Get ready for charming neighborhoods, historical sites and delicious food in Charleston, South Carolina. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel or get out and explore. Perhaps make your way to Rainbow Row and you’ll soon see why the 13 candy-colored Georgian homes are a photographer's dream. Discover a bit of history at these structures dating back to 1730 when they were shops on the wharf. Tonight, dinner with your travel companions awaits.
Unlock Charleston’s people, places, culture and traditions with a Local Specialist. You’ll love this chance to discover the secrets – from architecture to art – through local eyes. You've surely worked up an appetite and Charleston City Market is just the place to fuel up. This vibrant, open-air market dating back to 1804 is one of the nation's oldest. Browse among more than 300 vendors selling goodies like biscuits, shrimp and grits, lobster hushpuppies and pimento cheese sandwiches. You’ll even find locally made products marked with a 'Certified Authentic Handmade in Charleston' seal. This afternoon, you may choose to take an Optional Experience cruise through Charleston Harbor to Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired.
Spend the morning at Drayton Hall, a National Historic Landmark that offers a powerful look at life on a Southern estate. Led by a Local Specialist, you’ll explore the preserved interiors of the main house and hear stories of the Drayton family and the people who built and maintained the estate across generations. Then it’s off to Beaufort for lunch and time to explore the historic district and its 19th-century architecture. Continue to Hilton Head Island, known for its white sand beaches and oak-lined streets, before arriving in Savannah. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Led by a Local Specialist, discover the charm of Savannah on your city tour through oak-lined streets, historic squares and antebellum homes. Take in the historic district and stroll through Forsyth Park before wandering the lanes of River Street beside the Savannah River. Later, enjoy a Be My Guest experience hosted by local food personality Jesse Blanco, who shares stories and his love for Lowcountry flavors over a Southern-inspired lunch. Travel out to Tybee Island Light Station and climb to the top for sweeping coastal views. Perhaps choose an Optional Experience to round off the day on a river cruise with live music along the Savannah River.
Get ready for more must-see sights of the American Southeast, your next stop is St. Simons Island where moss-draped oaks line the streets filled with shops and museums. After free time for lunch, make your way to Jekyll Island. Settled in 1733 as the Georgia Colony, Jekyll Island retains its historic character. You’ll visit Driftwood Beach to explore the sun-bleached trees worn down by erosion. On the Wanderer Memory Trail, unlock the past and learn the stories of enslaved people brought to the shores of Jekyll Island 160 years ago. This trail has received a UNESCO Slave Route Project “Site of Memory” designation and will leave you reflective of the island’s past.
Discover the hidden treasures of Jekyll Island on a Landmarks Tram Tour of the island’s 240-acre historic district. You’ll dive into the world of Jekyll Island Club members who created an exclusive retreat for their family and friends including a stop at Indian Mound Cottage, former home of the Rockefellers. Your next stop is at Mosaic Museum where you will Dive into Culture through “Hearing History: African American Music on Jekyll Island.” You'll learn about Gullah ring shouts, a call and response dance passed down through the descendants of the enslaved people of the low country. Cap off your exploration of the island with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Your final full day concludes with a dinner with your travel companions.
Enjoy one last leisurely morning on Jekyll Island before concluding your American Southeast tour. Then say farewell to your fellow travelers as you depart for Jacksonville, Florida International Airport arriving at approximately 10:00 AM. Please be aware when booking your flights. You may also choose to extend your stay in Jacksonville, FL.
