Sample Itineraries for Coach Tours of Charleston and Savannah

• Step-on Tours

Savannah, The Hostess City

A group leaves the coach at Colonial Cemetery for a tour of the Cathedral in Lafayette Square.

Three nights is the perfect length for this trip. It permits visitors to get a real feel for Savannah.

The story of America's loveliest city, from her founding in 1733 to her restoration in modern times is amusing and eccentric. Savannahians would always rather party than work or fight. We'll see the riverfront, the lovely squares, majestic mansions, charming row houses, and secret gardens.

We'll walk into some of the older squares where coaches are not permitted. We'll visit the cathedral, and possibly First African Baptist Church or Wesley Monumental Methodist Church as well.

Jones Street, Savannah

Lunch is quite an experience at Mrs. Wilkes famous restaurant on Jones Street, one of the finest residential streets, with plenty of gardens to peek into. This is a treat, with very southern cooking served family style. Then we have an afternoon free for shopping.

This trip includes a visit to one of our favorite house museums, such as the Owens-Thomas House, built by a wealthy cotton merchant in 1819. Possibly the only extant urban slave quarters in the country are on display in the carriage house and the lovely parterre garden was recently restored.

Out of town, we'll see ante-bellum houses on Isle of Hope, and visit Fort Pulaski, a Civil War fort at the mouth of the Savannah River.

Evening activities include some fine food and a visit to the very entertaining review at the Savannah Theater.

Savannah, Charleston, Beaufort, the Golden Isles

Christ Church, St. Simons Island, where Eugenia Price worshipped

This 5-day tour includes the best of Savannah and Charleston, with a brief visit to Beaufort. In Savannah, we visit the Ships of the Sea Museum and its lovely garden and the Savannah History Museum. Venture to the outskirts of Savannah with a drive through Isle of Hope, Bonaventure Cemetery, Bethesda, and Byrd Cookie Company.

Next day, to the Golden Isles, barrier islands about an hour down the coast from Savannah. We'll take a tram tour of "Millionaires' Village"on Jekyll Island and drive around St. Simons Island.

The trip to Charleston is scenic, with long views of salt marsh and forest. It goes by way of lovely little Beaufort, where we have lunch and stroll around. In Charleston, we'll take a city tour with a most amusing guide, and dine at Poogan's Porch.

The plantations near Charleston are famous, with good reason. The house at Middleton burned, but the landscaped garden remains, sweeping down to the Ashley River in broad terraces, sculpted by slaves. Drayton Hall is the best-preserved of the plantations, and a visit is a fascinating introduction to the art and science of historic preservation.

Lafayette Square, Savannah