Discover southern hospitality at its best on this seven-day vacation. Begin in Jacksonville and head north to visit Amelia Island and Fort Clinch State Park. On to Jekyll Island to stay at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. Enjoy a trolley tour of the Club Historic District including Rockefeller’s Indian Mound, and then board a private cruise to glorious St. Simons for a guided tour. On to romantic Savannah, America’s first planned city for sightseeing, free time, and dinner at Paula Deen’s famous restaurant, The Lady and Sons. Then it’s off to picturesque Beaufort for a carriage ride through the quaint streets. In Charleston, enjoy sightseeing in this beautiful, historic town, and round out your vacation with a special farewell dinner celebration aboard the Spirit of Carolina.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Jacksonville- Welcome to Jacksonville! This evening, mix and mingle with your traveling companions at the 6 p.m. welcome reception. Your Tour Director will prepare you for your upcoming adventure. (Wr)

Day 2 Jacksonville–Amelia Island–Jekyll Island
After a brief introduction to Jacksonville, journey to Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island and visit FORT CLINCH STATE PARK, a restored Civil War-era garrison. Also see the island’s Victorian neighborhood, testament of its “Golden Age.” On to Jekyll Island, where after dinner tonight, maybe take a stroll down to the historic marina.

SPECIAL FEATURE: Your hotel on Jekyll Island is the lovely Jekyll Island Club Hotel, built in 1887 as the winter home for the Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, and Morgan families. The focal point of Jekyll Island and known for its elegance and beautiful setting, the Club provides a relaxing atmosphere as well as superior service and many diversions for its guests. (B,D)

Day 3 Jekyll Island–Savannah Enjoy a guided TROLLEY TOUR of the Club Historic District, a cluster of 19th-century mansions. This “club” was formed by some of America’s most prominent families who at one time controlled one-sixth of the world’s wealth. Your tour includes a visit to two of the most elaborate winter mansions, including ROCKEFELLER'S INDIAN MOUND. Then board a private CRUISE to glorious St. Simons for a guided tour including the Bloody Marsh where the English fought off an invading Spanish party. Later this afternoon, make your way to romantic Savannah, America’s first planned city and a place filled with numerous historic landmarks. This evening, a special treat is in store for you when you experience southern hospitality and home cooking at Paula Deen’s famous restaurant, THE LADY AND SONS. (B,D)

Day 4 Savannah This morning, a Local Guide informs you of Savannah’s history as the nucleus of colonial settlement in Georgia and as the destination of General Sherman’s infamous 1864 “March to the Sea.” Also tour the OWEN-THOMAS HOUSE, considered one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in the United States. Balance of the day to explore Savannah on your own and wander its waterfront. Tonight, maybe enjoy this evening’s optional outing, which features a trolley tour highlighting the city’s landmarks and dinner at one of Savannah’s most enduring landmarks. (B)

Day 5 Savannah–Beaufort–Charleston Depart Savannah for picturesque Beaufort, a town that has conserved much of its pre-revolutionary character. Enjoy a guided tour of the town by CARRIAGE through narrow, oak-lined streets past the former homes of wealthy cotton growers. Continue to Charleston, South Carolina, where the Old South lives on reflected in the stately homes, well-mannered hospitality, and gentle dignity—in the words of Gone with the Wind’s Rhett Butler. (B)

Day 6 Charleston This morning, tour the beautiful 300-year-old historic district of Charleston with a Local Guide. Afternoon at leisure. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special GLOBUS FAREWELL CELEBRATION DINNER cruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina. Wonderful conversation, cuisine, and spectacular views of Charleston Harbor make the perfect finale for your vacation. (B,D)

Day 7 Charleston The tour ends this morning, with tour guests departing on individual schedules. Airport transfers are provided. (B)