Southern Charms: St. Augustine, Savannah & Charleston

Journey begins: 5:30 PM, Casa Monica Resort & Spa. A transfer is included from Jacksonville International Airport or Daytona Beach International Airport to the Casa Monica Hotel & Spa in St. Augustine. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel.

Founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, St. Augustine is the oldest continously-inhabitated city in the United States. Today, much of that historic charm and spanish-influenced style remains, and will become apparent during your explorations throughout the city. Your day begins with a tour of your historic hotel, Casa Monica, Resort & Spa. Built in 1888, the hotel is located in the heart of St. Augustine's Historic District. Blending its vintage Moroccan charm with modern-day amentities, the hotel has many stories to share, some of which can be heard by just simply walking through its historic hallways. A member of the Historic Hotels of America since 2001, the Casa Monica, Resort & Spa shares the distinct honor of being one of the first seven Collection hotels with Marriott. Next, hit the streets on a guided tour of St. Augustine by private trolley, where the stories and culture of the oldest city in the United States comes to life. Have lunch at Asado Life, a local waterfront restaurant known for its grilled food before embarking on a private catamaran cruise along St. Augustine's beautiful waterways acommpanied by stunning views and a relaxing onboard atmosphere.

Wave goodbye to St. Augustine as you head off to your next destination - Savannah, Georgia. En route, stop on Jekyll Island, one of Georgia's barrier islands for a tour through its historic district including entry into one of its cottages where an interpreter will share tidbits and stories regarding the history of the island. Following lunch at Jekyll Island Club Resort, continue on to Savannah, where you'll check-in late this afternoon at the Perry Lane Hotel, your home for the next three nights.  

Start a day of exploration with a morning sightseeing trip of Savannah with a local guide, admiring the city's elegant architecture and geometric city design, featuring 24 park squares highlighted by live oaks draped with Spanish moss. One of the first planned cities in America, Savannah's National Historic Landmark District is the largest in the nation, and features more than 1,000 architecturally significant buildings. Next, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on culinary demonstration spotlighting signature dishes of the coastal Low Country, a region known for its rich flavors and deep-rooted traditions. Then, step back in time with a visit to the American Prohibition Museum, the only museum in the country dedicated solely to this infamous era. Tracing the rise of the movement in the 1870s through its height in the 1920s and its eventual repeal in 1933, the museum brings history to life with immersive, interactive exhibits. Keep an eye out as you explore, you just might stumble upon the museum's hidden speakeasy. Rumor has it, the password is… "Gus sent ya!"

One of the oldest cities in the state of Georgia, Savannah was the original capital of what was then the Province of Georgia as well as a focal and strategic port city during the American Revolution and American Civil War. Today, Savannah has evolved into one of Georgia's industrial powerhouse cities and continues to be an important seaport along the Atlantic Ocean. Renowned for its charming historic district, southern hospitality, Antebellum architecture and numerous cultural attractions, today offers you the opportunity to experience all that Savannah has to offer. Begin your morning with a guided walk through Bonaventure Cemetery, where Spanish moss sways, marble angels stand watch, and stories linger in the quiet. Beneath a canopy of live oaks, this historic cemetery blends art, nature, and history in a way few places can. Led by a local expert, you'll uncover the lives and legacies of those laid to rest here, artists, soldiers, poets, and visionaries, whose stories shaped Savannah's past. Discover hidden symbolism carved in stone, and hear tales of love, loss, and lives richly lived. More than a resting place, Bonaventure is a reflection of Savannah itself: elegant, enigmatic, and unforgettable. Enjoy some free time to explore Savannah as you wish before rejoining the group for a special private tour at one of Savannah's hidden treasures, followed by an elegant dinner in a renowned historic building.

Today you'll embark on a guided excursion through the Low Country region along the Georgia coast. Begin with an opportunity to experience firsthand the unique Gullah / Geechee culture that developed in the wetlands approaching the outlying Sea Islands of Georgia at the Pin Point Heritage Museum. Occupying a former oyster and crab processing factory in the community of Pin Point on the banks of the Moon River south of Savannah that offers amazing views of the wetlands, the museum's exhibits and multimedia presentations interpret the oyster fishing traditions and folkways of the residents of Pin Point – which for nearly a century survived as an isolated, self-sustaining Gullah / Geechee enclave founded by first-generation free people of the Gullah community whose lives were deeply connected to the water. Next, drive to the historic town of Beaufort, "Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands," this morning for your choice of a locally guided historic walking tour or a carriage ride. Enjoy free time for lunch and exploration of the National Historic Landmark District, before driving to Charleston. Upon arrival, you may join us on an optional walking tour of the area before enjoying and free night to explore Charleston as you wish.

This morning, visit Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark and former plantation now dedicated to preservation and education of the region's complex history. On a self-guided tour, you'll explore the meticulously preserved gardens, among the oldest in America, and gain insight into the lives of both the Middleton family and the enslaved people whose labor sustained the estate for generations. Return to Charleston early this afternoon for time at leisure. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers as you'll be whisked away by horse and carriage for a private farewell cocktail reception and dinner at the elegant High Cotton restaurant, located in the heart of Charleston's charming historic district.

Tour ends: Charleston. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton to Charleston International Airport. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in.