Overview
Itinerary
Revel in the holiday hospitality in America's southeast. Come to know its rich history and traditions on this scenic and festive tour highlighted by stays in Charleston, Savannah and Jekyll Island. Begin your journey 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. With free time upon arrival, perhaps you will visit Patriot's Point Naval Museum, the Aiken-Rhett House, or just settle into your accommodations in the Historic District. Stay: Emeline Hotel (2 Nights)
This morning, make your way to bustling City Market, one of the country's oldest public markets and a central hub for Gullah sweetgrass basketry – an intricate handicraft of African origin. Explore Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens, where you'll experience Southern living as you come to know one of America's oldest plantations beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Then 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.
This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. End your day with a visit to James Island County Park, where over 500,000 lights provide you with an enchanting 3-mile driving tour. (B/D)
Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Charleston on your own. Perhaps you will join an optional horse-and-carriage tour with lunch.
Later, 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 culinary specialties. (B/D) Stay: The DeSoto (2 Nights)
This morning, it's your choice! Take in the ambiance of the “Old South” with a trolley -OR- walking tour highlighting Savannah's sprawling Historic District. 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. (B)
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 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. (B) Stay: Jekyll Island Club (2 Nights)
Situated grandly in the middle of the Golden Isles, Jekyll Island was once the beloved vacation spot for prominent families, including the Rockefellers, the Vanderbilts and J.P. Morgan.
With a morning at leisure, take a complimentary tour of the Jekyll Island Club hotel or just enjoy the old-world ambiance of this iconic island resort, beautifully decorated for the holidays. 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. Then, visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center where injured and sick sea turtles are rehabilitated and returned to the wild.
This evening, find your holiday spirit with Christmas caroling and refreshments before joining your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at the Jekyll Island Club hotel. (B/D)
As your tour draws to a close, leave for home with memories of a trip well-traveled. Your days spent experiencing Southern holiday charm and gracious hospitality will stay dear to your heart for years to come. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Boone Hall Plantation & Gardens just outside of Charleston.
- Visit the intriguing Mercer Williams House in Savannah.
- See rehabilitation in action at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island.
- Experience a guided tour of the Jekyll Island Club, beautifully decorated for the season.
- Get to know Charleston's cobblestoned streets, historic homes and restored buildings.
- Enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner showcasing regional specialties in Savannah.
- Savor a festive farewell dinner at the Jekyll Island Club.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven ground and cobblestoned streets.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $145.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount.
- Location: Charleston, SC. Cost: $168.
- Discover beautiful Charleston on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Historic District. Settle into a relaxed pace of life as you absorb the timeless charm of this enchanting city. Your carriage driver will make the stories of Charleston come alive with commentary throughout your journey. Complete your Charleston experience with lunch at a local restaurant. Duration approximately 3 hour(s). Transportation is included. A minimum of 15 passenger(s) is required to operate this option.
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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