Day 1 : Fly to South Carolina

Upon arriving in Charleston, we check in for a wonderful three-night stay.

Day 2 : Charleston

Our day begins with a tour of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, founded in 1676 by the Drayton family. Enjoy time to explore the beautiful gardens and grounds independently before our guided tour of the 19th-century mansion. After a fantastic Welcome Lunch with new friends, we embark on a nostalgic horse-drawn carriage ride through historic downtown Charleston. Take in sights of lovely greenery, quaint houses, mansions, parks, and churches as we trot through several blocks of the “Holy City.” Our last stop is Patriot’s Point Naval & Maritime Museum, which includes the opportunity to view an impressive piece of American history: the USS Yorktown. We then return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 3 : Fort Sumter

This morning, we relax on a cruise to Fort Sumter. A National Park Service Ranger joins us at the sea fort in the middle of Charleston Harbor to share many impactful stories, including how the Battle of Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the Civil War. Later today, we visit the Charleston Museum to view exhibits such as Becoming Americans: Charleston in the Revolution, The Armory: Revolutionary and Civil War Weaponry, and City Under Siege: Charleston in the Civil War. The remainder of the day is yours to pursue personal interests.

Day 4 : Savannah

This morning we arrive in Savannah and begin the day with a city tour by trolley. Take in the beautiful sights as our comfortable ride takes us into the old Historic District, filled with restored buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Enjoy picturesque waterfronts, once the location of cotton warehouses and now hotels, restaurants, and shops. Next, delight in a riverboat luncheon cruise down the Savannah River and kick back to feast upon scrumptious Southern fare with a buffet of signature regionally-celebrated shrimp and grits, Southern fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato soufflé, Southern greens, and more. This afternoon we visit Old Fort Jackson, Georgia’s oldest standing brick fort. Revel in the opportunity to take part in an exciting cannon demonstration that uses some of the oldest artillery in the Southeast United States. Later, we check in to our Savannah hotel.

Day 5 : Savannah at Leisure & Cooking Class

Delight in a leisurely morning to relax or explore as you wish. Our afternoon kicks off with lunch on your own at the Savannah City Market, a historic marketplace filled with some of Savannah’s most popular restaurants, art galleries, shops, and more. Later, a fun cooking class at Chef Darin’s Kitchen Table awaits! Team up with other guests to prepare a fresh batch of delicious pralines as we learn this renowned cuisine’s history.

Day 6 : Atlanta

Today, we say goodbye to the old-time charm of Savannah and head west to Georgia’s vibrant capital city, Atlanta. Arriving early afternoon, our first stop is the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum. Dive into the life and legacy of our country’s 39th president while browsing impressive exhibits, such as a life-size replica of the Oval Office. Later, we check in to our Atlanta accommodations and have the evening free to explore the city’s incredible cuisine.

Day 7 : Georgia Aquarium

Enjoy a morning at Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Explore seven massive galleries featuring hundreds of species, from bottlenose dolphins and hammerhead sharks to African penguins and California sea lions. Following lunch on your own at the historic Ponce City Market, we stop at Centennial Olympic Park, a 22-acre park honoring Georgia’s legacy of the 1996 Summer Olympics. Enjoy time to pursue personal interests and independently see more of the city’s most famous attractions! Great choices include the World of Coca-Cola World, Atlanta Botanical Garden, College Football Hall of Fame, and SkyView Atlanta. After returning to the hotel, there’s time to freshen up and relax before this evening’s Farewell Dinner to celebrate our wonderful vacation.

Day 8 : Fly Home

Today, we return home with fond memories of our time together in the Southeast United States.