Visit Savannah s Group Tour Planner Attractions Events Services VisitSavannah.com INCLUDES SAMPLE ITINERARIES!
WELCOME Thank you for your interest in one of the top tour and leisure destinations in the U.S.! With its charming Historic District containing many attractions, restaurants and sights, Savannah has an abundance of authentic experiences to offer your tour groups. Visit Savannah offers all of the services and resources you need to successfully plan your tour. These include: Itinerary Planning/Group Leads Site Visits Visit Savannah s group tour sales manager is available to discuss your complete planning requirements for accommodations, tours, special events, dining, shopping and activities. The group tour team can send local member companies your specific requests and they will contact you directly with rates, schedules and general information that will make your itinerary planning timely and efficient. Visit Savannah s sales team can arrange appointments for you to visit accommodations, attractions, restaurants and tour sites. Please allow a 48-hour notice in order to make arrangements. Promotional Assistance Visit Savannah can provide a variety of publications, photos, videos, materials and souvenirs to assist in showcasing Savannah to your clients as your desired destination. In addition, books, videos and other promotional materials are available at the Visitor Information Center. Familiarization Tours Contact Visit Savannah s group tour sales manager to place your company name on our mailing list or call the sales staff for more information. FAM tours are held on an annual and individual basis, with the annual event occurring in the summer. We hope you will contact Visit Savannah when you begin planning your next group tour. Visit Savannah s knowledgeable sales team is ready to work with you to ensure your group has an unforgettable getaway. Mindy Shea director of tour, travel and international sales 912.644.6419 MShea@VisitSavannah.com Melissa Hayes group tour sales manager 912.644.6423 MHayes@VisitSavannah.com 2
ATTRACTIONS (page 4) EVENTS (page 6) ITINERARIES (page 8) SERVICES (page 20) WELCOME & CONTENTS CONTENTS
ATTRACTIONS RIVER STREET Bordering the thriving river port, River Street imparts old-world charm. The nine-block brick concourse is ideal for strolling and ship watching. More than 75 boutiques, galleries, artists studios, restaurants and pubs are housed in one-time cotton warehouses that have been restored to their rustic beauty. FORSYTH PARK This 30-acre park is bordered on the north by Gaston Street, on the south by Park Avenue and has a onemile perimeter, making it a popular stop for outdoor enthusiasts. The park s north end is home to a cast iron fountain that was erected in 1858. The park is also adorned by monuments to the Confederate Soldier, the Marine Corps Monument and the Fragrant Garden for the Blind. The Forsyth Park Fountain is one of the most popular photo spots for Savannah visitors. River Street Forsyth Park CITY MARKET Four blocks in the heart of the Historic District have been renovated to capture the authentic atmosphere and character of the city s old open marketplace. The market features artists working in their lofts and exhibits of works for sale. There are also restaurants, open-air cafés, theme shops and stores offering crafts, accessories and gifts. HISTORIC HOUSES OF WORSHIP Many religious beliefs are represented in Savannah s Historic District, where a place of worship can be found on nearly every square. Groups are invited to spend several hours touring everything from intricate cathedrals to monumental assemblies and temples. Many of these landmarks also were the sites of historic events that shaped Savannah s heritage. City Market Cathedral of St. John the Baptist 4
HISTORIC CEMETERIES Bonaventure, Laurel Grove and Colonial Park cemeteries draw visitors who want to take a closer look at history. Take a tour and see gravestones dating back to the early 1800s or walk around and enjoy the peaceful settings created by these burial grounds. These sites, especially Bonaventure Cemetery, have become world-famous tourist destinations because of the tree-lined roadways, the many notable people interred, the unique sculptures and architecture and the folklore associated with it all. HISTORIC FORTS Watch live cannon firings and see Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers come to life as you tour Savannah s two remaining forts. Fort Pulaski and Old Fort Jackson are both immersive experiences where you can see how soldiers lived and fought in the height of two defining wars. Fort Pulaski HISTORIC HOMES Savannah s past is told through the many house museums and cultural centers that populate the area. Groups can explore iconic Savannahians homes that are still decorated in the style of their time. You ll want to spend a couple hours in each of these houses to discover how these people lived in years past, while learning about the impact each resident had on this city. MUSEUMS Rich history and culture abounds in Savannah and relics of the past can be found in several museums. From civil rights and military milestones to school houses and railroad facilities, Savannah s history covers a diverse range of subjects. This also includes Savannah s art scene, which comprises everything from classic masterpieces to eccentric modern works. In Savannah, you ll be able to find a museum that will intrigue any type of group! Jepson Center for the Arts Mercer Williams House ATTRACTIONS Bonaventure Cemetery
EVENTS JANUARY Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Day Celebrations Mountain Film Festival Ocean Film Festival FEBRUARY Savannah Black Heritage Festival Savannah Irish Festival Savannah Book Festival MARCH St. Patrick s Day Celebrations Savannah Music Festival Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens Savannah Stopover Music Festival 6 APRIL Savannah NOGS Tour of Hidden Gardens Savannah College of Art and Design s Sidewalk Arts Festival MAY Scottish Games Festival Savannah Seafood Festival Savannah Preservation Festival JUNE Savannah Asian Festival
JULY Fourth of July on the Waterfront AUGUST OCTOBER Savannah Greek Festival Shalom Y all Jewish Food Festival St. Vincent s Tour of Homes & Tea Savannah Folk Music Festival Savannah Film Festival NOVEMBER Savannah VOICE Festival SEPTEMBER Savannah Children s Book Festival Savannah Food and Wine Festival DECEMBER ONGOING EVENTS: First Friday Fireworks on the River: On the first Friday of each month (February - December), enjoy a spectacular fireworks display over the Savannah River. First Saturday on the River: On the first Saturday of each month (February - December), local arts, crafts, food and entertainment are featured along beautiful, historic River Street. Christmas on the River Savannah Harbor Boat Parade of Lights Savannah s Lighted Holiday Parade Savannah Festival of Lights Holiday Tour of Homes Christmas for Kids Celebration at City Market EVENTS Savannah Jazz Festival Savannah Craft Brew Festival Savannah Pride Festival
CLASSIC [ Itinerary ] This is a sample itinerary. To plan your group tour, call Visit Savannah s sales team at 912.644.6423. Day 1 Take a Tour: Get to know Savannah by experiencing a city tour, either on a periodstyle trolley or with a highly trained step-on guide. The tours last about 2 hours and will help your group get better acquainted with Savannah. It will also give your group a sample of the attractions they may want to explore later on their own. Let s Do Lunch: Savannah has several dining establishments to tempt your group s taste buds. Catch beautiful views from River Street, enjoy the quirky charm of City Market, or choose one of the many restaurants nestled along the quiet streets of the city s Historic District. Visit a Historic Home: Savannah s past is told in the many house museums and cultural centers that populate the area. Visit the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts; the Owens-Thomas House, generally considered to be the finest example of Regency architecture in America and featuring one of the few intact slave quarters in America; or the Davenport House, an exceptionally fine example of Federal architecture. Free Time: Savannah is an extremely walkable city, with 22 park-like squares arranged in a grid pattern, and shops and art galleries scattered throughout the city are perfect for finding souvenirs. Groups are able to split up and explore the city individually for a great free time activity! Eat, Drink and Be Merry: Your group covered a lot of ground on their first day and they may want to have a casual bite to eat before retiring for the evening. Savannah s historic River Street has all types of casual and upscale dining options. Seafood, steaks and light fare can all be found in the restored cotton warehouses that are home to some of Savannah s favorite restaurants and pubs. Day 2 Experience Savannah s rich African American culture: Take your group to Pin Point Heritage Museum for the morning and celebrate the life, work and history of the Gullah/Geechee community that calls Pin Point home. Explore the original oyster factory-turned museum overlooking Moon River. Sample Southern Fare: Savannah loves food, and its hospitality and charm seasons the dishes popular to this region. For lunch on day two, dine at a restaurant that specializes in Southern cuisine to get a sample of good ole home cooking. 8
Visit the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force: After lunch, spend the afternoon with your group touring one of the world s most powerful museum experiences. See some of the original aircraft artifacts and photos, and hear personal stories of the brave WWII aviators. Enjoy a dinner buffet with 25 or more people at the Museum Pub for an all-inclusive experience. Set Sail on a Riverboat Cruise: Explore the Savannah River s natural beauty on the Savannah Riverboat. This two-hour excursion shows the city from a unique perspective. You might even spy playful dolphins swimming alongside your boat! Day 3 Frolic on Tybee Island: Just 20 minutes from Savannah you ll find Tybee Island, a uniquely charmed island that offers a change of pace and taste. While there, take your group to the Tybee Light Station. Dating back to 1773, the lighthouse is one of America s most complete historic light stations. Afterward, take the group to nearby Fort Pulaski National Monument. Built in 1829 under Robert E. Lee s command, the fort came under a 30-hour siege by Union forces in 1862. Take an Island Lunch Break: If your group enjoys dining with a bit of a twist, they will certainly look forward to tonight s dinner. Among the choices are a Mess and Muster at Old Fort Jackson, where they ll enjoy a delicious meal complete with a cannon firing! Or take the group to the island s famous Crab Shack where your group can see live alligators and a beautiful bird sanctuary nestled on the marsh with stunning water views. Spot Dolphins at Play: Before heading back to Savannah, be sure your group experiences dolphins zipping and surfing next to your boat with some of our incredible captains of the sea! Give yourself approximately 90 minutes to fully enjoy and capture the moment on one of these excursions. Stay for the Curtain Call: Your group s final night in Savannah is sure to be a memorable one as they experience one of the South s most historic theaters, the Savannah Theatre. From spectacular live musicals to local theatre and special performances, your group will be amazed by the abundance of talent that prevails in this city. Consider this the grand finale of your trip to Savannah! ITINERARY: CLASSIC Dine with the Pirates: Since 1753, The Pirate s House has welcomed visitors to Savannah with a bounty of delicious food and drink and rousing good times. Situated a scant block from the Savannah River, The Pirate s House first opened as an inn for seafarers and fast became a rendezvous for blood-thirsty pirates and sailors from the seven seas.
CULINARY [ Itinerary ] This is a sample itinerary. To plan your group tour, call Visit Savannah s sales team at 912.644.6423. Day 1 Explore the City: Start your Savannah experience with a city tour, either on a periodstyle trolley or with a highly trained step-on guide. The tours last about 2 hours and will help your group get better acquainted with Savannah. It will also give your group a sample of the attractions they may want to explore later on their own. Whip Up New Recipes: What better way to enjoy lunch than by cooking it yourself with world famous chefs! Savor the delights of learning to cook flavorful authentic ethnic and regional cuisines in Savannah. Attend a Garden Party: Take a docent-led tour of the magnificent Isaiah Davenport House followed up by either high tea or a wine and cheese reception in the garden of this famous Savannah museum home. Please Your Foodie Side: Savannah s historic River Street has all types of casual and upscale dining options. Seafood, steaks, and light fare can be found in the restored cotton warehouses that are home to some of Savannah s favorite restaurants and pubs. Treat Yourself: Experience Leopold s Ice Cream Shop, which was founded in 1919! For many generations, locals have loved Leopold s ice cream. Famed lyricist Johnny Mercer grew up a block away from Leopold s and was a faithful customer when he was home from Hollywood. Day 2 Taste the Town: On the Savannah Taste Experience tour, sample delicious foods from seven unique foodie spots surrounding the initial squares built in Savannah while learning about the food, the restaurants, the history and the culture that help shape the Hostess City s palate. Savor Local Flavor: Go behind the scenes with your group and see Savannah s local foodies at work. Savannah Candy Kitchen, Savannah Bee Company and Byrd Cookie Company are just a few to name where your group can take a tour through their facilities. Free Time: Savannah is an extremely walkable city, with 22 park-like squares arranged in a grid pattern, and shops and art galleries scattered throughout the city are perfect for finding souvenirs. Groups are able to split up and explore the city individually for a great free time activity! 10
Dine with Pirates: Since 1753, The Pirate s House has been welcoming visitors to Savannah with a bounty of delicious food and drink and rousing good times. Situated a scant block from the Savannah River, The Pirate s House first opened as an inn for seafarers, and fast became a rendezvous for blood-thirsty pirates and sailors from the seven seas. Discover Savannah s Haunted Past: Take a ghost tour on a private trolley tour or a guided walking tour to hear about some of the paranormal activity that has been said to take place throughout some of Savannah s squares and mansions. Day 3 Relax on Tybee Island: Just 20 minutes from Savannah lies Tybee Island, a uniquely charmed island that offers a change of pace and taste. While there, take your group to the Tybee Light Station and to nearby Fort Pulaski National Monument. Built in 1829 under Robert E. Lee s command, the fort came under a 30-hour siege by Union forces in 1862. Or for more of a leisure cruise, hop on board a dolphin tour. Try a Unique Dining Experience: If your group enjoys dining with a bit of a twist, they will certainly look forward to tonight s dinner. Among the choices are a Mess and Muster at Old Fort Jackson, where they ll enjoy a delicious meal along with friendly soldiers of long ago complete with a cannon firing! Or take your group on a dinner cruise along the scenic Savannah River. The city offers many options for a memorable dining experience, including a culinary demonstrations followed by dinner at Savannah s own River House Seafood Restaurant. ITINERARY: CULINARY Enjoy a Night on the Town: Your group s final night in Savannah is sure to be a memorable one as they experience one of the city s theatre presentations at the historic Savannah Theatre. From spectacular live musicals to local theatre and special performances, your group will be amazed by the abundance of talent that prevails in Savannah.
GIRL SCOUTS [ Itinerary ] This is a sample itinerary. To plan your group tour, call Visit Savannah s sales team at 912.644.6423. Day 1 Hop on a Tour: Experience Savannah with a city tour either by foot on a guided walking tour or on board a trolley. City tours will help your troop get better acquainted with Savannah s history. Be sure to stop at the Massie Heritage Center, which has educational programs for all different grades that give you a glimpse of children s lives in the early nineteenth century. Ask about its historic Savannah hike patch or the local council s own Discover Daisy s Savannah badge! Grab a Quick Lunch: Savannah has several favorite restaurants that offer boxed lunches for your students to enjoy in one of 22 beautiful squares. Try the boxed lunches from Leopold s Ice Cream, proudly serving Girl Scouts for over 96 years. Visit the Birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low: Tour the National Historic Landmark, located in downtown Savannah, where Daisy Low was born. Special interest workshops, pinning ceremonies and extended heritage experiences can be arranged through the venue. Visit the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force: Located just minutes from downtown, your troop will learn about the roles of women during World War II through the Doing Their Part Girl Scout exhibition. Earn patches along the way, and see remaining artifacts from the brave soldiers. Dine with Pirates: Since 1753, The Pirate s House has welcomed visitors to Savannah with a bounty of delicious food and drink and rousing good times. Situated a scant block from the Savannah River, The Pirate s House first opened as an inn for seafarers and fast became a rendezvous for blood-thirsty pirates and sailors from the seven seas. Day 2 Enlist in Old Fort Jackson s Student Militia Civil War Training: Find out what it was like to be an American soldier in the early years of the United States. A drill sergeant will teach your students the basic maneuvers of the School of the Soldier, including marching and saluting. The training is completed with the students witnessing an exciting cannon firing demonstration. Enjoy a Group Lunch and Tour at the Georgia State Railroad Museum: Step back more than 200 years to discover Savannah s essential role in the American Revolution and the Industrial revolution. While eating a catered lunch inside the Blacksmith s Shop, watch a live demonstration to see what workers designed in the early 1800s. 12
Free Time: Savannah is an extremely walkable city, with 22 park-like squares arranged in a grid pattern, and shops and art galleries scattered throughout the city are perfect for finding souvenirs. Groups are able to split up and explore the city individually for a great free time activity! Feast on a Savannah Riverboat Cruise: Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Savannah River while indulging in fresh fruit and delicious meat carvings. If dinner is not an option, ask about the Daisy Low Lunch Cruise just for Girl Scout troops! Catch a Show at the Savannah Theatre: This downtown entertainment extravaganza brings you fantastic, two-hour, Broadway-style productions. Dating back to 1818, the theater is an exciting way to spend an evening with a show that s fun for all ages. Group rates are available for your students. Day 3 Learn About the Coast: Located just east of Savannah on a marsh island, Oatland Island Education Center features a two-mile Native Animal Nature Trail that winds through maritime forest, salt marsh and freshwater wetlands. More than 40 programs are available to students to study endangered species and organism classification. Get Crackin at the Crab Shack: Troops will love this signature restaurant that boasts a live alligator exhibit and exotic bird sanctuary. They can share a large seafood platter loaded with shrimp, corn on the cob and crab legs and more. Choose Your Activity: Earn Your Badge at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center: From a beach walk to a coastal gallery tour, the troops have endless options to earn badges. One the most popular ways to earn badges is through the two-hour Coastal Georgia Badge Program. Experience a Walking Beach Ecology Tour: Tybee Beach Ecology Trips are offered year-round and can be for any size group that wishes to learn about the variety of marine life along the Georgia coast. Dine with the Lady: Come celebrate the Girl Scouts at Paula Deen s world famous restaurant, Lady and Son s. The restaurant offers special inclusive Southern buffet prices for your scouts. Be assured your taste buds will come alive at the Lady s restaurant. Get Spooked: Discover why Savannah has repeatedly been named America s Most Haunted City! There are numerous options to choose from, including walking tours and trolley tours that will provide a great interactive evening event for your troop. ITINERARY: GIRL SCOUTS Take a Dolphin Tour: Several companies in the Savannah area offer dolphin and nature tours. Watch dolphins at play and egrets catching fish right alongside your boat.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY [ Itinerary ] Day 1 This is a sample itinerary. To plan your group tour, call Visit Savannah s sales team at 912.644.6423. Immerse Yourself in a Black History Tour: Guests who come to Savannah are truly captivated by this city s charm, its rich heritage and all the activities offered every day of the year. Black history tours like Day Clean Journeys, Footprints of Savannah and the Freedom Trail Tour are just a few that can accommodate your group! Explore Houses of Worship: Visit the First African Baptist Church, the oldest African- American congregation in North America. Built by black labor, both free and slave, the church is said to have housed runaway slaves as part of the Underground Railroad. Indulge in a Southern-Cooked Lunch: Savannah loves food, and its hospitality and charm seasons the dishes popular to this region. For lunch, dine at a restaurant that specializes in Southern cuisine to get a sample of good ole home cooking. Glimpse into the Past at the Owens-Thomas House: Tour the house that is considered the finest example of English Regency architecture in America. The home completed construction in 1819 and has one of the earliest intact slave quarters in the U.S. Honor Ancestry at Laurel Grove Cemetery: Laurel Grove South is one of the most significant final resting places for African Americans who died in the 19th and 20th centuries. Dine on River Street: Dine around one of Savannah s many fresh seafood establishments right on River Street. From fried oysters to wild Georgia shrimp, River Street is packed with different dining options. Take a Spirited Ghost Tour: Discover why Savannah has repeatedly been named America s Most Haunted City, on a ghost tour that s both fun and educational. Hop on a trolley tour or take part in a private guided walking tour. 14 Day 2 Explore the Pin Point Heritage Museum: Sing, dance, and experience the life of the Gullah/Geechee community at one of Savannah s most authentic museums. Try a Lowcountry Boil for Lunch: Probably the most traditional regional dish, the Lowcountry boil is something everyone who visits should try at least once. Loaded with shrimp, sausage, crab, potatoes and more, your group will not leave hungry after experiencing this signature Southern meal.
Discover the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum: This is the place to begin for an overview of the more recent history of African Americans in Savannah. The museum chronicles the civil rights struggle of Georgia s oldest African-American community from slavery to the present. Walk Along Factor s Walk: Visit the area that once saw the labor of slave stevedores as they unloaded cargo vessels along the Savannah River. Stop at the African-American Families Monument: This bronze and granite monument shows two adults and two children standing with broken chains at their feet. The base is inscribed with Maya Angelou s words depicting the horrors of a slave ship voyage, but ending on a note of hope. Free Time: Savannah is an extremely walkable city, with 22 park-like squares arranged in a grid pattern, and shops and art galleries scattered throughout the city are perfect for finding souvenirs. Groups are able to split up and explore the city individually for a great free time activity! Be Inspired by a Gospel Dinner Cruise: Experience local Savannah Gospel entertainers on Monday nights and enjoy the savory flavors of the south. A cultural and culinary experience you don t want to miss! Day 3 Choose Your Heritage Site: Savannah has a multitude of museums. From historic architecture, to modern art, there s a museum to tend to everyone s individual interests. Here are a few we recommend: The Beach Institute: Established in 1865 as a school for newly freed slaves, it is Georgia s oldest still-standing school for blacks. It s now home to the African-American Arts Center. King-Tisdell Cottage: Dating to the 1890s, this small cottage has served as a cultural museum of African-American arts and crafts since 1981. Massie Heritage Interpretation Center: During the spring and summer of 1865, Massie served as a school for black children under the order of General Sherman. Relax on Island Time: Early afternoon means it s time to head out to Tybee Island. Take part in a beach walk or a lighthouse tour, or hop on a dolphin cruise with your group. Sample Soul Food Favorites: Dine at Sisters of the New South and experience some of the best soul food in the region. From oxtails to fried chicken, you will enjoy some amazing food after a long day at the beach. Take a Bow: Experience a live musical spectacular at the historic Savannah Theatre. Visitors of all ages will enjoy the productions, featuring a professional cast performing some of the best that musical theater has to offer. You won t be able to stop clapping on your final night in town! ITINERARY: AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY
STUDENT [ Itinerary ] This is a sample itinerary. To plan your group tour, call Visit Savannah s sales team at 912.644.6423. Day 1 Cover New Ground: Orient your group to Savannah on a city tour either by foot on a guided walking tour or on board a trolley. City tours will help your students get better acquainted with Savannah s history. Be sure to stop at the Massie Heritage Center, which has educational programs for all different grades that give you a glimpse of children s lives in the early nineteenth century. Free Time: Savannah is an extremely walkable city, with 22 park-like squares arranged in a grid pattern. Groups are able to split up and explore the city individually for a great free time activity! Make a Lunch Stop: Savannah has several favorite restaurants that offer boxed lunches for your students to enjoy in one of 22 beautiful squares. Explore a Historic Home: Savannah s past is told through the many house museums and cultural centers that populate the area. Visit the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, or the Owens-Thomas House, generally considered to be the finest example of Regency architecture in America, which also features one of the few intact slave quarters in the U.S. Shop for Local Flavor: Enjoy the many shops and boutiques on River Street or in City Market. Take a walk on Broughton Street for free honey samples from the Savannah Bee Company and local spices from the Salt Table. For your sweet tooth be sure to get some samples of the famous pecan pralines at the Savannah Candy Kitchen or River Street Sweets. Dine and Discover at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force: Just off of I-95, your group can visit one of the most exciting museums in the southeast. With vintage aircraft, artifacts, photographs, a thrilling Mission Experience and personal stories this museum has it all. If you have a group of 25 or more, dinner reservations can be made at the onsite museum restaurant. Day 2 Join Old Fort Jackson s Student Militia Civil War Training: Find out what it was like to be an American soldier in the early years of the United States. A drill sergeant will teach your students the basic maneuvers of the School of the Soldier, including marching and saluting. The training is completed with the students witnessing an exciting cannon firing demonstration. 16
Enjoy a Group Lunch and Tour at the Georgia State Railroad Museum: Step back more than 200 years to discover Savannah s essential role in the American Revolution and the Industrial revolution. While eating a catered lunch inside the Blacksmith s Shop, watch a live demonstration to see what workers would have designed in the early 1800s. Taste Pirate Fare: Since 1753, The Pirate s House and its characters has been welcoming visitors to Savannah with a bounty of delicious food and drink and rousing good times. Sing Along at the Savannah Theatre: This downtown entertainment extravaganza brings you fantastic, two-hour, Broadway-style productions. Dating back to 1818, the theater is an exciting way to spend an evening with a show that s fun for all ages. Group rates are available for your students. Day 3 Learn About the Environment at Oatland Island Education Center: Located just east of Savannah on a marsh island, the center features a two-mile Native Animal Nature Trail that winds through maritime forest, salt marsh and freshwater wetlands. More than 40 programs are available to students to study endangered species and organism classification. Climb up the Tybee Island Lighthouse: Head to the top of Georgia s tallest lighthouse. The Tybee Island Light Station is one of America s most intact, with all of its historic support remaining. Eat at The Crab Shack: The students will love this signature restaurant that boasts a live alligator exhibit and exotic bird sanctuary. Students can share large seafood platters or order plenty of other options that aren t seafood focused. Take a Dolphin Tour: Hop on board this tour and watch dolphins at play and egrets catching fish right alongside your boat. Experience a Walking Beach Ecology Tour: Tybee Beach Ecology Trips are offered year-round and can be for any size group that wishes to learn about the variety of marine life along the Georgia coast. Wrap Up the Night with a Ghost Tour: Discover why Savannah has repeatedly been named America s Most Haunted City! This makes a great evening event for your students and will be entertaining, fun and informative, no matter the age. ITINERARY: STUDENT Join the Southern Food Frenzy: Head back to Savannah and enjoy your final night indulging in an authentic Southern meal at one of Savannah s top-rated group dining options.
HOLIDAY [ Itinerary ] This is a sample itinerary. To plan your group tour, call Visit Savannah s sales team at 912.644.6423. Day 1 Find Your Bearings: Get to know Savannah by experiencing a city tour, either on a period-style trolley or with a highly trained step on guide. The tours last about two hours and will help your group get better acquainted with Savannah. It will also give your group a sample of the attractions they may want to explore later on their own. Try Southern Favorites: Savannah loves food, and its hospitality and charm seasons the dishes popular to this region. For lunch, dine at a restaurant that specializes in Southern cuisine to get a sample of good ole home cooking. Enjoy an Early 19th Century Holiday at the Davenport House: The understated taste of an authentic early 19th century holiday season in Savannah is the theme of the historic house s presentation. Tours explore how the Davenport household celebrated Christmas and New Year s in the 1820s. Dine Progressively: Sample a wonderful variety of Lowcountry cuisine by taking your group on a progressive dinner down River Street or to other nearby shopping and dining districts. Choose Your Tour: Holly Jolly Trolley Tour: Enjoy caroling and tales of holiday traditions aboard a festively decorated trolley. Includes a guided tour of the Historic District and tasty treats at the Westin Savannah Harbor. Holiday Evening Tours by Candlelight at The Davenport House: Light refreshments, music and skilled interpreters, who show visitors through the home, are among the highlights of the presentation. Day 2 Christmas 1886 with the Gordons: Explore Victorian holiday customs at Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low s birthplace home, which is beautifully decorated for the holidays. The table is set for Christmas dinner, the stockings are ready in Mama s bedroom and the vintage Game of Merry Christmas is out for all to see. 18 Free Time: Savannah is an extremely walkable city, with 22 park-like squares arranged in a grid pattern, and shops and art galleries scattered throughout the city are perfect for finding holiday gifts and souvenirs. Groups are able to split up and explore the city individually to find the perfect holiday gift or treasure!
Catch a Special Holiday Show: Your group s second night in Savannah is sure to be a memorable one as they experience one of the city s top theatre presentations, A Christmas Tradition. The show brings holiday glitz and glitter with a two-hour performance where the theatre is transformed into a perfect holiday picture, sharing memories of the Christmas favorites your group knows and loves. See Savannah in Lights: Each year, Hutchinson Island becomes a twinkling wonderland with larger-than-life lighted, holiday-themed displays in the Savannah Harbor Festival of Lights. For nearly six weeks, these large-scale displays are staged around the nearly two-mile track where cars, trolleys and horse-drawn carriages can drive through while you marvel at the intricacies of these lighted wonders. Afterward, there are a variety of festive activities also on the island. Day 3 Celebrate the Season: Among the season s offerings are an annual Holiday Tour of Homes, weekly holiday gospel dinner cruises, a spectacular gingerbread village and even a Christmas Eve dinner cruise. You ll find that Savannah has the holidays wrapped up in a pretty package. Explore Holidays on the Plantation: Admire the Festival of Lights and Music at Dunham Farms, the oldest single-family owned (former) plantation in Georgia, located just outside of Savannah. Thirty riverfront acres glow with holiday trees and lights, while majestic oaks are wrapped in lights and topped with stars. Your group will enjoy concerts, food and drink and fun holiday sing-alongs. ITINERARY: HOLIDAY Watch Lights on Parade: Experience the annual Boat Parade of Lights on the beautiful Savannah River. Whether enjoying the sights from aboard the Savannah Riverboat on a dinner cruise or from along River Street, it s a magical way to kick off the holiday season. Your group also won t want to miss Savannah s annual Lighted Christmas Parade, which winds through the streets of the Historic District.
SERVICES GETTING HERE With easy access via highway, rail and air, you can add accessibility to Savannah s long list of selling points. Whatever mode of transportation you choose, you ll have no trouble getting your group to and from Savannah. AIR SERVICE Located just 15 miles from Savannah s Historic Meeting District, the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) offers approximately 90 daily flights in and out of Savannah. Scheduled airlines include Delta, United, US Airways, American, JetBlue (Seasonal: Allegiant and Sun Country). We hope to expand the number of cities served with direct flights in the coming year with potential to expand in the future. DRIVING TO SAVANNAH Getting to Savannah by car is easy and enjoyable, with plenty of scenic Georgia beauty to take in along the way. Savannah is best accessed via Interstate 95 (North/South) or Interstate 16 (East/West). SAVANNAH BY RAIL Many groups find that Amtrak is a fun, convenient and affordable way to travel. Savannah is a major stop on Amtrak s Palmetto and Silver Service lines between New York and Miami. The Silver Star and Silver Meteor provide daily service to and from Savannah. Sleeper cars and sightseeing lounge cars are available. ON THE BUS Savannah is a hub for Greyhound Bus Lines, so your guests can access Savannah by bus from all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. MOTOR COACHES 20 WHO NEEDS A MOTOR COACH PERMIT? Permits are required for all motor coaches more than 34 feet in length touring and/or traveling within Savannah s Historic District. The permitting process is used to assist operators navigate downtown and get to hotels, restaurants and destinations using the best routes and parking options. Motor coaches must have one of the following permits: Motor Coach Tour Permit: Issued for each motor coach touring the historic district to include the right to tour and use designated motor coach stops. Transportation Permit: Issued for each motor coach entering the Historic District for the sole purpose of transporting passengers to and from hotels and restaurants. The permit includes the right to use designated motor coach tour stops in close proximity to a hotel or restaurant. Multi-Day Combination Permit: Issued for a single day-of-touring to include transporting passengers to and from hotels and restaurants on the day preceding the tour, during the day of the tour, and on the day following the tour. This three day permit includes one day of touring with a registered guide and 72 hours of transporting passengers to and from hotels and restaurants.
WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTOR COACHES THAT ARE TOURING? Any motor coach touring the Historic District using a Motor Coach Tour Permit or Multi-Day Combination Permit must employ the services of a local tour guide. Per City ordinance, tour guides must submit preservation fees to the City for motor coach tours given in the Historic District. WHERE ARE PERMITS OBTAINED? Permits must be purchased through the City of Savannah Tourism Office. The hours are Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. located at: Tri-Centennial Park Visitor Center 301 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Rear Parking Lot, 31401 912.525.1500 Motor coaches entering the Historic District on weekends, holidays or after 5 p.m. on weekdays must purchase permits at the Bryan Street Parking Garage. The Bryan St. Parking Garage accepts cash, check, or money order for payment and is located at: Bryan Street Parking Garage 100 East Bryan Street, 31401 912.651.6477 Please note that all permits will be issued only when the application is completed and payment is received. You can choose to fill out an electronic Motor Coach Application or download a PDF at www.savannahga.gov. The City will not mail permits and no refunds are given. The Transportation Permit for motor coaches is $15. WHAT ARE THE TRAVELING AND PARKING RESTRICTIONS? Motor coaches are restricted from residential areas as designated on the Motor Coach Prohibited Map. This includes areas south of Liberty Street except for one-way streets. Loading/Unloading and parking stands are restricted to certain areas. After hours, motor coaches are encouraged to park at the Tricentennial Park Visitor Center Parking Lot. For details and the most up-to-date information, go to www.savannahga.gov. Source: City of Savannah (www.savannahga.gov) SERVICES
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