Charms of the Southeast USA

Charms of the Southeast USA

tourhub | Trafalgar | Charms of the Southeast USA | DSOCN20

Charleston
Charleston

Charleston

Days 1-2
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah

Savannah, Georgia

Days 3-4
A Trafalgar Coach

A Trafalgar Coach

Map
53 Views
7 Days From

$2727

$2649

Charms of the Southeast USA

7 Days Starting in Charleston, United States and ending in Jacksonville, United States

Visiting: Charleston, Savannah, Jekyll Island

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Tour code:

DSOCN20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $2727 $2649 (USD) Tourhub's Discount: -$78

NB: Prices correct on 27-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the Southeast USA with the "Charms of the Southeast USA" tour. Begin in the historic city of Charleston, where you'll explore charming neighborhoods and iconic sites like Fort Sumter National Monument. Discover the rich history and Southern charm of Savannah, with its cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture, and enjoy a unique culinary experience with a local food celebrity. Venture to the picturesque Georgia coast, visiting Tybee Island Lighthouse and the historic Jekyll Island, where you'll learn about its past and support local wildlife at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. This tour offers a blend of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and unforgettable experiences, all while staying in carefully selected accommodations and enjoying delicious meals. Conclude your adventure in Jacksonville, Florida, with memories of the Southeast's enchanting landscapes and vibrant history.

Must-see Highlights

  • Explore Charleston and Jekyll Island including Indian Mount Cottage with a Local Specialist
  • Discover Charleston
  • Visit Charleston City Market, Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, Tybee Island Lighthouse, St. Simons Island, Wanderer Memory Trail and Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island
  • Scenic Charleston Harbor cruise to Fort Sumter National Monument

Make Travel Matter®

Visit Georgia Sea Turtle Center

Jekyll Island: Support local wildlife on your private behind-the-scenes tour of the rehabilitation center of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Georgia's first sea turtle rehabilitation, research and education facility. You’ll see where injured and sick sea turtles are treated and learn how the Center’s research helps sea turtles in Georgia and around the world. You’ll love exploring the lives of sea turtles and other native animals knowing that your visit supports their rehabilitation. Your visit also directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 15: Life Below Water and Life on Land.

Be My Guest

Savannah: Meet your host, a local food celebrity in the culinary hotspot of Savannah, Georgia. This Be My Guest experience at a restaurant will find you sampling some of the city’s finest flavors while the host shares their stories with you.

Stays with Stories

Savannah: Known to locals as the "Grand Lady on the Bay", the building was once 19th-century mega-merchant Simon Guckenheimer's dry goods storage house, which was filled with everything the South made best, from tobacco to canned peaches. The 1940's and '50s brought a grocery store with the city's first true coffeehouse. Now, the Grand Lady stands as a charming boutique hotel with modern style in the vibrant Ellis Square that reflects the essence of Savannah's renowned Historic District.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Charleston

Charleston
Charleston
Charleston

Location: Charleston

Accommodation: Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District

Meals Included: Dinner

Get ready for charming neighborhoods, historical sites and delicious food in Charleston, South Carolina. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel or get out and explore. Perhaps make your way to Rainbow Row and you’ll soon see why the 13 candy-colored Georgian homes are a photographer's dream. Discover a bit of history at these structures dating back to 1730 when they were shops on the wharf. Tonight, dinner with your travel companions awaits.

Day 2: Charleston Sightseeing

Charleston
Charleston
Charleston

Location: Charleston

Accommodation: Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District

Meals Included: Breakfast

Unlock Charleston’s people, places, culture and traditions with a Local Specialist. You’ll love this chance to discover the secrets – from architecture to art – from locals. You've surely worked up an appetite and Charleston City Market is just the place to fuel up. This vibrant, open-air market dating back to 1804 is one of the nation's oldest. Browse among more than 300 vendors selling goodies like biscuits, shrimp and grits, lobster hushpuppies and pimento cheese sandwiches. You’ll even find locally made products marked with a 'Certified Authentic Handmade in Charleston' seal. Cap off your day in the Southeast USA with a visit to McLeod Plantation. Unlock the past at this living tribute to the descendants of people who fought for freedom, equality and justice. You’ll tour the homes comparing the McLeod family home with those built for enslaved families.

Day 3: Charleston to Savannah via Beaufort

Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia

Location: Savannah

Accommodation: Indigo Savannah Historic District

Accommodation Name: Indigo Savannah Historic District

Meals Included: Breakfast

Kick off your day at Fort Sumter National Monument aboard a scenic cruise through Charleston Harbor. Then it’s off to Beaufort for lunch and free time to spend as you choose. Get out and explore the historic district antebellum mansions and 19th-century architecture. Your next stop is Hilton Head Island, rich with white sand beaches and towering oaks, before arriving in Savannah. This evening is yours to explore Savannah at your leisure.

Day 4: Savannah Sightseeing

Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia

Location: Savannah

Accommodation: Indigo Savannah Historic District

Accommodation Name: Indigo Savannah Historic District

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Unlock the icons of Savannah on a city tour. Steeped in history and Southern charm, Savannah’s cobblestone streets, oak trees draped in Spanish moss and antebellum architecture bring you new sights with each step. Enjoy its historic district, boasting well-preserved squares, museums and exquisite examples of 18th and 19th-century architecture. You’ll explore iconic and lush Forsyth Park, finishing your tour along River Steet to admire the cobblestone streets, historic buildings and views of the Savannah River. Celebrate this vibrant city with a Be My Guest experience with local food celebrity and TV host, Jesse Blanco. Finish the afternoon at Tybee Island Light House. Climb to the top to capture a photo of the island and visit the on-site museum.

Day 5: Georgia Coast Sightseeing

Location: Jekyll Island

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

Meals Included: Breakfast

Get ready for more must-see sights of the American Southeast, your next stop is St. Simons Island where moss-draped oaks line the streets filled with shops and museums. After free time for lunch, make your way to Jekyll Island. Settled in 1733 as the Georgia Colony, Jekyll Island retains its historic character. You’ll visit Driftwood Beach to explore the sun-bleached trees worn down by erosion. On the Wanderer Memory Trail, unlock the past and learn the stories of enslaved people brought to the shores of Jekyll Island 160 years ago. This trail has received a UNESCO Slave Route Project “Site of Memory” designation and will leave you reflective of the island’s past.

Day 6: Jekyll Island Sightseeing

Location: Jekyll Island

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Discover the hidden treasures of Jekyll Island on a Landmarks Tram Tour of the island’s 240-acre historic district. You’ll dive into the world of Jekyll Island Club members who created an exclusive retreat for their family and friends including a stop at Indian Mound Cottage, former home of the Rockefellers. Your next stop is at Mosaic Museum where you will Dive into Culture through “Hearing History: African American Music on Jekyll Island.” You'll learn about Gullah ring shouts, a call and response dance passed down through the descendants of the enslaved people of the low country. Cap off your exploration of the island with a  MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at Georgia Sea Turtle Center. Your final full day concludes with a dinner with your travel companions.

Day 7: Depart Jekyll Island

Location: Jekyll Island

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy one last leisurely morning on Jekyll Island before concluding your American Southeast tour. Then say farewell to your fellow travelers as you depart for Jacksonville, Florida International Airport arriving at approximately 10:00 AM. Please be aware when booking your flights. You may also choose to extend your stay in Jacksonville, FL.

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels that are tried and trusted.

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities at restaurants are included in the tour package.

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What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 2 Dinner (D)
  • 6 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)
  • Mode of Transport

    Travel in comfort with luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless journey through the Southeast USA, with all transport and transfers included as per the itinerary.

    Accommodation

    Experience the charm of the Southeast USA with stays at the Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District, Indigo Savannah Historic District, and Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island, offering modern amenities and a touch of local history in vibrant locations.

    Dive into Culture

  • Visit the Mosaic Museum for an in-depth look into Black history on Jekyll Island
  • Jekyll Island: Visit the Mosaic Museum for an in-depth look into Black history on Jekyll Island through the lens of music. You’ll learn about Gullah ring shouts, a call and response dance passed down through the descendants of the enslaved people of the low country. Enjoy cake walk performances by the Black employees of the Jekyll Island Club. Lastly, explore ragtime and the Club era, and Maurice Ruddick and the Dolphin Club - where legendary performers such as BB King, Percy Sledge and Otis Redding entertained guests like you.
  • Iconic Experience

  • Charleston: Discover America’s Lowcountry history at McLeod Plantation. Established in 1851, McLeod Plantation Historic Site is a 37-acre Gullah/Geechee heritage site preserved in recognition of its cultural and historical significance. You’ll learn about the cultivation of sea island cotton and follow the emergence of Gullah Culture in the Low Country. Get a feel for the past strolling the grounds including a riverside outdoor pavilion, a sweeping oak allée and the McLeod Oak which is thought to be more than 600 years old. Treasure this opportunity to learn about the people who shaped Charleston’s complex past and the nation’s future.
  • Charleston: Charleston brings new sights, sounds and experiences around every turn. Join an experienced Local Specialist for a coach tour through historic Charleston. You’ll have the chance to smell fragrant jasmine, peer through wrought iron gates and see names from the past etched in stone as you stroll past historic sites. Unlock the best of the city from those who know it best. Your host invests back into the properties you tour, ensuring that Charleston’s most historically significant landmarks, structures, sites and stories endure for generations to come.
  • Charleston: Explore local and national history at the grounds and visitor center of Fort Sumter National Monument. Take in the scenery cruising to the Fort on an island off the coast. Arriving at Fort Sumter National Historical Park, you will stand where America’s deadliest war began at the mouth of Charleston Harbor. You’ll learn about the events leading to the Civil War from knowledgeable National Park Rangers and explore well-preserved fort ruins.
  • Savannah: Embark on an orientation tour with your Tour Director beginning at Forsyth Park, one of Savannah's most picturesque spots. You’ll admire the famous Forsyth Fountain and the greenery before driving down Jones Street, often referred to as one of the most beautiful streets in America, with historic homes, tree-lined sidewalks and a charming atmosphere. Explore the Savannah Historic District, passing landmarks such as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Mercer-Williams House and the Owens-Thomas House. Finish along River Street, Savannah's bustling waterfront area.
  • Tybee Island: Visit the must-see Tybee Island Lighthouse, the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia. Unlock its history dating back to 1732, and you’ll learn how it’s one of the most intact, historic lighthouses remaining in America. The lighthouse has been rebuilt several times. It was first constructed with stone and wood, and in 1773, with bricks and wooden stairs. View the 1916 historic marker and climb 178 stairs to snap a photo overlooking Tybee Island.
  • St. Simons Island: Discover the local secrets of St. Simons Island, the largest barrier island in Georgia’s Golden Isles. Stroll along the historic St. Simons Pier and watch the local fishermen and fisherwomen. Another must-see awaits at charming Pier Village where you can browse boutique shops, art galleries, and explore the local seafood restaurants.
  • Jekyll Island: Unlock the history of Jekyll Island on the interpretive Wanderer Memory Trail. You’ll learn the history of the Wanderer, a slave ship that arrived on the Jekyll River 160 years ago. Through individual exhibits, you’ll hear the stories of the 500 enslaved Africans including Umwalla, a young African boy brought to America on the ship. You’ll also explore Driftwood Beach, a former maritime forest that has been eroded to sculpture-like piles of sun-bleached driftwood.
  • Jekyll Island: Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience on your Landmarks Tram Tour of Jekyll Island. You’ll learn how the Island was the exclusive site of the renowned Jekyll Island Club - the winter retreat for some of America's wealthiest families including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts and Morgans. Unlock the elegance and opulence of the early 20th century at Indian Mount Cottage, the Rockefeller’s winter home, where you’ll step inside to see how the family, nannies and servants lived.
  • Check out our Q&As

    • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

      The tour includes a Be My Guest experience in Savannah with a local food celebrity, a behind-the-scenes tour at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and a Landmarks Tram Tour of Jekyll Island's historic district.

    • What cultural activities are part of the itinerary?

      Cultural activities include visiting the Mosaic Museum on Jekyll Island to learn about African American music history and experiencing Gullah ring shouts, a traditional call and response dance.

    • What historical sites will we visit during the tour?

      The tour visits several historical sites including McLeod Plantation, Fort Sumter National Monument, and the Wanderer Memory Trail on Jekyll Island.

    • Are there any special dining experiences included?

      Yes, the tour includes a Be My Guest dining experience in Savannah where you will sample local flavors and hear stories from a local food celebrity.

    • What kind of wildlife experiences are included in the tour?

      The tour includes a visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center where you can learn about sea turtle rehabilitation and conservation efforts.

    • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

      The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

    • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

      Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

    • How long has the tour company been trading?

      Since 1947

    • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

      Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

    • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

      Yes

    Reviews of this operator

    Renato Arrieta  

    Best tour I joined so far

    14-Jan-2023

    My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

    Feefo Trusted Reviews
    King Ng, Lafayette, California  

    Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

    08-Nov-2021

    It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

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    Trusted Customer  

    Best of Egypt

    14-Jan-2023

    We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

    Feefo Trusted Reviews
    Marshal Daguio  

    Wonderful Best Of Turkey

    06-Nov-2021

    It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

    Feefo Trusted Reviews
    Barbara, Canada  

    Irish Experience

    09-Nov-2021

    I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

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    Book with Confidence

    • Low Deposit

      Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

    • Cancellation Policy

      We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.

      Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

      At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

      At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

      At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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