6-Day Florida Gulf Beaches & Rail Trails Bike Tour Adventure

Please meet at the Tampa Airport at 1pm. Today’s ride is on the Courtney Campbell Causeway, a bike path along the causeway connecting Tampa Bay and the Clearwater area. You have great views of the water, birds and kite boarders as you enjoy the first warm weather ride. The ride ends at the Safety Harbor fishing pier, where you can relax and enjoy the bayside boating scene. A short shuttle takes you onto Clearwater Beach, where you check in for your first night and gather for a welcome dinner together.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Clearwater Beach
Meals: Dinner

Biking: 11 miles (17 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

Today's ride begins with pedaling over the Clearwater Causeway to the Pinellas Trail and then heading North on the Pinellas to the historic fishing village of Tarpon Springs. You pass through a number of bayside towns and enjoy lunch together at a classic Greek restaurant. After lunch, you head back south on the Pinellas Trail to Dunedin, where we end the ride at a trailside brewery. There is also an option to continue riding for the final 6 miles back to the hotel on Clearwater Beach. Dinner is as a group.
Accommodation: Courtyard by Marriott Clearwater Beach
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 30 or 36 miles (48 or 58 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

Today’s ride begins with cycling over the Clearwater Causeway to the Pinellas Trail and then heading south on the Pinellas to the end of the trail in downtown St. Petersburg. You pass through a variety of towns and parks and end with a section of murals along the trail. You arrive in St. Petersburg in time for lunch and then go on a guided tour of the Dali Museum. After the tour of the Dali, you check into your boutique hotel and have time to explore historic St. Petersburg. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Accommodation: The Birchwood
Meals: Breakfast

Biking: 26 or 36 miles (41 or 58 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

Shuttle to Venice and the end of the Legacy Trail. After riding to the northern end, follow dedicated bike lanes and back roads out to Casey Key for an included lunch. Casey Key is known for its lovely beach ... and the low-light restrictions there improve the success of the many sea turtles that nest there. Ride back along the Legacy Trail to the inn. End the day with a sunset stroll and a delicious waterside dinner.
Accommodation: Hampton Inn Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 25 or 45 miles (40 or 72 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

Today’s ride takes you along the Legacy Trail into Venice, then along a dedicated bike trail beside the Intracoastal Waterway — part of the network providing protected passage for boats from Boston to Florida and around the Gulf to Texas. After traversing the quiet neighborhood roads of South Venice, you cross a bridge onto Manasota Key and enjoy more riding along a barrier island. At the southern end of Manasota Key, you visit Stump Pass Beach State Park and go for a kayak paddle in the mangroves at Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve. A bag lunch is included. Return to Venice Island — via bike or van — and explore the beaches there, including the opportunity to sift the sand for plentiful fossilized shark’s teeth. Our final celebratory dinner is at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hampton Inn Venice
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 39 miles (62 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier

Today is our final day of riding. You can start early for some longer miles on bike lanes, visiting Myakka River State Park, or you can take a more leisurely ride on the Legacy Trail and along the beaches of Casey Key. Then shuttle to Ybor City for lunch and then back to Tampa Airport for farewells.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 16 to 30 miles (25 to 48 kilometres)
Terrain: Easier