Experience Overview
Uncover the history, culture and cuisine of the southern states on this eight-day adventure from Atlanta to Nashville. With a passionate local leading the way, you’ll take in the Southern gothic glory of Bonaventure Cemetery, walk the historic streets of Savannah and hear stories behind the landmarks of Charleston. Head to the Appalachian Mountains for a visit to Biltmore House in Asheville, the United States’ largest home. Then finish your adventure in the toe-tapping heartland of country and western music. If you want to do more than just see the sights, this immersive historic tour is calling your name!
Highlights
- Wander the historic streets of Savannah, trying the local food on a walking tour that blends the city’s history with some of its most delicious eats.
- Learn about Charleston's rich and complex past with an expert guide, visiting historic landmarks hearing the stories behind the city.
- Visit Biltmore House and Garden, the United States’ largest home, and perhaps stop for lunch at the on-site winery.
- Taste the real Tennessee during a tour of a whiskey distillery named in honour of the first-known African American master distiller.
- Take a guided tour of Bonaventure Cemetery, where you'll hear stories of the fascinating people interred here among the live oaks dripping with Spanish moss.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, the Cultural Heritage Economic Alliance. Donations help them create inclusive and equitable opportunities for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) tourism businesses. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2618
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Comfortable
Transport: Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: SSKX
Starts: Atlanta, United States Of America
Finishes: Nashville, United States Of America
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Easy
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (7), Lunch (2), Dinner (1)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4,640 ($580 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Georgia! Your adventure begins in Atlanta with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. As this trip only spends limited time in Atlanta, we recommend arriving a day or two early to truly experience the city. You might like to check out the 33 acres of historic houses, gardens and award-winning exhibitions at the Atlanta History Center, or visit the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site. After your meeting, your leader will be able to recommend some good local restaurants for dinner.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Hit the road bright and early to make the journey to Savannah this morning. In 1946, Lady Astor referred to Savannah as 'a beautiful lady with a dirty face' in reference to the crumbling, faded majesty of the city's 18th and 19th-century mansions. Due to plenty of restoration work, Savannah's face may no longer be dirty, but she's still a city of contradictions with hidden delights. When you arrive, you’ll join an expert guide for a tour of Bonaventure Cemetery, widely regarded as one of the world's most beautiful cemeteries. Take in its Southern gothic glory as you learn more about this famous spot that has inspired everyone from poets to nature lovers and filmmakers. After, you might like to check out Savannah’s antebellum mansions, towering oak trees and colonial buildings on a stroll around town. In the evening, maybe head out on a ghost tour of old Savannah or seek out spirits of a different kind at one of the city’s many lively bars.
Included Activities:
- Savannah - Bonaventure Cemetery tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take it easy this morning before meeting up at 11 am for a three-hour walking tour that blends the city’s history with some of its best and most delicious eats. This fascinating food tour visits spots like a not-so-ordinary pub, an award-winning honey store and a traditional British pie shop highlighting dishes consumed by some of Savannah’s earliest settlers. This afternoon is all yours, so make the most of it!
Included Activities:
- Savannah – Walking Food tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave Savannah in the rear-view mirror and drive to Charleston. When you arrive, you might like to grab some lunch before joining a Black History tour with an expert guide. You’ll drive around in comfort, hearing stories of the city’s complex past and stopping for walks at historic landmarks. The afternoon is yours to explore Charleston at your own pace. Perhaps book a food tour to discover more flavours of the South.
Included Activities:
- Charleston – Black History walking tour with a local guide
Optional Activities:
- Charleston - Food Tour (3 Hours) (100 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is free for you to continue exploring Charleston. You might like to take an early stroll through the city’s historic district, or pay a visit to the Fort Sumter National Monument. Then, make the drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains to the charming town of Asheville. Home to the country’s best breweries and some of North Carolina’s finest barbecue, Asheville also boasts an incredible folk music scene. After arriving you’ll join your leader for a guided walking tour of the downtown area, packed with galleries and artist studios. For dinner, your leader will be able to suggest some of the town's boutique brew houses.
Included Activities:
- Asheville - Leader-led walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Charleston - Fort Sumter National Monument (39 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy an easy start to the morning, and then join your group for a visit to Biltmore House and Garden. Tour the opulent Gilded Age mansion famous for being America’s largest home, and perhaps stop in for lunch and a glass of wine at the on-site winery. With the afternoon free, you can then choose to keep exploring the extensive property or head back into town. Tonight, there’s also the chance to join your group for an optional dinner.
Included Activities:
- Asheville - Biltmore Estate House & Grounds
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Depart Asheville this morning, hitting the road headed for Nashville. Along the way, stop in at a local whiskey distillery. Tour the distillery and sample some of the award-winning Tennessee whiskey, named in honour of the first known African American master distiller. After, join your group for lunch at a nearby restaurant, then continue to Nashville – the country music capital of the world. When you arrive, you’ll be introduced to this famous toe-tapping town during an orientation walk with your leader. The evening’s then free – why not track down a true-blue Nashville hot chicken dinner?
Included Activities:
- Nashville – Leader led walking tour
- Tennessee Whiskey Distillery Visit
- Shelbyville - Uncle Nearest Distillery
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. If you’d like to stay in Nashville for longer – which is recommended, as there’s so much to do here – just speak to your booking agent.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Greg - Traveled, October 2023
Recently, I completed my first ever group travel trip. I chose Intrepid based on what a family member thought may suit me, and could not have been happier. Our guide, Travis, was exceptional with his knowledge, responsibility, interpersonal skills, and energy. This trip was just what I needed, and can't wait to do another one!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Pauline - Traveled, October 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. I got a taste of some cities that were new to me, learned about them from knowledgeable guides, had enough time on my own and we were well taken care of during the entire trip. I enjoyed meeting new my fellow travelers and the small grp format was perfect for my preferences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2023
Rita - Traveled, October 2023
I didn't expect that the only day we were in Atlanta was to spend in a civil war museum and MLK memorial museum.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Samuel - Traveled, August 2022
If you like music, food, architecture and history then this tour is for you. The itinerary has the right balance between travel and non travel days; as well as good balance between group and individual activities. Happy to recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/09/2022
Jillian - Traveled, May 2024
Loved this tour. Learnt so much about the history of the Souther States. And the towns we visited were full of historic buildings and stories. Highly recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/13/2024
Mark - Traveled, May 2024
This is an excellent trip for a whistle stop tour of the south. Food is great as long as you are not vegetarian!! The tour guide was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable, which really helped.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/08/2024
Tracy - Traveled, July 2024
This trip was amazing! Each stop was full of beauty, history and enriching experience. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a true southern experience. Justin James was an exceptional guide! If booking this trip definitely book with Justin!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/14/2024
Lindsay - Traveled, July 2024
The Intrepid experience is fantastic and the people they select to lead are inspirational and the leader we have just experienced is exceptional
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/18/2024
ian - Traveled, July 2024
A short trip throughout the American deep south with food, history and culture. This is one amazing trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/12/2024
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