Study History in Savannah, Georgia

After arriving at Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport, you’ll have a chance to get settled in your hotel before exploring the city. Join your group for an evening on historic River Street for dinner and an opportunity to shop, explore some of the galleries, and enjoy the scenery along the Savannah River.

Today you’ll spend the day exploring the historic district of Savannah, visiting several of the city’s most famous parks, squares, and homes. You’ll start the day aboard an eco-friendly trolley for a guided tour, with the option to hop on and off as you please. Step off the trolley at Forsyth Park, one of Savannah’s most famous landmarks, to see the famous fountain and manicured gardens and paths. From Forsyth Park, your tour will take you to several of the city’s historic homes, including the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, and the Mercer Williams House, which was featured in the Savannah-based novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.” 

After touring historic Savannah, you’ll have time for dinner and a rest before meeting up for a ghost tour of Savannah. The city is consistently named the most haunted city in America, and after this evening, you’ll be able to judge that moniker for yourself.

Savannah played a crucial role in the Civil War, and was the only town left standing after General Sherman’s infamous “March to the Sea.” Today’s itinerary focuses on diving into that history and learning more about Savannah before, during, and after the Civil War.  Your day begins with a walking tour of Savannah with a focus on Civil War history, including stops at the homes of several Confederate generals. After your walking tour, you’ll visit the Georgia State Railroad Museum to see artifacts from the war, as well as learn more about the importance of the railroad to establishing Savannah’s importance to the Confederacy. Finally, you’ll visit Old Fort Jackson, where you’ll have the chance to experience daily life for Civil War soldiers through interactive and hands-on experiences. Your day of Civil War immersion ends with dinner and a cruise on the Savannah Riverboat, featuring entertainment and reenactors.

Today you’ll venture about 30 minutes out of the city to “Savannah’s Beach,” aka Tybee Island. The day begins with a Tybee Beach ecology tour led by a marine biologist. During your tour, you’ll explore tide pools, learn about tides and sand layers, gain more insight into invasive species and behavioral adaptations, and learn how you can help protect the ocean and native species. 

After your ecology tour, you’ll have the option to relax on the beach, join a kayaking or bicycling adventure, or hop aboard a boat for a dolphin cruise around the island.

Bonaventure Cemetery is considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, and a top tourism destination in Savannah. Day five begins with a guided tour of this peaceful, 100-acre spot, during which you’ll learn more about the most famous gravesites, gardens, and preservation efforts. From Bonaventure, you’ll head to the Wormsloe Historic Site, where you’ll spend the afternoon exploring interpretive nature trails, a Colonial homestead, and a museum and exhibits exploring the history of Georgia.

Today you’ll visit Ossabaw Island, the largest of the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia. During your visit, an Ossabaw Island Foundation tour guide will provide insight and education about the flora, fauna, and the unique ecology of the island. You’ll have the chance to learn more about ecological and historic preservation efforts while exploring one of the most unspoiled natural areas of the southeast.

Before returning home, spend the morning exploring the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, learning more about native plants, including one of the largest and most diverse collections of camellias in the country. Then it’s time to head back to the airport and home, full of memories and a new understanding of the history, culture, and ecology of Savannah.