Savannah, GA & Charleston, SC: Southern Charm

Duration: 7 Days | Meals Included: 6 Breakfasts, 2 Lunch, 2 Dinner

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Beaufort, SC Sightseeting Tour

Experience a guided sightseeing tour through Beaufort, SC, often referred to as the "Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands." This historic city boasts a stunning array of pre-Revolutionary and pre-Civil War mansions, each with its own unique story. Admire preserved antebellum architecture, view historic St. Helena’s Episcopal Church, and journey across the Sea Islands. Learn about the unique Gullah culture, view Penn Center, one of the nation’s first schools for freed slaves, and walk among the hauntingly beautiful Chapel of Ease Ruins on St. Helena Island. Along the way, glimpse Parris Island—home to one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ main recruit training facilities and steeped in military history dating back to the 1500s. Beaufort is also renowned as a filming location for major motion pictures such as "The Big Chill," "The Great Santini," "Prince of Tides," and "Forrest Gump."

 

Savannah, GA Trolley Tour

Explore Savannah in style with Old Town Trolley Tours, the ultimate way to discover the charm and history of this coastal gem. Marvel at the extraordinary architecture, lush botanicals, and captivating stories that define Savannah's rich heritage. Your knowledgeable conductor will entertain you with a blend of fascinating trivia and delightful anecdotes throughout the tour. Enjoy the convenience of On & Off Boarding Privileges at all designated stops, ensuring you can explore Savannah at your own pace.

 

 

Massie Heritage Center

The Massie Heritage Center in Savannah offers a rich exploration of the city's history and architectural legacy. Originally founded in 1856 as Savannah's first free public school, Massie School has evolved into a dynamic teaching museum. After serving as a Union hospital during the Civil War and later as a Freedmen's school during Reconstruction, Massie reopened in 1977 to educate visitors about Savannah's vibrant past through exhibitions and educational programs. The center, managed by the local school system, includes accessible facilities such as elevators for all visitors to enjoy.

 

Savannah Theatre

Experience the Historic Savannah Theatre, established in December 1818 and recognized as America's oldest continually operating theater. Immerse yourself in a captivating performance that varies throughout the season, promising entertainment steeped in history and charm.

 

Charleston, SC Sightseeing tour

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Charleston, SC, delving into its storied past and architectural marvels. Marvel at The Battery's stately homes, stroll past the vibrant hues of Rainbow Row, and witness the symbolic Four Corners of Law. Explore the prestigious College of Charleston campus and enjoy a scenic drive through The Citadel (when available), offering a deeper appreciation of Charleston's historical significance and Southern charm.

 

 

Charleston City Market

Discover Charleston City Market, a vibrant cultural hub at the heart of the city. As one of the nation's oldest public markets, the historic Charleston City Market plays a leading role in the preservation of time-treasured customs and vibrant American history. Throughout the year, the local community and visitors alike gather for authentic experiences and interaction with more than 300 vibrant entrepreneurs.

 

Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Charleston

Enjoy a delightful blend of knowledge, wit, humor, and rich history as you explore Charleston in a 19th-century horse-drawn carriage—seamlessly weaving the charm of the past with the energy of the present. Journey through 25 to 30 blocks of Charleston’s historic downtown, where every street tells a story. Marvel at stately mansions, lush gardens, centuries-old churches, and scenic parks. Discover the architecture, people, and traditions that have shaped the Holy City into one of America's most beloved destinations.

 

Charleston Tea Garden

Nestled on scenic Wadmalaw Island in the heart of the Lowcountry, the Charleston Tea Garden is home to Charleston Tea Garden Tea. Immerse yourself in the beauty and allure as you stroll through acres of lush tea plants stretching as far as the eye can see. Embark on an enlightening Factory Tour to discover the art of tea-making, enjoy a delightful Trolley tour through the verdant tea fields, visit the greenhouse to witness the cultivation of tea plants, and help yourself to all the iced or hot tea you can drink!

 

Fort Sumter & Charleston Harbor Boat Cruise

Cruise through Charleston Harbor and pass by notable American landmarks, including Fort Sumter, the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, Charleston Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, and Castle Pinckney. Along the way, knowledgeable and engaging guides will share fascinating stories that bring the city’s rich history to life.

 

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has stood the test of time, bearing witness to centuries of American history—from the American Revolution to the Civil War and beyond. Step inside the Drayton family home for a guided tour of ten beautifully preserved rooms filled with early American antiques and family heirlooms. Stroll through the gardens at your own pace, then hop aboard the Nature Train for a scenic tram ride through the plantation’s wetlands, forests, and marshes, where a naturalist guide points out native wildlife including alligators, turtles, and wading birds.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day four is included at Oyster House. Choices are:

• Fried Shrimp Dinner with coleslaw and fries

• Chef's Fresh Catch with Charleston red rice and crispy brussels sprouts

• Shrimp and Grits server over white stone ground grits

• Crab Cakes with remoulade, white stone ground grits, grilled asparagus

• Grilled Chicken Veggie Pasta, seasonal vegetables, garlic scampi butter

Dinner is served with Hush Puppies, House Salad, Key Lime pie for dessert along with tea, soda & coffee.

 

Lunch on day five is included at Charleston Tea Garden. Boxed lunch choices are:

• Turkey and Swiss sandwich: oven-roasted turkey breast with Swiss cheese and lettuce, served on honey wheat bread

• Ham and Havarti sandwich: cured ham & Havarti cheese with green leaf lettuce, served on sourdough bread

• Vegetarian sandwich : mushrooms, cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, roasted red peppers, avocados, lettuce, cheddar cheese, and pesto mayo, served on 13 grain bread

• Chicken Caesar Wrap: chicken breast, Caesar dressing, romaine lettuce, and parmesan cheese

• Super Food Salad: super antioxidant mix of kale, baby spinach, red cabbage, dried cranberries, raspberries, almonds, feta cheese, with raspberry vinaigrette. Served with fresh baked bread.

Boxed lunch is served with chips, a pickle, a cookie, iced tea, or water.

 

Dinner on day five is included at Charleston Crab House. Choices are:

• Fried Shrimp and Flounder Platter with red rice and vegetable of the day
• Grilled Chicken Alfredo served over penne alfredo
• Shrimp and Grits served with Andouille sausage, peppers, Cajan cream sauce, and scallions over Carolina grits
• Lowcountry Crab Cakes with remoulade, corn relish, red rice, vegetable of the day
• Lowcountry Shrimp Boil with Andouille sausage, potatoes, corn, garlic scampi butter

Dinner is served with Hush Puppies, House Salad, Key Lime pie for dessert along with tea, soda & coffee.

 

Lunch on day six is included at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Boxed lunch choices are:

• Ham and Cheddar Sandwich: ciabatta roll, smoked ham, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, kettle chips and a cookie
• Turkey BLT: white bread, turkey, bacon, kettle chips and a cookie
• Seasonal Chicken Salad sandwich: kettle chips and a cookie
• Caesar Salad: chopped romaine, chicken, croutons, grape tomatoes, lemon, shaved parmesean and ceasar dressing on the side
• Peacock Salad: mixed greens, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, grape tomatoes, carrot, cabbage and blue cheese dressing on the side

Bottle of water included.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

 

Accessibility:

• This tour involves considerable walking.

• Savannah Trolley Tour: While the trolley does have an electric lift for guests in the motorized scooters, the lift cannot operate at the Massie Museum or the trolley stops for safety reasons. The lifts operates from the back of the trolley, and only at the hotel are they able to pull completely out of traffic to allow the guest on and off.

• 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.

Day 1 & 6: Country Inn & Suites Fayetteville (Fayetteville, NC)

The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hairdryer, and iron/board.

 

Day 2 & 3: Holiday Inn Savannah Historic District (Savannah, GA)

Located in the heart of the Savannah Historic District just a short stroll from River Street. The hotel has a restaurant/lounge, seasonal outdoor rooftop pool, and fitness room. Guest rooms feature a coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Day 4 & 5: SpringHill Suites Charleston Riverview (Charleston, SC)

The hotel is conveniently located just a short trip over the Ashley River to the downtown historic district. The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool, whirlpool, and fitness room. Each spacious suite has separate sleeping, eating and working areas. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board.