Few cities in America have such a rich combination of history, culture and beauty as Charleston and Savannah.  Their fascinating historic sites are complemented with a wealth of exquisite antebellum architecture, magnificent gardens, and graceful plantations.  Add to this, the region's savory Lowcountry cuisine and charming southern hospitality and you have a perfect destination for an outstanding learning vacation.  

THIS WAS OUR ITINERARY

Wednesday,  March 17     Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Join fellow travelers and staff at our welcome dinner.

O/N King Charles Inn, Charleston (R, D)

Thursday, March 18

Your orientation of Charleston begins with a walking tour of the historic district of this charming city. We'll see the Old Exchange Building & Provost Dungeon where South Carolina declared its independence from Britain and tour the Old Slave Mart where slave auctions were held in the 1850s.  We'll also visit the Heyward-Washington House where President Washington stayed during his week-long visit to Charleston in 1791.

O/N King Charles Inn, Charleston (B,L)

Friday, March 19

This morning we'll discuss the opening of the American Civil War on a guided tour of Ft. Sumter.  After lunch, we'll visit Ft. Moultrie, the site of the first American victory over the British Navy in 1776.  If enrollments permit, we will also include a private chartered cruise to Morris Island, site of Fort Wagner, scene of the ill-fated assault by the 54th Massachusetts and immortalized by the movie Glory.

O/N King Charles Inn, Charleston (B)

Saturday, March 20 

Today we'll see the confederate submarine Hunley, the first sub to sink an enemy warship.  We'll continue to Magnolia Cemetery to see the graves of members of the Hunley's crew.

Following lunch, we'll enjoy a private, behind-the-scenes tour of Drayton Hall. During the Revolution, this beautifully preserved plantation house served as headquarters for Generals Clinton, Cornwallis and "Mad Anthony" Wayne.

O/N King Charles Inn, Charleston (B,L)

Sunday, March 21

Check out of our hotel and depart for Savannah.  En route we will spend the day at the lovely waterfront community of Beaufort, S.C., location for movies including Forrest Gump and The Big Chill.  We'll take a walking tour of the historic town, visit the cemetery where many of the 54th Mass. Solders were buried, and tour the Parris Island Museum.Ed will discuss the Battle of Honey Hill, a failed attempt by the Union to secure the Charleston & Savannah Railroad during Sherman's March to the Sea.

O/N Hampton Inn, Historic District Savannah (B,L,D)

Monday, March 22  

Today Ed will discuss the final leg of Sherman's March to the Sea.  We'll tour Fort McAllister that features the best preserved earthwork fortifications of the Confederacy. Attacked seven times by Union ironclads, it did not fall until captured in 1864 by Gen. William T. Sherman during his "March to the Sea.  In the days before the Civil War, brick forts, like Fort Pulaski, were America's main defense against overseas enemies. In 1862, the Union army successfully tested  rifled cannons compelling the Confederates inside Fort Pulaski to surrender and rendering brick fortifications obsolete.

O/N Hampton Inn, Historic District Savannah (B,L)

Tuesday, March 23

We devote this morning to a guided walking tour of this beautiful city known for its famous squares and beautiful homes.  We'll tour the Green-Meldrim House that served as General Sherman's headquarters after he took the city in 1864.  This afternoon, we'll tour the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum and Old Fort Jackson.

O/N Hampton Inn, Historic District Savannah (B,L)

Wednesday, March 24

Today we'll make an excursion to Georgia's famous "Golden Isles."  During the Gilded Age, Jekyll Island became a premier playground for America's tycoons including Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Morgan and Pulitzer.  We'll see their "cottages" on a tour of the historic district.  Ed will guide us through Fort Frederica established in 1736 by James Oglethorpe to protect the southern boundary of his new colony of Georgia from the Spanish in Florida.  We'll also see Darien, the town that the 54th Massachusetts was ordered to loot and burn.

O/N Hampton Inn, Historic District Savannah (B, L,D)

Thursday, March 25 

Depart at your leisure after breakfast. (B)

CHARLESTON & SAVANNAH PROGRAM INCLUDES:
* Historian: Ed Bearss
* Tour Manager: Marty Gane
* 8 nights hotel accommodations
* one wine/beer welcome reception; 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
* all taxes, baggage handling and gratuities; pre-trip notes, reading list and map book

COST: 9 DAYS/8 NIGHTS
Double Occupancy: $2,875 per person
Single Occupancy: $3,550

  To enroll on this tour, print & complete the attached registration form and mail it with a $200 per person deposit check to:   South Mountain Expeditions, P.O. Box 204, Keedysville, MD, 21756.  Or call us at (301) 988-1852 or toll free at 1 (866) 914-1862. We accept VISA, Mastercard and American Express.