Carolinas to Key West Florida self-drive tour

Collect your hire car and drive south to Charleston, the oldest city in South Carolina. En route, you may wish to visit Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, founded in 1676, making them the oldest public gardens in America. Spend the rest of the afternoon familiarising yourself with this charming old city.

Enjoy a full day in Charleston. In addition to exploring the Battery and perhaps taking a horse and carriage tour, you may wish to visit nearby Drayton Hall, one of the oldest homes in the country, where an extremely knowledgeable guide will tell you all about the history of this beautiful house.

Travel along the scenic coastline to Savannah. On the way, explore the picturesque beach of Hunting Island State Park where you can climb the lighthouse for beautiful coastal views.

Spend a full day in Savannah. The old town trolley tour is great for seeing the city and getting your bearings. Sites such as Chippewa Square, where parts of Forrest Gump were filmed, Ellis Square, Ships of the Sea Museum, Bay Street and Factors Walk await your discovery today.

On the journey south to Jekyll Island today, explore the pretty villages along the ocean's edge. There are also several historic forts that once guarded these shores and the Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge to explore.

Spend the day relaxing on the beach or exploring Jekyll and the other islands off Georgia's coast. The surrounding marshes are home to prolific wildlife, and there are plenty of great beaches, historic houses and scenic walking trails for you to discover.

Crossing from Georgia into Florida today, you will drive past Jacksonville, where you may wish to take a free tour of the Budweiser brewery. Your journey continues along the Florida coast, past the Twelve Mile Swamp Conservation Area, before arriving in St. Augustine.

Enjoy discovering St. Augustine today. Founded in 1565, it is the oldest European settlement in the USA. Enjoy strolling along the cobbled streets, seeing horse-drawn carriages and sampling delicious food while relaxing at a quaint pub or lamp-lit restaurant.

Heading south along the coast today, you will pass Daytona Beach and the famous Daytona International Speedway, where you may wish to stop as you journey to Cocoa Beach. Historic Cocoa Village, just across the causeway from Cocoa Beach, is a great place to relax and enjoy a meal. There are also plenty of historic buildings and small local boutiques to explore.

From Cocoa Beach, you can spend the day learning about the USA's space programme at the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral or simply relax and enjoy the area's beautiful beaches.

Today, continuing your drive south, you will pass Port St. Lucie and Hutchinson Island — a barrier island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Indian River on the west. This halfway point makes a pretty place to break up your drive south to Miami.

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Miami. Take a walk along cosmopolitan South Beach, soaking up the sun and seeing the wonderful Art Deco buildings. There are plenty of excellent restaurants and bars to enjoy, plus great shopping and nightlife.

Today you could rent bikes and discover Miami's boardwalk or simply relax on the beach. Alternatively, head away from South Beach and visit the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens on Biscayne Bay. Built for industrialist James Deering, the extravagant architecture houses European antiques and decorative works.

En route to Key West today don't miss a visit to Everglades National Park, a World Heritage Site that is an important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species such as manatees, alligators, and the elusive Florida panther. A highlight is to take an airboat ride in the swamps adjacent to the park. Continue your drive south on the impressive Overseas Highway to Key West.

Spend a full day relaxing or exploring in delightful Key West. Taking the hop-on hop-off trolley is a great way to discover the 'Conch Republic'. The lighthouse and Ernest Hemingway's home are highlights but also don't miss the nightly sunset celebrations at Mallory Square.

Enjoy a day relaxing in the tranquil surroundings of Key West or perhaps head out to Dry Tortugas National Park to spend time exploring the Civil War prison and snorkelling in the surrounding turquoise waters.

Spend the morning relaxing in Key West before making your way to Key West Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.