Compare Sunsets & Southern Charms by Tours of Distinction vs Southern Charm: Savannah, Hilton Head & Charleston by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 5 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,579 | $ 1,900 |
| Price Per Day | $ 316 | $ 238 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | NA |
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| Meals Included |
4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners |
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| Description |
Experience the charms of the South by horse and carriage, tour the only tea plantation in North America, see pristine Antebellum Mansions up close, shop in markets that date to 1700s… and dine on unforgettable Low Country cuisine…these are all the ingredients for an unforgettable trip! |
This 8-day getaway will bring you to the southern cities of Savannah and Charleston, oozing with charm and sophistication. In between, stop off for a stay on Hilton Head for a taste of the laid back island life. Start in Savannah, Georgia's oldest city. Stroll along the river, indulge in true southern cuisine and snap photos in front of the fountain in Forsythe Park. Next, spend a few days on Hilton Head Island and enjoy the slower lifestyle of this relaxing retreat. Play a few rounds of golf or hit up the beach. Lastly, visit Charleston, rich in history and consistently voted a top destination in the US. Marvel at the stunning mansions, walk the waterfront promenade and explore City Market. |
Day 1 - Arrive Charleston, SC
Today, depart on a journey south to enjoy a taste of southern hospitality. See the beautiful architecture and history that Charleston and Savannah are known for, and take in some beautiful southern sunsets! Transfer to the airport for your flight to Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Upon arrival in Charleston, we check into our hotel for the next two nights, the Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant. Tonight, dinner is included at Hyman’s Seafood Restaurant. (D)
Day 2 - Charleston
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a guided tour of Charleston, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the south. Admire the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings and colorful houses throughout the city. The tour will conclude at the Charleston City Market to enjoy some free time and lunch on own. This afternoon, we will travel to Wadmalaw Island, where we enjoy a guided tour at the beautiful Charleston Tea Plantation, then we make a stop at the Deep Water Vineyard. While here, we enjoy a wine tasting of 9 different wines. After, it’s back to Charleston, where we will board The Spirit of Carolina for a dinner cruise! (B, D)
Day 3 - Savannah, GA
After breakfast, we’re off and out again, making our way to Beaufort, SC! Historic Beaufort, was founded in 1711, and stands strong as a living landmark, handcrafted from the storied history of the south. We will enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour of Beaufort, have time for lunch and to do some shopping before resuming our journey south to Savannah, GA. We check into the Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District, before dinner at Belford’s Seafood & Steak. (B, D)
Day 4 - Savannah
This morning, we meet our guide following breakfast for a full day of touring. Our travels include a visit to the Andrew Low House, former home of Juliette Magill Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, and Andrew Low himself. This afternoon, we stop at the Savannah City Market for lunch, on own, before our tour to the Atlantic Low Country and Tybee Island. This evening’s dinner is included at the Crab Shack on Tybee Island, followed by a relaxing sunset dolphin cruise. What a way to complete this wonderful tour!
(B, D)
Day 5 - Depart Savannah
Breakfast is included this morning, before we start making our way home and say our farewells to Georgia & South Carolina. We will be dropped off by our motor-coach at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for the flight home. (B)
Day 1 Welcome to Savannah
Touch down in Savannah, pick up your rental car and head to your first hotel to check in and get settled. This afternoon, stroll along River Street to see the galleries, restaurants and pubs housed in old cotton warehouses. Stick around after sunset to see the area come to life with street musicians.
Day 2 Savannah
Savannah's historic district is a collection of pretty town squares and preserved architecture; you might consider taking a history or ghost tour to acquaint yourself. Later on, linger at landmarks such as Forsyth Park, where residents and visitors have gathered for generations around a spectacular fountain. Heading toward the Savannah River, pause for a self-guided tour of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist; its towering twin steeples are a fixture on the Savannah skyline. Continue to City Market's courtyards and squares with restaurants, shops and galleries. Prefer to venture outside the city today? Visit Tybee Island for a lighthouse tour, paddling excursion or charter cruise.
Day 3 Savannah - Hilton Head
Hop back in your rental car and make the short drive over to Hilton Head Island today. Time for some laid back, coastal relaxation! This barrier island offers a less crowded atmosphere, pristine beaches, top-rated golf courses and it's a nature lovers delight with a forest preserve and a national wildlife refuge.
Day 4 Hilton Head
Hilton Head is consistently named among the top golf destinations in the US, choose one for today and tee off to scenic ocean views. With over 40 courses in the area (over 20 right on the island), you're sure to find one that suits you, and with the moderate climate you can play any time of year. Not a golfer? No problem! Head to one of the island's 7 beaches for some fun in the sun. Coligny Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Rent a bicycle for a ride along the shore, or just relax with a refreshing cocktail. It's your vacation - do what you want!
Day 5 Hilton Head - Charleston
Leave the island life behind and head to Charleston today! The ride is about 2 hours depending on traffic so you have plenty of flexibility for when to get on the road. Tonight, head to a rooftop bar in Charleston to enjoy the sunset and toast to your first night in this exciting city.
Day 6 Charleston
Charleston is rich with Civil War history and known for its signature antebellum mansions painted in a rainbow of colors and featuring elaborate ironwork. You might want to join a walking tour today for the best view of these homes, their gardens and the Battery, Charleston's historic waterfront promenade. Tonight, perhaps you want to take an atmospheric carriage ride through the city or a beautiful sunset cruise.
Day 7 Charleston
Today, start at Market Hall and shop through City Market for souvenirs, including sweetgrass baskets, an essential tool on former rice plantations. City Market is a historic market complex that stretches four full city blocks of Charleston. Tour a plantation at Middleton Place, featuring the 18th century House Museum and Stable yards. History also comes alive at Fort Sumter National Monument, where the American Civil War began. The site looks over Folly Beach and Sullivan's Island with wide beaches, locally owned restaurants and activities such as surfing and kayaking.
Day 8 Depart Charleston
Sadly it's time to say goodbye to your charming southern vacation. Drop off the rental car and board your returning flight home.
