Compare Luxury Georgia & the Carolinas self-drive by Audley Travel vs Sunsets & Southern Charms by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 7,121 | $ 1,579 |
| Price Per Day | $ 548 | $ 316 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
4 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners |
| Description |
Oversized objects and other Americana along Route 66, the beaches and glitzy cities of California’s coast, steaming geysers in Yellowstone National Park… on a tailor-made holiday to the USA with Audley, you’ll see the highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our USA specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook. |
Experience the charms of the South by horse and carriage, tour the only tea plantation in North America, see pristine Antebellum Mansions up close, shop in markets that date to 1700s… and dine on unforgettable Low Country cuisine…these are all the ingredients for an unforgettable trip! |
Day 1 : Atlanta
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Atlanta. Make your way from the airport to Buckhead, the heart of Atlanta's buzzy entertainment district and relax in your hotel. Buckhead's dining is amongst the best in the South if you feel like heading out for dinner.
Day 2 : Atlanta
Atlanta's glittering skyscraper core is testament to the fact it is the commercial heart of the South. Here mega-corporation Coca-Cola shows its PR side at World of Coca-Cola, a museum where you can learn their history and taste their range of over 100 products.
Day 3 : Asheville
Pick up your convertible car, drop the top and head out of the city towards North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. The roads are winding, so take it slowly so you can admire the views.
Day 4 : Asheville
The Biltmore Estate was the summer retreat of George Vanderbilt, part of the dynasty that was at one time the richest in America. Biltmore House remains the largest privately-owned in America. It's easy to spend hours exploring the grand rooms of this chateau-style mansion and manicured gardens.
Day 5 : Charleston, SC
Leave the mountains behind and descend to the coast, where Charleston sits at the confluence of several rivers. Your hotel is one of the grandest in the historic district so it's worth spending time relaxing there before heading out for a look around the streets lined with mansions in all hues.
Day 6 : Charleston, SC
Charleston is both historic and very walkable so join a local for a stroll around the oldest parts of the city, including to places you would never find on your own.
Day 7 : Savannah
Charleston's big rival for most charming small city of the South is Savannah. The drive down passes many barrier islands where you could stop for a walk or swim.
Day 8 : Savannah
Savannah's squares and Spanish moss-draped oaks form its most enduring image, creating a picturesque downtown as well as providing some respite from the sun as you wander around. Savannah is also home to a small but good quality food scene, so a walking tour of the city with stops various restaurants provides a great introduction.
Day 9 : Jekyll Island
Just a short drive from Savannah finds you on the beaches of the barrier islands. On Jekyll Island you can spend time watching sea birds, strolling along the beaches looking for shells and enjoying the facilities of the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort.
Day 10 : Jekyll Island
Day at leisure: explore the natural side of Jekyll Island with a visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center or on a ramble around the maritime forest with the resort's park ranger. At Horton Pond you can spot turtles and alligators.
Day 11 : Jekyll Island
Day at leisure: there are numerous activities to get involved with, from croquet on the lawns to cycling the miles of trails around the island - or you could just lie back by the pool.
Day 12 : International return flight
Spend the final few hours on Jekyll taking in the sea air and views before driving south to Jacksonville and state number four of the trip, Florida, where you can put the top back up on your convertible and hand it back before flying home.
Day 13 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
Day 1 - Arrive Charleston, SC
Today, depart on a journey south to enjoy a taste of southern hospitality. See the beautiful architecture and history that Charleston and Savannah are known for, and take in some beautiful southern sunsets! Transfer to the airport for your flight to Columbia Metropolitan Airport. Upon arrival in Charleston, we check into our hotel for the next two nights, the Hotel Indigo Mount Pleasant. Tonight, dinner is included at Hyman’s Seafood Restaurant. (D)
Day 2 - Charleston
Today, after breakfast at the hotel, we embark on a guided tour of Charleston, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the south. Admire the beautiful architecture of the historic buildings and colorful houses throughout the city. The tour will conclude at the Charleston City Market to enjoy some free time and lunch on own. This afternoon, we will travel to Wadmalaw Island, where we enjoy a guided tour at the beautiful Charleston Tea Plantation, then we make a stop at the Deep Water Vineyard. While here, we enjoy a wine tasting of 9 different wines. After, it’s back to Charleston, where we will board The Spirit of Carolina for a dinner cruise! (B, D)
Day 3 - Savannah, GA
After breakfast, we’re off and out again, making our way to Beaufort, SC! Historic Beaufort, was founded in 1711, and stands strong as a living landmark, handcrafted from the storied history of the south. We will enjoy a horse drawn carriage tour of Beaufort, have time for lunch and to do some shopping before resuming our journey south to Savannah, GA. We check into the Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District, before dinner at Belford’s Seafood & Steak. (B, D)
Day 4 - Savannah
This morning, we meet our guide following breakfast for a full day of touring. Our travels include a visit to the Andrew Low House, former home of Juliette Magill Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of America, and Andrew Low himself. This afternoon, we stop at the Savannah City Market for lunch, on own, before our tour to the Atlantic Low Country and Tybee Island. This evening’s dinner is included at the Crab Shack on Tybee Island, followed by a relaxing sunset dolphin cruise. What a way to complete this wonderful tour!
(B, D)
Day 5 - Depart Savannah
Breakfast is included this morning, before we start making our way home and say our farewells to Georgia & South Carolina. We will be dropped off by our motor-coach at the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport for the flight home. (B)
