Southern Charm

Revel in the holiday hospitality in America’s southeast. Come to know its rich history and deep traditions on this tour highlighted by stays in Charleston, Savannah, and Jekyll Island. Arrive in Charleston, a city that has defied all odds. Charleston has survived the Civil War, major fires, an earthquake, and hurricanes – and still exudes elegance, charm, and grace. If arriving early in the day, perhaps you’ll venture out on your own to Patriot’s Point Naval Museum or the Aiken-Rhett House before settling into your accommodations in the Historic District.
Hotel Name: Emeline Hotel

This morning, make your way to bustling City Market, one of the country’s oldest public markets and a central hub for Gullah sweetgrass basketry – an intricate handicraft of African origin. Explore Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, where you’ll experience Southern living as you come to know one of America's oldest plantations beautifully decorated for the holidays. Then decide how to see the city because it’s your choice! Stroll through Charleston’s historic center with a local guide, exploring hidden alleys and quaint areas that are only accessible by foot -OR- take a harbor cruise to Fort Sumter, where the first fired shots of the Civil War were fired, and chat with a ranger before exploring on your own. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. End your day with a visit to James Island County Park, where over 500,000 lights provide you with an enchanting 3-mile driving tour.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Historic Charleston
Charleston is the oldest and second largest city in South Carolina. The city was founded in 1670. The Downtown Historic District of Charleston has long been the cultural capital of the South throughout history, and is considered to be a living museum. In this well preserved city you can tour 18th century historic landmarks, homes and churches, museums and the city market.

Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Charleston on your own. Perhaps you will join an optional horse-and-carriage tour with lunch. Later, travel down the coast through South Carolina’s Low Country to historic Savannah. This evening, spend some time exploring Factors Walk and River Street, where old cotton warehouses have been converted into trendy shops, taverns, and restaurants. Tonight, gather at a popular local restaurant on Savannah’s famous River Street for a cooking demonstration and dinner showcasing regional culinary specialties.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Cambria Hotel Downtown

Admittance: Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Get to know the Southern way of life as you explore one of America’s oldest plantations. The plantation was founded in 1681, known at the time for producing cotton and pecans. It opened to the public in 1956, where the owners sought to give visitors a taste of plantation life by furnishing the home with antiques and giving tours. Today, it is home to a variety of fruits and vegetables.

This morning, it's your choice! Take in the southern charm of Savannah's Historic District on a nostalgic, narrated trolley ride -OR- on a walking tour highlighting Savannah’s haunted side. Either way, lively, informative commentary brings the city to life as you travel along the cobblestone-paved streets and beneath moss-draped oaks. Allow the stately mansions, beautiful squares, and romantic riverfront promenades to capture your heart. Both tours will end at the Mercer Williams House, where you will receive a guided tour of the famed home from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to do as you wish.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Charleston Walking Tour or Fort Sumter Cruise
In Charleston, you have the choice between two activities. Your first option is to stroll through the historic center with a local guide, exploring hidden alleyways and quaint areas that are only accessible by foot. Your second option is to take a harbor cruise to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. Meet with a ranger to learn about the history and then enjoy time to explore on your own. You will return to the mainland later in the afternoon. During the cruise portion, enjoy views of Battery Park, the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and Fort Moultrie. Charleston Walking Tour Pacing Level 3 This 2 hour tour through historic Charleston covers 2-2.5 miles with few stops. You can expect to walk over unlevel sidewalks, cobblestone and lifted pavement due to rooting trees. Fort Sumter Cruise (Default) Pacing Level 1

Before saying so long to Savannah, stop at the Pin Point Heritage Museum to learn about the Gullah Geechee people. Then journey to Georgia’s legendary Gold Coast and visit quaint St. Simons Island. Enjoy time to explore the area on your own, meandering along the unique shops and restaurants in the village. Continue on to the exclusive Jekyll Island Club hotel, your home for the next two nights.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Jekyll Island Club

Drive By: James Island County Park Holiday Display
This holiday festival of lights in Charleston, South Carolina is beyond compare with 700 absolutely magical light displays of every variety you can imagine. It’s three miles and is often featured on all the popular “best holiday light display lists” in the country.

Situated grandly in the middle of the Golden Isles, Jekyll Island was once the beloved vacation spot for prominent families, including the Rockefellers, the Vanderbilts and J.P. Morgan. With a morning at leisure, take a complimentary tour of the Jekyll Island Club hotel or just enjoy the old-world ambiance of this iconic island resort, beautifully decorated for the holidays. Gather for a tram ride that brings you on a tour of the island and the Jekyll Island Historic Landmark District – one of the nation’s largest restoration projects. This evening, find your holiday spirit with Christmas caroling and refreshments before joining your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at the Jekyll Island Club hotel.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Savannah
Savannah is the oldest city in the State of Georgia, established in 1733. Savannah was also a strategic port city in the American Revolution and during the American Civil War. Today, Savannah is an industrial center and an important Atlantic seaport. Savannah’s downtown area is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the U.S.

As your tour draws to a close, leave for home with memories of a trip well-traveled. Your days spent experiencing Southern holiday charm and gracious hospitality will stay dear to your heart for years to come.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Choice on Tour: Savannah Trolley Tour or Haunted Savannah Walking Tour