Southern Charms: St. Augustine, Savannah & Charleston

Journey begins: 5:30 PM, Casa Monica Resort & Spa. A transfer is included from Jacksonville International Airport or Daytona Beach International Airport to the Casa Monica Hotel & Spa in St. Augustine. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel.

Founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, St. Augustine is the oldest continously-inhabitated city in the United States. Today, much of that historic charm and spanish-influenced style remains, and will become apparent during your explorations throughout the city. Your day begins with a tour of your historic hotel, Casa Monica, Resort & Spa. Built in 1888, the hotel is located in the heart of St. Augustine's Historic District. Blending its vintage Moroccan charm with modern-day amentities, the hotel has many stories to share, some of which can be heard by just simply walking through its historic hallways. A member of the Historic Hotels of America since 2001, the Casa Monica, Resort & Spa shares the distinct honor of being one of the first seven Collection hotels with Marriott. Next, hit the streets on a guided tour of St. Augustine by coach, where the stories and culture of the oldest city in the United States comes to life. Have lunch at  Asado Life, a local waterfront restaurant known for its grilled food, then the rest of the day is yours to do as you wish.

Wave goodbye to St. Augustine as you head off to your next destination - Savannah, Georgia. En route, stop on Jekyll Island, one of Georgia's barrier islands for a tour through its historic district including entry into one of its cottages where an interpreter will share tidbits and stories regarding the history of the island. Following lunch at a local venue, continue on to Savannah, where you'll check-in late this afternoon at the Perry Lane Hotel, your home for the next three nights.  

Start a day of exploration with a morning sightseeing trip of Savannah with a local guide, admiring the city's elegant architecture and geometric city design, featuring 24 park squares highlighted by live oaks draped with Spanish moss. One of the first planned cities in America, Savannah's National Historic Landmark District is the largest in the nation, and features more than 1,000 architecturally significant buildings. Next, engage in a hands-on culinary demonstration focusing on dishes representing the unique cuisine of the coastal Low Country region, followed by lunch and some free time in Savannah to explore as you please.

This morning, visit the city's National Museum of the Mighty 8th Air Force for a private tour of its exhibits chronicling the famed US Eighth Bomber Command's contributions to the Allied victory in World War II and beyond. Following a free afternoon to explore and enjoy the plesantries of Savannah as you like, you're off for an after-hours guided tour of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Museum of Art. Serving as the premier contemporary art museum for emerging and established international artists (as well as a resource for SCAD students and alumni), your student docent-led tour will showcase the many works of art featured here as well as commentary regarding the museum's storied-history. Dinner tonight will be at a local establishment overlooking Savannah's waterfront.   

Today you'll embark on a guided excursion through the Low Country region along the Georgia coast. Begin with an opportunity to experience firsthand the unique Gullah / Geechee culture that developed in the wetlands approaching the outlying Sea Islands of Georgia at the Pin Point Heritage Museum. Occupying a former oyster and crab processing factory in the community of Pin Point on the banks of the Moon River south of Savannah that offers amazing views of the wetlands, the museum's exhibits and multimedia presentations interpret the oyster fishing traditions and folkways of the residents of Pin Point – which for nearly a century survived as an isolated, self-sustaining Gullah / Geechee enclave founded by first-generation free people of the Gullah community whose lives were deeply connected to the water. Next, drive to the historic town of Beaufort, "Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands," this morning for your choice of a locally guided historic walking tour or a carriage ride. Enjoy free time for lunch and exploration of the National Historic Landmark District, before driving to Charleston.

Join our local guide for a walking tour of the city this morning, including an interior visit of the Heyward Washington house, before embarking on a cruise along the harbor, viewing Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie, the lighthouses, the Battery and the USS Yorktown before enjoying some free time this afternoon to enjoy your final day as you wish. You might consider visiting the Gibbes Museum of Art, or Fort Sumter National Monument, where the first shot of the Civil War was fired in 1861, and of course there are many restaurants and cafés at which to enjoy the easy living this city is so well known for. Tonight, join us for a private farewell cocktail reception and dinner at the High Cotton restaurant located in downtown Charleston.

Tour ends: Charleston. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton to Charleston International Airport. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in.