ST. AUGUSTINE
Visit the HOME OF THE FAMED FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
Located along the northeast coast of Florida, St. Augustine lays claim to being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the United States. The city of St. Augustine has over 450 years of history and plenty of unique attractions to explore. The impressive Castillo de San Marcos fortress protects the entrance of the St. Augustine Inlet and offers amazing views at the head of the city. The grand style of centuries old buildings lining the streets transports you into the past authentically, yet St. Augustine also boasts major appeal for visitors of all ages due to the variety of exciting activities to explore. The cities European flavor with its red brick streets is delightfully explorable by foot, trolley, or horse-drawn carriage. The flavor of Spanish Colonial architecture is prevalent throughout and helps highlight the cultural background responsible for the cities long history.
This very luxurious and romantic vacation spot can also provide you with classical hotels complemented by intimate restaurants and frequent high quality brewery and spirits stops. Many people, like conquistador Ponce de Leon, have traveled to this area to try to find the fabled fountain of youth, though we must content ourselves with a visit to the “Legend of the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park”, if we want to understand the history behind these misguided attempts. We also can’t forget to mention the amazing beaches ringing St. Augustine. As if you head out of town you will quickly discover 42 miles of white sand and the clear waters of the Atlantic. Here you can experience a magical combination of surf and ocean-side sea breezes in secluded and relaxing spots available just for you.
SAMPLE ITINERARY for your Self-guided experience
Romantic Getaway in Spanish Colonial Paradise
St. Augustine (Culinary and History focus)
This particular self-guided tour is focused on a couple’s romantic getaway, but rest assured that the city can cater to kids, families and even a friends weekend away. From the impressive culinary offerings, art galleries, abundant live music, and not to mention 42 miles of gorgeous beaches, there is something to do for everyone visiting!
Your Curated Self-Guided Trip Includes:
All accommodations
Entrance fees to attractions when required
Experienced tour guides (English, Spanish,) as required per location
Not Included:
Meals outside any mentioned here (if guest chooses B&B option, breakfast is included)
Day #1
Arrive to St. Augustine and check in to the hotel you have chosen.
1:30pm: This afternoon enjoy a fun adventure through the city with a guide that will share the history of this unique place. The experience runs for about 3 hours and includes an award winning food tasting extravaganza along your journey.
Spend the rest of the afternoon as you choose, maybe attempt some of the the traditional rituals by the Fountain of Youth or enjoy any of the other great options we can recommend in the area.
Dinner and evening cocktail suggestions are available. (Today’s activities are based on arrival time).
Day #2
Mid-morning enjoy a tour of the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry monument in America. It symbolizes the clash between cultures which at the end resulted in our uniquely unified nation.
3:00pm: Be ready to experience a sip-n-cycle cruise for about 90 minutes, and enjoy the feeling of floating above the waters of St. Augustine in this unique experience. (Or enjoy cruising on land if you prefer) This is a favorite activity among visitors.
Return to your hotel after your cruise or experience more of this beautiful city as you see fit.
Late this evening explore the ghostly locations which wake you up as the night falls during your adventure in the scarier parts of town. The dark streets and quiet cemeteries of Old St. Augustine have many spooky stories to share.
Days #3-5
Today you can check into one of the beautiful hotels/Bed and Breakfasts at St. Augustine Beach, only 6 miles away from the old city. (You have the options of splitting your vacation into these two locations or choosing to stay within the old city or on the beach for your entire trip.)
The waters here are clear and break against beautiful white sand beaches. The small town of St. Augustine Beach is located on Anastasia Island and offers you tropical seaside restaurants, bright roomy accommodations, a very impressive fishing pier and an overall laid-back attitude.
If you enjoy a variety of water sports like parasailing, stand-up paddle boarding, kite-boarding or even if you just love the ocean, you will not regret your stay in this area.
*We are happy to make additional recommendations on things to do in this area.
Please contact us for pricing for this itinerary.