Immerse yourself in the rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture of Georgia’s iconic coastal cities. From pristine beaches to historic architecture, culinary delights and vibrant arts scene, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Day 1 – Forsyth, GA – We drive south through Tennessee to Forsyth where we overnight.
Day 2 – Jekyll Island – After an included breakfast, we continue to Jekyll Island, a barrier island of Georgia’s Atlantic Coast. The island became the winter retreat for the rich and famous during the Gilded Age when the Jekyll Island Club bought the entire island for a playground. Our accommodations for the next two nights will be on the island.
Day 3 – Millionaire’s Village Trolley Tour – This morning, we take a guided trolley tour through the historic area often referred to as Millionaire’s Village to see how the Rockefellers, Pulitzers, Goulds, and Cranes lived and entertained during the Gilded Age. Our tour takes us through one of the cottages, the Mosaic Museum and to Faith Chapel, where we’ll see an original Tiffany window. This afternoon is free to rent a bike, browse in the specialty shops, sit by the pool, lounge on the veranda, or return to Millionaire’s Village for a stroll through this historic area. Overnight same hotel.
Day 4 – St. Simons Island – Savannah – An early departure from Jekyll Island takes us to St. Simons Island for a guided tour. We’ll learn about 400 years of history as we drive by points of interest including one of only three working lighthouses in Georgia; the site of the famous 1742 battle, Bloody Marsh, where the fate of the Southern Colonies was decided; Fort Frederica, the colonial town and fort settled by General James Edward Oglethorpe, and more. We take a walking tour of the churchyard at historic Christ Church. Moss-covered oaks and ocean breezes weave the past into the present as we stroll through small village streets with time to shop in quaint stores filled with Southern handicrafts. We’ll have time for lunch and shopping at St. Simons Village before departing for historic Savannah where we spend the next two nights.
Day 5 – Old Savannah Trolley Tour – After an included breakfast, we take a trolley tour of historic old Savannah. We’ll learn about this charming southern city and its legends, see the bustling, cobblestone River Street in the city’s historic Waterfront District and the old cotton warehouses converted into quaint shops. Lunch is included at a popular culinary stop in Savannah. This afternoon is free to browse the Waterfront and its many antique and specialty shops. Overnight same hotel.
Day 6 – Georgia Aquarium – World of Coca-Cola – Marietta, GA – After an included breakfast, we depart lovely Savannah for Atlanta. After lunch on our own, we visit the Georgia Aquarium, the nation’s largest aquarium with over 100,000 animals including sharks, penguins, sea lions, beluga whales, and manta rays. Next, we visit the World of Coca-Cola learning about the story of the iconic brand through fascinating exhibits and an eye-popping collection of memorabilia. Get a behind the scenes look at the bottling process and try Coca-Cola soft drinks from around the world in the tasting room. We overnight in Marietta.
Day 7 – Home – After an included breakfast, we reluctantly make our way home with memories of Georgia’s charming cities and islands.
Meals Included: 6 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch