Mini South Florida Gateway:
From Key West to Alligator Alley & The Gulf Coast

STARTING FROM MIAMI

This Itinerary can be a Standalone Gateway or an Extension to your Miami Vacation!

Day 1: Arrival in Miami

If you're arriving in Miami today, we recommend picking up your rental car right at the airport and head south towards Homestead or Key Largo, depending on how much you are feeling like driving. From Miami airport to Homestead the distance is 35 miles (about 56 km) and Key Largo 64 miles (about 103 km)

If on the other end, you are already in Miami, then we suggest picking up your rental car and driving towards Key Largo where you can enjoy some snorkeling or scuba diving. Key Largo is the first of the Keys that you will encounter coming from Miami and has plenty of restaurants and bars overlooking the gulf for a perfect dinner with sunset! 

You can then spend your night in Key Largo or nearby.

Night: Key Largo Holiday inn key Largo*** or similar

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Day 2: Homestead > Key West

From Homestead you will have approx. 2 h 48 min (128 miles) of Panoramic Drive to reach the Southern Most point of the continental United States -- Key West.

You can take your time driving down the famous Overseas Highway (one of the most celebrated scenic routes in the US) connecting 44 islands and 42 bridges all the way down to Key West. Check-in in your Hotel and "ditch" the car.

Key West is to be discovered on foot, we recommend enjoying the Sunset from the harbor while drinking a tropical cocktail, You can also do some sightseeing including visiting two iconic houses -- the iconic Truman Little White House and the Hemingway House. If you want to have a look from a vantage point, check-out the LightHouse, and then walk on Duvall Street amongst hundreds of shops, local artists and maybe get a drink at Sloppy Joe and enjoy some Caribbean-style dishes in one of the local eateries.

Night: Key West Best Western Hibiscus Motel** or similar

NOTE -- DO YOU HAVE 1 EXTRA DAY? If you have few extra days, we recommend spending 1 extra night in Key West and enjoy a full-day of adventures. You can visit Dry Tortuga Island, ride the Jet-Skis, do a panoramic cruise or a fishing trip, and much more!

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Day 3 Key West > Everglades City > Marco Island

Depending on what you did the day before, you can spend a couple of hours finishing exploring Key West including Hemingway's home and the Lighthouse.

Leave Key West and head back north to take the famous Alligator Alley and go towards Everglades City. Here you will spend your afternoon exploring this incredible natural ecosystem of the Everglades National Park and its infamous Inhabitants -- The American Alligator.

Night: Marco Island Marco Beach Ocean Resort*** or similar

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Day 4: Marco Island > Naples > Miami

Wake up on the Gulf Coast. You will notice how different this side of Florida is from the Atlantic Coast.

We recommend spending a few hours in Naples and walk on the white-sandy beaches and tour the surroundings.

In the afternoon, start heading back to Miami. From Naples, it will take you about 2 hours by car to get back to Miami.

* Possibility to add a 3-Day Vacation in Miami at the end of the Tour or before the Tour.

• 3 nights in Hotels On the Road
• Rental Car for 4 days. Type Buick Lacroix or similar - Unlimited mileage - CDW insurance

• International/Domestic Flights
• Park Admission / Attractions
• Extended Car Insurance
• Food and Drink
• Everything not expressly indicated in "The Price Includes"

OPTION WITH RENTAL CAR + HOTELS & ACTIVITIES:
Price in Double Room
Starting at $ 610.00 per person
Price in Triple Room
Starting at $ 420.00 per person
Price in Quadruple Room
Starting at $ 345.00 per person


HOTEL ROOM: Single Rooms also available. Ask for the price!

Driving in the United States – What You Need to Know

Planning a self-drive road trip in the United States? Here are a few important tips to help you travel smoothly and confidently:

1. Driving Etiquette: Passing on the right is permitted in the U.S. and commonly practiced, especially on highways with multiple lanes. Don’t be intimidated by wide roads — it’s all part of the experience!
2. Right Turn on Red: In most states, you’re allowed (and often expected) to turn right at a red light unless a sign prohibits it. Always come to a complete stop before turning.
3. Parking Rules: Always check signs for restricted hours and meter rules — some areas are free during evenings or weekends. Never park in front of a fire hydrant, even if there's no sign. If marked spaces are painted on the ground, be sure to center your vehicle properly within the lines.
4. Toll Roads: Many tolls in the U.S. — often marked as Toll or Turnpike — are cashless and use automated systems like E-ZPass or FasTrak. Be careful not to enter lanes marked as “FasTrak Only” if you don't have a pass. Have cash or a credit card ready for tolls that still accept manual payment.
5. Speed Limits & Police Stops: Stick to posted speed limits. Driving more than 5–10 mph over the limit can lead to fines. If stopped by law enforcement, keep your hands visible on the steering wheel and follow instructions calmly and respectfully.
6. Navigation & Roadside Assistance: We highly recommend traveling with GPS navigation and a reliable roadside assistance plan for added peace of mind during your journey.

Room Configurations in the U.S.

Please note that triple and quadruple hotel rooms in the U.S. typically include:

• Triple rooms: One large bed + one smaller bed OR two large beds
• Quadruple rooms: Usually two large beds (double/double or queen/queen)

These configurations may vary by hotel brand and location.

Tipping in the United States

Tipping is standard practice in the U.S. and not typically included in the price of services. As a general guide:

• Restaurants: 20–25% of the total bill
• Hotel staff (bellhop, housekeeping): $2–5 per service
• Private drivers or guides: 15–20% depending on service level

Need More Tips?

When booking with USA Welcome and New York Welcome, our Travel Designers will provide additional insights and personalized advice to help you make the most of your USA road trip experience.

Inclusions: As outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Exclusions: Everything else not specifically outlined in the "Included in the Price"
Discounted Rates: Baby, Kid, Senior and any other discounted Rate only applies to the specified Age-Limit. National ID required at Voucher Exchange as proof of Age.
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