Ft. Lauderdale, United States (Days 1, 8)
Known as the "Venice of America," Fort Lauderdale has 165 miles of canals that wind through this waterfront city. With plenty of sun and sand, you'll find the beaches inviting and only minutes from elegant shops and championship golf courses. After dark, the town offers many five-star restaurants and exciting nightclubs, all set in a lush tropical environment.
Ft. Lauderdale, United States - Attractions & Activities
People have been flocking to Fort Lauderdale's beaches for decades. And with good reason. Fort Lauderdale Beach is a two-mile strip of beautiful beach featuring the recently renovated Promenade, which offers all sorts of bars, restaurants and shops.
Take a 30-minute airboat ride across the Everglades, one of the most breathtaking natural areas in America. Discover a variety of fish and birds that inhabit the area, and perhaps see the most famous Everglades inhabitant - the alligator. Enjoy Sawgrass Reptile Exhibit after your ride and take the opportunity to touch or possibly hold a small alligator. Discover the replica of a Seminole Indian village. See tropical birds, rare snakes, and even the endangered Florida panther. Take a narrated drive through Port Everglades over the Intercoastal Waterway and along the famous Fort Lauderdale Beach. Explore the International Swimming Hall of Fame, Las Olas Boulevard, the Riverwalk area and more. Stop and see Esplanade Park, the crossroads of the Center for Performing Arts and the Museum of Discovery and Science. Take a 90-minute Intercoastal Waterway cruise, and hear a lively commentary from the boat's captain on the history of the New River and Fort Lauderdale's historic sites.
San Juan, Puerto Rico (Day 3)
One of the largest islands in the Eastern Caribbean, Puerto Rico's landscape encompasses mountains, underground caves, coral reefs, white-sand beaches and an incredibly massive rain forest that supplies fresh water to most of the island. At the same time San Juan, the capital of the commonwealth, is a big city with a bustling business district, glitzy resorts and casinos, as well as one of the most stunning examples of colonial life in the Western world.
San Juan, Puerto Rico - Attractions & Activities
When you're in San Juan, don't miss the opportunity to witness the pinnacle of natural beauty by exploring Puerto Rico's El Yunque Rain Forest. It features more than 240 species of trees, hundreds of miniature orchids, and what was once believed to be the Fountain of Youth.
See Baño Grande, a natural swimming pool. Then take a walk on Camitillo Trail and look for the artificial nest of the Puerto Rican parrot and the flora and fauna of the Palo Colorado forest Explore Old San Juan, the second-oldest European settlement in the New World. Ride to San Felipe El Morro, the most dramatic of all the city's military fortifications. Visit the Casa Blanca Museum & Gardens, the Ballaja Barracks, Quincentennial Square, San Jose Church, San Juan Cathedral, and Cristo Chapel
Tortola, British Virgin Islands (Day 4)
Twenty-one-square-mile Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands, an unspoiled archipelago that lies in the path of welcome trade winds. Try fishing, snorkeling and sailing excursions out of Road Towns serene harbor or horseback riding in the shadow of Mount Sage.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands - Attractions & Activities
Rent a private boat and forge your way out to Norman Isle, a former pirate den across Drake Channel from Tortola and real life deserted island today. Legend has it that Norman Isle served as Robert Louis Stevenson's inspiration for Treasure Island. You can venture into caves, some of which are excellent snorkeling spots. Or hike to Spy Glass Hill. This is a journey you'll never forget.
Sage Mountain National Park is located over 1700 ft. above sea level, and contains the British Virgin Islands' highest peak. Trails lead through a primeval rainforest overlooking neighboring islets. The wreck of the HMS Rhone is a 310-foot ship that sank in 1867 near Salt Island. Its remains have become a fascinating underwater habitat for marine life and it is known as a premier dive spot in the Caribbean. Get the party started with a visit to Bomba's Shack at Cappoon's Bay. Live entertainment, rum punch and infamous full moon parties.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten (Day 5)
An exquisite blend of Dutch and French cultures, St. Martin boasts stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and incredible duty-free shopping. Whether you lunch at a charming French cafe or explore the lively Dutch capital of Philipsburg, you will find the dichotomy of St. Maarten perfectly charming.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten - Attractions & Activities
Compete in an actual race on an America's Cup shortened course. Grind a winch, trim a sail or just sit back and enjoy. Professional sailors will give you a quick lesson, then you're off to compete on Stars and Stripes, one of the most famous sailboats in the world.
Rendezvous at one of the newest and trendiest restaurants in French St. Maarten. Explore Orient Bay, the French Riviera of the Caribbean, with over 1 1/2 miles of white-sand beaches. Admire the delicate nature and dazzling colors of hundreds of butterflies as you tour St. Maarten's popular Butterfly Farm.
