One need but to witness the promise of a sunrise over the ocean or bask in the beauty of the sun setting westward beyond the mainland, to know the namesake of this stretch of Georgia’s coast, The Golden Isles. Nestled on the Georgia coast, midway between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida, lies the mainland city of Brunswick and its four beautiful barrier islands: St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. Pristine stretches of marshland define the breathtaking landscape and create the appearance of a continuous stretch of land reaching out to the barrier islands.
Day 1
Join friends as we journey through Kentucky and Tennessee, stopping tonight at the Inn at Christmas Place, Pigeon Forge, TN. Dinner is included. (D)
Day 2
We continue our journey today, arriving this afternoon in Charleston, S.C. We will check into Meeting Street Inn, located in the heart of Charleston’s historic district, opposite the bustling Historic City Market. The Inn is surrounded by Charleston’s finest restaurants, boutiques and antique shops. Everything that is unique to the “Holy City” is no more than a pleasant stroll from your front door! In the style of Charleston, the Inn’s 56 guest rooms open to sunny piazzas overlooking a garden courtyard. Each room features antique reproduction furnishings and four poster “rice” beds. Each afternoon, the inn offers complimentary seasonal refreshments, or you may want to unwind in the lobby bar. Tonight, we will enjoy dinner at Hyman’s, a Charleston landmark. (B, D)
Day 3
Following breakfast this morning, we will board Old South Carriage Company horse-drawn carriages for a tour of Charleston, notably the most historic city in America. We will then drive to Magnolia Plantation, selected as one of “America’s Most Beautiful Gardens” (Travel + Leisure Magazine), and the only garden honored with this distinction in the State of South Carolina! Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, 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. It is the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1870 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens. A box lunch is included at Magnolia Plantation before we return to Charleston with free time to visit the Historic Charleston City Market, antique shops or perhaps relax at the Inn.
Established in the 1790s, the City Market stretches four city blocks through a continuous series of one-story market sheds, the last of which terminates at East Bay Street. The entire complex is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Market Hall and Sheds and was further designated a National Historic Landmark. This evening, we will take a dinner cruise aboard the Spirit of Carolina. As we dine on a delicious multi-course plated dinner, the Spirit of Carolina will cruise through the beautiful Charleston Harbor, past Fort Sumter, along the Battery and beneath the Ravenel Bridge. Pair that with live music, amazing Charleston harbor sunset views and a full-service bar, and we have a wonderful evening aboard the Spirit of Carolina! (B, L, D)
Spirit of Carolina
Day 4
This morning, we depart for Savannah, GA, Georgia’s First City. The city’s design is centered around squares where people can enjoy a park-like setting to stroll and relax. Graced by huge live oaks and covered with Spanish moss, the squares are unique centerpieces surrounded by stately old homes, eclectic shops and galleries. You will find nearly 300 years of history packed in a 2.2 square mile radius, with Savannah boasting the largest landmark historic district in the United States. Upon arrival, we will board an Old Savannah Trolley for a riding tour of Savannah! Enjoy lunch on your own and shopping time on River Street. We will then depart for St. Simons Island, GA, to our home for the next three nights, the beautiful King and Prince Resort. The King and Prince Resort boasts 80 years of tradition on St. Simons Island. In 2005, the Resort was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The King and Prince Resort’s legendary blending of gracious Southern hospitality, historic charm and seaside setting sets it apart from all other hotels on St. Simon’s Island. The King and Prince Resort is the destination for an unforgettable St. Simons Island vacation. Delight in Southern coastal cuisine while enjoying the breathtaking views at the Island’s only ocean-front dining in ECHO dining room. Relax in your ocean-front room or explore the resort. Enjoy dinner at your leisure at the hotel tonight with an included voucher. (B, D)
The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort
Day 5
Following breakfast, we will board St. Simons Trolley for a tour of the Island. The drive-by trolley tour introduces 36 points of interest, including these historic sites: St. Simons Island Lighthouse, Fort Frederica, Christ Church and the Bloody Marsh. There will be free time at The Pier for lunch on your own and shopping or perhaps to visit the famous St. Simons Island Lighthouse. Following lunch, we will board the LADY JANE for a delightful shrimping cruise. The LADY JANE is a United States Coast Guard certified passenger steel shrimping vessel recently retired after years of loyal service to the shrimping industry. She has been painstakingly refurbished for your cruising pleasure. Lady Jane provides an air-conditioned cabin, restroom, and large open covered deck with ample room for you to walk around and enjoy the view. Dinner is included this evening. (B, D)
Day 6
Following breakfast this morning, we depart for Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District, once prized for its splendid isolation by such families as the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts. Jekyll Island Club was considered the richest, most exclusive and most inaccessible club in the world! We will take a narrated tram tour of Jekyll Island’s 240-acre historic district, including 33 original buildings. Next, we visit the Georgia Sea Turtle Center. The Center provides state-of-the-art emergency care to sick and injured sea turtles, with opportunities for scientific research and long-term treatment. We then return to the resort for some free time, and then gather for our farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 7
This morning we must depart, stopping for lunch on your own and taking rest stops along the way. We overnight in Marietta, Georgia, at the Drury Inn & Suites. Dinner is included at the hotel. (B, D)
Day 8
We arrive home this afternoon, with wonderful memories or our vacation to the beautiful Golden Isles of Georgia, Savannah and Charleston. (B)
INCLUDES:
- 7 nights’ deluxe accommodations, including 3 nights, ocean-front rooms at the King and Prince Resort
- 15 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
- Trolley tour of Savannah
- Lady Jane Shrimping Cruise
- Horse-Drawn Carriage tour of Charleston
- Magnolia Plantation
- Spirit of Charleston Dinner Cruise
- Georgia Sea Turtle Center
- Jekyll Island Tram Tour
- St. Simons Island Trolley Tour
- Free time on Savannah’s River Street
- Deluxe motorcoach transportation/driver’s gratuity
- Fully escorted by Jane’s Journeys
- Double: $3,347
- Triple: $3,116
- Quad: $2,745
- Single: $4,808
$350 deposit with reservation.
Final payment due March 12, 2025.
Optional cancellation insurance due to illness of person traveling or immediate family member, is recommended and available for purchase: $152 per person double; $142 per person triple; $125 per person quad; $219 per person single. Insurance payment due with deposit.