answer period. Canoe review by the Canoe Instructors. All course work including the river trips throughout the week relate to the program.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel .
 Evening: Lecture
   
Accommodations: The Plantation Golf Resort
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Canoeing at Ozello River
(Monday, February 25)
   
 Breakfast: Continental Breakfast
 Morning: Depart from the hotel on a van for canoeing at Ozello River on the Gulf of Mexico. Clear water, salty air, mangroves, dolphins and shell islands.
 Lunch: Lunch at a rest spot on the river
 Afternoon: Free Afternoon
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant
   
Accommodations: The Plantation Golf Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Lectures / Free time
(Tuesday, February 26)
   
 Breakfast: Continental Breakfast
 Morning: Two Lectures led by local experts . Covering the fauna and flora of the area.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: Lecture related to "Exploring Florida's Ecosystems From the Water Up". Free Time to enjoy the beautiful resort.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant
 Evening: Lecture related to "Exploring Florida's Ecosystems From the Water Up".
   
Accommodations: The Plantation Golf Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Canoeing at Chassahowitzka River/ Dinner
(Wednesday, February 27)
   
 Breakfast: Continental Breakfast
 Morning: Depart from the hotel for canoeing at Chassahowitzka River. Because of its nearly pristine, natural condition, the Chassahowitzka River is one of the more scenic rivers in Florida. Accessible only by boat or canoe, the Chassahowitzka River is one of the state's Outstanding Florida Waters. Because of its natural importance to Florida, it received this designation and was given special protection to maintain its existing water quality conditions.
 Lunch: Lunch at a rest spot on the river.
 Afternoon: Canoe trip. Returning to the hotel in time for dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.
   
Accommodations: The Plantation Golf Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Canoeing at Weeki Wachee River/ Dinner / Lecture
(Thursday, February 28)
   
 Breakfast: Continental Breakfast.
 Morning: Depart from the hotel for canoeing at Weeki Wachee River. The river is in Hernando County. It flows 12 miles westwards from Weeki Wachee to the Gulf of Mexico at the Weeki Wachee estuary.
 Lunch: Lunch at a rest spot on the river.
 Afternoon: Canoe trip. Returning to the hotel in time for dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant
 Evening: Lecture related to "Exploring Florida's Ecosystems From the Water Up".
   
Accommodations: The Plantation Golf Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Independent Departures
(Friday, March 1)
   
 Breakfast: Continental Breakfast
 Morning: Independent Departure
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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