THE VILLAGES & MANATEES
January 25 - February 2, 2026

Register Now!

Day 1, Sunday, January 25, 2026
Our Florida getaway begins today as we travel south through Tennessee and into Georgia. We make necessary stops and a lunch stop on our way before arriving at the Drury Inn and Suites Atlanta in Morrow. Drury’s Kickback Dinner is included tonight. (D)

Day 2, Monday, January 26, 2026
After breakfast at the hotel this morning, we continue our travel into Florida and arrive at the Plantation Resort on Crystal River, a charming retreat on Kings Bay Nature Preserve. After checking in, we will have a delicious dinner tonight at the local Bayside Seafood Grille. (B, D)

Day 3, Tuesday, January 27, 2026
After enjoying the delicious breakfast buffet at our hotel, we begin our exploration of the The Crystal River coastal waters. These waters are home to the largest population of manatees on the west coast of Florida. Great numbers of these gentle giants seek the warm-water springs, rivers and other waterways for sanctuary from the colder Gulf of Mexico waters. Our first visit this morning is to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to view the manatees and a wealth of other wildlife native to Florida, including the endangered Florida panther, red wolf, manatee and whooping crane, plus black bear, bobcat and, of course, alligators. A unique underwater structure, the Underwater Observatory allows visitors to “walk underwater” beneath the spring’s surface to perhaps catch a glimpse of fish and manatees in their natural habitat.

Next, we will visit Three Sisters Springs, a favorite spot of the manatees! In winter, look out for the manatees that migrate and seek refuge in the warm water. Following our time at the springs, we will head to Heritage Village, where there are many choices for lunch on your own as well as some time for shopping. Then, we will take a narrated cruise of King’s Harbor, which showcases many beautiful homes and of course, opportunities for sights of manatees and water fowl! We return to the resort for some free time before dinner. For dinner, we have a scrumptious buffet selection at Peck’s Old Port Cove Restaurant, featuring Prime Rib, Fresh Fish, Shrimp, salads, sides and their famous Banana Split Pie for dessert! This has been a local favorite for decades! (B, D)

Day 4, Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Today, we will visit Weeki Wachee State Park for a boat cruise, wild life ranger program, and of course the famous Weeki Wachee Live Underwater Mermaids! For over 75 years, this was a main draw for tourists long before the days of Disney World, and it continues to delight audiences of all ages with its famous show!  Box lunches are included in the Galley, before we travel to Tarpon Springs, home of the Greek Sponge Docks, famous for the world’s finest sponges. Next, we set out on the Odyssey Dolphin Cruise, a narrated cruise out to Anclote Island, a great place to search for shells! Before dinner, we will enjoy shopping time along the main street by the docks.  Dinner tonight is included at the famous Helle’s Greek Restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 5, Thursday, January 29, 2026
This morning after breakfast, we leave the Crystal River area for The Villages, a mega-retirement community in North-Central Florida that’s gotten a lot of attention in recent years. From 2010 to 2017, it was the fastest-growing small city in the U.S., earning it national attention. The Villages in North Central Florida, about 45 miles northwest of Orlando, offers an abundance of activities for senior citizens to enjoy during their free time. It has shops, restaurants, entertainment facilities, lakes, parks, and all sorts of amenities, just like any town, except almost all of the residents are seniors, and you can use a golf cart to get around. For those seeking fitness and wellness, numerous recreation centers offer swimming pools, pickleball courts, fitness classes, and more. With so many options, free time in The Villages is anything but ordinary! We will have a tour of the city before an included lunch. Our stay for the next three nights is at the Brownwood Hotel & Spa. Located in the heart of The Villages, this premier AAA 4-diamond location, invites you to celebrate the past and the present, especially the history of the Floridian cowboy. (B, L)

Day 6, Friday, January 30, 2026
Today is all yours! In The Villages, live like a Villager and experience the lifestyle that the residents of America’s Largest Golf Cart Community enjoy every day. You have your own golf cart and plenty of space and time to explore all there is to see and do. (B)

Day 7, Saturday, January 31, 2026
You have another day to continue discovering even more of what this amazing city has to offer, all from the convenience and fun of your golf cart. (B)

Day 8, Sunday, February 1, 2026
Today, we depart for home, making our way north through Georgia. Our stay tonight is at the Drury Inn & Suites Atlanta Marietta, with a Kickback Dinner included. (B, D)

Day 9, Monday, February 2, 2026
After breakfast, we continue home today, with amazing memories of Florida’s manatees in springs and coastal waters, as well as the fun and excitement of life in The Villages, Florida. (B)