Southern Elegance

Day 1 (Door to Door)

Arrive Atlanta (2)

Enjoy your private car door to door transfer to your departure airport before your flight to Atlanta where a transfer is provided to your first hotel in the heart of lively Buckhead, Atlanta's shopping and entertainment mecca. Freshen up in your lovely room, visit the soothing spa or relax in the inviting garden. At 6pm, gather at the hotel with your Tour Director and fellow travellers for aWelcome Drink and light buffet and some warm Southern hospitality.
Hotel: InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta (MD)

Day 2

Atlanta - Asheville

We get acquainted with Georgia's stately capital before setting out towards the gently rolling Appalachians, some of the oldest mountains on the planet. As we travel into Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air. We then step back in time and into an era of refined elegance as we explore Biltmore Estate, a National Historic Landmark and America's largest home, which was built for George W. Vanderbilt in 1895. We learn about the wealthy Vanderbilt family and their famous guests on our guided tour of the estate. Then wander at leisure through the mansion's museums and acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted who also planned New York's Central Park. Settle into your gracious inn, the only accommodation on Biltmore's 8,000- acre estate and experience pampering and hospitality as the Vanderbilts once did. Tonight, delight in the regional cuisine and fresh, seasonal ingredients at a convivial dinner with your travelling companions. (FB, D)
Hotel: The Inn on Biltmore Estate (MD)

Day 3

Asheville - Charleston (2)

We leave behind the Blue Ridge Mountains on our way to Charleston, a city rich in history and Southern charm. Get a true feel for the seaport and its colourful past as we embark on a yacht cruise of the harbour gliding past the palatial homes of Charleston's famous Battery and key historic landmarks including the Cooper River Bridge, Waterfront Park, Patriots Point, Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie. This evening we enjoy dinner at our hotel, a gracious mansion opened more than 150 years ago. After dinner, perhaps enjoy a cocktail in the lounge or on the patio - or simply explore the historic property. (FB, D)
Hotel: The Mills House Hotel (FC)

Day 4

Charleston sightseeing

Our local guide will illuminate Charleston's history and traditions as we stroll through the charming downtown area. Inhale the sweet fragrance of the city's colourful gardens and flower-bedecked mansions; walk along the prestigious Battery and see Rainbow Row, with its antebellum mansions and the Old Exchange Building; tiptoe past the historic churches and graveyards. We continue our exploration on a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride through 30 blocks of historic Charleston. Then take some time to explore on your own. Perhaps cool off with a mint julep or plantation punch at a downtown cafe. This afternoon, delve into the true Southern plantation lifestyle at Magnolia Plantation as we visit the beautiful main house and explore the extensive grounds on a tram tour with a naturalist guide, looking out for alligators, turtles, egrets and herons. (FB)
Hotel: The Mills House Hotel (FC)

Day 5

Charleston - St. Simons Island - Jekyll Island

Today we travel through seaside Beaufort's lovely historic district before venturing out to Georgia's Golden Isles. We enjoy an orientation tour of idyllic little St. Simons Island, an exclusive island hideaway of white sand beaches, mossdraped oaks and golden marshlands. We then continue to Jekyll Island, the southern resort island made chic by America's wealthiest and most influential families, including the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. After a guided trolley tour of the island we settle into Afternoon Tea at the Jekyll Island Club with tables set with white linen and china and delicate pastries and sandwiches. Tonight we enjoy a Highlight Dinner with wine at the sprawling, Victorian resort. Throughout the resort, ranked by Condé Nast as one of the 500 best in the entire world, you will be surrounded by understated elegance and warm hospitality. (FB, HD)
Hotel: Jekyll Island Club Hotel (SFC)

Day 6

Jekyll Island - Savannah (2)

Leaving the island, we experience the more sombre side of the South at Fort Pulaski National Monument. Over a twoday period during the Civil War, the Union army used rifled cannons to destroy the historic brick fort and compel a surrender by Confederates, which marked a turning point in military history as the power of new weapons outpaced the strength of traditional fortifications. On arrival into lovely, atmospheric Savannah our local guide will take us on a tour of the well-preserved Historic District, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, expansive Forsyth Park and gorgeous Monterey Square as well as famous sites featured in the bestselling novelMidnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Before dinner, gather with your travelling companions and Tour Director in the hotel's Casimir's Lounge for a Peach Bellini, a cocktail highlighting Georgia's delectable state fruit. (FB)
Hotel: The Mansion on Forsyth Park (SFC)

Day 7

Savannah sightseeing and at leisure

This morning we enjoy a private tour of the Owens-Thomas House before the doors open to the public. A National Historic Landmark built in 1816, the elegant home is considered one of America's finest examples of English Regency architecture, with family furnishings dating fromthe middle of the 16th century. Enjoy lunch on your own as you explore the waterfront shops and restaurants along River Street, followed by some time at leisure this afternoon to savour one of America's great walking cities and to explore your own interests. Savannah is famous for its many squares, most adorned with luxuriant vegetation and tropical flowers so make sure to leave some time for simply soaking up the atmosphere. Tonight enoy a private Highlight Dinner featuring Southern cuisine at The Lady & Sons restaurant. After dinner, enjoy a glass of Madeira and learn why this famed fortified wine from Portugal was in such favour in this southern city and thatMadeira parties were the hottest ticket in town in the mid 19th century. (FB, HD)
Hotel: The Mansion on Forsyth Park (SFC)

Day 8

Savannah - Atlanta (2)

Today we transfer back to Atlanta for an evening at leisure in this vibrant city. (FB)
Hotel: InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta (MD)

Day 9

Depart Atlanta

Take advantage of any spare time this morning for some last minute shopping before taking your complimentary transfer to Atlanta International Airport for your return flight back to the UK. (FB)
Hotel: InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta (MD)

Day 10 (Door to Door)

Arrive

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting private car for your door to door transfer to your home.

Dates and prices

Destination Info