Beaufort, Savannah & Charleston 27

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach as we journey to "The Palmetto State," South Carolina. During last year's tour, we discovered a true "hidden gem" that our passengers thoroughly enjoyed, and we are excited to include it in this year's itinerary. Upon arrival in Florence, South Carolina, enjoy time to explore Palmetto Peddlers Antique Mall - one of the state's largest antique malls. Browse 38,000 square feet of climate-controlled shopping featuring antiques, collectibles, vintage treasures, jewelry, home décor, vinyl records, and many other unique finds. Housed in a beautifully refurbished factory with rustic wood floors and open ceilings, this ever-changing marketplace offers a memorable shopping experience paired with genuine Southern hospitality. Later, we enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before checking into our hotel for the evening.

Day 2

After breakfast we travel south along the coast through South Carolina's scenic Lowcountry to the charming town of Beaufort, South Carolina, known as the "Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands." As South Carolina's second-oldest city, Beaufort offers a rich blend of history and coastal beauty. Upon arrival, we meet our driver-guide and board a horse-drawn carriage for a narrated tour through the historic district. Relax as the gentle clippity-clop of the horses transports you back in time while you explore Beaufort's picturesque streets. Along the way, learn about the area's Antebellum and Victorian architecture and discover notable filming locations featured in movies such as The Big Chill, Forrest Gump, The Great Santini, and The Prince of Tides. Our accommodations for the next three nights are at the Best Western Plus Sea Island Inn, ideally located in the heart of the historic district. The Inn offers beautiful views of the Beaufort River and surrounding Antebellum homes, and is within easy walking distance of shops, galleries, restaurants, the waterfront park, marina, and historic 18th-century residences. This evening, we enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant featuring the distinctive flavors of the South.

Day 3

After breakfast we depart for Savannah, Georgia, one of the South's most historic and picturesque cities. Upon arrival, we visit the Savannah History Museum, where you will enjoy a self-guided tour highlighting the city's rich history from 1733 to the present day. Exhibits include interactive displays on Native American cultures, a rare 1902 Crestmobile - predating the Ford Model A - along with Johnny Mercer's Oscar and Grammy awards, the famous bench from Forrest Gump, historic fashions, and much more. Next, we board the Old Town Trolley for a narrated tour of Savannah. Sit back and relax as your knowledgeable conductor shares a lively blend of historical facts, entertaining stories, and local trivia. Along the way, take in the city's iconic moss-draped oak trees, elegant mansions, charming public squares, bustling riverfront, and over 270 years of fascinating history. Following the tour, we step aboard the Savannah River Queen, an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, for a delightful lunch cruise along the Savannah River. Enjoy engaging commentary from the captain as you learn about the city's modern port and the ships that travel from around the world, while taking in scenic views of Savannah's historic riverfront and skyline. After the cruise, enjoy free time to explore the cobblestone streets of Factors Walk and River Street, where historic cotton warehouses have been transformed into unique shops, restaurants, and lively gathering spots. Later, we return to our Inn in Beaufort, where the evening is yours to enjoy dinner on your own at one of the town's well-known local restaurants.

Day 4

After breakfast we meet our step-on guide for an immersive journey into the Gullah Geechee heritage of South Carolina's Sea Islands. Traveling through several areas of Beaufort County, this enriching tour introduces you to the unique history and enduring culture of the Gullah Geechee people - descendants of West and Central Africans who were enslaved and brought to the coastal regions of the lower Atlantic states to work on rice, Sea Island cotton, and indigo plantations. Due to the isolation of these coastal plantations and barrier islands, the Gullah Geechee people preserved many of their African cultural traditions. These influences remain evident today in their cuisine, arts and crafts, spiritual practices, and in the Gullah language - a distinct Creole language spoken nowhere else in the world. As we explore Lady's Island, St. Helena Island, Hunting Island, and surrounding areas, you will take in scenic landscapes while learning the stories that define this rich cultural heritage. Highlights include a visit to the site of one of the nation's first schools for freed slaves, now a treasured National Historic Landmark, as well as the ruins of historic island churches where the past comes vividly to life through stories and song. Upon returning to the Inn, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take advantage of the Inn's convenient location within walking distance of Beaufort's attractions, including the waterfront park, downtown marina, charming shops, art galleries, restaurants, and beautifully preserved 18th-century homes. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own at one of Beaufort's many nearby restaurants.

Day 5

After breakfast we depart for Charleston, South Carolina, a charming and historic port city founded in 1670 and celebrated for its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, shaded courtyards, and pastel antebellum homes. Highlights of this elegant destination include the picturesque French Quarter and Battery districts, where centuries of Southern history and culture come to life. Upon arrival, we meet our driver-guide and board a horse-drawn carriage for a narrated tour through Charleston's historic district. Traveling more than 2.5 miles through 30 blocks, this relaxing ride offers an engaging introduction to the "Holy City," blending informative commentary with the charm of beautifully maintained draft horses. Following the tour, enjoy free time to explore the renowned Charleston City Market. Dating back to the 1790s, this historic marketplace stretches across four city blocks and features more than 300 vendors offering a wide variety of goods, from local specialties to handcrafted regional art - perfect for browsing and selecting a unique Charleston souvenir. Later, before departing for our hotel in Florence, South Carolina, we enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant in downtown Charleston. After breakfast we depart for Charleston, South Carolina, a charming and historic port city founded in 1670 and celebrated for its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, shaded courtyards, and pastel antebellum homes. Highlights of this elegant destination include the picturesque French Quarter and Battery districts, where centuries of Southern history and culture come to life. Upon arrival, we meet our driver-guide and board a horse-drawn carriage for a narrated tour through Charleston's historic district. Traveling more than 2.5 miles through 30 blocks, this relaxing ride offers an engaging introduction to the "Holy City," blending informative commentary with the charm of beautifully maintained draft horses. Following the tour, enjoy free time to explore the renowned Charleston City Market. Dating back to the 1790s, this historic marketplace stretches across four city blocks and features more than 300 vendors offering a wide variety of goods, from local specialties to handcrafted regional art - perfect for browsing and selecting a unique Charleston souvenir. Later, before departing for our hotel in Florence, South Carolina, we enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant in downtown Charleston.

Day 6

After breakfast we make a short stop at one of the South's newest and most popular travel destinations, Buc-ee's. This one-of-a-kind travel center is known for its massive size, wide selection of snacks and merchandise, friendly service, and exceptionally clean and spacious restrooms. Take time to relax, browse, and pick up a few treats - or even a Buc-ee's souvenir to bring home. We then continue our journey home, carrying with us fond memories of Beaufort's elegant antebellum and Victorian architecture, along with the rich history and warm Southern hospitality experienced in Savannah and Charleston.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner