When you want to immerse yourself completely in the space center vibe, this is the adventure for you – transportation and admission to the Visitor Complex, plenty of time to explore all that’s on offer, then the superb Dine with an Astronaut option, and finally a trip ‘behind the gates’ for a two-hour Discover KSC bus tour.

We rightly label this our ‘Ultimate’ tour as it maximizes every moment at the Space Center with a full-on and in-depth exploration that touches on all the key aspects of the space program.

First, there is the chance to get up close and personal with exhibits like the essential Space Shuttle Atlantis (don’t miss this, as it packs a really emotional punch with its big ‘reveal’), the Shuttle Launch Experience, Heroes & Legends center, extensive Rocket Garden, and IMAX Theater.

Once you have soaked up NASA’s past, present and future, we’ll take you on to the highlight of lunch with one of their veterans, and a chance to hear first-hand about what it takes to be a member of the astronaut corps. Along with a tasty meal, you will have an opportunity to ask questions and have your photograph taken with him or her for a unique souvenir.

Then it’s time to spread your wings a little and head out to see more of the full 144,000-acre extent of the KSC, which was founded in 1962 by President Kennedy and has been growing ever since.

This unique behind-the-scenes bus tour provides rare close-up views of the signature sights such as the gigantic Vehicle Assembly Building – the tallest one-story structure in the world – the historic launch sites and other operational facilities before concluding at the fascinating Apollo/Saturn V Center, home to a full-size Saturn V rocket, a moon-landing recreation, and a piece of moon-rock you can actually touch.

It’s as close as you can get to being an astronaut without actually joining NASA