Bike Week & Florida Keys

Upon the arrival of all tour participants, we gather to extend a warm welcome, providing an opportunity for everyone to meet and enjoy some refreshments. The evening’s agenda includes introductions, fostering camaraderie, and setting the tone for the upcoming adventure. For those who are up for it, an optional American-style dinner awaits on International Drive, offering a delightful start to our journey. If the energy lingers, a nearby local bar provides the perfect spot for additional socializing and relaxation.

(Driving day 1: 172 km/107 miles)

The day begins with an informative meeting, providing a platform for the introduction of all tour participants and leaders. In this session, we delve into the details of the Bikeweek & Florida Keys tour, covering essential information about the journey, safety rules, and traffic regulations. Following the meeting, we collect our bikes, ensuring everyone is well-prepared for the upcoming adventure.

Once everyone is geared up and ready on their bikes, we kick off the Bikeweek & Florida Keys tour. Orlando fades in the rearview mirror as we venture eastward, immersing ourselves in a unique blend of history and exhilarating motorcycle routes. Taking it slow initially, we allow everyone to acclimate to the driving conditions and temperature, navigating backroads to reach Daytona “Biker” Beach, where the renowned Daytona Bike Week is in full swing.

Our first notable stop of the day is at the legendary Sopotnick’s Cabbage Patch Bar, a venue that originated as a simple fruit shop on the corner and has since become a major Bikeweek destination. Here, we witness the famous cabbage wrestling, where participants vie for glory. The atmosphere is further enhanced by bike shows, shopping opportunities, and an abundance of fun. Following this, we head to downtown Daytona Beach, cruising along the iconic Main Street and capturing memories beneath the renowned Daytona “Biker” Beach sign. The journey unfolds with excitement and camaraderie as we dive into the heart of the Bike Week festivities.

(Explorer & Fun day)

Make the most of your day at the renowned Bike Week. We highly recommend exploring all the events and exhibits at International Speedway and Destination Daytona, home to the world’s largest Harley Davidson dealer, Bruce Ross Meyer. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and revel in the excitement.

Our day kicks off with a ride on the famous “Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail,” a delightful 50 km double loop that meanders through some of the most picturesque and diverse landscapes in Northeast Florida. Following this scenic adventure, we make our way to Bruce Ross Meyer’s expansive Harley Davidson dealership, boasting a showroom spanning 109,000 sq. ft. Here, we indulge in lunch amidst the impressive surroundings and soak in the lively ambiance.

As we head back towards Main Street, we make a pit stop at another legendary spot—the Iron Horse Saloon. Here, we soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow bikers. Continuing our exploration, we navigate International Speedway and downtown Daytona Beach, cruising along the iconic Main Street alongside thousands of other bikers. The day is filled with thrilling experiences, scenic beauty, and the vibrant energy of Bike Week.

(Driving day 2: 254 km/159  miles)

As we bid farewell to Daytona Beach and the world’s largest motorcycle event, our Florida adventure begins.

Heading south on Hwy 1 and the legendary coastal highway A1A, we embark on a delightful drive along the ocean. Our first stop is Cape Canaveral, where we pass by the renowned “Kennedy Space Center,” a site of significant importance in today’s space science. Continuing our breathtaking coastal journey, we make our way down to Vero Beach, where we will spend the night. The picturesque landscapes and coastal vistas set the stage for an unforgettable ride through the Sunshine State.

(Driving day 3: 303 km/190 miles)

Our day unfolds with a leisurely drive along the stunning Coastal Hwy A1A, treating us to picturesque views and coastal charm. Passing through West Palm Beach, we head to Fort Lauderdale, often referred to as America’s answer to Venice due to its abundance of marinas and boats. Fort Lauderdale is a bustling party and holiday resort, and we take some time to relax on its beautiful beaches.

Continuing our journey, we make our way to Miami, a city renowned for being the backdrop of many film and television shows, including iconic series like CSI Miami and Miami Vice. Our night is spent in the vibrant and famous South Beach, Miami, immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere of this iconic destination.

(Driving day 4: 271 km/172 miles)

Today promises a truly unique driving experience as we embark on the scenic “Overseas Highway 1,” a route that spans 42 bridges and takes us across several tropical islands in the Florida Keys. Our journey unfolds amidst breathtaking ocean views, passing through renowned cities such as Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, and Big Pine Key before reaching our destination, Key West—America’s southernmost point, situated just 140 miles from Cuba.

Upon our early arrival in Key West, we’ll indulge in lunch and soak in the local atmosphere before checking in to our hotel. The remainder of the day is dedicated to exploring the world-famous Duval Street, a bustling thoroughfare always pulsating with life. Whether you choose to bask in the sun and relax by the pool, savor beach life and the vibrant city scene in Key West, or delve into the attractions this southernmost “free state” in the United States has to offer, there’s something for everyone. Our evening concludes with dinner and refreshing drinks at Sloppy Joe’s, one of America’s most renowned bars.

(Explorer & Fun  day)

Enjoy your day in Key West! The history of Key West is deeply rooted in its origins as a trading post, where wreck fishing and salvage operations were lucrative businesses. The treacherous reefs off Key West caused numerous shipwrecks throughout history, prompting the townspeople to embark on daring rescue missions to save sailors, passengers, and valuable cargo. Interestingly, there are tales of locals using fake lighthouses and signal lights to purposely lead ships astray onto the sharp reefs, a claim they vehemently deny. The Key West Shipwreck Museum vividly narrates the stories of these maritime mishaps.

Key West, often considered the crown jewel of the Florida Keys, marks the natural endpoint of Overseas Highway 1. The city has a rich history as a haven for dissidents, including intellectuals and hippies. It is renowned for being the former residence of Ernest Hemingway and exudes a carefree and relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a photo at the marker designating “America’s Most Southern Point.” There are plenty of activities to choose from on this day, including sailing, deep-sea fishing, water scooters, visits to Ernest Hemingway’s home, the Key West Lighthouse, various museums, or simply relaxing on one of the island’s beautiful beaches.

(Driving day 5: 399 km/249 miles)

It promises to be another unforgettable day! Our journey commences with a return trip along the breathtaking Overseas Highway 1, traversing the Atlantic and leading us back to the mainland. Following that, we set out on the renowned Tamiami Trail, guiding us through the captivating Everglades, where encounters with alligators and snakes are likely.

Upon reaching solid ground, a unique culinary experience awaits at a local restaurant where genuine alligator meat is on the menu for lunch. We continue our adventure along the Tamiami Trail, winding through the stunning landscapes of the Everglades. Keep a keen eye out for alligators that may be visible along the roadside. Our final destination for the day is Naples. Note: There are no undesignated stops in this area due to the high risk of encountering alligators.

(Driving day 8: 271 km/170 miles)

Welcome to a day of fantastic driving along Florida’s west coast! Our journey begins as we head to Fort Myers, known as “The City of Palms.” From there, we proceed to the “Muscle Car Museum,” a haven for classic muscle cars that have left an indelible mark on automotive history.

Continuing our adventure, we reach St. Petersburg, which boasts a unique and spectacular entrance adorned with large bridges and breathtaking views. Lunch awaits us in the harbor, providing an opportunity to savor the atmosphere and the scenic vista. Our journey takes us further north, passing through charming and vibrant coastal towns before arriving in Clearwater. Here, we explore local bars that are truly out of the ordinary. Get ready for a day filled with incredible sights and memorable experiences!

(Driving day 9: 198 km/123 miles)

As our Florida adventure comes to a close, we have one more enjoyable day on the road. We continue our journey on delightful coastal roads, making our way to Orlando, where we’ll return our vehicles.

Upon reaching Orlando, we check into a hotel on International Drive, strategically located in the heart of all activities and close to various attractions. This is where we spend our final night, coming together for a farewell dinner to reminisce about the incredible experiences and camaraderie forged during our journey.

We bid farewell to Daytona Bike Week & Florida Tour, Florida, as we embark on our journey home. Group travel arrangements are made for a shuttle to the airport. We express our gratitude for the fantastic ride, shared moments, and sincerely thank you for choosing to tour with JoyRides. We wish you a safe trip home and looking forward to the possibility of seeing you again on one of our other tours in the US, South America, Asia, Africa, Oceania, or Europe.

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Note: Due to the time difference, travelers from Europe will arrive home on the date or day following their departure from the US.

Additionally, please be aware that this program serves as a guideline for the activities and experiences on the tour. While deviations may occur, we assure you that our dedicated tour leaders will make every effort to execute the program as described, to the best of their ability and considering the circumstances. We are consistently working to enhance the program, so you may encounter positive surprises along the way. Your understanding and flexibility are greatly appreciated.