Southern Charm featuring Charleston, Savannah, and Jekyll Island
Tour Overview
Embark on a journey through the heart of the American South with the "Southern Charm" tour, featuring the historic cities of Charleston, Savannah, and the serene Jekyll Island. Begin in Charleston, where you can explore cobblestoned streets and historic homes, or take a harbor cruise to Fort Sumter. Discover the rich history of the Gullah Geechee people at the Pin Point Heritage Museum and wander through the Boone Hall Plantation. In Savannah, enjoy a cooking demonstration of regional specialties and visit the famed Mercer Williams House. Conclude your adventure on Jekyll Island, once a retreat for America's elite, with a tram tour of its historic district. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and Southern hospitality, leaving you with cherished memories of the South's timeless charm. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Charleston, South Carolina
Location: Charleston
Accommodation Name: Emeline Hotel
Experience warm Southern 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. There are no included activities today. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Charleston
Location: Charleston
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
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. Later, make your way to bustling City Market, one of the country’s oldest public markets and the central hub for Gullah sweetgrass basketry – an intricate handicraft of African origin. Explore Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, one of America's oldest working plantations, and get a historical look inside the original cabins that once housed the enslaved. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3 : Charleston - Savannah, Georgia
Location: Charleston, Savannah
Accommodation Name: Cambria Hotel Downtown
Meals Included: Dinner
Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Charleston on your own. Perhaps you will join an optional horse-and-carriage tour with lunch. Then, 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 specialties.
Day 4 : Savannah
Location: Savannah
Accommodation Name: Hotel
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.
Day 5 : Savannah - St. Simons Island - Jekyll Island
Location: Savannah, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island
Accommodation Name: Jekyll Island Club
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 the 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.
Day 6 : Jekyll Island
Location: Jekyll Island
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Situated grandly in the middle of the Golden Isles, Jekyll Island was once the beloved vacation spot for prominent families, including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and J.P. Morgan. With a morning at leisure, enjoy the old-world atmosphere of this iconic resort. 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. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at the Jekyll Island Club hotel.
Day 7 : Jekyll Island - Jacksonville, Florida - Tour Ends
Location: Jekyll Island, Jacksonville
As your tour draws to a close, leave for home with memories of a trip well-traveled. Your days spent experiencing true southern charm and gracious hospitality will stay dear to your heart for years to come.
What's Included
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Jekyll Island Club
Step back in time at the luxurious Jekyll Island Club.
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Charleston Exploration
Get to know Charleston's cobblestoned streets, historic homes, and restored buildings.
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Gullah Geechee Heritage
Learn about the life and history of the Gullah Geechee people during a visit to Pin Point Heritage Museum.
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Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens
Explore Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, one of the country’s oldest plantations still in operation, and visit the historical slave cabins.
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Mercer Williams House
Visit the intriguing Mercer Williams House, one of Savannah’s renowned historic homes.
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Savannah Cooking Demonstration
Enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner showcasing regional specialties in Savannah.
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Charleston City Market
Visit the bustling City Market, one of the country’s oldest public markets and the central hub for Gullah sweetgrass basketry.
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Jekyll Island Tram Tour
Join a tram ride that brings you on a tour of the island and the Jekyll Island Historic Landmark District.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the horse-and-carriage tour with lunch in Charleston are not included.
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Personal Exploration
Personal exploration time in Charleston, Savannah, and St. Simons Island is not included in the guided tour.
Mode of Transport
Travel through the scenic landscapes of the southeastern United States, with transportation included for a carriage tour in Charleston and a tram ride on Jekyll Island, ensuring a seamless journey between historic cities and picturesque islands.
Accommodation
Experience the charm of the South with stays at the Emeline Hotel in Charleston, the Cambria Hotel Downtown in Savannah, and the luxurious Jekyll Island Club, offering a blend of historic elegance and modern comfort.
Experiences
- Learn about the life and history of the Gullah Geechee people during a visit to Pin Point Heritage Museum.
- Explore Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens, one of the country’s oldest working plantations, and visit the historical slave cabins.
- Visit the intriguing Mercer Williams House, one of Savannah’s renowned historic homes.
Options
Pawtucket, RI: Historic Charleston Carriage Ride & Southern BBQ Lunch Discover beautiful Charleston on a horse-drawn carriage ride followed by a Southern barbeque lunch. First, take your seat for a carriage tour of Charleston and settle into the relaxed pace as you absorb the timeless charm of this enchanting city. Your carriage driver will bring stories of Charleston to life with commentary as you pass by mansions, churches, and parks. Afterward, enjoy a hearty lunch of traditional Southern barbeque. Experience the flavors and hospitality that go hand in hand with this staple of Southern culture. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
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Culinaries
- Enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner showcasing regional specialties in Savannah.
Must See
- Step back in time at the luxurious Jekyll Island Club.
- Get to know Charleston's cobblestoned streets, historic homes, and restored buildings.
Choice Highlights
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.
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.
Pin Point Heritage Museum
St. Simons Island St. Simons is an island in Glynn County, Georgia on Georgia’s southern coast. It is one of Georgia’s renowned Golden Isles, as well as the largest. Much of the island remains as marsh or woodland. Boating, biking, fishing, swimming, canoeing and many other outdoor activities are popular to do on the island.
Jekyll Island Tram Tour
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Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experience is included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Pin Point Heritage Museum where you will learn about the life and history of the Gullah Geechee people.
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What are the options for exploring Charleston on the second day?
On the second day, you can choose to either stroll through Charleston's historic center with a local guide or take a harbor cruise to Fort Sumter.
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What can I expect during the visit to Boone Hall Plantation?
During the visit to Boone Hall Plantation, you will explore one of America's oldest working plantations and get a historical look inside the original cabins that once housed the enslaved.
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What activities are available on Jekyll Island?
On Jekyll Island, you can enjoy a tram ride that takes you on a tour of the island and the Jekyll Island Historic Landmark District, which is one of the nation’s largest restoration projects.
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What is included in the Savannah cooking demonstration?
In Savannah, you will enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner showcasing regional specialties at a popular local restaurant on River Street.
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Can I pre-purchase optional excursions/activities?
Yes, the majority of optional excursions and activities are available for advance purchase for applicable tours provided that you make your options purchase prior to 15 days of the tour departure. Collette makes it convenient to reserve presold options by visiting our website for a full listing of activities and excursions or when your reservation is made with our reservations staff. In addition, there are benefits to prepurchasing options including a price guarantee once your tour is paid in full. So, while the cost of an optional activity may change from the time you book your tour, once payment is received in full, your preselected options are guaranteed by Collette at their original price. Although you can still purchase options while on tour, reserving them ahead of time ensures you a spot in the event that the activity sells out. Collette will provide a refund if you cancel a presold option prior to tour departure. Any presold options canceled while on tour are nonrefundable.
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Can my children travel on tour?
Children over the age of 5 may travel on a Collette tour accompanied by an adult. Child land rates are valid for ages 5-12, sharing a room with two full-paying adults. Participation in any products that include Safari or Game Drive components, is limited to travelers aged 13 and up. This will include tours to Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and India.
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What is the difference between a twin room and double room?
In certain countries, hotel rooms tend to be smaller than U.S. standard accommodations. A double room is designed to accommodate two people, but may not have two separate beds. A twin-bedded room has two separate beds of any size, and is the type most commonly utilized.
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Do you provide VISA processing for all applicable destinations?
Collette does not process VISAs. Every nation has its own specific requirements. Check the embassy or consulate website for the country you are visiting to find the forms and information you need. The process of getting a VISA can take two weeks to two months.
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Do I need a passport?
Government-issued ID is required for all air travel. A valid passport is required for all trips outside the USA. All passengers should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for entry and validity requirements. We recommend that your passport has six months validity, and at least 3 blank pages. Passports and visas are the responsibility of each client. International Borders. Any child under age 16 (traveling without a parent or legal guardian to Canada) must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian. Please be advised that if you have been convicted of an offense, or have committed a criminal act that is an offense under the laws where it occurred and would be an offense in Canada, you may be inadmissible into Canada. You will need to apply for a Minister's Permit of Approval of Rehabilitation at a Canadian Consulate. All other travelers should contact the appropriate consulate for entry requirements in other international destinations. In South Africa, children are required to have a passport as well as additional documentation to travel with you into and out of the country. Please consult the South African Embassy for the current specific requirements related to your travel dates. If travelling internationally with a child under the age of 18, please check directly with the airline for the legal documentation that is required. It is the sole responsibility of the guest to procure the proper documentation to travel and many requirements vary by airline and destination. Collette will not be responsible for costs incurred for missed flights or canceled tours where a guest fails to secure proper documentation.
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Is there a lot of walking on tour?
We pride ourselves on bringing travelers the very best experiences a destination offers. Our itineraries include many activities and may consist of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially in historic areas. Some hotels/lodges in remote locations may not have elevators. For your comfort, we recommend bringing walking shoes.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Terms and Conditions
Southern Charm featuring Charleston, Savannah, and Jekyll Island
7 Days Starting in Charleston, USA and ending in Jacksonville, USA
Visiting: Charleston, Savannah, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Jacksonville
Tour operator:
Tour code:
16959
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
5-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
