Tampa to New Orleans: Paradise on the Florida Panhandle

Day 1  Tampa            
Fly to vibrant Tampa, a sun-soaked riverside city boasting an acclaimed food scene with a multitude of Michelin recognised restaurants. Upon arrival, head to your hotel.

Day 2  Tampa            
Meander or cycle down the Tampa Riverwalk, go paddle boarding along the tranquil bay, or hop on a free historic streetcar to Ybor City. Here you’ll find a fascinating melting pot of cultures, stories from the Cuban civil war, local cigar artisans and protected free-roaming chickens! Treat yourself to dinner at the ever-popular Columbia Restaurant, the oldest in Florida.            

Day 3  Tampa to Crystal River    
Pick up your hire car and head north to the glittering waters of Crystal River, home to the world’s largest gathering of manatees. Get up close to these gentle giants with a snorkelling excursion or take a boat trip and witness them glide by as they munch on their favourite snack, sea grass.  

Day 4  Crystal River to Tallahassee          
Continue to Florida’s state capital, the friendly city of Tallahassee. Explore the colourful, mural covered streets, uncover moving civil rights history at the renowned John G Riley House and Museum, or enjoy the abundance of winding hiking and biking trails that won the area the nickname of ‘Trailahassee’.            

Day 5  Tallahassee to Panama City Beach        
Your next stop has the accolade of being a top 3 beach in the USA! Panama City Beach stretches for 27 miles along the Florida Panhandle’s pristine coastline.

Days 6-7  Panama City Beach  
Spend two days in glorious ‘PCB’. Try your hand at kayaking, jet skiing or diving, head on an adventure to the untouched beauty of Shell Island, or simply relax on the sand before an al fresco dinner accompanied by a breathtaking sunset.    

Day 8  Panama City Beach to Pensacola            
Drive on to picturesque Pensacola, which dates back to 1559. Its pure white sand is formed from quartz washed down from the Appalachian Mountains, giving it the distinctive feel of squeaking under your feet.    

Day 9  Pensacola            
Indulge in secluded paradise at Gulf Islands National Seashore, a haven for birdlife and endangered species of turtle. If you’re feeling livelier, catch local musicians playing at the iconic bar perched on the Alabama/Florida state border, aptly named ‘Flora-Bama’. Pensacola also enjoys an array of craft breweries, and culture vultures shouldn’t miss the famous National Naval Aviation Museum.            

Day 10  Pensacola to Gulf Shores            
Say farewell to Florida and cross into Gulf Shores, the coastal hidden gem of Alabama. Stroll the stunning shell strewn sand and perhaps take a catamaran cruise to see playful dolphins dancing among emerald waves.

Day 11  Gulf Shores to New Orleans      
Continue to your final stop, inimitable and unforgettable New Orleans. Opt to drop off your car if you plan to stay in the city’s walkable downtown, or keep it if you’re interested in driving out to Louisiana’s nearby Plantation Country.

Days 12-13  New Orleans    
There’s something amazing around every cobblestoned corner of ‘The Big Easy’. The interactive exhibits of Vue Orleans are a fantastic introduction to this one-of-a-kind destination, with 360 views over the city helping you get your bearings. Discover New Orleans’ legendary parade floats at Mardi Gras World, catch a jaw-dropping jazz performance at Preservation Hall and then follow the sound of saxophones through the French Quarter to the frenetic bars of Bourbon Street or the intimate, iconic venues on Frenchman Street.            

Days 14-15  Fly home            
Drive to the airport and drop off your car in time for your flight home.