Southern Charms

Southern Charms
Historical Journey Across Four Southern States
Imagine Spring in the South the beautiful gardens, the Spanish moss, the warm breezes
across a velvet evening, the fairytale islands and quaint towns hugging the historic coast.
- Spanish Moss is common in South Carolina and Georgia
and often grows in the beautiful Southern Live Oak
Beautiful Mountains in NC, Visit Asheville
- Full Day Vanderbilt Biltmore Estate Experience
- #1 Food Tour in this Vibrant Foodie & Artsy Town
- Unique Comedy Tour Exploring the Cities History
- Drive on the famous and scenic Blue Ridge Parkway
- 3 Nights North Carolina Mountain Stay
3 Nights in Wonderful Charleston, SC
- Explore a charming Tea Plantation in Low Country
- Historic Carriage Tour in Stunning Downtown
- Southern Meal at iconic Poogan’s Porch
- Visit beautiful Drayton Hall & Middleton Gardens
Stop By and Explore Scenic Beaufort, SC
- Enjoy a Leisurely Carriage Ride around Beaufort
FL
3 Nights in Historic Savannah, GA
- Stay in Heart of Savannah’s Historic District
- Stunning Mercer House & Bonaventure Cemetery
- Private Home Visit and Antique Map Store
- Tybee Island Lighthouse Visit
Visit World Famous Jekyll Island, GA
- Experience Lunch at the Legendary Jekyll Island Club
- Open Air Tram Tour to Experience Jekyll Island’s Past
3 Nights in America’s Oldest City, St. Augustine, FL
- Guided Tour of Heritage District & fascinating Lightener Museum
- Legacy Tour of Incredible Flagler College (Former Hotel Ponce de Leon)
- Experience a Savory Faire Food & Wine Boutique Waking Tour
- Stay in the Amazing Casa Monica Hotel in Heart Spanish Quarter
Explore Amelia Island, a True Intercostal Haven
- Tour the Coast of Amelia Island on a Local Boat Cruise
- Shop on the Quaint Fernandina Waterfront
Day-by-Day
Apr 01
Apr 02
Apr 03
Apr 04
Apr 05
Apr 06
Apr 07
Apr 08
Apr 09
Apr 10
Apr 11
Apr 12
Apr 13
Apr 14
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Depart LAX Evening
Jacksonville / St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine, FL
Amelia Island, St Augustine, FL
Jekyll Island & Savannah, GA
Savannah, GA
Savannah, GA
Beaufort, SC & Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC
Asheville, NC
Asheville, NC
Asheville, NC
Depart for Home
Tour Highlights
Visit the Heritage Regions of Four Southern States
Stay Three Nights Across Four Legendary Cities Including Oldest In USA
Experience Historic & Boutique Hotels at Heart of Heritage Areas
Very Scenic Carriage, Boat & Tram Touring
Wonderful Southern Restaurant Experiences
Architectural & Historical Walking Tours
Visit Two Legendary Islands, Jekyll & Amelia
Visit the Largest Home in America, the Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate
Full Day Estate Touring Including Wine Tasting, Garden & House
Multiple Food Tour Evenings on the Coast and in the Mountains
Fantastic Guides and Interruptive Experiences
Three Mansion Visits Including a Private Home
Drive the Famous Blue Ridge Parkway, part of the Appalachian Mtns.
Amazing Shopping & Fun Settings to Explore
Short Coach Rides with More Time in Cities & Towns
and Much More…
Apr 1 – Day 1 – Depart Home
An evening departure from LAX on Stewart Tours group air
means no early morning and perfect for those coming from
other areas in California.
B,L,D = Included Dining Each Day
Apr 2 - Day 2 – Jacksonville / St. Augustine, FL
You arrive this morning in Jacksonville, Florida, the northern
gateway city for beautiful St. Augustine. Tucked between the
Matanzas and Tolomato rivers, this oldest city in America was
founded in 1565, just 70 years after Columbus first sailed into
the region.
If you’re going to stay in the oldest city in America, then you
have to make your home in one of the iconic structures in the
city, the beautiful Casa Monica. This National Historic Trust
hotel was built in 1888 and will be our home for the 3 nights in
St. Augustine. We’ll enjoy a welcome dinner tonight, a chance
to meet old friends and new. (D)
(L,D)
Apr 3- Day 3 – St. Augustine, FL
Today we set out to explore beautiful St. Augustine. We’ll relax
and enjoy the stories of a top local guide as we explore some of
the city by coach. On our tour we’ll stop at the incredible
Lightner Museum, once the Hotel Alcazar built in 1888 by Henry
Flagler. You will notice a similarity to the looks of our hotel as it
was built in the same period and in the same general design. The
museum is now the best collection of 19th-century decorative
arts in the country, from shrunken heads to Tiffany glass, this
eclectic museum will dazzle all.
Enjoy lunch along historic and fun St. George Street before we
take a legacy tour of the landmark Flagler College. The former Hotel Ponce de Leon, and listed as a National
Historic Landmark, it was built by railroad magnate, Henry M. Flagler in 1888 and is the most famous buildings in
St. Augustine. This evening is a treat as we dine in our first historic home that has been converted into the beautiful
Raintree restaurant. Built by a confederate soldier in 1879, the house has survived since 1981 and is now nationally
recognized. You never know who might show up at the dinner tonight! (B,D)
Apr 4- Day 4 – A Day on Amelia Island
Just 90 minutes north of St. Augustine is another coastal gem,
beautiful Amelia Island. Only 13 miles long and 4 miles wide,
this island has flown under eight different flags over the
centuries. In 1562, French Huguenot Jean Ribault was the first
recorded European visitor, but it was Georgia’s founder and
colonial governor James Oglethorpe that names the island after
Princess Amelia, daughter of George II, King of England.
Today we’ll take a relaxing boat ride along the shores of the
island to enjoy the wildlife and island spirit. Then it’s time for
some shopping and lunch along the historic Fernandina
Waterfront area before we return to St. Augustine. Today’s vibe
is pure Barrier Island splendor. Tonight we come together again
to explore the local eateries and enjoy some local libation. It is
one of St. Augustine’s top food tours, the Savory Faire. (B,D)
Apr 5 - Day 5 – Jekyll Island & Savannah, GA
There are legendary islands along the coast, islands that were
the haunts of the rich, famous and notorious in the 19th and 20th
centuries. But there is one that rules them all, Jekyll Island. As
we cross through the glades adorned with marsh rabbits and
waterfowl to arrive at Jekyll Island, it is hard to imagine that this
sleepy, secluded island was once home to what a 1904 issue
of Munsey’s Magazine heralded as “the richest, the most
exclusive, the most inaccessible club in the world.” Rockefeller,
Morgan, Pulitzer, they all spent time and had homes on Jekyll,
If you haven’t heard of it, that was the plan.
Today as we travel just under three hours up the Georgia coast
to Savannah, we will stop by Jekyll Island for lunch at the now
famous Jekyll Island Club. Plus, we couldn’t stop by without
taking the local tram and seeing some of the remaining historic
homes on Jekyll! (B,L)
Tonight when we reach Savannah, maybe a dinner out. (B, L)
The boutique Andaz
Hotel. A Top 10 in
wonderful Savannah,
in the very heart of the
historic quarter, it is the
perfect spot for our
stay in the city.
Apr 6 - Day 6 – Savannah, Georgia
On February 12, 1733, General James Oglethorpe and settlers
from the ship Anne landed at Yamacraw Bluff and were greeted
by Tomochichi people, and Indian traders John and Mary
Musgrove. It was on this spot, along the Savannah River, that the
city of Savannah was founded, along with the colony of Georgia
in 1733. This oldest city in Georgia was a strategic point in both
the American Revolution and the Civil War, which explains why
Savannah is just dripping with fascinating history! This heritage
powerhouse has 22 beautiful squares and the largest National
Historic Landmark district in the U.S.
We’ll start out the day with a Savannah Sojourn walking tour to
explore the art, architecture and antiques of the most famous
districts in the city. After an independent lunch, we’ll visit the
spectacular Mercer William’s Low Country House and also a
special visit to a private home on the same square. This evening
we’ll take you out on the town for dinner. (B,D)
Apr 7 – Day 7 – Savannah, GA
One of the most famous attractions in Savannah is the famous
and scenic Bonaventure Cemetery. Not only is it full of amazing
American history but also an atmosphere and setting you will
never forget. The Bonaventure has been in many movies and
today we’ll explore its history and significance with a stroll
under the Spanish Moss and towering oaks.
For lunch today we’ll pick a special location that will be great for
some free time and an independent lunch. Later, we’ll return
to the boutique Andaz to relax. This evening we’re headed out
for seafood on Savannah’s Riverwalk and some fun at the
historic Savannah Theater. The theater’s first shows were the
comedy “The Soldier’s Daughter” and the farce “Raising the
Wind” on December 4, 1818. Everyone from Lillian Russell,
Oscar Wilde and W.C. Fields has performed at this theater. Enjoy
the performance! (B,D)
(B,D)
Apr 8 – Day 8 – Savannah to Charleston & Beaufort!
We say goodbye to Savannah and journey north up the scenic
coastline crossing into South Carolina on our way to Charleston.
Even though Charleston is only 2 hours away, we can’t pass up
the chance to stop in quaint Beaufort, SC. The downtown area
sits right on the water and has a lovely historic district that we
will explore by horse drawn carriage, the perfect introduction
to Carolina living!
After a casual lunch on your own, we’ll continue our short
journey north and cross onto Wadmalaw Island to visit the only
working Tea Planation in the United States. More than 100
years ago tea planters brought tea plants from China and India.
Direct descendants of those very plants are grown here today.
We arrive in the legendary Charleston, South Carolina and enjoy
an independent evening. We are right in the heart of the old
quarter, perfect for finding that lantern-lit restaurant or going
for a walk in the balmy southern evening. (B)
(B,L,D)
We chose the lovely Andrew
Pinckney in the heart of
Charleston so you could
experience a small southern
inn/style hotel. We picture
you having breakfast on their
wonderful open-air balcony.
Apr 9 - Day 9 – Charleston, SC
Charleston, the oldest city in South Carolina, was founded in
1670 to honor King Charles. Its cobblestone streets, horsedrawn carriages and pastel-colored antebellum homes define
the city. Lying in the Charleston Harbor is Fort Sumter, which of
course played a pivotal part in the Civil War. Voted by Travel &
Leisure Magazine as one of America’s friendliest cities, there is
a cordial southern magic in the air here. This is Charleston, this
is the Carolinas!
We’ll explore the city today with a top local guide, a chance to
understand the roots of the city, the people and what makes
Charleston special. After a casual independent lunch in the town
market area, we explore the historic area with the signature
horse carriages that clip-clop through the streets. Tonight, enjoy
a visit to a well-known South Carolina spot, Poogan’s Porch. This
low country restaurant has received national attention and you
will experience their wonderful casual country cooking. (B,D)
Apr 10 - Day 10 –Drayton Hall & Middleton Place
We will visit two historic plantations today, one with a focus on
the inside of the great house and one with the focus on the
beautiful gardens.
Seven generations have preserved Drayton Hall Plantation in
near original condition. Located just 15 miles outside of
Charleston, we’ll explore Drayton Hall with a Connoisseur Tour
of this well-known Rice and Indigo plantation.
On the banks of the Ashley River, near Drayton Hall is Middleton
Place Plantation. This wonderful property has the oldest
landscaped gardens in the United States and is a National
Historic Landmark. Our Spring visit will be breathtaking as we
explore the manicured grounds on a guided tour. This afternoon
we’ll have lunch right at Middleton Gardens before returning to
Charleston in the later afternoon. (B,L)
Middleton Place Plantation
Apr 11- Day 11 – Asheville, North Carolina
After 10 days, we leave the Carolina Coast behind and take a
morning flight into the mountains of North Carolina. You have
probably heard these words “Appalachian” and “Blue Ridge”
your whole life. Well today, you will start your mountain stay in
one of the most famous towns, Asheville, right in the heart of
the Blue Ridge, part of the Appalachian Mountain chain.
We have soaked up lots of rich history and wonderful sites along
the coast, but Asheville is an artsy, foodie and quirky town and
we wanted out first tour here to reflect that, so this afternoon
we’ll enjoy Asheville’s #1 tour of the city, so get ready for some
laughs, some surprises and lots of fun. This evening we’ll have
dinner together in Asheville. (B,D)
Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford
At Grove Park Inn, 1918
When you speak about iconic mountain hotels, you have to include the famous Grove Park Inn. Located just outside of
Asheville, it has been the stopover point for 10 U.S. Presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to Dwight Eisenhower. The
property has been the getaway for many a famous face, including Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harry Houdini and even
F. Scott Fitzgerald who stayed two years at the hotel. They did not stay at the Grove Park Inn because it was fancy; they
stayed in this grand hotel due to its majestic location and grounds. Perched along the western-facing slope of Sunset
Mountain in the heart of the Blue Ridge, it has been a magnet for everyone since it opened in 1913. Now it is your turn
to visit this great mountain lodge-style hotel.
Apr 12 - Day 12 – Asheville / Biltmore Estate
Asheville’s climate and beautiful scenery attracted the attention
of one of the wealthiest families in the country, the Vanderbilts.
In the 1880s, George Washington Vanderbilt II began to make
regular visits to Asheville, he loved the area so much, he decided
to build his summer estate here, and the Biltmore was born.
Constructed from 1889-1895, the home would sit on 125,000
acres and become the largest home in America with 178,926
feet, which is almost 4 acres of living space. There are 250 rooms,
35 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces.
Today, the house is still owned by the Vanderbilt family, but is
open to the public for exploration. The house now sits on 8,000
acres of land with the rest of the property donated to the
National Park system. We’ll spend a full day on the Biltmore
Estate starting with the “Heritage of the Land” tour, a wonderful
guided garden walk and even a wine & chocolate tasting at the
beautiful Biltmore Estates winery. Our finale on the day will be a
personal guided tour of the house by a Biltmore docent. (B,L)
(B,D)
Apr 13- Day 13 – Asheville / Blue Ridge Parkway
We couldn’t bring you into the famous Mountains of North
Carolina and not spend a little time on the famous Blue Ridge
Parkway. This nationally famous drive extends 469 miles from
Great Smoky Mountains down south in South Carolina all the way
past Waynesboro, Virginia.
This morning we will explore the Blue Ridge Parkway with the
same guide that hosted the Smithsonian for their time on this
iconic road. We will not only drive a segment of the Parkway, but
also visit the Folk Art Center and marvel at one of the most
beautiful spots in North Carolina, the Craggy Garden viewpoint.
After free time in the afternoon, we celebrate the tour with
Asheville’s #1 food tour – many fabulous treats, drinks and even
a little history to boot! (B,D)
Apr 14- Day 14 – Asheville to Home
Today you journey home after 14 days of wonderful exploration
along the historic southeast coast corridor and NC Mountains. It’s
an easy flight home, the great part about a USA tour! (B)
TOUR PRICING
Simple & Straightforward
Limited Space – Only 24 Spots!
14-Day Tour
From $5,999 pp / + Group Airfare
Tour Dates: Apr 1-14, 2017
DEPOSIT $350 pp
($100 pp non-refundable)
- 14 Day Southern Charms Tour
- Part Of Our “American Experience” Series
- Fully Custom Tour Designed By Stewart Tours
- 24 Included Meals On The Tour
- All Hotel Stays 3 Nights Long Each
- Beautiful Boutique & Historic Hotels
- All Touring, Hotels & Transfers
- All Tipping & Baggage Porterage Included
- Rental Property Owners Round Table Session
- Fully Escorted By Mark & Vicki Stewart
Group Airfare : LAX to Jacksonville (1-stop) / Charleston to Asheville (During Tour) / Asheville to LAX (1-stop)
Round-trip LAX flights Including Additional Regional Flight During the Tour : Great Value : $875 per person
Reservations & Information 1.866.944.3036 or Visit StewartTours.com