Brand New and Revamped
Crystal River Florida and beyond – “Manatee Capital of the World”
Nowhere else will you find more manatees in winter months than in Crystal River, neighboring Homosassa, and the waters of Citrus County. SUGGESTION of SIX NIGHTS with OPTIONS for MORE OR LESS
Manatees are naturally curious and they are as affectionate and playful as a golden retriever. From MID-NOVEMBER through FIRST WEEK OF MARCH, water warmed by Crystal River’s natural geothermal springs (constant temp of 72-74 degrees) attracts the largest concentration of manatees in the world. During peak season mid December through Feb. There as many as 900+ manatees wanting to nuzzle, tickle and show off JUST FOR YOU.
HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR COMPLETELY GUIDED TOUR once reaching Florida COULD INCLUDE: Fly in to TAMPA airport (Chartered coach will be included in cost) or coach in to first stop Crystal River which is approx. 75 miles NORTH of Tampa Airport. Air will not be handled for this tour, it must be handled by the group and coordinated with Ohio Travel Treasures. ANY group wanting to Motorcoach from their destination will have to handle nights coming and going due to demand for this tour.
Plantation on Crystal River. 4-night stay Monday-Thursday
A hidden gem tucked away on Florida’s Nature Coast, the Plantation on Crystal River is a beautiful 50-year- old, 232-acre eco-friendly resort offering comfortable accommodations, a full-service spa, all the modern amenities, and is surrounded by the natural springs of Kings Bay. This bay is one of the largest aquifers in the state, and home to hundreds of West Indian manatees that migrate each year to the warmth of the springs. This beautiful location, excellent dining, and onsite activities promise that there’s always a great vacation waiting for you at Plantation on Crystal River!
DAY TWO—Tuesday (B,D)
A full breakfast is included at the resort, Subject to change on a daily basis.
Today’s highlights will be with your tour ambassador handling all arrangements and introducing guests to the “CRACKER TOWNS” of Florida.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park has an excellent “Manatee Program”! Visitors can see West Indian manatees every day of the year from the park’s underwater observatory in the main spring. The park showcases native Florida wildlife, including manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, and river otters. For the Manatee Program, onlookers are seated either in the bleachers overlooking the Fish Bowl underwater observatory, or are presented alongside the in-ground manatee pool at the Manatee Care Center if weather so-dictates. Concessions available
Three Sisters Springs Visitor’s Center and Refuge in Crystal Spring – Board trolleys and ride from the Center to the Springs where docents narrate as you walk along a horseshoe boardwalk to see the gentle giants in their natural habitat!
Three Sisters Springs is a world-renowned sanctuary for the West Indian Manatee. This 57-acre refuge provides a 1/4-mile walkway with viewing platforms. There are also nature trails at Three Sisters with views of Kings Bay, Magnolia Springs, Lake Crystal and wetlands.
Lunch on own and shopping time at Heritage Village – Offering many unique gift and specialty shoppes, a charming Tea Bar 650, Café on the Avenue, plus a full-service restaurant at The River Ranch Bar & Grill (all restaurants are subject to change). All nestled among the canopied Oaks, Palms and Magnolia trees in the historic downtown of Crystal River Florida, on North Citrus Avenue. This Cracker town, still today, carries the reputation of a Fisherman Village from days gone by, so they strive to continue the theme of yesterday with today’s creative additions.
Afternoon guests will enjoy the River ride in mid after-noon at Kings Bay. (Boarding at Crystal Planation). Sail around the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and look for local wildlife as your captain shares the history of the area. Manatees, dolphins, otters, and turtles are often spotted in the area. The boat is fully covered for protection from sun and rain.
Depart resort for dinner along the Ozello Trail. Bask in the landscape of “Old Florida” with views of saw grass, bridges, and fantastic marshland that is filled with the perfect combination of small islands and saltwater!
Dinner at Peck’s Old Port Cove. – You will have a choice of their fresh, special- ty seafood entrees with all the trimmings, and also a beef and chicken option for the landlubbers. Dessert of Banana split pie
DAY THREE – Wednesday (B, L, D)’
Start the morning with a full buffet breakfast. Today’s Highlights: Tour ambassador will be with guests throughout the day/evening
Wild Bill’s Airboat Tour – on the Withlacoochee River Swamps looking for the Florida alligator, plus viewing all its little friends along the way! Tour through the vast un- spoiled wilderness of the wetlands on the first airboat tour in Florida that is Coast Guard-approved. Come see why people have said “This is one of the best things I ever did in Florida”
Whispering Oaks Winery (lunch included). Award Winning Healthier Wine – Created with the freshest Florida Blueber- ries. Journey a bit into rural Florida, where a Holland-born, fruit loving entrepreneur turned his 58-acre farm into one of the fastest growing wineries in the state.
Learn the story behind this unique enterprise, and perhaps enjoy a flight or two into the rustic tasting room converted from an old stable. Lunch will be a Florida BBQ with blueberry BBQ sauces and various sides and dessert
Following lunch experience a touch of “Old Florida” at Ferris Groves. – In 1931, L.G. “Doc” Ferris began planting citrus trees in historic Floral City, Florida, since then the land has produced varieties of Florida’s finest citrus. Group members can purchase or order fresh fruit so that it reaches your homes by the time you return; it’s 100% guaranteed. They also offer syrups, sauces, jams and jellies and samples of fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Guests will enjoy a sunset cruise to & from resort to dinner this evening.
This afternoon guests can enjoy the resort – perhaps a siesta by the pool.
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR FREE DAY TOMORROW.
Dinner this evening at Cracker’s Restaurant, a “local favorite”, for a true taste of the area (pun intended ;-). If Mother Nature cooperates, we may be able to eat outside on the back deck with captivating views of beautiful Kings Bay. Other- wise, inside tables await!
DAY FOUR – Thursday (B D) – FREE DAY
Your tour ambassador will be available as well as the activities director at the resort
A full breakfast is included at the resort – Subject to change on a daily basis.
Amount of walking is depending upon what each person decides to do:
- Golf – 9 holes complimentary when staying at the resort
- Driving Range – complimentary
- Activities such as horseshoes, shuffle board, croquet, pickle ball, tennis, corn hole, giant chess
- Heated pool with beach chairs, umbrellas and towels.
- Coach run to the beach (9 miles)
Dinner this evening is included at the resort. This will be a wonderful time to share your activities for the day. Buffet.
Additional Activities available on site for nominal fees
- Swim with the Manatees PADI certified Scuba
- Scuba Lessons 18-hole Championship Golf Course
- Fishing charters Bike Rentals
- Boat rentals Spa Services
- Kayak and Stand Up Paddle boards
These activities and services may be arranged through the Front Desk.
DAY FIVE – Friday (B L) A full breakfast is included at the resort
– Subject to change on a daily basis.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Enjoy this ‘step back in time’ at your own pace, but don’t miss One Of The special shows, “The Little Mermaid”, performed live in the submerged 400-seat auditorium ~ How Fun. Since 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs has captured the imaginations of people of all ages with its spectacular beauty and fun things to do; manatees, so have your camera at the ready!
Lunch included at Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill (1 blk from boat dock). A laid-back eatery located in the historic Sponge Docks of Tarpon Springs, it is a family-owned and operated waterfront seafood restaurant with quaint marine décor.
Guests will enjoy some shopping time following lunch in this fun bohemian little town. Very cute shops and very GREEK!!!
Dolphin Island Adventure Cruise aboard The Odyssey Sightseeing Boat. 2-hour cruise. Along the Anclote River, watch for Osprey Nests, Waterfowl, Dolphin, Manatee & Sea Turtles. Experience Historical Anclote Lighthouse – Stroll the beach, Look for shells!
For your pleasure there are cold beverages, beer, wine, and tropical drinks on board.
Following cruise, depart for Clearwater Beach Florida. Host property Hampton Inn Clearwater Waterfront. Ocean/water view, Mini refrigerator, Microwave, Coffee maker, Hairdryer, Iron.
2-night stay.
Rooftop bar offering a glorious view of the sunset. Located on the 6th floor open terrace, Evy’s Terrace Bar & Bistro comes with spectacular views overlooking Clearwater Pass and the Gulf of Mexico, complete with the most memorable sunsets. Numerous restaurants Within walking distance.
DAY SIX – SATURDAY OPTION DAY if you choose a Seven night package (B D)
Full hot breakfast at host property prior to departing.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium –This marine aquarium exist to rescue marine ani-mals, rehabilitate them from sickness or injury, and release them back into their natural habi- tats whenever possible. Guests will be able to meet WINTER the dolphin who thrives today as a symbol of courage, perseverance and hope to millions of people – both able and disabled – who have been touched by her remarkable story of recovery and rehabilitation. The staff and volunteers give presentations and talks throughout the day at various habitats and exhibits, educating you in a fun way about the work they are doing daily to take care of marine life and the environment to make it a safer, healthier place for these animals.
Guests will fall in love with St. Armond’s Key. A one-of-a-kind place to shop and dine on St. Armand’s Key in Sarasota, Florida. More than 130 Boutiques, Specialty Shops, Galleries, and Restaurants. Enjoy lunch on own at one of the many sidewalk restaurants and cafes
Snap photos with a ferocious (faux) tiger. Thrill to it all: The parade wagons, the posters, the glittering costumes, and the human cannon. Wonder at the 3,800 square feet in size model that shows off the entire circus process from the railway to the rodeo. The Greatest Show on Earth Mural celebrates the entertainment that has delighted packed houses in great cities and small towns across American for generations. Step this way ladies and gentleman……
OUR FINAL NIGHT Dinner is on the StarLite Majesty Dining Yacht – 6:30 Boarding. 2 -2 ½ hour cruise. Ready for a dazzling dinner and night out? StarLite offers great dining, live entertainment and dancing with some of the best waterfront views in all of Clearwater Beach from brilliant vistas to starlit evening. The dining service includes a full restaurant-style menu featuring continental cuisine prepared fresh on board—NO buffet. Choice of three entrees at time of service with accompaniments and dessert.
Entertainment is a mix of live selections and a wide variety of recorded songs to satisfy any musical request. Full bar and your own server ensure your enjoyment.
Yacht is climate controlled on two levels and upper level is open sides but enclosed on top. Great for sunset pictures of Clearwater.
DAY SEVEN – Sunday (Breakfast)
Enjoy a full breakfast Hampton style and then Departure to your next destination. If doing air from Tampa you are approximately 18miles.
COUNTRY COACH ADVENTURES
can customize this tour exclusively for your group.
For more information or to book the tour, contact
Carol Glessner
330-418-9848
JohnandCarol44608@yahoo.com