Charming Ports of the South

Charming Ports of the South - Jekyll Island, St. Augustine, and Savannah

Trip Duration: 8 Days

 

 

Trip Inclusions:

• Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners

• Tour Director

• Overnight accommodations

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation

• Bagge handling and related gratuities

• Taxes

 

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Jekyll Island Tram Tour

Tram tours of the Jekyll Island Club Historic District begin at the Island History Center on Stable Road. From 1886 to 1942 this area served as the winter retreat for America's wealthiest families - Rockefeller, Crane, Goodyear and Morgan. Thirty-three of the original buildings still stand with many mansion-sized "cottages" on the tour. We will tour two of these historical buildings. After the tour, you will have an opportunity to visit the museum exhibits and view a video presentation that reveals the fascinating story of Jekyll Island-from its earliest inhabitants, across its fabled Club Era, to its wondrous restoration programs today. There will also be time to visit the gift shop.

 

St. Simon's Island Sightseeing Tour

Our 2 hour tour of St. Simon's Island will include a view of Fort Frederica, built by James Edward Oglethorpe in 1736. Also, a trip to the island wouldn't be complete without a stop at Christ Church where John & Charles Wesley held church services here under the oak trees for the early settlers. Eugenia Price has captured the spirit of these islands in her historical novels about the Golden Isles. She made her home here & is buried in Christ Church yard. See the fabulous "Avenue of Oaks" on former Retreat Plantation, now Sea Island Golf Club. During your free time at the Village, you will be able to visit the St. Simon's Island Lighthouse at your leisure.

 

Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation

This beautiful plantation represents the history and culture of Georgia's rice coast. In the early 1800s, William Brailsford of Charleston carved a rice plantation from marshes along the Altamaha River. The plantation and its inhabitants were part of the genteel low country society that developed during the antebellum period. The museum features silver from the family collection and a model of Hofwyl-Broadfield during its heyday. A brief film on the plantation's history is shown before visitors walk a short trail to the antebellum home. A guided tour allows visitors to see the home as Ophelia kept it with family heirlooms, 18th and 19th century furniture, and Cantonese China.

 

St. Augustine Sightseeing Tour

Begin with a sightseeing tour of the Nation's Oldest City aboard the comfort of Starr's motorcoach. Over 430 years of history are highlighted as you travel through ancient streets to view buildings dating to the 1700s. Discover the roots of the Timucuan Indians that were native to the North Florida coast and their contributions to the Spanish settlers. Learn of several failed attempts to take over the colony and how the colonists struggled against fire, disease, and threats from neighboring colonies. See the vast British influence on architecture. During their short 20 year control of the area, their alterations are still in place today. Enjoy the Flagler Era. Henry Flagler, the Father of Florida Tourism, made St. Augustine a winter destination for wealthy Northerners in the late 1800s. You will see two of his grand hotels and enjoy a guided tour inside the Flagler Memorial Presbyterian Church, built in memory of Flagler's daughter, Jenny Louise.

 

Mission of Nombre de Dios Walking Tour

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Mission of Nombre de Dios, the landing site of Pedro Menendez, the founder of St. Augustine. This site, where the first Catholic Mass was held in the new world, was proclaimed by President Kennedy as "America's Most Sacred Acre."

 

Fountain of Youth Archeological Park

No visit to St. Augustine is complete without a visit to the world famous Fountain of Youth. The newly renovated Planetarium takes visitors back in time to view the same night sky that Ponce de Leon saw as he sailed into our harbor and you will learn how the early explorers used the stars to guide their voyages. Everyone gets to take a drink from the fabled fountain that Ponce de Leon was searching for. Stroll through the gardens abundant with local flora and fauna while elegant peacocks roam the grounds among the visitors.

 

Lightner Museum

Once the grand "Good Time" Hotel Alcazar, this museum houses one of the finest collections of turn of the century art and collectibles. Otto C. Lightner, founder of Hobbies Magazine, had a unique hobby; he collected other people's collections. You will find them on display spread over three floors throughout the former hotel.

 

Savannah Trolley Tour

Old Town Trolley Tours is the best way to see the city of Savannah. It's the extraordinary architecture, lush botanicals, and captivating stories of this historic, coastal city that make for an unforgettable vacation experience. A friendly conductor will narrate the tour with a fascinating and fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. Tour includes On & Off boarding privileges at all designated stops.

 

Massie Heritage Museum

The Massie Heritage Center is an excellent place to learn about the history of Savannah, its beautiful city plan and architecture, and the people who have lived here for centuries.

 

Massie School opened in 1856 as Savannah's first free public school, operating continuously except for its use as a Union hospital during the Civil War Federal occupation of the city and as a Freedmen's school during Reconstruction. Closed as a regular school in 1974, Massie reopened in 1977 as a teaching museum for history and architecture with programs attracting visitors of all ages. A local school system property, the site hosts exhibitions and programs throughout the year.

 

 

Meal Information:

 

Menu choices for Day 3 Dinner at Jekyll Island Club - TBD

 

On Day 4, Dinner in included at Hurricane Patty's

Entree Choices:

• Honey Rum Salmon-Atlantic Salmon char-grilled and based with Pusser's rum honey glaze. Served with garlic mashed potatoes and chef's vegetable medley

• Shrimp and Grits-Grilled shrimp on a bed of cheddar cheese grits topped with apple smoked bacon bits, fresh tomato, green onion, and drizzled with roasted red pepper cram sauce

• Island Pot Roast-Tender Slow, Roasted Pot Roasted served on a bed of roasted garlic mash potatoes and topped with caramelized red onion, baby carrots, and Island Gravy

• Fried Shrimp Basket-Golden fried jumbo shrimp served with French fries, homemade hush puppies, and coleslaw

• Pineapple Margarita Chicken-Twin tender Chicken breast grilled and topped with pineapple margarita glaze served with Floribbean rice and seasonal vegetables.

Meal also includes garden salad, bread, and Key Lime Cheesecake for dessert. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are included.

 

 

Need to Know:

 

 

Accessibility:

There is a considerable amount of walking on this tour.

 

The Jekyll Island Tram tour is not wheelchair accesible.

 

Mission of Nombre de Dios: Grounds are not flat walking through the sacred acres.

 

Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Accommodations Day 1 and 7: Country Inn & Suites, Fayetteville, NC

Hotel features an outdoor pool and fitness room.

Guest rooms include hairdryer, coffee maker, iron/board, and mini refrigerator.

 

Accommodations Day 2 & 3: Days Inn, Jekyll Island

Rooms are Oceanside; partial view of the water or some views may be blocked by dunes. Each room shares a walkway (No private balconies or patios) 

Hotel has 2 floors with elevator access. All rooms offer coffee maker, hairdryer, micro-refrigerator, and iron/board.

Hotel has two oceanfront pools, on site bike rentals and complimentary "High Speed" Wireless Internet Access.

The hotel does not have a full service restaurant, but there are restaurants within 1 mile of the hotel.

 

Accommodations Day 4 & 5: Fairfield Inn & Suites, St. Augustine, FL

The hotel features an Outdoor(heated)pool and Fitness Center.

Guestrooms include coffee maker, mini- refrigerator, iron/board, and hairdryer.

Accommodations Day 6: Holiday Inn, Savannah Historic District

Hotel features a restaurant and cocktail lounge, seasonal outdoor pool and fitness room.

Guest rooms feature a coffee maker, mini-fridge, iron/board, and hairdryer.