Charleston & Savannah: Coastal Charms

Day 1 : Sweet South Carolina

Travel to Columbia, South Carolina where we stay for the night.

Day 2 : Charleston

After breakfast, we depart for Charleston. Begin the day with an exploration of the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Witness beautiful gardens and grounds before touring the Drayton family’s historic mansion, providing a glimpse into the history of the 19th-century plantation. Enjoy a Holiday Vacations Welcome Lunch with new friends. Then, embark on a guided carriage ride throughout historic downtown Charleston. Ride through dozens of blocks in the center of the “Holy City,” viewing lovely gardens, quaint houses, mansions, parks, and churches. We stay in Charleston for two nights.

Day 3 : Fort Sumter

We start today with a cruise into Fort Sumter, learning about events leading up to the Civil War. Upon arrival, we join a National Park Service Ranger who provides details about this significant site and its important role in the war. This afternoon brings us to the Charleston Museum where we 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.

Day 4 : Savannah

This morning, we head to Georgia and travel into Savannah and begin the day with a city tour. Get a good snapshot of historic Savannah on our comfortable motor coach, taking in a narrated tour as we ride through 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. A highlight will be the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Later we check-in to our Savannah hotel for two nights.

Day 5 : Riverboat Luncheon Cruise

Begin today at Chef Darin’s Kitchen Table. We learn the history of the regional treat of delicious pralines, and how this confection came from France to New Orleans, becoming a trend across the South. Work together with other guests to prepare a batch of fresh pralines and take home your very own homemade Southern candy that will be a great memory of Savannah. This afternoon, enjoy 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. Enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 6 : Atlanta

We pack up and head to Atlanta this morning where we visit the Atlanta History Center. With its diverse range of origins and economies, among other things, learn the way railroads helped build this fascinating city, how Atlanta played a big role in the Civil War, and why Bobby Jones is believed to be responsible for popularizing golf in the United States after becoming enamored with the traditionally Scottish sport. We check-in to our Atlanta accommodations and have the evening free for dinner and exploring the city.

Day 7 : Georgia Aquarium & World of Coca Cola

We enjoy a delicious breakfast before experiencing the biodiversity of Earth’s marine animals at one of the largest aquariums in the world. The Georgia Aquarium has seven massive galleries featuring hundreds of species including bottlenose dolphins, African penguins, hammerhead sharks, and more. Enjoy lunch on our own at the historic Ponce City Market. Then, take a self-guided tour when we visit the World of Coca-Cola, learning about the heritage, history, and bottling of the iconic beverage. Enjoy time at leisure before gathering for a Holiday Vacations Farewell Dinner to celebrate and relive our memories.

Day 8 : Arrive Home