Charms of the South: Savannah & Charleston

Southern charm and live oaks dripping in Spanish moss greet you as you arrive in Savannah, Georgia. Transfer on your own to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to get acquainted with this jewel of the South. The city is exceptionally walkable, with unique art galleries, diverse eateries, antique shops, and boutiques intermingled amongst the historic homes and buildings. The evening is free to explore Savannah on your own.  You may wish to immerse yourself in Savannah's spooky side by joining a ghost tour at night.  Overnight Savannah. 

Soak in the old-world grandeur of Savannah on this morning's trolley tour of the city. Live commentary guides the way as we explore the city's elegant neighborhoods and landmark sites. Look upon famous squares, including Chippewa, Lafayette, and Calhoun, amongst others, while learning about the rich history surrounding each. Monuments, fountains, historic mansions, and gorgeous old cathedrals are also highlighted.

This afternoon is yours to continue your explorations. Perhaps stroll through Forsyth Park and enjoy its tree-lined paths or head down to East River Street, accessible by original cobblestone stairs, to watch as riverboats and barges pass on the river below. This evening enjoy dinner with your traveling companions at Lady & Sons, a world-renowned restaurant founded by Paula Deen. Overnight Savannah.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, we venture south along the Atlantic coastline to beautiful Jekyll Island. This Golden Isle, located about 95 miles south of the city, boasts 10 miles of pristine coastline and an incredible historic district. We arrive later this morning and set our sights on the island's very best as we join a guided tram tour. Originally, Jekyll Island was purchased to become a winter retreat for the elite and was soon filled with gorgeous homes and buildings. Admire over 30 of them in the 240-acre historic district while our guide drives through the quiet streets. Lush trees veiled in moss and sparkling water views complement the spectacular surroundings. The tram tour also includes admission to one of Jekyll's most notable cottages.

Following the tour, we head to the Jekyll Island Club Resort for a fantastic lunch that epitomizes the island's luxury. We return to Savannah this afternoon with the rest of the day for you to explore independently. Overnight Savannah.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Yet another of the South's impressive cities beckons today as we depart Savannah aboard Amtrak's Palmetto train for the relaxing daytime journey to Charleston, the Holy City. Founded over 350 years ago, Charleston is beloved for its seaside location, colorful historic houses, and endless charm. The train journey takes approximately two hours to complete, and on arrival, we take our first looks at the city on a guided tour. A step-on guide joins us for this excursion and offers insider knowledge of the city's history and stories as we make our way through the cobbled streets. You can look forward to glimpses at Charleston's City Market, Rainbow Row, numerous historic homes, and other fascinating sights that retell this Southern beauty's long and colorful history. After our tour, we are transferred to our hotel, located in the heart of the Historic District. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city independently. Perhaps venture to Market Street or Upper King Street, where great restaurants, lovely boutiques, and nightlife opportunities abound. Overnight Charleston. 

• Breakfast

Antebellum ambiance fills the grounds of Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark and our destination for today. This incredible plantation is built upon the stories of the Middletons and the enslaved persons who lived on the grounds and made the estate the absolute treasure it is today. Middleton Place was initially constructed in 1705 and has been expanded, burned, destroyed, restored, and expanded throughout the years. We venture here this morning to tour the plantation itself and its immaculate grounds, which are known to be America's oldest landscaped gardens. We begin our tour in the House Museum, also known as the South Flanker, constructed in 1755. Period decor and lavish furnishings fill the historic building. While you meander from room to room, you can look at portraits of the family, original silver and china collections, artifacts the family left behind, and more. Look out the windows onto the more than 65 acres of perfectly kept gardens. Throughout the centuries, enslaved persons and freedmen alike who worked for the Middletons created a living masterpiece, including over 100,000 azaleas, colorful camellias, crepe myrtles, and greenery. Beautifully maintained walking paths lead the way through the lush surroundings. We dine in the onsite restaurant following the tour, savoring various upscale versions of low country favorites.

This afternoon, the group returns to Charleston with the rest of the day at leisure. Perhaps visit Fort Sumter National Monument to learn its role in Civil War history. You could also relive the city's history in one of the interesting neighborhoods. Overnight Charleston.

• Breakfast, Lunch

The day is yours to explore Charleston however you see fit. Charleston's surrounding beaches are lovely and a perfect place to relax. For another dose of old-world elegance, the city is home to several beloved homes and estates to explore. Learn about Confederate and Civil War history at the Confederate Museum at Market Hall or wander along the streets seeking out fountains and lovely homes. There are a great variety of breweries and restaurants serving traditional Southern cuisine. Imagine the possibilities.

Tonight, marvel at the city's lights from the calm waters of Charleston's harbor. Our dinner cruise sails under Ravenel Bridge, past Fort Sumter, and along the Battery while we savor course after course of outstanding cuisine. This is the perfect conclusion to our journey. Overnight Charleston.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Your trip through the South's most charming destinations concludes this morning after we check out of the hotel. An included transfer to the airport is available for flights departing after 10:00 a.m. 

• Breakfast