7 days Southern Charm
Experience the history, charm and singular hospitality of the Low Country in Georgia and South Carolina. Overnight at the exclusive Jekyll Island Club, once described as “the richest, most exclusive club in the world.” Choose to explore one of America’s oldest plantations, Boone Hall, or the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. Discover the history of Savannah and antebellum Charleston with 2-night stays in each city. You will uncover a magic that you can only find in America’s friendly South.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charleston, South Carolina - Tour Begins | Experience warm southern hospitality in America’s southeast. Come to know its rich history and deep traditions on this tour highlighted by stays in Charleston, Jekyll Island and Savannah. Arrive today in historic, antebellum Charleston. High 76° Low 53° 2" Hyatt Place Charleston |
| 2 | Charleston | Known as the Holy City, Charleston has survived the Civil War, major fires, an earthquake and hurricanes – and still exudes elegance, charm and grace. A local guide joins you to show you the city. See its cobblestone streets, historic homes and restored buildings, some with origins prior to the Revolution. Stop at the battery overlooking Fort Sumter where, on April 12, 1861, the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Continue on to City Market, one of the oldest public markets in America. Meet a local artisan to learn about the tradition of weaving Gullah sweetgrass baskets, one of the oldest handicrafts in the United States. Following your city tour, the choice is yours! Perhaps you will choose to explore Boone Hall Plantation where you’ll experience southern plantation living as you come to know one of America's oldest working plantations. Or, you may opt to explore Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum where you’ll board the impressive USS Yorktown aircraft carrier and walk in the footsteps of sailors and officers as you tour the flight deck; you’ll also have time at the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum and marvel at the largest collection of military aircraft in the United States. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Breakfast & Dinner High 76° Low 53° 2" Hyatt Place Charleston |
| 3 | Charleston - Jekyll Island, Georgia | Travel to the exclusive Jekyll Island Club Hotel, grandly situated in the midst of the fabled Golden Isles. Jekyll Island was once the winter retreat of prominent Gilded Age families. Their grand “cottages” still stand. The remainder of your afternoon and evening are free to explore or simply relax in the old-world ambiance of your hotel. Breakfast High 77° Low 56° 2" Jekyll Island Club |
| 4 | Jekyll Island - St. Simons Island - Savannah | This morning, a tram brings you on a tour of the Jekyll Island Historic Landmark District – one of the nation’s largest restoration projects. The Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and J.P. Morgan once vacationed here along the 240-acre river edge. Afterwards, journey to another fabled Golden Isle, quaint St. Simons Island. See its striking 106' tall lighthouse and visit the Museum of Coastal History. Have leisure time to explore the quaint shops and restaurants in the village. Travel north along the unspoiled Georgia coast of vast marshlands, winding rivers and beautiful beaches to historic Savannah, home to the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States. Tonight, gather at a popular local restaurant on its famous River Street for a cooking demonstration and dinner showcasing regional culinary specialties. Breakfast & Dinner High 84° Low 62° 4" Doubletree Historic Savannah |
| 5 | Savannah | Take in the ambiance of the “Old South” with a trolley tour highlighting Savannah's sprawling Historic District. The lively, informative commentary brings the city to life as you travel along the cobblestone-paved streets and beneath moss-draped oaks. Her stately mansions, beautiful squares and romantic riverfront are sure to make you fall in love with this city. Next, the beautiful Andrew Low House and Gardens await. Learn about the driving force behind the Girl Scouts and its founder, Juliette Low. This afternoon, wander Savannah’s tree-filled squares or explore Factors Walk and River Street, where old cotton warehouses house trendy shops, taverns and restaurants. This evening, perhaps you will join an optional “after hours” tour to Bonaventure, the south’s most famous Victorian Cemetery, with a local historian. Breakfast High 84° Low 62° 4" Doubletree Historic Savannah |
| 6 | Savannah - Jacksonville, Florida | Savor some free time this morning in Savannah before heading south to Jacksonville, where the St. John’s River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Tonight you’ll join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. Breakfast & Dinner High 84° Low 65° 2" Omni Jacksonville Hotel |
| 7 | Jacksonville - Tour Ends | Your days spent experiencing true southern charm and gracious hospitality will stay dear to your heart for years to come. Breakfast |