12 days in Tampa, Orlando & Miami Itinerary

Tampa ranks among the country's most livable cities, attracting newcomers with its growing economy and status as a major port on the Gulf of Mexico.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Mon): look for all kinds of wild species at Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the views from Sunshine Skyway Bridge, kick back and relax at Saint Pete Beach, and then get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

To see photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read Tampa online vacation planner .

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Tampa is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and bus; or do a combination of train and flight. The time zone difference moving from Central European Time (CET) to Eastern Standard Time (EST) is minus 6 hours. Traveling from Amsterdam in September, things will get much hotter in Tampa: highs are around 38°C and lows about 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Thu) so you can drive to Orlando.

For most people, any mention of Orlando immediately conjures up images of sprawling theme parks filled with characters plucked right out of popular animated movies.

Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse & Museum and International Drive are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore hidden gems such as Orlando Premium Outlets - Vineland Avenue and The Florida Mall. Change things up with a short trip to Beach at Daytona Beach in Daytona Beach (about 1h 25 min away). Next up on the itinerary: make an unforgettable trip to World of Disney, laugh and play at Happily Ever After Fireworks, and look for gifts at The LEGO Store Downtown Disney.

To see where to stay, ratings, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Orlando trip planner.

You can drive from Tampa to Orlando in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In September in Orlando, expect temperatures between 37°C during the day and 27°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) so you can drive to Miami.

Florida’s mecca of fun in the sun, the lively tropical metropolis of Miami is one of the world’s top vacation spots.

Lincoln Road and Art Deco Historic District will appeal to history buffs. For shopping fun, head to Aventura Mall or Collins Avenue. Get out of town with these interesting Miami side-trips: Everglades City (Speed Boats Tours & Nature & Wildlife Tours), E Las Olas Blvd (in Fort Lauderdale) and Everglades National Park (Shark Valley & Anhinga Trail). And it doesn't end there: identify plant and animal life at Everglades Alligator Farm, see the interesting displays at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and look for gifts at Robert Is Here.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Miami sightseeing planner .

You can drive from Orlando to Miami in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In September, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 29°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Thu) so you can travel back home.