Walk in the footsteps of Scarlett O’Hara & other southern legends with this small group sojourn. Begin with a city tour of Atlanta where you will learn about Margaret Michell and visit the Tara Museum. Continue to Charleston via Augusta which hosts the prestigious Masters Golf Tournament. In Charleston visit Fort Sumter and walk the streets of the meticulously preserved historic district. Next stop over is at Savannah Georgia, which features some of the oldest buildings viewable today in the South. From Savannah you will travel to Florida and visit the state’s capital - Tallahassee passing by many charming old towns along the way. Explore the oak lined streets of Tallahassee before departing for Pensacola and the port city of Mobile, Alabama. Your final destination on this trip takes you to the unique and iconic New Orleans. While you are in New Orleans, visit an old plantation and get a flavor of the charm and grandeur on offer in the French quarter. Stroll along the Mississippi and admire the magnificent architecture. Take a guided tour of a local swamp and see the local alligators, bird and other critters in their natural habitat. Spend your last night out on the Mississippi on a river boat dinner cruise with live Jazz

Highlights:
Jonesboro, Margaret Mitchell’s apartment, Tara Museum, Oaks Plantation, Augusta, Charleston, Fort Sumter, Savannah, Port Royal Island, Beaufort, Darien, Brunswick, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Pensacola, Mobile, New Orleans, French Quarter, Louisiana Plantation, Jazz Brunch, cafe Du Monde, Garden District.

Please speak with your Travel Consultant to customize your trip. Experience the charm of the southern states as you embark on a 9 day tour taking in some of the region’s most famous cities and attractions. Begin with a city tour of Atlanta where you will learn about Margaret Michell and visit the Tara Museum. Continue to Charleston via Augusta which hosts the prestigious Masters Golf Tournament. In Charleston visit Fort Sumter and walk the streets of the meticulously preserved historic district. Next stop over is at Savannah Georgia, which features some of the oldest buildings viewable today in the South. From Savannah you will travel to Florida and visit the state’s capital - Tallahassee passing by many charming old towns along the way. Explore the oak lined streets of Tallahassee before departing for Pensacola and the port city of Mobile, Alabama. Your final destination on this trip takes you to the unique and iconic New Orleans. Here visit an old plantation and get a flavor of the charm and grandeur on offer in the French quarter. Stroll along the Mississippi and admire the magnificent architecture.



Highlights:
Jonesboro, Margaret Mitchell’s apartment, Tara Museum, Oaks Plantation, Augusta, Charleston, Fort Sumter, Savannah, Port Royal Island, Beaufort, Darien, Brunswick, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Pensacola, Mobile, New Orleans, French Quarter, Louisiana Plantation, Jazz Brunch, cafe Du Monde, Garden District.

Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

Transfer independently to Hotel Midtown Atlanta you will meet your tour escort in the lobby at 2pm. In the evening, enjoy a welcome reception which will give you the opportunity to meet your fellow travelers.

The Hotel Midtown is nestled in the heart of historic Midtown Atlanta at 10th and Peachtree Street. This intimate boutique hotel pampers guests in an atmosphere that is both easy to access and comfortable. Situated alongside local culture, world-class entertainment and celebrated attractions, the central location caters to a vast array of guests and their individual needs. With a blend of warm Southern hospitality, inspiring views of downtown and a variety of thoughtful amenities, the friendly neighborhood hotel provides modern convenience at a great value, as well as everything necessary for both business and pleasure.

Overnight at Hotel Midtown .

This morning, enjoy a city tour of Atlanta and learn about one of its most famous residents, Margaret Mitchell. In 1936, Mitchell published the book “Gone with the Wind”. It depicted the life of the spoiled daughter of a plantation owner and follows her life through the Civil War and Reconstruction. The story takes place in Atlanta and south of Atlanta in a small town named Jonesboro. This afternoon, you will see Margaret Mitchell’s apartment and visit the Road to Tara Museum and Stately Oaks Plantation which was the inspiration for Tara. You will have the opportunity to see memorabilia from the movie including costumes worn by the stars Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh.

Overnight at Hotel Midtown .

Mount Pleasant is a large suburban town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. At the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge is Patriot's Point, a naval and maritime museum, home to the World War II aircraft carrier USS Yorktown, which is now a museum ship. The Ravenel Bridge, an eight lane highway that was completed in 2005, spans the Cooper River and links Mount Pleasant with downtown Charleston.

Leave Atlanta today and head west to Augusta. Augusta is the second oldest city in Georgia and is home to the prestigious Masters Golf Tournament. In the afternoon, arrive in historic Charleston and enjoy a guided walking tour of this city by the sea. You will have time to stroll down the cobblestone walkways and admire the fine architecture. In the evening, you may want to enjoy a romantic carriage ride or a sunset cruise.

Holiday Inn Charleston Mount Pleasant Hotel, conveniently located minutes from Historic Charleston at the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. Their beautiful award-winning property is surrounded by southern charm and you'll find fine antique reproductions throughout the hotel, along with modern conveniences. Amenities and services at Holiday Inn Mount Pleasant include: complimentary Wireless high-speed Internet access throughout the hotel, elegant lobby with 24-hour business center, Three Oaks Grill restaurant on-site serving great local favorites for breakfast and dinner, room service, Happy Hour Specials at their Three Oaks Lounge, outdoor seasonal pool, 24-hour fitness room and sauna.

Overnight at Holiday Inn Charleston.

This morning enjoy a cruise to Fort Sumter (included) where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired. The afternoon is at leisure.Take some time to walk the streets of Charleston’s meticulously preserved historic district, the best protected in the nation. Earthquakes, the Revolutionary War, the Civil War and hurricanes all took their toll on this beautiful city, yet it stands out as the historical gem of the South. You may wish to participate in an optional excursion to historic Boone Hall Plantation with its famous Avenue of Oaks. The property has appeared in a number of movies, among them “North and South”.

Enjoy dinner in a local Turkish restaurant (not included in tour price).

Overnight at Holiday Inn Charleston.

Savannah, the historic riverside birthplace of Georgia, was settled in 1733 by British colonists. Savannah is one of the few major cities in the South with antebellum charm and architecture remaining intact, and it has one of the largest historic districts in the country. Southerners joke that in Atlanta, the first thing locals ask you is your business; in Charleston, they ask your mother's maiden name; and in Savannah, they ask what you want to drink. The City Market, River Street, and Historic District parks and houses can be explored on foot or by tour bus.

Today, your road leads you further south to Savannah. En route stop on Port Royal Island and see Beaufort, South Carolina’s second oldest city. Its impressive Antebellum architecture has been the backdrop to a number of Hollywood movies, including “Forrest Gump”. After lunch continue on to Savannah, once the world’s largest cotton port. When cotton was king, Savannah controlled the prices of the world cotton market at her cotton exchange. Founder James Oglethorpe laid out the city squares. The Civil War destroyed a large portion of Georgia, but Savannah was spared. Numerous buildings around the tree-shaded squares are hundreds of years old. Many of them are very well preserved and some remain open to the public. You will enjoy a historical guided walking tour (included) to learn more about the fascinating history of the Antebellum residences. The old cotton warehouses that line the river are now converted into shops and little restaurants, frequented by locals and tourist alike.

The Four Points by Sheraton Historic Savannah offers a great location in the downtown historic district, just steps away from the cobblestones of River Street, the bustling City Market and the inviting Broughton Street. Browse quaint shops and charming boutiques, or linger in world-class restaurants. The Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed and free High Speed Internet Access are featured in all 127 rooms. Plus, great views of historic downtown Savannah and the Talmadge Bridge.

Overnight at Four Points Sheraton Savannah Historic District.

Best known as Florida’s Capital City, Tallahassee shares a deep-rooted history and culture with unparalleled natural adventure and an upbeat vitality. A fusion of cosmopolitan flair and charming personality defines the spirit of our great city. Stretching along the Florida Panhandle, Tallahassee is a place where college town meets cultural center, politics meets performing arts and history meets nature. Annual festivals include: First Friday festivals at Railroad Square, Greek Food Festival, Red Hills Horse Trials, Seven Days of Opening Nights, Southern Shakespeare Festival and many more.

Leave Savannah with its antebellum homes and head on. Driving south along the coast of Georgia, the cities you will pass are as rich with history as they are full of charm. Darien, located on the banks of the Altamaha River, was settled by Scottish Highlanders in 1736. The small city of Brunswick, founded in 1771, was a prosperous lumber shipping center in the 19th century. Shortly after leaving Brunswick, you will enter the state of Florida and pass Jacksonville. In the evening arrive in Florida’s state capitol, Tallahassee. Tallahassee is one of the nation's smaller and quieter capitols and visitors are charmed to find oak lined streets and soft hills surrounding the city.

The Doubletree Hotel Tallahassee is located in the heart of downtown Tallahassee and is within walking distance from Florida’s Capital Complex, the Florida Supreme Court, U.S. Federal Court, Leon County Courthouse, Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center, and many government offices and museums. This Doubletree hotel offers views of the city parks, friendly service and an unbeatable location with easy access to Florida State University, Florida A&M University and only 15 minutes from Tallahassee Regional Airport. Luxurious guest rooms include all the comforts of home and must-have amenities for business and leisure travelers alike.

Overnight at Doubletree Hotel .

New Orleans is the most celebrated city of the American South, and the largest city in Louisiana. The city has a reputation for historical roots, hot and muggy weather, great food, great music, and great times. Despite being hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in late 2005, New Orleans is still the tourist hot-spot it always has been. Jazz music still rules the city's streets and there's still a bit of Mardi Gras all year round. French Quarter is the oldest, most famous, and most visited section of the city. Many old-line restaurants are in the Quarter, along with music clubs, museums, antiques shops, and drinking establishments. Swamp tours to the bayous are also popular.

Continue on to Pensacola, one of Florida’s most important vacation destinations. Pensacola was founded in 1599 by Spanish colonists who created here the first European settlement. Today, the area is known for its miles of Gulf shoreline, many which are preserved as state and federal parks. Tourists come to enjoy the white sandbeaches and to participate in activities such as scuba diving and fishing. Next stop is Mobile, Alabama. Founded in 1702, Mobile rapidly became one of the most important ports along the Gulf Coast. In the evening arrive in New Orleans, Louisiana’s most important port city. People from all over the world have been arriving in New Orleans since the Sieur de Bienville laid out the city’s streets in 1718. The city today is a unique blend of Spanish, French, Caribbean, African and Anglo- Saxon influences. This is obvious in the food, architecture and of course, the music. Ask your tour director about an optional guided Tour through the French Quarter and a Jazz Club visit.

The Hampton Inn: French Quarter is located in the Carondelet Building, noted as the first “skyscraper” in New Orleans. The hotel artfully combines the city’s rich history with modern conveniences. Just one block from the French Quarter, famous restaurants, antique shopping, and top attractions, our hotel in downtown New Orleans gives you easy access to the best this world-class city has to offer. The hotel is convenient for both leisure and business travelers.

Overnight at Hampton Inn: French Quarter.

The tour ends with a day of leisure in New Orleans. The day is yours to immerse yourself in the charm and excitement of one of America’s most unique cities. Your tour director will assist you with planning the day’s activities. Perhaps start the day with an early morning optional taking you to a famous Louisiana Plantation followed by a Jazz Brunch in the Quarter.. Enjoy window shopping along Royal Street’s art galleries, or while away the day lazily sipping coffee in the cafe Du Monde. Take a stroll along the Mississippi River or ride the St. Charles street car through the Garden District, an area known for its magnificent architecture.

Enjoy a shared transfer from your hotel to the dock to start your shared swamp tour! Journey by boat, Cajun-style, for a shared tour through the heart of Southern Louisiana's swamplands. Experience real-life adventure from the comfort of our swamp boats. Tour back into some privately owned meandering bayous and take a look into the past. View moss draped cypress trees, fascinating plant life and the creatures who make their homes here.

Your Cajun guide is a native of the area who will share with you the legends and lore of Louisiana's still untamed wilderness.

Head down to the dock to and climb aboard a local paddle wheeler vessel for your shared cruise. Enjoy the evening as you cruise the Mighty Mississippi, and listen to the sounds of the New Orleans Spice Jazz Band fill the air as you enjoy a lavish buffet dinner. Enhance the evening by sipping your favorite cocktail on the promenade deck as you cruise past the French Quarter and New Orleans twinkling skyline. Make your way back to your hotel after the cruise.

Overnight at Hampton Inn: French Quarter.

Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).