Description
Orlando – St.Augustine – Georgia’s Golden Isles – Savannah – Charleston – Asheville – Atlanta
Orlando
America’s family fun capital, Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Sea World and other famous mega-theme parks, including Discovery Cove and Universal Studios. There’s more going on in the city than just Mickey and Goofy and the gang though. Once you’ve had your fill of the theme parks, adults will also be able to choose from several outstanding golf courses in the area, a family-friendly science center, plenty of entertainment options and a fine art museum.
St. Augustine
Leave Orlando and begin your journey just two hours away with a stop in St. Augustine, FL. Old World majesty, the quiet strength of a mighty fortress, the promise of a new life free from tyranny and oppression…Those who visit Old City will absorb centuries of colorful adventure. From the coquina stone walls of the Castillo to the lush grounds of Fort Mose, every door, every corner of Old City reveals a story.
Georgia’s Golden Isles
Head North from St. Augustine on I-95 to St. Simons Island where the shopping is grand, the food is fabulous and the beach is calling your name. Christ Church and Fort Frederica are just a couple of the excellent attractions that await you on this island.
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, on Jekyll Island, is one of the Golden Isles newest attractions. Dedicated to education about and rehabilitation of turtles on the East Coast, the Center has displays, turtle tanks and a surgery suite designed so that visitors can watch procedures live. While on Jekyll be sure to take a tram tour of the historic district, once the playground of the aristocracy that included J.P. Morgan, William Vanderbilt, Joseph Pulitzer, and Marshall Field. Many of their summer “cottages” are still in existence and are open to the public.
Savannah
Get to know Savannah by experiencing a city tour. The Savannah Visitor Information Center is a good place to join a tour. This will help you get better acquainted with our genteel Southern beauty and give you a sample of the attractions you will want to explore on your own. Next, Savannah’s City Market and River Street have numerous dining establishments to tempt your taste buds. Then it’s time to get a closer look at some of Savannah’s magnificent architecture and 22 splendid squares. Savannah’s 250 year old history creates many opportunities to explore various eras of history. Take a tour focused on our antiques, architecture, Black heritage, Civil War history, cemeteries, ghosts or gardens. Or take a scenic tour of the Savannah River on a sightseeing, dinner, or specially-themed Savannah Riverboat cruise. This amazing city has more than 45 historical and cultural attractions. Spend day two discovering the treasures and history that lie within our many house museums, forts and historic sites.
Charleston
Just two hours north of Savannah is Charleston, SC, another gem situated on the Southeastern US coast. It is the second largest city in South Carolina, and is brimming with rich history, tradition and Southern charm. Charleston is a major tourist destination due to its prominent art, music, food and fashion scenes, and since its establishment over 300 years ago, the historic areas of the city remain intact and as beautiful and picturesque as ever, leaving visitors with an old world feel. The city’s annual calendar is sprinkled with various cultural events and fairs, along with a vibrant theater scene, thus catering to the many interests of its visitors. This has ultimately led Charleston to be recognized as one of the top ten cities for theater, as well as one of the top 25 art destinations in America.
Asheville
The tranquil charm of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the spirited culture of the River Arts District, the natural magnificence of Chimney Rock – these are just some of the attractions that have inspired countless visitors to Asheville. Parks like the Pisgah National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park make it easy to experience the great outdoors. An impressive variety of cultural attractions like the historic Biltmore Estate, as well as first-class museums catering to everything from fine art to geology have established Asheville as a cultural epicenter.
Atlanta
After arrival in Atlanta, your first stop of the day is to the Cyclorama to see the battle of the “Late Great Unpleasantness” (also known as the Civil War!).Then see how Coca Cola impacted the New South at the World of Coca Cola Museum. Just steps away from Coca Cola, you can journey into the heart of CNN’s global headquarters with a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the news organization. Finally, plan a visit to The Atlanta Aquarium. It’s the world’s largest!