Tour Highlights

• Berea, Kentucky Craftsmen
• Charleston Carriage Tour
• Southern Plantation and Fort Sumter
• Gullah Tour - exploring the local culture
• Historic Savannah
• Golden Isles of Georgia -Jekyll and St. Simons Island
• Atlanta - sightseeing
• Paula Dean's Lady and Sons
• Plus much more...

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – EN ROUTE/BEREA
Depart this morning and travel south through Indiana and into Kentucky. We continue south through Lexington and into the rolling hills and mountains of southern Kentucky to arrive in the town of Berea, Kentucky. (D)

Day 2 – BEREA/ASHEVILLE
Morning at leisure in Berea to see the local craftsmen at work an shop for locally produced products. In the afternoon we depart Berea and continue south into Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains. We arrive in the town of Asheville, North Carolina this evening. (B, D)

Day 3 – ASHVILLE/CHARLESTON
This morning we depart Asheville and travel through the beautiful mountains of North Carolina into South Carolina. We pass Columbia on our way to Charleston and our hotel – Best Western King Charles Inn. The remainder of the day is at leisure in Charleston to relax after our days of travel. This evening we enjoy dinner followed by a tour of Charleston’s spookier side. (B, D)

Day 4 – CHARLESTON
This morning we begin with a carriage tour of Charleston, our guide will amuse and educate us during this fascinating tour of Charleston. During our tour we will experience historic Charleston while relaxing in our horse drawn carriage. We will see the historic houses, gardens, mansion, churches and parks, as well as hear about the history, architecture, flora, and people. Following our tour we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The remainder of the day is free to participate in the House and Garden festival or to explore the shops along King Street. (B, L)

Day 5 – CHARLESTON
This morning we begin with a visit to historic Magnolia Plantation, founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, the Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. We enjoy a tram tour of the beautiful gardens and visit Plantation House. After time for lunch on our own. we transfer to Patriots Point, where we take to the waters to visit historic Fort Sumter. This evening dinner is included at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 6 – CHARLESTON/SAVANNAH
Depart Charleston this morning on the drive to historic Beaufort, South Carolina. Here we embark on a tour of Gullah Heritage, with strong ties to West Africa, the Gullah culture is still an integral part of the lives of the native islanders living on the coastal islands of South Carolina and Georgia. During our tour we will learn about their history, culture and unique language. Our next stop is Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, where we have time at leisure to explore and have dinner on our own. This evening we arrive in Savanna, Georgia’s most historic city. (B)

Day 7 – SAVANNAH
This morning we embark on a Historic Savannah Tour. This “windshield” driving tour of Savannah may include some walking, weather and time permitting. Highlights include points of interest surrounding the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” and the filming of “Forrest Gump”. You will also view historic buildings; monuments; unique park-like squares, cobblestones and brick streets, antebellum mansions, row houses and churches. If available, you will visit one of Savannah’s beautiful churches. Your tour will also include admission to the Telfair’s Owens-Thomas Historic House Museum. Following our tour we have lunch at Paula Dean’s Lady and Sons Restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Savannah on our own. (B, L)

Day 8 – SAVANNAH
This morning we drive for the Golden Isles of Georgia. Our first stop is Jekyll Island where learn interesting background information about the contemporary neighborhoods, homes, and residents. Boarding the Tram in the historic district, once called the “Millionaire’s Village”, we’ll view the outdoor museum of houses representing many of the architectural styles that experienced a revival during the Victorian Era. There is ongoing restoration to the grounds, as well as to the exterior and interior of the “cottages”. Our next stop is the Jekyll Island Club. This majestic hotel will serve as an excellent background for our delightful lunch.

After lunch our sightseeing takes us to St. Simons Island. Moss covered oaks and ocean breezes weave past and present together as your Guide narrates delightful stories from the prehistoric geologic beginnings of these barrier islands. At historic Christ Church we will hear about the Wesley brothers, founders of Methodism. Other historic sites, time permitting, will be Gascoigne Bluff – Hamilton Plantation tabby slave cabins; Avenue of Oaks at the former Retreat Plantation, and the St. Simons Pier & Village area. Enjoy time at leisure in St. Simons Village for shopping and time for dinner on your own, before returning to Savannah. (B, L)

Day 9 – SAVANNAH/ATLANTA
This morning we depart Savannah and travel north to Atlanta. On arrival in Atlanta we enjoy sightseeing of the city including a CNN Studio Tour and a visit to the World of Coke. This evening dinner included at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 10- ATLANTA/LOUISIVILLE
We depart Atlanta this morning and continue traveling north pass the city of Nashville and into Kentucky to arrive in Louisville and our hotel. This evening enjoy dinner and entertainment in Louisville. (B, D)

Day 11 – LOUISIVILLE/HOME TOWN
Depart Louisville and travel through Indiana to arrive back in Chicago this afternoon. (B)

* * * Welcome Home * * *
I = In-flight Meal B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner