Southern Hospitality
DAY 1: Charlotte, North Carolina
Arrive Charlotte and check-in to your centrally located hotel. A great introduction to the region can be found at the Levine Museum of the New South, featuring interactive exhibits that tell the stories of the American south from 1865 to today. This evening stroll through the EpiCentre, This one-block nightlife hub is home to everything from fine dining restaurants, piano bars and a weekly outdoor concert series.
Arrive Charlotte and check-in to your centrally located hotel. A great introduction to the region can be found at the Levine Museum of the New South, featuring interactive exhibits that tell the stories of the American south from 1865 to today. This evening stroll through the EpiCentre, This one-block nightlife hub is home to everything from fine dining restaurants, piano bars and a weekly outdoor concert series.
DAY 2: Charlotte-Myrtle Beach, SCÂ (176 mi/ 283 km)
Myrtle Beach is part of the Grand Strand, a chain of sixty miles of sandy white beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. The area\'s Intracoastal Waterway offers one plenty of water sport opportunities including scuba diving, fishing, kayaking and more. Or one can choose to soak in the sun along the oceanfront’s soft, sandy beaches this afternoon. In the evening choose from a wide variety of live shows, dinner theaters, concert halls and variety shows.
Myrtle Beach is part of the Grand Strand, a chain of sixty miles of sandy white beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. The area\'s Intracoastal Waterway offers one plenty of water sport opportunities including scuba diving, fishing, kayaking and more. Or one can choose to soak in the sun along the oceanfront’s soft, sandy beaches this afternoon. In the evening choose from a wide variety of live shows, dinner theaters, concert halls and variety shows.
DAY 3: Myrtle Beach
Spend a full day at leisure today. With over 100 golf courses along the Grand Strand, it’s easy to find a nearby course; take a salt-water deep sea fishing expedition; or take a dolphin watching cruise along the coast. The more adventurous can rent jet skis, go windsurfing, parasailing or scuba diving, or take a surf lesson.
Spend a full day at leisure today. With over 100 golf courses along the Grand Strand, it’s easy to find a nearby course; take a salt-water deep sea fishing expedition; or take a dolphin watching cruise along the coast. The more adventurous can rent jet skis, go windsurfing, parasailing or scuba diving, or take a surf lesson.
DAY 4: Myrtle Beach-Charleston (98 mi/ 158 mi)
Situated on a peninsula, this 340 year old city oozes with Southern charm and historic significance. A walking or horse-drawn carriage tour of the historic center offers visitors the chance to get an overview of some of Charleston’s important historical sites such as Fort Sumter, the site upon which the shots initiating the American Civil War were fired. Visitors should try a favorite southern fare – grits, prepared every which way or enjoy a festive dockside oyster roast for dinner.
Situated on a peninsula, this 340 year old city oozes with Southern charm and historic significance. A walking or horse-drawn carriage tour of the historic center offers visitors the chance to get an overview of some of Charleston’s important historical sites such as Fort Sumter, the site upon which the shots initiating the American Civil War were fired. Visitors should try a favorite southern fare – grits, prepared every which way or enjoy a festive dockside oyster roast for dinner.
DAY 5: Charleston
Today, visit some of the numerous Plantations and Gardens just outside of Charleston. Moss draped oak trees align the long road into Boone Hall, which is still a working plantation. There one can tour the stately home, original slave cabins and beautiful gardens. At Magnolia Plantation one will find the oldest gardens in America which bloom year-round, as well as the original estate, antebellum cabin, nature train and boat and other attractions depicting this pre-Revolutionary War plantation.
Today, visit some of the numerous Plantations and Gardens just outside of Charleston. Moss draped oak trees align the long road into Boone Hall, which is still a working plantation. There one can tour the stately home, original slave cabins and beautiful gardens. At Magnolia Plantation one will find the oldest gardens in America which bloom year-round, as well as the original estate, antebellum cabin, nature train and boat and other attractions depicting this pre-Revolutionary War plantation.
DAY 6: Charleston-Beaufort-Hilton Head Island (105 mi/169 km )
Beaufort had a significant presence during the American Civil War and as such was a target for Federal forces. It also boasts some of the most well preserved sites of Gullah heritage. Continue on to Hilton Head this afternoon. Hilton Head Island\'s natural beauty, spectacular seascapes and exceptional ecology exude a relaxed, warm, island environment. Despite development, much of the Island remains as it was when first sighted more than 300 years ago. After checking in to the resort hotel, enjoy some of the island’s miles of beaches, bike paths and nature trails.
Beaufort had a significant presence during the American Civil War and as such was a target for Federal forces. It also boasts some of the most well preserved sites of Gullah heritage. Continue on to Hilton Head this afternoon. Hilton Head Island\'s natural beauty, spectacular seascapes and exceptional ecology exude a relaxed, warm, island environment. Despite development, much of the Island remains as it was when first sighted more than 300 years ago. After checking in to the resort hotel, enjoy some of the island’s miles of beaches, bike paths and nature trails.
DAY 7: Hilton Head Island
This morning visit historic sites, art galleries, or board a dolphin watch cruise to see all the wonderful treasures the area has to offer. Spend the afternoon in Sea Pines, the largest plantation on the island. Take a leisurely horseback ride through its nature preserve, bicycle along the miles of paved bike paths, or have cocktails at Land’s End. In the evening, dine in Harbor Town. After dinner stroll around the marina’s quaint shops or climb to the top of the famous red and white striped lighthouse .
This morning visit historic sites, art galleries, or board a dolphin watch cruise to see all the wonderful treasures the area has to offer. Spend the afternoon in Sea Pines, the largest plantation on the island. Take a leisurely horseback ride through its nature preserve, bicycle along the miles of paved bike paths, or have cocktails at Land’s End. In the evening, dine in Harbor Town. After dinner stroll around the marina’s quaint shops or climb to the top of the famous red and white striped lighthouse .
DAY 8: Hilton Head Island-Savannah, Georgia (33 mi/ 53 km)
It’s a beautiful drive through moss-draped trees along the back roads of the Low country to Savannah. This afternoon take a trolley tour to see some of Savannah’s hundreds of restored buildings, such as the home to the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low. Walk along River Street this evening and dine on some of the local seafood fare or enjoy the sweet praline treats for which the city is known.
It’s a beautiful drive through moss-draped trees along the back roads of the Low country to Savannah. This afternoon take a trolley tour to see some of Savannah’s hundreds of restored buildings, such as the home to the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low. Walk along River Street this evening and dine on some of the local seafood fare or enjoy the sweet praline treats for which the city is known.
DAY 9: Savannah
Today, be sure to stroll through a few of Savannah’s 21 squares, laid out in 1733 and filled with statues, fountains, and lush vegetation. Tour some of the historic homes and learn about Savannah’s past, Civil War history and magnificent buildings spanning 3 centuries worth of architectural styles. If interested in doing some shopping, City Market and the Bay Street area are known for their quaint shops and galleries. The historic District also boasts many quaint fine dining restaurants for a cozy dinner.
Today, be sure to stroll through a few of Savannah’s 21 squares, laid out in 1733 and filled with statues, fountains, and lush vegetation. Tour some of the historic homes and learn about Savannah’s past, Civil War history and magnificent buildings spanning 3 centuries worth of architectural styles. If interested in doing some shopping, City Market and the Bay Street area are known for their quaint shops and galleries. The historic District also boasts many quaint fine dining restaurants for a cozy dinner.
DAY 10: Savannah-Atlanta (248 mi/ 400 km)
Transfer to Atlanta and check-in to your hotel. This afternoon, one may want to visit Underground Atlanta. This six block area was once the city center. During the 1920\'s, construction of the concrete \"viaducts\" elevated the street system one level, thus giving birth to what is now Underground Atlanta. Today it is bustling with activity. Take a guided history tour or enjoy a variety of clubs and restaurants.
Transfer to Atlanta and check-in to your hotel. This afternoon, one may want to visit Underground Atlanta. This six block area was once the city center. During the 1920\'s, construction of the concrete \"viaducts\" elevated the street system one level, thus giving birth to what is now Underground Atlanta. Today it is bustling with activity. Take a guided history tour or enjoy a variety of clubs and restaurants.
DAY 11: Atlanta
Spend the day exploring Atlanta from its place in the Civil Rights movement to the iconic attractions of today. Drive to the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to see the restored King birth home, or visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum. The library includes a replica of the Oval Office and Jimmy Carter\'s Nobel Peace Prize. This afternoon. choose to take the Inside CNN Studio Tour and watch behind-the-scenes action of the newsroom, or head to the World of Coca-Cola where the famous soft drink\'s story is told through fascinating exhibits, and a 4-D theater. In the evening visit the Virginia- Highland district, Atlanta’s most popular neighborhood for shopping, dining and nightlife.
Spend the day exploring Atlanta from its place in the Civil Rights movement to the iconic attractions of today. Drive to the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to see the restored King birth home, or visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum. The library includes a replica of the Oval Office and Jimmy Carter\'s Nobel Peace Prize. This afternoon. choose to take the Inside CNN Studio Tour and watch behind-the-scenes action of the newsroom, or head to the World of Coca-Cola where the famous soft drink\'s story is told through fascinating exhibits, and a 4-D theater. In the evening visit the Virginia- Highland district, Atlanta’s most popular neighborhood for shopping, dining and nightlife.
DAY 12: Atlanta-Asheville, North Carolina (198 mi/ 319 km)
This morning’s drive ends in Asheville, North Carolina in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville boasts a thriving arts community, diverse outdoor adventures, a vibrant downtown, and numerous historic and architectural attractions such as Biltmore, the largest home in the United States. This afternoon tour the Biltmore Estate’s home and gardens. Take a self-guided tour of this 250-room French château, America’s largest home. Also, explore the acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Asheville’s funky downtown has a vibrant restaurant scene that goes well beyond its Southern cooking and roots and many restaurants also feature live music from jazz to bluegrass.
This morning’s drive ends in Asheville, North Carolina in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Asheville boasts a thriving arts community, diverse outdoor adventures, a vibrant downtown, and numerous historic and architectural attractions such as Biltmore, the largest home in the United States. This afternoon tour the Biltmore Estate’s home and gardens. Take a self-guided tour of this 250-room French château, America’s largest home. Also, explore the acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Asheville’s funky downtown has a vibrant restaurant scene that goes well beyond its Southern cooking and roots and many restaurants also feature live music from jazz to bluegrass.
DAY 13: Asheville
Scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway are a must while in Asheville. At Grandfather Mountain, view the native animal habitats, enjoy hiking and test your courage on the Mile High Swinging Bridge. One can also choose to visit Hot Springs, named for the hot mineral springs, it is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventure, healing and relaxation.
Scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway are a must while in Asheville. At Grandfather Mountain, view the native animal habitats, enjoy hiking and test your courage on the Mile High Swinging Bridge. One can also choose to visit Hot Springs, named for the hot mineral springs, it is a haven for those seeking outdoor adventure, healing and relaxation.
DAY 14: Asheville-Charlotte (125 mi/ 202 km)
This morning, travel back to Charlotte. If time allows before the return flight visit some more of Charlotte’s attractions. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is a 150,000-squarefoot interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. Or visit NoDa, Charlotte’s historic “arts districtâ€Â located just north of Center City. NoDa is home to a funky collection of galleries, performance venues and dining hotspots.
This morning, travel back to Charlotte. If time allows before the return flight visit some more of Charlotte’s attractions. The NASCAR Hall of Fame is a 150,000-squarefoot interactive, entertainment attraction honoring the history and heritage of NASCAR. Or visit NoDa, Charlotte’s historic “arts districtâ€Â located just north of Center City. NoDa is home to a funky collection of galleries, performance venues and dining hotspots.
|
Charlotte |
Omni Charlotte Hotel |
|
Myrtle Beach |
Hilton |
|
Charleston |
Charleston Place |
|
Hilton Head Island |
Inn @ Harbour Town |
|
Savannah |
Mansion on Forsyth Park |
|
Atlanta |
The Ellis |
|
Asheville |
The Biltmore |
Package Includes:
- Accommodation
- Taxes
- Fly - Drive directions and information packet at hotel upon arrival