St. Augustine’s Best – 1 Day
One Day in the Oldest City in the US
Program Summary
You’ll visit St. Augustine, founded in September 1565. St. Augustine is the oldest continually inhabited European- founded city in the United States – more commonly called the “Nation’s Oldest City.” Your visit to St. Augustine will have you dive into more than four centuries of history that owes much to the Spanish, English, Greeks, Native Americans, and African Americans.
Program Highlights & Inclusions
- Professional ETA Tour Manager throughout your trip
- Transportation throughout your trip
- Guided tour of Mission Nombre de Dios & Shrine of Our Lady
of La Leche - Guided trolley tour of Old Town
- Admission to Castillo de San Marcos
- Visit to Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine
- Free time for shopping on St. George Street
Daily Itinerary
You’ll visit St. Augustine, founded in September 1565. St. Augustine is the oldest continually inhabited European- founded city in the United States – more commonly called the “Nation’s Oldest City.” Your visit to St. Augustine will have you dive into more than four centuries of history that owes much to the Spanish, English, Greeks, Native Americans, and African Americans.
When you arrive in St. Augustine, you will meet your tour manager.
Your first adventure will be a guided tour of Mission Nombre de Dios, which traces its origins to the founding of the City of St. Augustine in 1565. On September 8, 1565, Pedro Menéndez de Avilés landed and proclaimed this site for Spain and the Church. It was here that Menéndez knelt to kiss a wooden cross presented to him by Father Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales, chaplain of his expedition. It was on these grounds that Fr. López would celebrate the first parish Mass and begin the work at America’s first mission. It was at this sacred spot that the Spanish settlers would begin the devotion to Our Lady of La Leche that continues into the present with a shrine in her honor. Before you leave, you’ll have time to get a class photo with the welcoming statue of Jesus at the Mission.
You’ll be picked up at the Mission de Nombre Dios by the Old Town Trolley and you’ll take a narrated trolley tour through St. Augustine, America’s oldest city with a fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a packed lunch. The trolley will drop you off at Castillo de San Marcos after the tour.
Next, you’ll take a guided tour of Castillo de San Marcos Fort located on the shore of Matanzas Bay. The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States.
This evening you’ll visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Florida’s oldest church. After the Cathedral you’ll walk five minutes to St. George Street where you’ll have free time for shopping. Tonight your trip to St. Augustine comes to a close as you begin your return trip home.
After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll spend the day at Epcot. Celebrating the human spirit, Epcot has two distinct realms: Future World, which features technological innovations, and World Showcase, which shares with guests the culture and cuisine of 11 countries. You’ll have all meals in the park.
This evening, you’ll spend some time at the Universal City walk where you can shop and enjoy the scenery. This 30-acre entertainment complex is Orlando’s ideal destination for your group.
After dinner, you’ll head back to your hotel for the night.
After breakfast, you’ll encounter exotic animals and exciting adventures at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, the largest animal theme park in the world. Home to more than 1,700 animals across 250 species, the park reflects Walt Disney’s dedication to conservation and is committed to animal care, education and research.
After lunch, you’ll spend the rest of the day at Hollywood Studios. Movie magic comes to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, awash in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Step into the action with attractions based on blockbuster movies and top TV shows, and delight in exciting entertainment that puts you center stage.
Your Disney adventure comes to an end as you begin your drive home with dinner en-route.
