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:
Let’s go where the dead of winter doesn’t exist! With January temperatures averaging 60 degrees it’s a great time to take advantage of the quiet off-season and experience the serenity of the nature infused coastal Georgia Islands. We’ll hop from island to island exploring everything this seaside region has to offer. Our home will be on Jekyll Island, where we are privileged to stay in our own island sanctuary at the opulent and historic Jekyll Island Club Resort, dating back to 1888. There is a lot to do right here and we will see it all; from the historic district to the wild and wonderful Driftwood Beach. A ferry will whisk us away to Sapelo Island, an isolated barrier island rich with Gullah-Geechee culture and surrounded by centuries old moss draped live oak trees is home to the 200-year-old Gilded Age Reynolds Mansion. On St. Simon’s Island we’ll experience unspoiled beauty with history and Southern charm, and best of all a delicious Oyster Roast Dinner under the stars! So why stay in dreary, cold New Jersey when all the warmer island exploration awaits in Georgia!
Day One: Jekyll Island Club Resort
Our first day will be one of leisure. After checking into our beautiful resort, you will have time on your own to wander the manicured grounds, browse the unique gifts and handmade artisan collections at the Pier Road shops, and take in the relaxing fresh Southern air. Our resort is centrally located in the Jekyll Island Historic District and within walking distance to several restaurants where you can find an amazingly good spot for dinner on your own. A shuttle is also available to whisk you away to the Ocean Club where there are more shops, restaurants, beaches and ocean views.
If you’re lucky and venture out onto the beach on a clear, cloudless night, you may catch a glimpse of a pure dark sky, perfect for seeing the amazing surreal Milky Way, along with millions of stars, tempting us to contemplate our place in this expansive universe. Definitely worth staying up late for!
Day Two: Historic District Tour
We will start the day exploring the historic district on a tram tour that will guide us through the 240-acre historic area created as an exclusive Gilded Era island winter retreat dating back to 1888. Our tour includes entry into an historic cottage and time to browse Faith Chapel and the Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum at your leisure.
Day Two: Pantry Picnic Lunch
Grab your included Pantry Picnic lunch to enjoy in your favorite secluded spot for a wonderfully relaxing feast.
Now let’s explore the rest of the island!
Island Treasures Hunt:
While wandering through these nature filled spaces we can take part in the Island Treasures event dating back to the early 1900s. Hollow glass floats used by fisherman used to wash up randomly on the beach for lucky finders to collect. We’ll partake in the hide and seek game designed in this tradition to search for clear globes, that if you’re lucky enough to find, you can exchange for a real glass float made by a talented artist.
Day Two: Driftwood Beach
Our first stop will be an escape to another world on Driftwood Beach where ancient driftwood lines the waterfront in a spectacular panorama. Spend your time wandering among nature’s artistic display!
Day Two: Horton Pond & Tupelo Trail
We will then make our way to Horton Pond where we’ll stroll along the observation deck bringing us close to turtles, alligators, and wading birds.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can take a walk on the adjoining Tupelo Trail which winds through multiple habitats revealing the diverse nature of the island. This 0.6 mile trail will bring you to the Horton House, one of the oldest tabby buildings in Georgia.
The rest of the evening will be yours to enjoy at our lovely resort with dinner on your own.
Day Three: Sapelo Island
Today we hop over to Sapelo Island, a small barrier island on the fringe of the Atlantic that is only accessible by ferry. The majority of the island is part of the National Estuarine Research Reserve that preserves the natural ecosystems along with the historical and cultural resources of Sapelo.
Our guided tour will take us through the 4,500 years of the island’s historical legacy by exploring ancient Native American shell rings, plantation era structures, Sapelo Island Lighthouse, 200-year-old Reynolds Mansion, and Hog Hammock community filled with Geechee culture.
Once back at our resort on Jekyll Island, the rest of the evening and night is yours.
Day Four: Sea Turtles
This morning after breakfast, we’ll say hello to sea turtles and learn about their research and rehabilitation at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center.
Day Four: Enjoy the Day!
Spend the afternoon as you please among the beauty of our resort and its peaceful shores. Put your feet up and relax, enjoy the resort’s activities, or head out on an adventure to explore more of the island along their picture-perfect trails. Again, you will have the evening to find a favorite place for dinner on your own.
Day Five: St. Simons Island
Our last journey will be St. Simons Island, with its moss draped oak lined streets and picture-perfect beaches and villages. The marshlands, creeks, rivers and small waterways of St. Simons Island are a favorite for bottle nose dolphins., so keep a lookout on our adventures!
Also hidden among the trunks and branches of the majestic live oaks are the unique faces of the St. Simons Tree Spirits, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse!
Day Five: Cannon's Point Preserve
Cannon’s Point Preserve, consisting of salt marsh, tidal creek, and riverbeds, is perfect for exploration. You may even come across some middens dating back to 2500 BCE and 19th century plantation ruins.
Day Five: Fort Frederica
The archeological remains of Fort Frederica are still standing for us to explore their inspiring history.
Day Five: Redfern District Lunch
The Redfern Village District is a perfect place for lunch and browsing eclectic storefronts.
Day Five: St. Simons Lighthouse
The Pier Village District is waiting to be explored with its boutique shops and cafes. If you’re feeling adventurous, an amazing view awaits the climb of 129 steps at the top of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse, or just enjoy the view at the bottom and browse the museum.
Day Five: More to See!
We’ll stop by the Bloody Marsh Battle Site which ended Spain’s claim to the Georgia territory and pass by the magnificent Avenue of the Oaks, lined with 160-year-old oak trees.
Day Five: Oyster Roast
Off to Gascoigne Bluff, filled with moss draped oak trees and the second largest Southern Red Cedar tree in Georgia, to end the night with a delicious Oyster Roast featuring food and drinks from 50 local vendors, live music and stunning views! In addition to oysters, there will be plenty of other seafood to choose from along with soups, chowders, barbeque, salads, sides and dessert.
Day Six: Farewell
Today we say farewell to Jekyll Island and our time in the Golden Isles as we make our way back to Jacksonville for our flight home.
Pricing & Departures:
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.
Tuesday, January 17: Flight # departs Newark at AM and arrives in Jacksonville at PM
Sunday, January 22: Flight # departs Jacksonville at PM and arrives in Newark at PM
Price coming soon. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to “Group Tours & Travel”, and mail to our address. Final payment is due October 9, 2022. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before October 9, 2022. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after October 9, 2022. One piece of luggage per person and one carry-on are permitted. Group Tours 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.
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
