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 travel south for a break from the fast, chaotic world and experience a dose of Southern Hospitality in the sweet city of Savannah!
Step into a slower place in this charming Southern escape where beautiful coastal landscapes, period architecture, art, and rich, vibrant history are all set under a veil of Spanish moss. The easily walkable Historic district is where you’ll find beautiful cobblestone streets, lined with restored 18th century homes and oak trees dripping with moss leading to 22 squares each with its own charm and character.
There’s a vibrant waterfront, open air City Market, delightful Forsyth Park with its famous fountain, and so many hidden wonders to explore. Underneath all the genteel beauty and historical importance lies a fascinating web of haunted stories, myths, and legends that give the city its captivating vibe.
We’ll step into the eerie yet breathtaking beauty of Bonaventure Cemetery, an equally heart stirring live oak lined avenue leading to the Wormsloe Historic Site, and more stunning scenery on the trails of unspoiled Skidaway Island. Gullah/Geechee roots surround the area with interesting cultural traditions still practiced today and the heart of the lowcountry still lies in genuine small towns like Bluffton, South Carolina. So what are we doing up here in the north? Pack some non-winter clothes and join us as we discover the enchanting soul of Savannah!
Day One: Historic Carriage Ride
Welcome to Savannah!
Let’s start off our first day here with a historic carriage tour where you can sit back and relax and enjoy the narration of Savannah’s rich history while your horse clip clops past unique landmarks and historic homes.
Marshall House Inn:
After checking into the lovely and historic Marshall House Inn, take some time to unpack, unwind and relax.
Enjoy the complimentary wine social before our next outing to…
Pirates House:
…an included dinner at the infamous Pirates House, another step back into history.
First opened in 1753 as an inn for seafarers, this historic venue quickly became an infamous meeting point for pirates and sailors from the Seven Seas and has been entertaining visitors with a bounty of delicious food, drink, and rousing good times ever since.
Savannah's Treasures:
Enjoy the evening and take time to wander through nearly 300 years of history that makes up the historic district.
Observe all the fun, unique architectural and historic hidden treasures throughout the city like horse hitching posts, ‘trout spouts’- downspouts with fish shaped ends, pineapples, and Panhandle Slim’s folk art.
Day Two: Bonaventure Cemetery
Hundreds of years of Savannah’s history are buried beneath the moss draped branches of live oak trees in the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery. So, let’s go exploring! It’s the perfect place to feel the essence of Savannah where mystery intertwines with history and life is understood through death.
Our walking tour will guide us through the 100 plus acres of beauty, secrets, and famous characters with captivating stories that can only be experienced by being among the true works of art created as statues for the dead.
If the tour feels too long, stop at any time to wander at your own pace or just relax among the quiet solitude.
Mercer Williams House:
After, we’ll enjoy an included lunch before we step foot into one of Savannah’s most famous astonishing architectural delights, the Mercer Williams House. Our guided tour will lead us through this amazing space with tales of its history to fascinate us further.
Sorrel Weed Ghost Tour:
After, take a well-deserved break to do whatever you please before our brush with the spirits at the haunted Sorrel Weed House this evening.
It’s here where we’ll explore the rooms, hallways and all the darkest corners of this home that’s had many strange occurrences over the years. Our tour will focus on the lives and stories of those believed to still dwell here and delves deep into the haunted history of the property.
Day Three: Pin Point Museum
The cultural story of a vibrant Gullah/Geechee community founded in 1890 by freed slaves is revealed at the Pin Point Museum, a former oyster and crab factory set along the picturesque Shipyard Creek.
Here we’ll authentically learn about this inspiring culture directly from residents who grew up in the small, close knit community as they describe their unique lifeways from daily life, to religion, language and food.
Skidaway Island:
Off to an included lunch at a delicious local spot.
Now you’ll have all the energy you need for exploring the unspoiled charms of Skidaway Island. Choose from a variety of stunning nature trails that wind through lush maritime forest and pristine salt marshes where the tangible reminders of cultural and natural history are experienced along with local wildlife and inspirational scenery encompassing this barrier island. Or find a nice, quiet spot to sit and take it all in.
Enjoy the evening in Savannah at your own pace of exploration.
Day Four: Wormsloe Historic Site
A breathtaking avenue sheltered by live oaks and Spanish moss leads to the tabby ruins of Wormsloe, the colonial estate of Noble Jones and the oldest standing structure in Savannah. Enjoy the short film in the museum and guided tour or wander off on your own as we follow the interpretive nature trail leading past the tabby ruins along the marsh to the re-created Colonial Life Area with old blacksmith oven and shop.
If you’re up for more walking, venture out along one of the many trails that lead out to the waters of the Isle of Hope where breaks in the trees reveal spectacular views.
Optional Walking Tour:
If you’re up for exploring more of Savannah, join us for lunch in the newly revitalized Starland District where we’ll continue our wanders past the whimsical architecture of homes in the Victorian District as we make our way to Forsyth Park, where we’ll make a stop at a rooftop bar for an aperitif before making our way back to the Marshall House Inn.
Optional Sip & Shop:
Or you’ll have the option to Sip & Shop, a guided walking tour of downtown Savannah’s characteristic squares while sipping wine and shopping from the city’s trendiest boutiques.
The remainder of the evening is yours to spend as you please.
Day Five: May River Ecology Cruise
Today we cross the river into South Carolina where our journey takes us into the heart of the lowcountry where everything slows down among the serene scenic landscapes. So let’s get out on the water to take in all the spectacular views, beautiful marshes, and local wildlife.
Hop aboard for a cruise on the May River where we’ll learn the intricacies of the marshland through meeting the native inhabitants and find some special treasures on this ecological tour.
Bluffton:
Onto the charming Southern town of Bluffton, with sundrenched walkways, angel oaks, and slow-moving waterways just waiting to be discovered.
Slip into the Southern state of mind and take your time to stroll and explore the town for a delicious lunch on your own, then browse the local farmers market filled with a variety of delights and dessert.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge:
As we make our way back to Savannah, we’ll take a scenic drive along the Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive in the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, a place to reconnect with our natural surroundings and hopefully some local wildlife sightings.
Enjoy your last evening in Savannah at your leisure.
Day Six: Breakfast & Flight Home
We sadly say goodbye to our Southern home to make our way back to our real one back up north bringing a piece of Southern charm with us.
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.
Sunday, November 5: Flight #departs Newark at PM and arrives in Savannah at PM
Friday, November 10: Flight # departs Savannah at PM and arrives in Newark at PM
Price per person is $2,995 Twin & $3,595 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to “Group Tours & Travel”, and mail to our address above. Final payment is due September 1, 2023. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after September 1, 2023. 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.
*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.
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
PO Box 632 Berwyn, PA 19312
973-513-9001
