Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Are you not ready for the cold of winter? The southern coast is calling! Let’s escape to the coastal south where the warm breezes prevail and delightful, small historic towns await to welcome us with friendly Southern charm.
We’ll travel beyond the well-known but crowded Outer Banks to the hidden gems of North Carolina’s coastal inland where quiet towns filled with history are set among the sounds, rivers, and scenic waterways. Pristine coastal nature surrounds us along rambling boardwalk trails and isolated islands where wild horses roam free.
The path of history runs deep here, so there’s much to discover. The region’s intriguing past will reveal fascinating tales from pirates and Pepsi to women’s civil rights, the Edenton Tea Party, shipwrecks, and an ingenious maritime underground railroad. Beautifully restored historic homes will take us back to the 1800s and lovely gardens will guide us into peaceful moments.
Treat yourself with a relaxing break before all the madness of the holidays is upon us and warm up in the sunny southern coast where life moves at a slower pace.
Day One: Fenwick Hollowell Wetlands
After landing from our quick flight, we’ll follow the southern sun to absorb the beauty of the wetlands and stretch our legs on the Fenwick-Hollowell Wetlands Trail.
A meandering boardwalk path will lead us through the serene, wild wetlands where you may spot a turtle head emerge from the water’s depths, egrets and great blue herons in search of snacks, and sounds of frogs singing a tune.
Historic Hertford:
After an included lunch at a great local spot, we’ll explore the natural riverside beauty of the cute historic town of Hertford.
Join us on the Turtle Walk of Historic Homes and pop into any local shops that catch your eye.
Don’t miss a peek into Woodards Pharmacy where it feels as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Latham Whitehurst Nature Park:
Our drive continues south into the North Carolina landscape where we’ll take one more leg stretcher among the tranquil nature of Latham Whitehurst Nature Park.
It’s an easy stroll along a rambling boardwalk path through a quiet forest leading to the wild scenery of Broad Creek where local wildlife may pop out and say hello.
Inlet Inn:
We’ll soon be in the beautiful historic town of Beaufort where we’ll check into our new home among the waterfront charm at the Inlet Inn where we can settle in, rock a while, and watch the boats drift by.
Many great restaurants are a few steps away when you’re ready to find a tasty dinner on your own.
Day Two: Beaufort Historic Site
Let’s take the day to explore beautiful Beaufort! We start the day with a step into ancient maritime heritage at the Beaufort Historic Site.
Wander the perfectly preserved historic buildings dating back to the 1700s where guides dressed in period costumes take you through the history of each special place from homes, and a courthouse to an apothecary, doctor’s office and even a jail.
Downtown Beaufort:
After, take your time to wander the quaint seaport village where fresh salty breezes from the sea guide your way along historic streets where it’s easy to find a delicious southern lunch.
Double Decker Bus Tour:
Hop aboard a 1967 English double decker bus ride and view Beaufort’s Historic District from atop as narrators tell tales of pirates, star crossed lovers and Confederates spies.
Old Burying Ground:
If you’re up for more strolling, join us for a walk into the Old Burying Ground where fascinating stories of over 300 years of history await.
Wander through the weathered tombstones while soaking up the ancient atmosphere and take notice of the unique markers made of shell, wood, or brick, as stone was not readily available.
Beaufort Ghost Walk:
After an included dinner at a delectable spot, step into the shadows of Beaufort’s seaside past on a guided Ghost Walk that explores 300 years of the town’s most chilling legends and unexplained occurrences and encounters.
If you didn’t already know, Beaufort sits right beside the Graveyard of the Atlantic where thousands of ships have vanished beneath the waters since the 1500s. There’s no doubt many unexplained things still linger.
Sleep tight!
Day Three: Wild Horses & Shelling
Our day begins with an exhilirating cruise to Shackleford Banks where wild horses roam free and beautiful seashells hide in the sand.
Take your time here to wander and take in all the fresh salty breezes and see what treasures unfold!
Swansboro:
Sit back and enjoy an included lunch at a great local spot before the rest of our day’s adventures.
Let’s step into the sweet town of Swansboro for a wander and to take in all the seaside watery views.
Market at Cedar Point:
Find Fall seasonal vibes at the local Market at Cedar Point where we can browse local specialties and have some tastes of the season.
Calico Creek Boardwalk:
A waterside wander can’t be missed along Calico Creek Boardwalk, a breath of fresh air for nature seekers and wildlife watchers.
We’ll try to catch the sunset scenery and stroll away!
Day Four: Tryon Palace
Historic riverfront New Bern is right nearby, so let’s take a wander into its amazing past. As North Carolina’s first capitol, this quaint small town is home to an amazing piece of Georgian architecture, Tryon Palace which served as home for the Royal Governor and his family.
We start with a guided tour of the palace’s grand interior spaces by costumed interpreters who will reveal its history and share stories of those who lived and worked within its walls.
Downtown New Bern:
After, explore at your leisure through the extensive garden spaces, historic homes, Duffy & Guion Exhibit Galleries, and North Carolina History Center.
Head downtown for more exploration and to find a tasty lunch at one of the many restaurant choices.
If you’re a Pepsi Cola fan, don’t miss the Birthplace of Pepsi where a local pharmacist concocted this infamous invention back in 1898.
Little Washington:
As our drive heads back north, we can’t miss a wander in the cute town of Washington where old town hospitality guides our way past quaint artisan shops, artistic crab sculptures, picturesque waterfront views, and local art galleries.
Granville Queen Inn:
The sweet southern vibe continues in the quaint waterfront town of Edenton where we’ll make our new home in the historic charm of the Granville Queen Inn.
Relax into this timeless piece of history until our included dinner downtown at a great waterfront spot.
Day Five: Edenton Trolley
Today is all about Edenton as we delve into its treasure trove of history and charm.
Hop aboard the Edenton Historic Trolley for a guided tour through 300 plus years of local stories as we travel through historic downtown and Edenton Cotton Mill Village.
Roanoke River Lighthouse:
Now let’s step right into history on a guided tour of the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse that has survived over 100 years through hurricanes, ice, war, neglect, and being transported three times.
We’ll hear all its amazing stories as we wander through its historic spaces among the serenity of the bay.
Downtown Edenton:
Take some time to wander downtown among the extensive historic district with 18th century architecture that includes some of the state’s oldest homes and churches and past three wonderfully artistic murals scattered throughout the district.
Find a tasty southern lunch from the many local choices on your exploration.
Cupola House & Gardens:
It’s time to relive the charm of 18th century Edenton on a guided tour of the grandeur of the Cupola House.
Within its walls, we’ll experience timeless colonial splendor among the restored spaces that almost went to ruin, then be delighted by the elegance of its formal gardens.
Harriet Jacobs Walking Tour:
If you’re up for a wander, join us as we retrace the steps of history through the eyes of fugitive slave, Harriet Jacobs.
We’ll visit the sites around town where she hid and secretly boarded a boat bound for Philadelphia.
Take a rest at our lovely inn until it’s time for an included dinner downtown.
Day Six: Breakfast & Flight Home
It’s time to wave a fond farewell to all the southern coastal charm and make our way back to our own comfortable charms of home sweet home.
Pricing & Departures:
*Van Adventure Small Group Tour, max 10 people*
Air transportation is provided by United Airlines. A surcharge will apply if United Airlines increases the price of its airfare. One piece of luggage per person (baggage fee by United is not included) and one small carry-on are permitted. A valid, government-issued picture ID is required to board the plane.
November: Flight # departs Newark at PM and arrives in Norfolk at PM
November: Flight # departs Norfolk at PM and arrives in Newark at PM
*Due to the changes in airline booking policies, airfare will need to be booked before the cancellation date, Once flights are booked, we cannot refund that portion of the tour unless you’d like to pay an additional cost for refundable tickets.
Price per person is $2,995 Twin & $3,625 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to “Educated Wanderer” and mail to our address above. Final payment is due August 15, 2026. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after August 15, 2026. The Educated Wanderer is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change the itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State and Local guidelines and/or mandates. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended, but not included. This tour will run rain or shine.
Upon submitting final payment you are agreeing to our new policy.
Wet Blanket Policy:
Wet blanket
– a person who makes it difficult for other people to enjoy themselves by complaining, acting negatively, creating drama, etc.
– one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure
- Our philosophy of travel involves getting out of the ordinary to experience other cultures and places with an open minded attitude and flexibility. Since as in daily life, anything can and will happen, let’s embrace these situations with acceptance and understanding because they will either lead to an unexpected, amazing experience or positive learning experience.
- If anyone brings along excess baggage such as incessant complaining, under the breath rude comments, outward negativity or other such behaviors that infect the entire group or individuals, we have the exclusive right to remove them from the tour at their own cost with no refunds. (yes, this means you)
- If any major concerns arise during a tour, please just come talk to us and we’ll work it out!
The Educated Wanderer
PO Box 35 Henryville, PA 18332
973-513-9001
