Road Scholar : Home
On the Road: Miami Beach to Key West

Program Number: 20900RJ
Start and End Dates:
2/17/2013 - 3/1/2013; 1/26/2014 - 2/7/2014; 2/16/2014 - 2/28/2014; 3/2/2014 - 3/14/2014;
Duration: 12 nights
Location: Miami, Florida
Price starting at: $2,999.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: On the Road Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 33; 12 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 9 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Experience the sophisticated charm of Miami Beach, marvel at the natural wonders of Key Largo and look behind the colorful facade of Key West to discover the source of its enduring allure. From Art Deco architecture to vibrant Little Havana, boats to the winter getaways of prominent Americans, enjoy a memorable experience in one of the most fascinating regions under the Florida sun.




Highlights

• Explore Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District on a walk with a preservationist, who gives an insider's view of into the efforts of city to preserve the famous architecture of years past.
• Journey by Ferry to Pigeon Key and learn about the historic Henry Flagler work camp for the Overseas Railway.
• Pay a visit to the Key West homes of author Ernest Hemingway and President Harry Truman.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to a mile.




Date Specific Information

2-17-2013, 1-26-2014, 2-16-2014, 3-2-2014

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Miami Beach, 5 nights; coach to Key Largo, 2 nights; coach to Key West, 5 nights; coach to Miami, departure.



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Miami

One of America’s most dynamic, multicultural major cities, Miami attracts visitors from around the world to its cultural, recreational and historical attractions. Miami sits in the southeast corner of Florida amid the Miami River, Biscayne Bay, the Everglades and the Atlantic Ocean.
Accommodations
Miami Beach: Beach front art deco hotel. Key Largo: Hotel facing marina. Key West: Historic hotel on Duval St.in Old Town.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Judith Berson-Levinson,
A former college administrator, Dr. Judith Berson-Levinson is now a Miami Beach hotelier who volunteers on numerous municipal boards and committees throughout the city. Her interest in Miami’s history spurs her efforts to educate the community on the important role that Miami Beach held during World War II. Judith has volunteered extensively with local veterans groups, and is an active member of the South Beach Preservation Society.
 
Seth Bramson
As the single-most published Florida history book author in America, Seth Bramson has shared his love for the state’s history in more than 20 books and 110 articles. His writings have explored the origins of areas including Miami Beach and Coral Gables, and have traced the histories of the Florida East Coast Railway and the South Florida’s Gold Coast. Sam is an authority on the three great “Henrys” who built Florida, and has written extensively on the Plant system of railways and steamships.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   South Seas Hotel
  Miami Beach, Florida 5 nights
   Holiday Inn
  Key Largo, Florida 2 nights
   Doubletree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West
  Key West 5 nights
 South Seas Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: Nestled in south beach, the oceanfront South Seas Hotel in Miami Beach is a boutique hideaway in an A-list location. The hotels décor is a mix of style and understatement blending mid-century Miami Beach modernism with an array of contemporary features. Tropical bougainvillea frame a sweeping entranceway and vintage photographs cataloguing Miami’s social history, are featured throughout the building. With the quaint boutique shops of Lincoln Road Mall and Ocean Drive, outdoor café’s, and top notch restaurants, the South Seas places you in the center of it all.
  Contact info: 1751 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139 USA
phone: 800-345-2678
web: www.southseashotel.com
  Room amenities: The rooms offer relaxing seating, a sizable work area, two full long beds, art deco inspired furnishings, 240 thread count duvet covers and linens, flat panel LCD TVs, I-pod docking station, digital clocks, E.O. Pure Essential Oil toiletries, waffle robes, in-room safes, iron & ironing boards, hairdryers, electronic voice mail complimentary wireless high-speed internet access
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Special Rate May Apply Please contact the South Seas Hotel directly from 9 am - 5 pm EST at 1-800-345-2678 for pre or post program nights. Please tell them you are with the Road Scholar group. Depending on availability a special rate may be available
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Holiday Inn
Type: Hotel
  Description: Hotel is 100% non smoking,, outdoor heated pool, hot tub and sundeck, free parking
  Contact info: 99701Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037 USA
phone: 305-451-2121
web: www.keylargoresorts.com
  Room amenities: Cable TV/ HBO, coffee pot, hair dryer, Refrigerator
  Facility amenities: Cable TV HBO In room refrigerators, coffee maker, hair dryer
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes

 Doubletree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West
Type: Resort
  Description: Florida Keys and Key West Lodging Association's "Property of the Year", the Doubletree Grand Key Resort hotel offers complimentary transportation to and from the beach, Duval Street and the airport. Our zero-entry pool is great for all! Our certified Green Lodging facility provides an unbeatable location to experience Key West and the Florida Keys.
  Contact info: 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd
Key West, FL 33040 USA
phone: 305-293-1818
web: doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/EYWDTDT-DoubleTree-Resort-by-Hilton-Hotel-Grand-Key-Key-West-Florida/index.do
  Room amenities: Guestrooms include spacious work desk, 2 telephones, each with two lines, complimentary T1 high-speed Internet access and wireless Internet access available throughout property
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Please Contact Road Scholar Please Contact Road Scholar
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3 to 5pm in hotel lobby for registration You will be staying at South Seas Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends with a drop-off at the Miami International Airport at 12:30 pm. You will be staying at Doubletree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Valet parking at the hotel $29.00 per day

Other options: Municipal Garages http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/parking/scroll.aspx?id=30992

Please make sure to call ahead to make arrangements for long-term parking.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Miami Beach, Florida
  Nearest city or town:  Miami
  Nearest highway: I-95
  Nearest airport:  Ft. Lauderdale
  From End of Program
  Location: Miami Beach, Florida
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

From Miami International Airport to South Seas Hotel

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Bus

   

Bus #150 from airport. Bus stop Collins Ave @ 18th St in front of the hotel
 

From Miami International Airport to South Seas Hotel

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Super shuttle
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$20.00-$23.00 pp
Prices are subject to change.
 

From Miami International Airport to South Seas Hotel

 

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi

   

approx. $32.00
 
Driving Directions
  From Miami International Airport to South Seas Hotel North on 42nd St to Fl-112. Head West toward Miami Beach on Fl-112. Continue onto W 41st St. Turn right onto Indian Creek Drive, turn right onto Collins Ave. Hotel is on your right. Distance approx. 12 miles, travel time approx. 20 minutes depending on traffic
Equipment Requirements: No equipment required
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: Check-in, Welcome Dinner and Orientation
(Sunday, February 17)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Available from 3:00pm.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar desk in the lobby to pick up your arrival packet containing your name tag, the up-to-date schedule, and to confirm the time of the orientation session. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
 Dinner: Welcome Dinner at the Hotel.
 Evening: ORIENTATION : We'll review the schedule and any changes; discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures; and answer any questions you may have. You'll also have an opportunity to meet the program staff and your fellow participants.
   
Accommodations: South Seas Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Welcome to Miami Beach and the beauty of the surrounding areas.
(Monday, February 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: Presentation from a "Local Miami Beach resident." Become familiar with Miami Beach, find out where the best "people watching" is, learn where the most interesting museums are, hear the story of famous Lincoln Road and the real estate boom that began in the 1980's, and much more. Then take a walking tour of the famous "art deco district" with George Neary, a Miami Beach preservationist and the former Grand Marshall of the exciting Art Deco parade during Art Deco Week on Miami Beach. You will discover the famous architecture of years past and how Miami Beach "movers and shakers" are trying to preserve it.
 Lunch: Lunch on South Beach. Enjoy a meal at one of Miami Beach's most popular local restaurants.
 Afternoon: Board a Motor Coach for a tour of this exciting city. Our tour guide will point out sites from the financial district to the Venetian pool built out of a coral rock grotto. Notice the landscape is full of lush vegetation and beautiful flowers this time of the year. Visit the charming Coconut Grove and Coral Gables before heading back to Miami Beach. After our bus tour, ride back to the hotel for a swim or walk on the beach after a long day's adventure.
 Dinner: Dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: A lecture by the fascinating Dr. Judy Berson, "Sand in Your Boots." will examine Miami Beach's history as a boot camp during World War II. Her collection of memorabilia is something that you will not experience anywhere else.
   
Accommodations: South Seas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: See the homes of Miami's "rich and famous" while on a boat ride around Biscayne Bay.
(Tuesday, February 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: Motor coach ride to Bayside, the outdoor shopping center situated on the Biscayne Bay marina for our wonderful boat ride that will take us around the bay and point out where the rich and famous reside.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Bubba Gump Shrip Co. Made famous by the movie Forrest Gump. A Road Scholar favorite.
 Afternoon: After lunch we will board the coach back to the hotel for a free afternoon. We will take you to Lincoln Road or Bal Harbour Shops if you would like to be dropped off. You can return via an easy public bus ride. Then an afternoon at the beach, in the pool or at your leisure.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own.
 Evening: Free evening to explore the area.
   
Accommodations: South Seas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Miami's own Little Havana and the mansion of James Deering, built in the 1920's and donated to the City of Miami.
(Wednesday, February 20)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Take a trip to Little Havana to sample some Cuban coffee and walk around the area made famous by the Cubans who arrived in the 1960's. A possible visit to the Bay of Pigs museum. Watch the woman in the cigar factory roll the famous "Cuban Cigars."
 Morning: Visit James Deering's mansion, built in the 1920's. The mansion is opulent with much of the furniture and artwork just as it was. Then take a tour through the Viscaya Home and Gardens, a site not to be missed.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Viscaya Cafe.
 Afternoon: Free time until dinner.
 Dinner: At the hotel.
 Evening: LECTURE: "Let's Talk Florida." Learn about Florida history and many other fascinating facts about the state.
   
Accommodations: South Seas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: A morning filled with beauty and a picnic lunch at Miami's famous Fairchild Tropical Gardens.
(Thursday, February 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Hop on the motor coach for an excursion to Miami's beautiful and one of a kind Fairchild Tropical Gardens. Enjoy the lush landscape and beautiful greenery. Behind the seemingly natural beauty of the Fairchild Tropical Gardens lies a carefully orchestrated blend of art and science.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at the Fairchild Tropical Gardens.
 Afternoon: Take a tram ride around the property followed by some free time to wander the gardens, sit and watch the birds or visit the bookstore.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: An evening of entertainment in our meeting room.
   
Accommodations: South Seas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Enjoy the Scenic Ride to Key Largo
(Friday, February 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: Enjoy one final lecture in Miami before heading to Key Largo.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Motor coach to Key Largo. Check-in at the Holiday Inn Key Largo.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: At your leisure. Relax at the hotel, visit the beautiful marina and get ready for your glass bottom boat ride on Saturday.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Enjoy the Keys' natural beauty while visiting John Pennekamp State Park. Take a walk through the Visitor's Center and enjoy the many tanks of unusual creatures from beneath the sea.
(Saturday, February 23)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: Experience John Pennekamp State Park established in 1963, as you visit the amhitheater and browse videos and aquariums at the visitor's center. The Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first undersea park created in the US. The park encompasses 178 nautical square miles of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangrove swamps. These areas were established to protect and preserve the only living coral reef in the continental US.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at Pennekamp
 Afternoon: Observe the Pennekamp State Park's famous reefs on a glass bottom boat ride.
 Afternoon: Relax until dinner.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
 Evening: Evening at leisure
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Learn about the amazing and entertaining dolphins.
(Sunday, February 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: Visit the Dolphin Research Center where you will learn about the marvelous and interesting dolphin. They put on quite a show!
 Lunch: Lunch at a local Key Largo restaurant.
 Afternoon: Travel to Key West and check-in at the Doubletree Hotel
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
 Evening: A brief orientation to Key West in the hotel meeting room.
   
Accommodations: Doubletree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Meet the locals and stroll the quaint streets of Key West.
(Monday, February 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: Take a trip to the Customs House and the Key West Art and Historical Museum that will start your week off by answering many of your questions.
 Lunch: Enjoy a lunch at a favorite patio restaurant across.
 Afternoon: After lunch, enjoy an hour narrated trolley tour around the Island (4 mi long and 2 mi wide) and begin to understand why this is such a fascinating place to visit.
 Dinner: You will have dinner on your own tonight with the option of staying downtown or going back to the hotel for dinner, before meeting to go to Mallory Square.
 Evening: Join us to "Celebrate the Sun," a daily activity on the docks of Mallory Square where locals and out of towners gather to see the most glorious sunset and mingle with local vendors.
   
Accommodations: Doubletree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Local presenters on either literature or Key West History and Original Treasures from long ago.
(Tuesday, February 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: Join us in the meeting room to hear about Key West history and other topics such as literature, government and tall tales.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: An afternoon walk to Ernest Hemingway's Key West home. A docent led tour of the house will delight you. Following our tour of Ernest Hemingway's home take the afternoon to enjoy the beach, pool or sit under a palm tree with a good book.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own.
   
Accommodations: Doubletree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11: Our deep sea diver will charm you with stories of his adventures and show you a collection of antique bottles from below.
(Wednesday, February 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: Presentation with our favorite deep sea diver. Come listen to his stories and see his antique bottle collection that he'll bring to share with you.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: Following lunch we'll visit the Audubon House and Gardens. Audubon visited the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas in 1832. He left KW having sighted and drawn 18 new birds for his "Birds of America" folio. It is believed that many of those drawings were conceived in the Audubon House Garden. Following our visit to the Audubon House, we will head back to the hotel to hear a presentation from Bob Woltz, our Truman expert. He will prepare us for our visit to Truman's Little White House.
 Dinner: At a local restaurant or hotel.
 Evening: At your leisure.
   
Accommodations: Doubletree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Final day in Key West and a visit to the Eco Discovery Center.
(Thursday, February 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: Visit The Eco Discovery Center where you will learn about the unique recreational and commercial use of the nationally significant marine resources surrounding Florida, which demand a multitude of creative education. This will be followed by a visit to the Little White House where Harry and Bess Truman loved to winter.
 Lunch: At the hotel.
 Afternoon: Enjoy the afternoon on your own or take a stroll to the Mel Fisher Museum.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: At leisure.
   
Accommodations: Doubletree Resort by Hilton Hotel Grand Key - Key West
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Return to Miami Beach for the conclusion of the program and departures.
(Friday, March 1)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Check-out of the hotel and depart on coach for Miami by 9:00 am.
 Lunch: Box lunch to go
 Afternoon: Drop-off at Miami International at 12:3pm.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.

Suggested Reading List


Papa: Hemingway in Key West


Author: James McLendon


Description: After reading Hemingway over the years, this book is both refreshing and interesting to learn more about him as a father and a man. This biography appears well researched and flattering with a personal look at its subject. The authors intent seemed to be explaining how Hemingway became known so dearly as "Papa" and at the same time provide an historical and informative narrative of the man and his years in KW. Any fan of the legendary "Papa" would definitely enjoy this work and probably learn a little something along the way.



Postcards from Paradise: Romancing Key West


Author: June Keith


Description: The book consists of many vignettes on real people who live, or have lived in Key west. June Keith is a powerful writer on the human condition. Simple, truthful and to the point. Each story makes you think and reflect. The photographs really make the stories come alive.



True Secrets of Key West Revealed!


Author: Scott Gutelius, Marshall Stone


Description: Secrets is a real find! Read this book prior to your trip to KW. It gives you the full scoop on all of the sanitized facts from your tour tour guides. This book adds a new dimension to your visit and it is funny to boot.





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