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. Simons Island Sightseeing Tour

Join us for a captivating 2-hour sightseeing tour of St. Simons Island, where history and natural beauty intertwine. Explore Fort Frederica, established by James Edward Oglethorpe in 1736, and visit Christ Church, where John and Charles Wesley once held services under the oaks for early settlers. Discover the legacy of Eugenia Price, whose historical novels capture the essence of the Golden Isles, and pay your respects at her resting place in the churchyard. See the fabulous "Avenue of Oaks" on the former Retreat Plantation, now the Sea Island Golf Club. Enjoy free time in the Village, where you can visit the iconic St. Simons Island Lighthouse at your leisure.

 

Hofwyl-Broadfield Historic Site

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

Explore St. Augustine, the Nation's Oldest City, with a narrated tour aboard Starr's comfortable 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 lasting British influence on the architecture, with alterations that remain visible today. During our tour, experience the grandeur of 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

A visit to St. Augustine isn’t complete without experiencing the world-famous Fountain of Youth. Explore the newly renovated Planetarium, which offers a glimpse of the night sky as seen by Ponce de Leon when he first arrived in the harbor, and discover how early explorers used the stars for navigation. Sip from the legendary fountain that Ponce de Leon sought and stroll through the gardens abundant with local flora and fauna, where elegant peacocks roam among the visitors.

 

Lightner Museum

Tour the Lightner Museum, formerly the grand "Good Time" Alcazar Hotel, which now showcases one of the finest collections of turn-of-the-century art and collectibles. Founded by Otto C. Lightner, creator of Hobbies Magazine, the museum features an eclectic array of collections amassed by Lightner himself and spread across three floors. The museum is fully accessible by wheelchair.

 

Savannah Trolley Tour

Discover Savannah like never before with Old Town Trolley Tours, the ultimate way to explore this historic coastal gem. From its stunning architecture and lush gardens to its captivating stories, Savannah offers an unforgettable vacation experience. Enjoy a lively tour led by a friendly conductor, who will share a blend of fascinating trivia and amusing anecdotes. With convenient on-and-off boarding privileges at all designated stops, you can explore at your own pace and make the most of your visit.

 

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. Originally opened in 1856 as Savannah's first free public school, the Massie School served the community continuously, except during its use as a Union hospital in the Civil War and as a Freedmen's school during Reconstruction. After closing as a regular school in 1974, it was transformed into a teaching museum in 1977, providing engaging exhibitions and programs for visitors of all ages. As a property of the local school system, the center continues to celebrate Savannah's heritage with year-round events. An elevator is available for accessibility.

 

 

Meal Information:

 

On Day 1, Dinner is included at Olde Time Country buffet

Menu features an all-you-can-eat buffet offering a wide variety of delicious, homemade dishes that are sure to satisfy everyone. From seafood to BBQ, the buffet has it all.

 

On Day 3, Dinner is included at Jekyll Island Club

Entree Choices:TBD

 

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

Entree Choices: TBD

 

On Day 5, Dinner is included at Aunt Kate's

Dinner will be served buffet style and features a house salad with ranch dressing, pumpkin bread, corn bread, grilled tilapia, north beach chicken (grilled chicken breasts basted with homemade southern comfort barbeque sauce topped with bacon, provolone, shredded cheddar and tomatoes.), veggie baked ziti, mixed veggies in garlic butter, red bliss potatoes, and banana pudding for dessert. Sweet tea, unsweeteded ice tea, water & canned sodas are also included.

 

Menus are subject to change

 

 

Need to Know:

 

 

Accessibility:

There is a considerable amount of walking on this tour.

 

The Jekyll Island Tram tour is not wheelchair accesible.

 

At the Mission of Nombre de Dios, expect uneven terrain as you explore the sacred grounds.

 

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.