We’re off to Charleston and Savannah and a visit to the “Old South.” This afternoon we visit Charleston Tea Garden, America’s only working tea plantation. We tour the factory then take a narrated trolley ride through the fields. Back at the gift shop, we enjoy some fresh iced tea. Next we stop for pictures of the Angel Oak Tree, thought to be one of the oldest living organisms east of the Mississippi River. Later we check into our hotel in Charleston for a two-night stay. Dinner is included this evening. (D)

Boone Hall Plantation offers a captivating journey through southern history, with its iconic avenue of oaks, beautifully preserved gardens, and historically significant slave cabins. As one of the oldest working plantations in the US, it’s a must see for Charleston’s cultural heritage. We enjoy lunch and shopping at the Old City Market in downtown Charleston. This afternoon we meet our local guide for a tour of historic Charleston. See preserved and restored homes, visit the Battery with some of the settlement’s earliest fortifications, and see St. Michael’s Episcopal Church with a graveyard dating back to 1752. Tonight we try out another of the fine local restaurants for our evening meal. (D)

Today we arrive for a tour of Magnolia Gardens, selected as one of “America’s most beautiful gardens.” Then we enjoy a scenic drive through towering live oaks and Spanish moss on our way to Beaufort. Here we take a carriage tour allowing our guide to share many historic facts of Beaufort. A dozen movies including Forrest Gump have been filmed here. We’re off to Savannah for a two-night stay.

We take an informative trolley tour of Savannah, seeing the major attractions such as the Juliette Gordon Lowe House, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Cotton Exchange and the historic Riverfront. Enjoy a relaxing Savannah River Queen lunch cruise with a delicious southern style meal, taking in the historic waterfront & skyline views. This evening we take our seats at the historic Savannah Theatre for a fabulous musical performance. (L)

We visit the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum, located in Pooler, GA. You’ll be amazed at the history of this storied group. Mid-morning we must depart the “Old South” returning home late in the afternoon.