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February 9–13, 2014

This winter, soak up Florida's sun and its amazing architectural and cultural offerings with the Modern Miami and Beyond experience operated by National Trust Tours. Uncover the vibrant art scene, distinct Art Deco architecture, and lively, diverse culture of this picturesque region.

Accommodations
Situated on the notable Collins Avenue, The Hotel is an Art Deco landmark built in 1939 by famed Miami Beach architect L. Murray Dixon and boasts a distinctive interior designed by the internationally acclaimed Todd Oldham. A AAA Four Diamond destination, The Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels of America affording richly-appointed accommodations and contemporary luxuries.

Highlights:

  • Stay at The Hotel in South Beach, a member of Historic Hotels of America
  • Gain access to renowned private art collections and private homes and studios of prominent artists
  • Be one of the first to see the new Pérez Art Museum Miami, a splendid building designed by Herzog and de Meuron
  • Explore walking tours of South Beach's Art Déco district and Old Havana led by expert local guides
  • Enjoy the academic leadership of John Meffert, a long-time preservationist and architectural expert
  • See the iconic Bacardi Building, and hear about Frank Gehry’s plans to transform the complex
  • Take a VIP backstage tour of the Arsht Center for Performing Arts, designed by renowned architect César Pelli
  • Visit Vizcaya, John Deering’s Italianate palace on the shores of Biscayne Bay

Study Leader Information
Frequent study leader and architectural expert, John Meffert is a long-time proponent of preservation. As former director of the National Trust's Southern Office, John now serves as a consultant on heritage conservation services in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, where he has also served as the director of the Preservation Society of Charleston, preserving the historic resources of the city.

Tour Itinerary
February 9 - Sunday - The Cuban Connection
Travel to Miami and transfer independently to The Hotel, a member of Historic Hotels of America, before meeting study leader John Meffert for an introductory lecture on Miami and South Florida’s unique architectural and historical heritage. Immerse in Miami’s famous Latin rhythms during a walking tour of the Cuban community in Little Havana led by a popular Miami historian and explore the cigar factories, domino parlors, and old theaters. Enjoy an exclusive meeting with one of Miami’s most prominent contemporary artists in his 1920s bungalow home, and view his whimsical marionettes and sculptures. Stop by Freedom Tower, a U.S. National Historic Landmark designed by Schultze and Weaver and listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. It is used currently as a memorial to Cuban immigration to the United States. At night, enjoy a festive welcome dinner in one of the city’s finest restaurants.

February 10 - Monday - Déco and the Beach
Enjoy Miami Beach's iconic Art Deco scene with an in-depth walking tour of the colorful, historic Art Deco District and get familiarized with its finest architectural examples. Enjoy lunch at a five-star restaurant before a visit to the Wolfsonian-FIU Museum for a special director-led tour of the unique collection of early 20th-century decorative art and design objects.

February 11 - Tuesday - Miami Art Scene
Begin the day with an exclusive VIP backstage tour of the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, designed by renowned architect César Pelli, before a visit to one of the finest private contemporary art collections the De La Cruz Collection. Continue to the up-and-coming Design District for a guided walking tour and a delicious lunch. Stop at the iconic, blue-and-white-tiled Bacardi Building, now home to The National YoungArts Foundation and hear about Frank Gehry’s plans to transform the complex. At night, enjoy a sunset cruise on Biscayne Bay.

February 12 - Wednesday - Historic Miami
Enjoy a special architectural tour of Vizcaya, John Deering’s opulent Italianate palace on the shores of Biscayne Bay, the grand Biltmore Hotel’s palatial spaces, and the 1920s “miracle” city of Coral Gables. Lunch will be served at one of the region’s top French restaurants before strolling through historic Coconut Grove, Miami's first neighborhood and a longtime bohemian enclave. Gain exclusive access to the gorgeous home of one of South Florida’s top art collectors, and take in a stunning private collection of modern art as well as breathtaking views over Biscayne Bay. Bid farewell to Miami over cocktails at The Hotel’s rooftop bar.

February 13 - Thursday - Miami Farewell
Be amongst the first to visit the newest world-class museum, the Pérez Art Museum Miami, which opens in December 2013. Explore the cutting-edge building designed by Herzog and de Meuron and see collection highlights. Continue to the airport for flights home.

Special Offer!
Mention Historic Hotels of America when booking your tour and receive three $100 gift certificates, each good toward a $100 refund when you book through HistoricHotels.org and stay for at least two-nights at a Historic Hotels of America hotel.*

Reservations
To book a tour please contact our tour VIP desk at +1 202 772 8000 or scalhoun@historichotels.org.

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*Maximum of one $100 certificate may be claimed for a refund with a minimum two night stay booked through HistoricHotels.org following the return of your tour and completion of your hotel stay. The refund will be issued within 45 days of the completion of your stay upon submitting a Great Experiences & Tours $100 refund application. Refund application must be submitted with a copy of your hotel folio receipt, the original confirmation number from your booking on HistoricHotels.org, and the Certificate number issued to you for booking your tour through Historic Hotels of America. Certificates issued are a promotion only valid toward future reservations made through HistoricHotels.org and do not have any cash value. One certificate may be used per room per two night or longer stay at the same hotel. Eligible rates include rates publicly available at time of booking. Reduced rates, rooms included in another travel or tour package, employee rates, advance purchase rates, and certain last minute sale rates are not eligible for this promotion.