Charleston to Savannah: The Antebellum South 7 days
About This Experience
Slow your pace, sip a mint julep and feel yourself inadvertently slip into a drawl. The antebellum South will entice you with its elegant architecture, its lush scenery and—especially—its effortless hospitality. From luxurious plantations and Civil War forts to Lowcountry landmarks and waterfront cities, you’ll discover the unique culture and indisputable charm of the South.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
6 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 2 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Elegant antebellum architecture
Succulent, spicy Lowcountry cuisine
Flowering dogwoods & towering oaks
Civil War history
Intriguing Gullah-Gechee culture
Sites from Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil
Charleston, South Carolina3 nights - hotel info
Day1
Day2
Wander from mansions to museums, from Rainbow Row to the Battery
Breakfast
An expert local guide leads this morning’s sightseeing tour of Charleston, known as the Holy City for its history of religious tolerance. Today, the city is an exuberant blend of Spanish, British, French and Gullah influences, and on your tour you’ll see many landmarks, including the Old Citadel, the College of Charleston, the Four Corners of Law, the Battery, Rainbow Row, Charleston Museum, the Old Exchange Building and City Market, where you can buy sweetgrass baskets to take home. This afternoon, opt to travel outside the city this afternoon on an optional excursion to Drayton Hall Plantation, one of the oldest working plantations in the South. As you drive down its oak-lined lane with heavy branches laden with Spanish moss overhead, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back to the 1800s. On your tour through the plantation, you’ll learn about the day to day life of those who ran the plantation as well as their history. This excursion also includes dinner at nearby Middleton Place.
Optional Excursions
Southern Plantations & Dinner $95* pp
Venture to Drayton Hall, where you'll explore the only Antebellum mansion on the Ashley River to survive intact to the present day. Tour the home and its grounds, including the gardens, before traveling to Middleton Place Plantation to observe the day-to-day duties of the country's oldest operational plantation. A National Historic Landmark, this carefully preserved 18th-century facility has survived revolution, civil war and earthquakes. You’ll meet some of the workers that keep the plantation alive today. Dinner is included. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked 30 days prior to departure.
Day3
Sip a Charleston cocktail and soak up the city’s southern charm
Breakfast
Today is yours to explore Charleston on your own. Give in to the antebellum allure of this charming Southern gem: stroll along the quaint streets, past stately, multicolored mansions that stand as they have for centuries. Perhaps hop on a cruise to Fort Sumter—site of the first shot fired in the Civil War. Or simply sit and sip iced tea at a local café. You’ll see pineapples—a symbol of hospitality—etched on everything from mailboxes to flags, reminding you that you’re very welcome here.
Jekyll Island, Georgia1 night - hotel info
Day4
Discover the antebellum charm and Gullah culture of the Lowcountry
Breakfast
The Penn Center
Say goodbye to Charleston this morning as you travel to the charming city of Beaufort on Port Royal Island. Your Tour Director will introduce you to the scenic waterfront, historic homes and quaint shops of this National Historic Landmark. Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing on to St. Helena Island. Here, you’ll visit the Penn Center, one of the country’s first schools for freed slaves, and learn about the sea islands’ Gullah-Geechee culture. Arrive on Jekyll Island later this afternoon.
Savannah, Georgia2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Experience the luxury and history of the Georgia Sea Islands
Breakfast
Fort Frederica
This morning, enjoy free time to explore Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s Golden Isles. Famous for its white sand beaches and its pleasant climate, the island is most renowned for its Jekyll Island Club, a place where some of America’s elite families, tycoons, politicians and socialites—such as the Morgans, Rockefellers and Vanderbilts—vacationed. This afternoon, continue on to the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, St. Simons Island. Your Tour Director will lead you on a tour of the island, including the lighthouse, Fort Frederica National Monument and Christ Episcopal Church, built in 1820 and nearly destroyed by Union troops during the Civil War. As you tour the island, you might even hear a ghost story or two based on the island’s many documented hauntings, such as the doomed ghost pirates that sail the creeks and inlets of St. Simons Island on their ghost ships. Arrive in Savannah this evening, where you might choose to join our optional evening of Southern cuisine accompanied by live music.
Optional Excursions
Southern Dinner & Music $79* pp
Head to the historic Savannah Theatre for an evening of theatrics. Having opened its doors in 1818, the theatre has hosted many famous players through the years, including Sarah Bernhart and Oscar Wilde. Afterward, settle down for some authentic Southern cooking, from fried chicken to fresh seafood to low country boil. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking and must be reserved 30 days prior to departure.
Day6
Explore Savannah’s Victorian architecture and Civil War forts
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, set out on a guided tour of Savannah. On February 12, 1733, when James Oglethorpe and 114 colonists from Gravesend, England, arrived at Yamacraw Bluff on the Savannah River to found the 13th colony, Georgia, Oglethorpe laid down only four rules: no slaves, no Roman Catholics, no strong drink and no lawyers. The city of Savannah also became America’s first “planned city,” designed by Oglethorpe into blocks of lots centered around a grid of 24 public squares, 21 of which still exist today. Over the centuries, Savannah found prosperity in the form of rice and cotton (Eli Whitney’s invention of the cotton gin effectively reversed the ruling on slave ownership), and faced hardship during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Today, you’ll experience the city’s storied past as you enjoy a guided tour through the city. Highlights include such landmarks as Forsyth Park, River Street, the Waving Girl statue, the Cotton Exchange and Colonial Park Cemetery. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city on your own, perhaps visiting the locations described in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Tonight, join your group for a fond Farewell Dinner, where you can reminisce about your southern explorations.
Extend Your Stay
Add Savannah $299*
Savannah—sometimes called the “Hostess City of the South”—is the embodiment of Southern hospitality. The city's leafy parks, antebellum architecture and leisurely way of life have captivated visitors since the city's founding in 1733. With two additional nights in this quaint town, you’ll have time to explore the city’s historic squares and take in its alluring southern atmosphere.
Savannah, Georgia2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Day2
Wander the shores where history and sea collide
Breakfast
Enjoy today at your leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to join our optional Georgia’s Historic Tybee Island excursion, during which you’ll explore the island’s Civil War fort and lighthouse before lunch at a local restaurant.
Optional Excursions
Georgia's Historic Tybee Island $99* pp
History and the sea collide on the shores of Tybee Island, located just outside Savannah at Georgia’s easternmost point. Explore the famous Tybee Island Light Station, known for being the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia, as well as one of the most complete lighthouses in the U.S. Afterward, visit Fort Pulaski, the historic Civil War site constructed to defend Savannah. From there, glimpse the Cockspur Lighthouse, which appears as if it’s floating upon the waves when the tide rolls out. Finally, wrap up your afternoon with lunch at a local seafood restaurant.
About This Experience
Slow your pace, sip a mint julep and feel yourself inadvertently slip into a drawl. The antebellum South will entice you with its elegant architecture, its lush scenery and—especially—its effortless hospitality. From luxurious plantations and Civil War forts to Lowcountry landmarks and waterfront cities, you’ll discover the unique culture and indisputable charm of the South.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
6 nights in handpicked hotels
Breakfast daily, 2 three-course dinners with beer or wine
Multilingual Tour Director
Private deluxe motor coach
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Elegant antebellum architecture
Succulent, spicy Lowcountry cuisine
Flowering dogwoods & towering oaks
Civil War history
Intriguing Gullah-Gechee culture
Sites from Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil
Charleston, South Carolina3 nights - hotel info
Day1
Day2
Wander from mansions to museums, from Rainbow Row to the Battery
Breakfast
An expert local guide leads this morning’s sightseeing tour of Charleston, known as the Holy City for its history of religious tolerance. Today, the city is an exuberant blend of Spanish, British, French and Gullah influences, and on your tour you’ll see many landmarks, including the Old Citadel, the College of Charleston, the Four Corners of Law, the Battery, Rainbow Row, Charleston Museum, the Old Exchange Building and City Market, where you can buy sweetgrass baskets to take home. This afternoon, opt to travel outside the city this afternoon on an optional excursion to Drayton Hall Plantation, one of the oldest working plantations in the South. As you drive down its oak-lined lane with heavy branches laden with Spanish moss overhead, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back to the 1800s. On your tour through the plantation, you’ll learn about the day to day life of those who ran the plantation as well as their history. This excursion also includes dinner at nearby Middleton Place.
Optional Excursions
Southern Plantations & Dinner $95* pp
Venture to Drayton Hall, where you'll explore the only Antebellum mansion on the Ashley River to survive intact to the present day. Tour the home and its grounds, including the gardens, before traveling to Middleton Place Plantation to observe the day-to-day duties of the country's oldest operational plantation. A National Historic Landmark, this carefully preserved 18th-century facility has survived revolution, civil war and earthquakes. You’ll meet some of the workers that keep the plantation alive today. Dinner is included. Please note: This excursion requires advanced reservation and must be booked 30 days prior to departure.
Day3
Sip a Charleston cocktail and soak up the city’s southern charm
Breakfast
Today is yours to explore Charleston on your own. Give in to the antebellum allure of this charming Southern gem: stroll along the quaint streets, past stately, multicolored mansions that stand as they have for centuries. Perhaps hop on a cruise to Fort Sumter—site of the first shot fired in the Civil War. Or simply sit and sip iced tea at a local café. You’ll see pineapples—a symbol of hospitality—etched on everything from mailboxes to flags, reminding you that you’re very welcome here.
Jekyll Island, Georgia1 night - hotel info
Day4
Discover the antebellum charm and Gullah culture of the Lowcountry
Breakfast
The Penn Center
Say goodbye to Charleston this morning as you travel to the charming city of Beaufort on Port Royal Island. Your Tour Director will introduce you to the scenic waterfront, historic homes and quaint shops of this National Historic Landmark. Enjoy free time for lunch before continuing on to St. Helena Island. Here, you’ll visit the Penn Center, one of the country’s first schools for freed slaves, and learn about the sea islands’ Gullah-Geechee culture. Arrive on Jekyll Island later this afternoon.
Savannah, Georgia2 nights - hotel info
Day5
Experience the luxury and history of the Georgia Sea Islands
Breakfast
Fort Frederica
This morning, enjoy free time to explore Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s Golden Isles. Famous for its white sand beaches and its pleasant climate, the island is most renowned for its Jekyll Island Club, a place where some of America’s elite families, tycoons, politicians and socialites—such as the Morgans, Rockefellers and Vanderbilts—vacationed. This afternoon, continue on to the largest of Georgia’s Golden Isles, St. Simons Island. Your Tour Director will lead you on a tour of the island, including the lighthouse, Fort Frederica National Monument and Christ Episcopal Church, built in 1820 and nearly destroyed by Union troops during the Civil War. As you tour the island, you might even hear a ghost story or two based on the island’s many documented hauntings, such as the doomed ghost pirates that sail the creeks and inlets of St. Simons Island on their ghost ships. Arrive in Savannah this evening, where you might choose to join our optional evening of Southern cuisine accompanied by live music.
Optional Excursions
Southern Dinner & Music $79* pp
Head to the historic Savannah Theatre for an evening of theatrics. Having opened its doors in 1818, the theatre has hosted many famous players through the years, including Sarah Bernhart and Oscar Wilde. Afterward, settle down for some authentic Southern cooking, from fried chicken to fresh seafood to low country boil. Please note: This excursion requires advanced booking and must be reserved 30 days prior to departure.
Day6
Explore Savannah’s Victorian architecture and Civil War forts
Breakfast, Dinner
This morning, set out on a guided tour of Savannah. On February 12, 1733, when James Oglethorpe and 114 colonists from Gravesend, England, arrived at Yamacraw Bluff on the Savannah River to found the 13th colony, Georgia, Oglethorpe laid down only four rules: no slaves, no Roman Catholics, no strong drink and no lawyers. The city of Savannah also became America’s first “planned city,” designed by Oglethorpe into blocks of lots centered around a grid of 24 public squares, 21 of which still exist today. Over the centuries, Savannah found prosperity in the form of rice and cotton (Eli Whitney’s invention of the cotton gin effectively reversed the ruling on slave ownership), and faced hardship during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Today, you’ll experience the city’s storied past as you enjoy a guided tour through the city. Highlights include such landmarks as Forsyth Park, River Street, the Waving Girl statue, the Cotton Exchange and Colonial Park Cemetery. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city on your own, perhaps visiting the locations described in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Tonight, join your group for a fond Farewell Dinner, where you can reminisce about your southern explorations.
Extend Your Stay
Add Savannah $299*
Savannah—sometimes called the “Hostess City of the South”—is the embodiment of Southern hospitality. The city's leafy parks, antebellum architecture and leisurely way of life have captivated visitors since the city's founding in 1733. With two additional nights in this quaint town, you’ll have time to explore the city’s historic squares and take in its alluring southern atmosphere.
Savannah, Georgia2 nights - hotel info
Day1
Day2
Wander the shores where history and sea collide
Breakfast
Enjoy today at your leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to join our optional Georgia’s Historic Tybee Island excursion, during which you’ll explore the island’s Civil War fort and lighthouse before lunch at a local restaurant.
Optional Excursions
Georgia's Historic Tybee Island $99* pp
History and the sea collide on the shores of Tybee Island, located just outside Savannah at Georgia’s easternmost point. Explore the famous Tybee Island Light Station, known for being the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia, as well as one of the most complete lighthouses in the U.S. Afterward, visit Fort Pulaski, the historic Civil War site constructed to defend Savannah. From there, glimpse the Cockspur Lighthouse, which appears as if it’s floating upon the waves when the tide rolls out. Finally, wrap up your afternoon with lunch at a local seafood restaurant.
Passport & Visa
Valid government-issued identification is required for air travel within the United States. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please be sure to have your required identification with you as well.
Transportation / Walking on tour
All included transportation on your tour is by private motor coach.
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying policies on weight restrictions and checked luggage. Charges for one or more checked bags may apply when traveling domestically. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Light, loose-fitting clothing that provides comfort when exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes are recommended for sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a lightweight sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. Restaurants range between formal and informal in this region of the U.S.
Health
During the summer months, take care for sun exposure and heat. It is always advisable to check with your doctor or health-care provider for the latest updates and personal travel requirements.
Cuisine
The United States contains some of the most varied food in the world, and your tour will hit many different historic regions. Most of the cuisine is well-known to Americans, but look out especially for delicious Southern delicacies. You’ll fall in love with true Southern fried chicken, okra, collard greens and shrimp you’ll get to experience throughout your journey, and the sweet tea will freshen your palate for more.
Currency
The American dollar is your currency on tour.
Tipping
At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director. If applicable, we also recommend $2USD/CAD per local guide. Tips can only be paid in cash.
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The Antebellum South
I have never felt so relaxed as I did while on this tour. The charm and hospitality of the south is true southern comfort. Flower fragrance in the air with warm sea/river breeze. Our Tour Director made each day even more special. This is the tour to take to sit back and enjoy.
The Antebellum South Rocks
This is a little gem of a trip to some of the loveliest and most historically intersting sites in the US. The beauty and charm of Charleston, Savannah, Beaufort, and Jekyll Isand can't be underestimated when planning a trip to the South. Charming architecture, friendly people, superb cusine are a small part of the beauty of these sites. Don't miss this tour, and be sure to ask for super-knowledgable Tour Guide Yvette Kaplan, who will provide you with even more tasty tidbits to explore.
$30 in Cab Fare
Before the trip I called Go Ahead and expressed concern regarding the location of the Holiday Inn Riverview. I was assured that I would be able to get into town whenever I wanted. There was a shuttle provided by the hotel. The shuttle ran at 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm and last shuttle 9:30 pm. There was never any room on the 7:30 pm. We had the choice to either get in line early (got to be kidding me) or wait for the bus to go to town and come back (are you for real?) Most people eat at 8 pm. How can I get to town at 7 pm, have a cocktail someplace and then go to dinner? It is so disappointing, that I will never travel with you again. As far as recommending you to a friend, I think they would throw the uneatable "welcome" dinner in my face and never let me live down the fact that there are 150 hotels within walking distance to downtown. This hotel did not even have a sidewalk. No fault, whatsoever of the Holiday Inn, they did their part, but what are you thinking? I was tempted to take a picture of the dinner plate. I wish I had. I would not even let them place that mess in front of me. Again, not their fault....the room next door had a lovely dinner....it was the price point you offered.
Savannah
The entire trip was wonderful. Our Leader is great. I have booked many trips with her. Our tour guides were great, very knowledgable. Another wonderful trip. We were grouped with another group and met people from California, Chicago and other places. Had a great time.
Antebellum South
I missed the first two days of this tour because of a wedding celebration in Charleston.,This is a beautiful and vibrant city and so full of history stretching back about 350 years. My only disappointment was missing out on the plantation visit and dinner. The four days I was with the tour were thoroughly enjoyable and full of beautiful places and history, travelling to Beaufort, Jekyll Island and Savannah. A great deal of that enjoyment was because our tour director was very good and always accessible to answer questions and give advice. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone who is at all interested in the deep south and its long history.
CHARLESTON TO SAVANNAH
WOULD LIKED TO HAVE HAD MORE TIME IN CHARLESTON TO SEE MORE PLANTATIONS AND HOMES.
Definitely a Southern Comfort
This is an excellent tour. The pace was perfect. The places visited interesting and the tour director was very professional and well versed in the area to be covered. Well done Go Ahead!
Southern Attractions
Charleston and Savannah have such charm and history.From Rainbow row to Middleton place,to the Marketplace;each one has their own unique qualities.I found the architecture in both places just amazing.Tybee island and Jecckyll island in Georgia were both awesome and a contrast to one another.Jeckyll island was very charming and a place for the rich which the island portrayed.Tybee island extended for 3 miles along a very scenic beach and was rather rustic.The lighthouse encompassed a lot of history and the walk to the top was well worth it for the view.Both are a delight for those inspired by ocean views.
Southern Comfort
As I said in the survey we were given, there was too little time in Jekyll Island and St. Simon's Island. Either give more time or skip these destinations. You also changed the plantation tour; therefore, I''m glad I didn't pay for it.
good look at southern living and history
Our Southen States are full of hisory Today;s and Yesterdays. Tis trip helped melt them together. I' m a lady raised in the Western States So this trip ws LIKE a trip to 'another country" But I'm glad itis a part of what makes our whole county Great East West North and South. Any time I cdan take a Tour and feel and hear the history of people is always good fo me. It's what I travel for.
