Experience the best of coastal South Carolina and Georgia as we step back in time to enjoy the rich history and culture of the Colonial South. Visit Charleston’s stately plantations and formal gardens while relishing in the scents and flavors of small island farms. We’ll discover Savannah, one of America’s oldest cities, whose gorgeous squares, fountains, and architecture make it also one of “America’s most beautiful places to visit.” With two relaxing nights at a historic resort on Jekyll Island, you’ll remember this soul-stirring mixture of high and low country for years to come!
- Historic city tours of Savannah andCharleston
- Guided tram tour of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
- Visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center
- Join a shrimp boat crew for a scenic marsh cruise
DAY 1: WELCOME TO THE SOUTH!
Arrive in beautiful Charleston ahead of your week in the South, and enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers. D
DAY 2: MAGNOLIA PLANTATION & GARDENS/CHARLESTON TEA GARDEN
Go back in time to the Historic South at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Founder John Drayton created its lush English gardens for his future wife, which included the first azaleas grown in America. Enjoy a tram tour of the plantation’s diverse gardens, islands, and ponds — plus, see turtles, egrets, and great blue herons.
Option—Magnolia Plantation House Tour the inside of the Magnolia Plantation House to see the historic charm, family heirlooms, and more. Price: $15 per person
Next, on Wadmalaw Island, enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the Charleston Tea Garden where more than 320 varieties are grown. Arrive in Savannah, and unpack for the next two nights. B, L
DAY 3: SAVANNAH, “HOSTESS CITY OF THE SOUTH”
As one of America’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Savannah is filled with gorgeous gardens, fountains, and architecture. We’ll start our morning on an Old Savannah Trolley for a guided tour of the National Historic Landmark District. You’ll then have the remainder of the day to further explore this charming city filled with park like city squares, hidden alleyways and quaint shops and galleries around every corner. B
DAY 4: GEORGIA’S GOLDEN ISLES
Travel along the Georgia coast to Jekyll Island, one of 12 barrier islands, that served as a winter retreat for America’s prominent families of the early 1920s — including the Rockefellers and Macys. See the gracious historic district, stopping to explore huge “summer cottages” of America’s “Gilded Era.” Afterwards, sit down for a delightful lunch. The Island is also home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, a hospital and rehabilitation center for the island’s many species of turtles. Enjoy the center’s interactive exhibits and venture into the hospital to chat with experts and visit its “patients.” B, L
DAY 5: ST. SIMONS ISLAND/SHRIMP BOAT
The largest of The Golden Isles, St. Simons Island continues to reveal the remarkable beauty and fascinating history of what 16th-century Spanish explorers called San Simeon. Visit St. Simons Lighthouse & Museum followed by time to stroll through Pier Village or find a local souvenir before lunch. This afternoon, learn all about shrimpin’ on our sightseeing cruise aboard the Lady Jane. B, L
DAY 6: BOONE HALL PLANTATION & GARDENS/GULLAH CULTURE
Gullah is a colorful mix of languages, traditions, and foods from West African, Creole, Brazilian, and Jamaican heritage. Today, hear about the Gullah culture and their fascinating stories of survival at Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens before heading back into Charleston for the next two nights to explore this amazing coastal town. B, L
DAY 7: CHARLESTON CITY TOUR
Known as the city “where history lives,” we get a taste of Charleston’s beauty and charm on a city tour featuring carefully preserved historic homes and public landmarks. This afternoon, choose between an optional carriage ride or explore the City Market and downtown Charleston on your own. B
Option—Carriage Tour On a one-hour, fully narrated tour through the streets of Charleston,
you’ll see gardens, mansions, churches, and parks to learn about what makes Charleston so
historic. Price: $70 per person
DAY 8: FORT SUMTER/FOND FAREWELL
After breakfast, we catch a boat to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. We will then head to the airport for our flight home feeling re-energized from our coastal experiences in the south. B
ACCOMMODATIONS
Night 1: DoubleTree Airport, Charleston, SC
Nights 2-3: River Street Inn, Savannah Historic District, GA
Nights 4-5: Jekyll Island Club Resort, Jekyll Island, GA
Nights 6-7: DoubleTree Airport, Charleston, SC
Dates
- Depart: April 5, 2025
- Return: April 12, 2025
Price Per Person
DB $3,499
TP/QD $3,299
SG $4,519
*Flights included from SGF/MCI (call for other gateway cities)
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
April – high of 75°, low of 59°
Temperatures can fluctuate in this region, so we recommend bringing a light jacket with you when out in the morning or evening.
Time Zone
Eastern
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron/ironing boards, and a coffee maker. All hotels also offer a refrigerator, Wi-Fi, fitness room and a swimming pool.
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
