Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island—April 23 - May 6, 2012
DAY 1—WE’RE OFF
“Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina...” The beauty of the plantation gardens and mountain roads in full bloom awaits us this morning as we board our deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach and begin our journey to Charleston, Savannah and Jekyll Island. Our accommodations this evening will be in Alsip, IL.
DAY 2—BLUE GRASS COUNTRY
Before starting our day, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet, compliments of PTS Tours. We will be traveling through the Hoosier state of Indiana to London, Kentucky where we overnight.
DAY 3—BILTMORE MANSION
This morning we travel to the Smoky Mountains. You will know by the blue, smoke-like haze that hangs over the peaks that you are near the Great Smoky Mountains. We will be traveling through the mountains and stopping at the summit to see the awesome views that the Smokies hold. Later, we continue on to Asheville, NC which is nestled between two stunning mountain ranges, the Blue Ridge and the Great Smokies. This afternoon, we will be touring the Biltmore Estate and Gardens, a mansion built in the Renaissance-style of a 16th century French chateau surrounded by an estate of 75,000 acres. America’s largest home boasts 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, bowling alley, priceless art and antiques. We overnight in Asheville.
DAY 4—BILLY GRAHAM LIBRARY
Today we travel to the city of Charlotte, home of the Billy Graham Library. The Billy Graham Library is a 40,000-square-foot experience that allows visitors to discover the life and legacy of America’s Pastor. After, we journey to Myrtle Beach where we enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat seafood buffet! Next, we attend the Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach! This live music and comedy variety show sets the standard with an evening of Rock, Broadway, Gospel, Country, and lots of laughs. We spend the next two nights in Myrtle Beach.
DAY 5—MYRTLE BEACH
This morning, we visit the Ripley’s Aquarium, a world class aquarium with more than 6,000 animals displayed in 1.3 million gallons of salt and fresh water! After an afternoon free to enjoy, get ready for Dolly Parton’s Pirates Voyage! The spirits of pirates and buccaneers that once sailed the coast of the Carolinas have come to life in Myrtle Beach’s newest show in many years. Landlubbers will experience the swashbuckling excitement of two pirate crews as they battle for the lost treasure. Beware matey!
DAY 6—BOONE HALL
As we travel to Charleston, we stop at Boone Hall Plantation. The famous 3/4-mile-long avenue lined with moss-draped live oaks brings us up to an estate rich in the history of South Carolina’s Low Country. This afternoon we visit the USS Yorktown for a first-hand look at this mighty aircraft carrier. We will be spending the next two nights in Charleston.
DAY 7—FORT SUMTER
This morning a guided tour will take us to a number of places typical of the historic area, including a tour through a “museum house”. After browsing through the shops early in the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a relaxed boat ride with commentary of the many points of interest in Charleston Harbor on our way to Fort Sumter, which is possibly the most historic military site in the nation. The first shot of the US Civil War was fired at Fort Sumter from Fort Johnson in 1861.
DAY 8—JEKYLL ISLAND
Hop on board this morning as we head for the plush resort area of Jekyll Island, Georgia. Upon our arrival, we enjoy an included lunch. Following lunch, enjoy a historic look at this island by trolley! We spend the next two evenings on Jekyll Island.
DAY 9—ST. SIMONS ISLAND
This morning, we visit St. Simons Island. This was the site of Indian villages and a Spanish mission, and of the colonial town and fort built in 1736 by James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, as a defensive bulwark against the Spanish. Stroll the grounds where Charles Wesley preached, plantation families worshipped, and Anson Dodge erected the island’s most beloved landmark. These historic landmarks are woven, with coastal lore and legend, into our tour! Afterward, spend the rest of the day relaxing—our hotel is right on the beach!
DAY 10—ON TO SAVANNAH
Today we take a city tour of this quaint southern jewel—Savannah! Savannah’s history is alive with the successful restoration projects by the Historic Savannah Foundation. This evening, enjoy home-style southern cooking at Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room! We spend the next two evenings in Savannah.
DAY 11—TYBEE ISLAND
Welcome to Tybee Island—Savannah’s Beach! This island 20 miles from Savannah is our destination today. We will tour this historic island, stopping at the lighthouse and museum. After lunch, we cruise the Bull River looking for—dolphins! Our cruise is filled with the scenery and wildlife found in the low country marshes. Our guide will talk about the marshes, crabs, pelicans and of course dolphins.
DAY 12—NASHVILLE
Today we journey across the Peach State— Georgia! After our usual breaks, we arrive in Nashville, TN, where we overnight.
DAY 13—ACROSS ILLINOIS
As we head north through Illinois today, we will see three distinct geographic divisions as a result of the glacial epoch. We will be spending the evening in Rockford, IL.
DAY 14—HOMEWARD BOUND
Our route today will take us through Madison and Eau Claire, where we’ll treat you to a delicious farewell buffet luncheon. Then it’s on to Brainerd, where we can share memories of Charleston, Savannah & Jekyll Island with our families and friends.
For more information and prices, download the pdf version of our brochure here.