7-Night Charm of Southern Gems

Day 2

Included Unique Activities

Savannah VIP Private Tour

Experience the heart of Savannah with a private, full day, guided tour. Stroll through Savannah Square and discover 22 historic squares surrounded by lovely homes, beautiful churches, charming inns, and museums. Consider picnicking beneath live oaks and Spanish moss. View the Victorian District’s gracious architecture, and then explore a secret residential area on the Isle of Hope. (Stately southern mansions overlook marshes, filled with birdsong.)  Marvel at dramatic churches, cemeteries, and plantations. You'll also visit a Civil War fort located on Cockspur Island and tour Tybee Island. Tybee has been strategically important to Georgia for 300 years.  At 90 feet, the island's lighthouse, built in 1736, was the tallest structure in America. After touring the lighthouse and historic support buildings, you'll head to the Tybee Pier and Pavilion and experience the resort feel of Tybee Island.

Overnight Location

Savannah, Georgia

Conde Nast Traveler calls it one of the world’s friendliest cities. Savannah has a reputation for grace, pizazz, and quirky characters. Art, architecture, trendy nightspots, and ghost stories are set beneath Spanish moss. Cuisine is fresh from the coast, and cocktails are served with every meal. (“Forrest Gump” and “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” are set here.)

Day 3

Included Unique Activities

Hands-On Savannah Cooking Class

Join a hands-on cooking class downtown for an authentic experience that could only happen in Savannah. What you cook will vary, depending on your dates of stay and local ingredients. At the end of the slicing, dicing, tossing, spicing, and sautéing, sit down and dive into your culinary masterpiece!

Suggested Sightseeing

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Savannah, Georgia

The cathedral sits on East Harris Street, right in the middle of the historic district, and was first built in the mid-19th century. It burned at the end of that century and was rebuilt in 1898, which is the Victorian iteration we see today. The Englishness of colonial Savannah comes to the fore here, historically speaking, which explains the late construction date of the building. Before the American revolution, the governors of Georgia were worried that the influence from the enemy, Spanish Florida, would gain footing if Catholics were allowed to settle in Savannah. Catholics were thus forbidden from Savannah, one of the almost comical side-effects of Britain’s long-standing wars with Spain in the Gulf and in the Caribbean that, thankfully, waned after the Revolution as both Florida and Georgia became states. French Catholics organized their first congregation in the 1790s. The church is well worth visiting for its fabulous stained glass.

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, Savannah, Georgia

Built in 1819, this house belonged to the Owens Thomas family for most of the antebellum and postbellum periods. Margaret Gray Thomas, granddaughter of the original owners, donated the home in 1951—it became part of the Telfair Museums. In 1990, the museums began uncovering African-American history, particularly that found in the slave’s quarters. This included a hand-painted ceiling in “haint blue,” a cerulean pigment from the nearby indigo fields, believed to ward off bad spirits. The curators have meticulously researched city and family records to present the lives of slaves who lived in the main house. Fourteen slaves moved in with the original Mr. Owens in 1830. The profiles today include three house servants: Emma, the Owens’s nanny; Diane, the cook; and the butler, Peter. As seen at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, there is a stark imbalance between African-Americans and White lives, even when they shared a rather small space. The Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters is a must-see.

Historic River Street Savannah, Georgia

Housed in one-time cotton warehouses, there are more than 75 boutiques, galleries, artists' studios, restaurants and pubs located on Savannah’s River Street. You could spend an entire day exploring all that River Street has to offer!  The most prominent homage to black history in Savannah, the African American Family Monument is found on River Street, depicting a newly emancipated family of four standing together in an embrace. While the figures are positioned to face both the Savannah River and the west coast of Africa, their modern clothing and the broken chains at their feet symbolize a new beginning in the Americas.

Overnight Location

Savannah, Georgia

Conde Nast Traveler calls it one of the world’s friendliest cities. Savannah has a reputation for grace, pizazz, and quirky characters. Art, architecture, trendy nightspots, and ghost stories are set beneath Spanish moss. Cuisine is fresh from the coast, and cocktails are served with every meal. (“Forrest Gump” and “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” are set here.)

Day 4

Suggested Sightseeing

Historic Charleston City Market, South Carolina

The Charleston City Market is one of the nation’s oldest. It is an enclosed Great Hall with three open-air stalls. Dozens of vendors showcase their wares, including crafts, artwork, hand-crafted jewelry, local foods, and sweetgrass baskets. (The baskets are a particular joy.) Stroll through the market and experience Charleston's renowned Southern charm or stop at one of the many restaurants for an authentic, culinary experience. The market is open 364 days a year, only closing Christmas Day. Head to 188 Meeting St. and let yourself go, Southern-style.

Rainbow Row, Charleston, South Carolina

The 13 brightly colored buildings that make up Rainbow Row are some of the most recognizable structures in Charleston. Located on East Bay St., these homes date back to the 1700’s. The once bustling stores fell into disrepair after the Civil War and then were restored in the 1920’s.

Overnight Location

Charleston, South Carolina

Centuries-old mansions, Spanish moss-draped trees, spooky cemeteries, cobblestone walks: in a word, Charleston. As you walk the gas lamp-lit streets at night, past horse-drawn carriages and the antebellum architecture, you just might think you've traveled back in time. But just because this South Carolina city is proud to celebrate its heritage doesn't mean it's stuck in the past. Charleston boasts innovative restaurants, interesting shops, contemporary art galleries and the world-class Spoleto Festival USA. This is the place to experience the genteel South – after all, it was the home of suave "Gone with the Wind" character, Rhett Butler.

History pervades almost every aspect of the Holy City, from the majestic homes-turned-museums to the landmarks that promote the city's role in United States history. Civil War buffs should head to Fort Sumter, where the first shot of the War between the States was fired. Meanwhile, shopaholics looking for locally made goods should peruse the Charleston City Market. When you're ready for a day at the beach, the city's got you covered there, too. Several beach towns, including Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palm and Folly Beach, offer sun, sand and gentle waves.

Day 5

Included Unique Activities

Carriage Ride with Tour of Charleston

Explore Charleston, known as “the holy city,” on a memorable, one-hour carriage ride. Discover the city’s historic district, houses, gardens, mansions, churches, and parks. Your driver will offer historical information as you pass landmarks and may regale you with local stories. Relax and enjoy.

Suggested Sightseeing

Charleston Waterfront Park, South Carolina

Life in the Lowcountry is all about slowing down and taking a moment or two to relax, and locals and visitors both agree that Charleston's Waterfront Park is the perfect venue to stretch out and soak up the scene. With a prime location overlooking Charleston Harbor and the Cooper River, and more than 10 acres of room to roam, (most of which is waterfront), Waterfront Pak is essentially a romantic, engaging, serene, and perfectly picturesque destination that will make any newcomer fall in love with this unique southern city.  The park essentially covers over 1,000' feet of coastline, an as a result, is one of the best places for sightseeing, nature watching, and outdoor interests of all genres. Pelicans and egrets make frequent appearances along the riverbanks, and visitors can often spot fast-moving sailboats and giant cruise ships lurking just offshore. At the northern edge of the park, visitors can stroll down a wide pier that juts out into the harbor, and is shaded by a long and ornate gazebo. Picnic tables, benches, and porch swings are located all along the structure, inviting patrons to get off their feet and relax with miles of water views in every direction.

Magnolia Plantation, Charleston, South Carolina

On the Map: Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is located 13 miles northwest of Charleston along the Ashley River in South Carolina.

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was selected as one of "America's Most Beautiful Gardens" by Travel + Leisure magazine. Tickets must be purchased onsite upon arrival. 

Overnight Location

Charleston, South Carolina

Centuries-old mansions, Spanish moss-draped trees, spooky cemeteries, cobblestone walks: in a word, Charleston. As you walk the gas lamp-lit streets at night, past horse-drawn carriages and the antebellum architecture, you just might think you've traveled back in time. But just because this South Carolina city is proud to celebrate its heritage doesn't mean it's stuck in the past. Charleston boasts innovative restaurants, interesting shops, contemporary art galleries and the world-class Spoleto Festival USA. This is the place to experience the genteel South – after all, it was the home of suave "Gone with the Wind" character, Rhett Butler.

History pervades almost every aspect of the Holy City, from the majestic homes-turned-museums to the landmarks that promote the city's role in United States history. Civil War buffs should head to Fort Sumter, where the first shot of the War between the States was fired. Meanwhile, shopaholics looking for locally made goods should peruse the Charleston City Market. When you're ready for a day at the beach, the city's got you covered there, too. Several beach towns, including Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palm and Folly Beach, offer sun, sand and gentle waves.

Day 6

Included Unique Activities

Private Sunset Sailing Cruise

Join us as we end the day with warm sea breezes that mingle with incredible pastel colored skies on private Sunset Sail. The Sunset Sail offers extraordinary views of the historic city of Charleston from the water, with the warm, glowing sun setting peacefully in the distance. We often get up-close views of Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin and other marine wildlife while sailing by many of the incredible sites found in historic Charleston Harbor.

Suggested Sightseeing

Sullivans Island, South Carolina

Nestled at the mouth of the Charleston Harbor and neighbor to the Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island is an inviting mix of wide beaches and watersports, history and folklore, local restaurants and shops, peace and perfect - just minutes from one of the country's most beloved cities, Charleston, South Carolina.

Drayton Hall, Charleston, South Carolina

On the Map: Drayton Hall is located 13 miles northwest of Charleston, South Carolina.

Drayton Hall is an iconic 18th-century estate in the South Carolina Low Country—it is vital to our understanding of early American history. Drayton is the oldest, and only unrestored plantation house, that allows visitors in the Charleston area. The main house, galleries and landscape are open to the public Wednesday through Monday weekly. Drayton Hall is closed on Tuesdays. You can purchase tickets at the gate but please note the gate will not accept cash transactions.

Overnight Location

Charleston, South Carolina

Centuries-old mansions, Spanish moss-draped trees, spooky cemeteries, cobblestone walks: in a word, Charleston. As you walk the gas lamp-lit streets at night, past horse-drawn carriages and the antebellum architecture, you just might think you've traveled back in time. But just because this South Carolina city is proud to celebrate its heritage doesn't mean it's stuck in the past. Charleston boasts innovative restaurants, interesting shops, contemporary art galleries and the world-class Spoleto Festival USA. This is the place to experience the genteel South – after all, it was the home of suave "Gone with the Wind" character, Rhett Butler.

History pervades almost every aspect of the Holy City, from the majestic homes-turned-museums to the landmarks that promote the city's role in United States history. Civil War buffs should head to Fort Sumter, where the first shot of the War between the States was fired. Meanwhile, shopaholics looking for locally made goods should peruse the Charleston City Market. When you're ready for a day at the beach, the city's got you covered there, too. Several beach towns, including Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palm and Folly Beach, offer sun, sand and gentle waves.

Day 7

Included Unique Activities

Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens

Visiting Boone Hall Plantation is a step back in time. Located across the Cooper River, Boone Hall was a cotton plantation established in the 1700’s. The main house is gone, but nine of the original slave cabins remain on the property. Tour the grounds, the current house, and interactive exhibits. All are hosted by descendant-historians of slaves. The mile-long avenue of oaks served as Margaret Mitchell’s inspiration for Twelve Oaks in the classic movie Gone With the Wind (1939). The house was also featured in The Notebook (2004).  Plan to spend 2 – 3 hours here.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Admission to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum includes access to three historic ships, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, the destroyer USS Laffey, the submarine USS Clamagore, 28 historic aircraft, as well as the three-acre Vietnam Experience, and more. Discover it all here!

General admission includes ALL exhibits:

USS YORKTOWN Aircraft Carrier
USS LAFFEY Destroyer
USS CLAMAGORE Submarine
3 Acre Vietnam Experience
Medal of Honor Museum
28 Historic Aircraft

Overnight Location

Charleston, South Carolina

Centuries-old mansions, Spanish moss-draped trees, spooky cemeteries, cobblestone walks: in a word, Charleston. As you walk the gas lamp-lit streets at night, past horse-drawn carriages and the antebellum architecture, you just might think you've traveled back in time. But just because this South Carolina city is proud to celebrate its heritage doesn't mean it's stuck in the past. Charleston boasts innovative restaurants, interesting shops, contemporary art galleries and the world-class Spoleto Festival USA. This is the place to experience the genteel South – after all, it was the home of suave "Gone with the Wind" character, Rhett Butler.

History pervades almost every aspect of the Holy City, from the majestic homes-turned-museums to the landmarks that promote the city's role in United States history. Civil War buffs should head to Fort Sumter, where the first shot of the War between the States was fired. Meanwhile, shopaholics looking for locally made goods should peruse the Charleston City Market. When you're ready for a day at the beach, the city's got you covered there, too. Several beach towns, including Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palm and Folly Beach, offer sun, sand and gentle waves.

Day 8

Depart From

Depart from Charleston International Airport (CHS), South Carolina

Today you will depart from Charleston International Airport (CHS) in South Carolina for home.