11 Amazing Places in Florida You Didn't Know Existed

Bubble Room
Bubble Room | julie corsi/Flickr
Aisha Moktadier

Florida might seem like all it can offer is damn good citrus and damn good beaches, but boy, does this state have some surreal stuff to offer guests. Not only do we make all your dreams come true with the magic of our Disney parks, but we’re also full of mysterious and charming hidden gems.

The Bubble Room

julie corsi/Flickr

Bubble Room | julie corsi/Flickr

Neptune Memorial Reef

The Neptune Memorial Reef is the largest man-made reef in the world and covers 16 acres of the ocean floor. Just east of Key Biscayne, this Atlantis-inspired reef is popular among scuba divers, marine biologists, students, and boaters – but its spiritual undertone means it’s also a popular place for families to send off the ashes of loved ones so that they can “create life after life.”
The Neptune Memorial Reef, Miami Beach Marina, Miami Beach, FL, USA, +1 954 655 3592

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Neptune Reef

Coral Castle

© Christina Rutz / Flickr

Coral Castle | © Christina Rutz / Flickr

Whimzeyland

This crazy, funky, eclectic, and downright strange place is actually someone’s private home. Coined the “Bowling Ball House” for years, Whimzeyland is decked out in colored tiles, bowling balls, bottles, and other strange pieces of décor and embellishment. This is a really cool place to stop and take photos at, and the home feels like walking into someone’s imagination or a real-life storybook for a moment. Escape into colored glass, over 500 bowling balls, and all kinds of funky ornaments at this dreamlike spot.
Whimzeyland, 1206 3rd St, Safety Harbor, FL, USA, +1 727 725 4018
http://instagram.com/p/BHYVyKPjCrN/?taken-at=704037123

Salvador Dalí Museum

Museum, Building

The back of the Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida
© Dan Lundberg/Flickr
Fans of Salvador Dalí are in a for a real treat. This museum stands as an ode to the highly imaginative and talented surrealist painter and features several of Dalí’s paintings, photographs, prints, book illustrations, and 3D objects. Some popular paintings to look forward to seeing here include Apparatus and Hand, Disappearing Bust of Voltaire, and Puzzle of Autumn. The museum also offers other fun and interesting events like film screenings and yoga.

Solomon's Castle

Restaurant

Sam Howzit/Flickr

Solomon’s Castle | Sam Howzit/Flickr

The Christmas Palace

A huge store that entirely dedicated to selling Christmas items all year long? Check, Florida has that, too. The Christmas Palace, located in Hialeah, is exactly what it sounds like: a haven for Christmas-lovers to come and buy beautiful ornaments, artificial trees, fake snow, home décor, and other goodies for the holidays. Even for those who don’t celebrate or aren’t fans of Christmas, just the sight of this winter wonderland smack in the middle of Miami is pretty darn magical.
The Christmas Palace, 9820 NW 77th Ave, Hialeah Gardens, FL, USA, +1 305 558 5352
https://www.instagram.com/p/BN5NuB0DmpZ/

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Museum, Park

Mitch/Flickr

Morikami Museum & Gardens | Mitch/Flickr

North Port Warm Mineral Springs

Spa

The North Port Warm Mineral Springs, a water-filled sinkhole that’s been around since 1977, keeps a warm temperature of approximately 85°F (30°C) all year long and contains 51 different minerals (contributing to one of the country’s highest mineral content springs). Come visit for some relaxation, not just a typical beach. Make sure to book the available spa services, like Swedish full body and hot stone massages, in advance – perfect for a lazy weekend afternoon.
North Port Warm Mineral Springs, 12200 San Servando Ave, North Port, FL, USA, +1 941 426 1692
http://instagram.com/p/_7P59SyRyd/?taken-at=628501952

St. Photios National Greek Orthodox Shrine

Shrine

St Photios National Shrine
Dan Lundberg/Flickr
This shrine, coined “The Jewel of St. George Street,” was originally built by a Spanish family in 1749, and according to Atlas Obscura, “The reliquary contained bone fragments from 18 saints and was certified by the Vatican.” This beautiful spot in St. Augustine also features Byzantine art and gorgeous frescoes, as well as a garden for guests to enjoy.
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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

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Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

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It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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