South USA - Georgia and South Carolina

Revel in the history and charm of America's South featuring the best of Georgia and South Carolina. From modern Atlanta to historic Charleston, Savannah, and Jekyll Island, you'll find graceful landscapes and warm, welcoming southern hospitality. During a two-night stay in Atlanta, itinerary highlights include a visit to the world-renowned CNN Studios, Peachtree Street and chic Buckhead with the option to explore the home of "Gone with the Wind" author Margaret Mitchell. In Charleston, tour the city's collection of colonial, antebellum and Victorian homes and building graced with lovely formal gardens. See where the first shots of the Civil War were heard at the battery overlooking Fort Sumter and Boone Hall, one of the low country's largest cotton plantations. Learn about the life and training of a marine cadet as described by an active-duty Marine when a journey long South Carolina's scenic coastal route takes you to an U.S. military base. Savor real southern cuisine at one of Savannah's long-time favorite restaurants and see how city's old cotton warehouses have been transformed into shops, taverns and restaurants while strolling along the cobblestone-paved Factors Walk and River Street. During your final 2-night stay on the beautiful historic isle of Jekyll Island enjoy a visit to its historic district and the chance to ogle the grand Gilded Age "cottages" once belonging to the wealthiest 19th century Americans like the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. On St. Simons Island, highlights include the Museum of Coastal History and the Lighthouse with leisure time to check out the village's shops and restaurants.

Day 1: Arrive Atlanta, Georgia

Revel in the hospitality and rich history of America’s South on this scenic tour featuring the best of Georgia and South Carolina. Your tour begins in Atlanta, the commercial and cultural capital of the South.
Today dinner is included.

Day 2: Atlanta

Begin your day with a sightseeing tour of Atlanta, starting with a fascinating visit to the world-renowned CNN Studios. This is followed by a visit to Cyclorama to learn about the battle of Atlanta in 1864. Travel along famous Peachtree Street before heading into Atlanta's chic north side neighborhood, Buckhead. You will marvel at the beautiful homes and gardens and see the Greek revival-style Governor's mansion. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this city on your own.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 3: Atlanta - Charleston, SC

You depart Atlanta and travel to the delightful city of Charleston, South Carolina. History is literally found around every corner in this fascinating city, which is often referred to as a "living museum". Magnificent formal gardens grace much of the historic district, adding to the beauty of the colonial, antebellum and Victorian architecture. The City Market is a must for shoppers and the curious alike. This evening, experience gracious hospitality when you dine at a fine local restaurant.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 4: Charleston

See for yourself why Charleston has been deemed the "charm spot of the south." Today you will embark on a guided tour of the city highlighting the many historic homes and restored buildings. You also stop at the battery overlooking Fort Sumter where, on April 12, 1861, the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Following your tour, you will experience southern plantation living when you visit Boone Hall, one of low country's largest cotton plantations.
Today breakfast is included.

Day 5: Charleston - Beaufort - Savannah, Georgia

This morning you travel south along South Carolina's scenic coastal route. You will visit the charming town of Beaufort, where you may choose to tour the historic district in a horse-drawn carriage. You then return to Georgia, arriving in the historic riverside city of Savannah, the largest National Historic Landmark area in the United States. The afternoon is at leisure to relax and enjoy this enchanting city. This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring authentic southern cuisine at Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room, a Savannah tradition for over 60 years.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 6: Savannah - Jekyll Island

Begin the day with a guided tour of Savannah's historic district. Experience southern charm first-hand with a stroll along the cobblestone-paved Factors Walk and River Street, where old cotton warehouses have been converted into shops, taverns and restaurants. Your local tour concludes with a visit to the Andrew Low Home and Gardens. Learn the history of the start of the Girl Scouts and its founder, Juliette Low. Enjoy the home's beautiful formal gardens and carriage house, the first national headquarters of the Girl Scouts. Next, travel south along the coast of Georgia, home of the Golden Isles, where you see vast marshlands, winding rivers and beautiful beaches. This afternoon, you arrive at Jekyll Island, your home for the remainder of your tour.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 7: Jekyll Island - St. Simons Island - Jekyll

This morning you are treated to a tour of the Jekyll Island Historic Landmark District - one of the nation's largest restoration projects. Here you will have a chance to explore the 240-acre river edge and see grand "cottages" once belonging to such notables as the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and J.P. Morgan. Next, a tour of quaint St. Simons Island highlights the wonderful Museum of Coastal History and St. Simons Lighthouse. Later, enjoy leisure time to explore the quaint shops and restaurants in the village. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at the Jekyll Island Club.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.

Day 8: Jekyll Island - Tour Ends

Your experience of true southern hospitality is sure to stay dear to your heart for years to come.
Today breakfast is included.