We specialize in customized tours, keyed to your group’s enjoyment. These options are provided as examples, you may choose the outings your group would most enjoy.

Sample Packages:

HISTORIC GHOST TROLLEY

Our guide will meet the group at the Old Pink House to begin a fun filled tour exploring Savannah’s stories of love and legend, ghosts, mystery and intrigue as the trolley makes its way down dimly lit streets past grand haunted mansions and old cemeteries. We will stop along the way at  a haunted pub where the group will enjoy a spirited libation.

HISTORIC SAVANNAH CITY TOUR

Depart for an afternoon exploring Savannah’s beautiful historic Landmark District. Savannah is a city of live oaks draped in Spanish moss, lovely squares and fine architecture. Today’s tour will provide you with an outstanding view of these sites as your tour guide tells you about the founding of the city in 1733 and its unique history and town plan. Learn more about the old city as you ride along the waterfront and learn the importance of cotton and the port of savannah.
Later visit Owen Thomas House Museum built in 1816 and said to be the finest example of Regency architecture in the country. Visit a beautiful home and enjoy refreshments on the veranda before your tour concludes.

MIDNIGHT AND MORE

Your tour guide and transportation will meet the group at the main entrance of your hotel.  We will have a short ride into the historic district of Savannah during which time the guide will talk about the fun and impact the book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, has had on our city. We will ride around and then stroll as we see several of the Midnight sites. We will walk around Monterey Square and visit the Mercer House, Armstrong House and other sites. Following that stop, we will go to the Telfair Art Museum to see the “Bird Girl” statue.

DAY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

Today, your guide and mini bus will meet you at your hotel for a tour that will visit some of the beautiful areas south of the Landmark Historic District. This area is called Isle of Hope.
Our first stop will ride through Bethesda, established in 1734, often said to be the oldest orphanage in the country. You will visit the charming Whitfield Chapel here, built to honor Rev. Whitfield who established Bethesda. Next we will ride down a mile long road lined with Live Oak trees, at Wormsloe Historic Site. This was originally a plantation and fortification in the 18th century and you will visit their museum and see the video about the families and their history. We will then walk along the scenic marsh trail to the “tabby” ruins of the 18th century fortification.
We will include a stroll down Bluff Drive , a lovely row of homes, some dating to before the Civil War, that face the Intercoastal waterway. Lunch today will be served at a private home. Meet the owners for a tour and learn the history of their home. This area has great natural beauty. The afternoon will conclude with a visit to the Byrd Cookie Co. You can see the famous benne seed cookies being made as well as shopping for  gourmet food items featured at their store. We will then return you to your hotel.

SAVANNAH’S ARCHITECTURE AND TOWN PLAN

Savannah, founded in1733, is one of the south’s most beautiful cities. It features a large collection of historically significant buildings and diverse architectural styles, but it is truly best know for it’s unique town plan. James Edward Oglethorpe , founder of Savannah and the colony of Georgia designed the city plan based on European models and towns in  in his native England. The city features twenty two squares. These squares and the neighborhoods surrounding them make Savannah the unique and livable city that it still is today.

We will explore the squares and the buildings surrounding them during the tour. We will also stop at the home of the local historian, who will give the group a talk featuring Savannah history, architecture and other interesting tidbits.

SEDUCTIVE, SCANDALOUS AND INTRIGUING SAVANNAH WALKING TOUR OR BY MINIBUS

This is a walking tour that is sure to please history buffs and gossip hounds alike, while revealing over 260 years of rich southern history all within 2.2 square miles of the Historic District.

Savannah is a living museum where the city’s history from the colonial era through the present is evident in its architecture and in its unique urban plan consisting of 21 verdant city squares graced by fountain, monuments and huge live oaks draped with Spanish moss. Te guide will tell you about the mystery, intrigue and eccentricity of Georgia’s First City. Hear about the local legends, Civil War and ghost tales, and some of the locations that have been used in the famous films made here.

The finale will be a docent led tour of the Mercer Williams House, former home of Jim Williams, an antique dealer immortalized in the book and movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This house was built for General Hugh W. Mercer, the great grandfather of Johnny Mercer, the famous composer. Jim Williams bought the then vacant house and began a two year restoration. The Mercer Williams House is one of the more than 50 houses that he saved during a 30 year career in historic restoration.

AN ELEGANT OUTING IN SAVANNAH

Your guide and transportation will meet you at the hotel to begin your elegant outing in Old Savannah. Tonight your group will experience Savannah at her finest with a brief tour through historic Savannah on your way to dinner at Harper Fowlkes House. The Greek revival mansion located on beautiful Orleans Square  was built in 1842 and is the state headquarters of the Society of the Cincinnati. The society is a men’s group founded by George Washington and its members, as well as, descendants of Revolutionary Army Officers.

Upon Arrival at the home, enjoy cocktails and hors dev eoures in the beautiful garden followed by a brief tour of the house.

A buffet dinner will be served in the dining room to include local and regional specialties. Enjoy dessert and coffee in the beautiful double parlor before departing for your hotel.

GRAVE EXPECTATIONS

Depart your hotel for a fun filled evening celebrating Savannah’s spirited past. We begin with a trolley ride to historic Laurel Grove Cemetery, one of Georgia’s oldest Victorian cemeteries dating to 1850. Your guides will escort you through the cemetery by lantern as you enjoy a nocturnal visit with its “residents.” Costumed characters will greet you at their vaults to tell you what happened to them in their past lives.

TASTE OF SAVANNAH

Today your tour will focus on Savannah’s unique culinary heritage. We begin today with a cooking demo and lecture by author and food historian Damon Fowler. Damon has written several cookbooks to include Classical Southern and the New South Baking Book featured on the NY Times best seller list. He will prepare several dishes from his cookbook for the group to sample. His newest book on Savannah food and entertaining will be
Released soon.
Later, Ted Dennard of the Savannah Bee Company will present a program on honey and its healthful benefits. He will include a tasting on the types of honey his company produces.
Lunch today will be at the Savannah favorite, Mrs. Wilkes, which features the best southern food served family style.
At the conclusion of the program, return to the hotel.

TOUR OF PRIVATE HOMES AND GARDENS

Couldn’t be here for Savannah’s Annual Spring Tour of Homes? We will create another Tour of Homes just for you to enjoy. This tour will begin with our tour guides and transportation at the Hotel. On arrival in the Historic District, we will visit four private homes and one extraordinary garden during this program. We will stroll around from house to house. At each home, the owner will be there to tell about the home, the antiques, and unique features. At one of the homes, we will serve refreshments on the wide porch overlooking the walled garden. We will also visit a garden that has been featured in “Traditional Homes.”

THE PAULA DEEN TOUR

Depart the hotel for a fun filled tour exploring Savannahian Paula Deen, Food Network star and owner of the Lady and Sons Restaurant. The tour will visit sites frequented by the  celebrity. We begin the tour with a stop at Polk’s Produce Market. Later, the tour continues past her former downtown home as we make our way out to Bethesda where she was married in 2004.  Later visit the Byrd Cookie Company where the group can shop for her products. The tour will also ride by her latest venture, Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House. Conclude the tour with lunch at Paula’s restaurant, the Lady and Sons.

ART AND ANTIQUES

Savannah has many wonderful art galleries. Some of them are owned by local artists and feature their work. Others are owned by Savannah College of Art and Design and feature students’ work as well as traveling exhibits. Today we will visit several galleried that feature a wide variety of styles and mediums.
Later the tour will focus on antiques with a stop at several of the best antique shops. One of the dealers will speak about Savannah furniture and southern silver.
Lunch today will be at the Mansion on Forsyth Park. This charming boutique hotel features a large collection of paintings and has its own in house art gallery.

BARRIER ISLAND ECO TOUR

Depart the hotel by mini bus for the Bull River Marina for a fun filled adventure on a pontoon boat. View schools of dolphin and exotic waterfowl as you cruise along the salt marshes and rivers of coastal Georgia. The tour continues as the boat docks on a barrier island     off the coast where the group will do a short nature walk to discuss Low Country ecology and marine life. The guide will drag a seine net along the beach for the group to discuss what lies beneath the water. A box lunch will be provided on board.

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF THE CIVIL WAR

Depart your hotel today for a tour exploring Savannah’s Civil War history and its occupation by union forces under the command of General William T. Sherman.
Our first stop today will be at the Green Meldrim House, built in 1853 and considered to be one of the city’s most beautiful museum houses. This is the home where General Sherman stayed during his occupation of the city and in 1864 sent a telegram to President Lincoln giving him Savannah for a Christmas present.
Your tour continues to Old Fort Jackson located on the Savannah River and said to be the oldest fort in Georgia. Enjoy a canon firing by costumed soldiers during the tour.
Your tour today will conclude at Fort Pulaski. The fort was once under the command of General Robert E. Lee and guarded the entrance to the Savannah River at the Atlantic Ocean. Today it is operated by the Department of the Interior as a National Historic site.
We will return you to the hotel at the end of the tour.

LOW COUNTRY BOAT TOUR

Depart the Westin Hotel dock for a 2 hour tour that explores the waterways of Savannah and its     maritime history as a major commercial port. You will cruise up the Savannah River towards our port where the group will view large container ships, tugs and docking pilots as you see ships from around the world being loaded and unloaded with cargo from foreign ports.
You will then view the location of the Mulberry Grove Plantation located on the banks of the river. Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin at this site. Before your tour concludes, cruise along the canals of the Savannah Wildlife Refuge to view birds, alligators and other wildlife species. A box lunch will be served on board.

THE BEST OF SAVANNAH

Depart the hotel by deluxe motorcoaches for a day of touring Savannah and the Low Country. Your tour today begins in the city’s oldest area known as the Historic Landmark District. Your experienced tour guides will tell you about the founding of Georgia in February 1733 as the colonist led by James Oglethorpe landed on the banks of the Savannah River. Learn about Savannah’s history, architecture and unique town plan as we explore the city’s 22 squares. We’ll also inform you about the preservation monument and renovation of hundreds of historic structures in both the Historic and Victorian Districts. Later in the morning, explore the southern part of the Historic District on foot with a leisurely stroll down Bull Street and into Forsyth Park where your guide will tell you about the Yellow Fever epidemic and the underground tunnels which ran under Forsyth Park from what was once Telfair Hospital. We will then turn to more contemporary history as we explore sites and characters from the book and movie Midnight on the Garden of Good and Evil. Stop along the way for refreshments as you tour.

Depart for lunch at the Crab Shack on Tybee Island. Enjoy lunch (seafood and non seafood items available) with beverage and dessert.
After lunch, your tour of Tybee Island or Savannah Beach continues as your guides tell you the history of the island as you drive past the pier and the Tybee Lighthouse. The tour will then progress off the island. Learn about the Civil War and its impact on Savannah as you pass Fort Pulaski.

Arrive at the Bull River Marina for a dolphin cruise along the waters of the Bull River and salt marsh. View schools of dolphin and learn more about the ocean beach and salt marsh ecosystem as you cruise.

Depart the marina for the hotel with a fully narrated tour on your return to the hotel.

DINNER AT THE OLD PINK HOUSE

Depart board carriages for  a 45 minute tour of Savannah’s historic district before arriving at The Old Pink House for dinner.
Dinner tonight will be held in the Study at the Pink House and on the Terrace.
Enjoy a 3 course dinner.
After dinner the group will go on a ghost tour and haunted pub crawl before returning to your hotel.

AN ELEGANT EVENING IN OLD SAVANNAH

Depart the Westin for the Telfair museum of art, adjacent to the Jepson Museum and the Telfair square. Upon arrival enjoy a tour of the Telfair Museum, the South’s oldest art museum and former home of the Telfair family. View current exhibitions and also its permanent collections. Enjoy host beer wine and soft drink bars and passed horsdevoures in Telfair square.
Later that evening we will continue at the Jepson Museum. The contemporary art museum also located on Telfair square opened in 2004. Enjoy host beer, wine and soft drink bars on the terrace and on the second level. Galleries will be opened for touring throughout the evening. Dinner will consist of heavy horsdevoures, both passed and served at stations. Musical entertainment will be provided here and in the Telfair Square by local Jazz musicians. At the conclusion of the evening we will return the group to their hotel.

THE SAVANNAH MOVIE TOUR

Come join us in celebrating the city’s Hollywood history, by taking a tour of your favorite Savannah movie locations. Take a tour past the doorsteps of your favorite movie characters and real-life celebrities. While on the tour, you’ll relive Savannah’s Hollywood history, and see why 10 Academy Awards have gone to movies filmed in the city.
Did you know that 75 movies have been filmed in Savannah since 1915? That’s because of the city’s charm and dramatic beauty, which has attracted filmmakers from around the world. Whether it’s the historic squares, moss draped oak trees, cemeteries, or beautiful homes,     filmmakers continue to find the perfect backdrops for their movies in Savannah.
You’ll see where Forrest Gump sat on the bench, Paula Deen’s Lady & Son’s, Clary’s Cafe, Leopold’s Ice-Cream, the Mercer House from “Midnight”, The Six Pence Pub from “Something to Talk About” to name a few. You’ll also see the gorgeous homes of the stars, where the stars love to dine, shop, and party! Bring your camera, because you never know who you might see!

SAVANNAH’S HAUNTED PUB CRAWL

After dinner, guides will meet the group for a creepy pub-crawl. Visit some of the city’s many pubs and explore stories of ghosts, mystery and intrigue as you stroll around the Historic District. You’ll stop along the way for spirited libations. You will be returned to the hotel at the conclusion of the tour. (About 1 ½ hour tour)

CARRIAGE RIDE TO PINK HOUSE FOLLOWED BY SAVANNAH THEATRE

Tonight your group will depart the hotel by horse drawn carriage for the Olde Pink House The Pink stucco building location on Reynolds square was once the home of Royal Edwards James Habersham when Savannah  was the capitol of Georgia. Later the building became the Planter’s bank.
Upon arrival at the restaurant, the group will be seated in a beautiful new private room at the rear of the building. They will have a three course meal to include choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert. Wine by the glass or bottle and cocktails are available throughout the evening.
After dinner your group will enjoy a production at the Historic Savannah Theatre.

INSHORE FISHING

Depart the hotel for Lazaretto creek Marina for a morning or afternoon of inshore fishing along the rivers and creeks adjacent to Tybee Island.
Included in the cost of the private charter: all bait, tackle, boat captain, fishing license, bottle waters, and soft drinks.

Custom Evening events

AN ELEGANT EVENING IN FORSYTH PARK

Depart your hotel for an elegant dinner in Forsyth Park. The park is the historic district’s largest and features a majestic central fountain, lush azaleas and a canopy of live oaks. It has been featured in many movies (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.)
We begin with cocktail parties in private homes on Monterey Square (1/2 block from the park’s grand entrance.) Guests can stroll from house to house meeting the owners and enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The Mercer House would be one of the homes used for the party.
Later dinner would be served under a tent near the fountain. After dinner, the Savannah Winds Orchestra (60 pieces) will entertain with a medley of music featuring Savannah native, Johnny Mercer’s music.

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

Depart your hotel for the Jepson Center for the Arts. The museum was completed in 2005 at a cost of $25,000,000 and features 64,000 square feet of exhibit space and is located on Telfair Square.
Upon arrival enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the roof top terrace followed by tours of the galleries and current exhibits. Docents will be on hand to provide tours of the galleries.
Dinner will be served in the beautiful atrium. (You can view a dinner we held there in May on our website.) A jazz duo- pianist and vocalist will provide dinner entertainment.

EVENING AT THE TELFAIR MUSEUM OF ART

Adjacent to the Jepson Center is the Telfair Museum of Art, the South’s oldest art museum. The building was given to the city by Mary Telfair.
Upon arrival enjoy cocktails in Telfair Square followed by a seated dinner with entertainment in the Rotunda.

GONE WITH THE WIND – SAVANNAH STYLE

Welcome to the graciousness and hospitality of the old South. A time of legendary  Southern gardens and ivy laced arbors nestled beneath majestic oak trees laden with Spanish moss.     Guests will virtually “travel back in time” as we whisk them away for an evening of elegance in the timeless spirit of the ante-bellum South.
For this special evening, the Harbor Ballroom and lawn have been transformed into the grounds of a majestic Southern Mansion. Four large stone towers create the entrance to the     garden-enhanced courtyard that frames the entrance to the party. Each massive tower appears     created with large stone bricks decorated with scrolled accents and filigree wrought iron gates.
Rhett and Scarlett look-a-likes will greet the group and welcome them to “Tara.”
A building set features a working front door and an 8 foot wide and 40 foot long veranda shaded by a roof supported by six Goliath columns. Spectacular giant oak trees with live branches flank each side completing the three dimensional effect of the setting. Other costumed characters in Southern belle attire will stroll among the guests.
The perimeter of the ballroom is disguised with a pair of scenic canvas murals that, in addition to obscuring the ballroom walls, adds a degree of depth to the presentation. The murals become the background for large scenic elements including ivy laden trellis, a decorative tulip shaped fountain, split-rail fencing and authentic garden statuary softened with blooming plants,     ficus trees, cut branches and lush Boston ferns. Some of these props will also decorate the tent located on the lawn.
The table centerpieces are designed on 20 inch tall slender wrought iron candelabras  containing white taper candles featuring flowers from a southern garden.
We will provide a jazz trio under the tent and a pianist in the ballroom for light entertainment.

AN EVENING AT OLD FORT JACKSON

This unique evening begins with the group departing the hotel for the Savannah River Queen Riverboat where you will board for the ride down the river to Fort Jackson. On route, there will be a cash bar for you to enjoy a drink on the approximately 30 minute cruise.
On arrival at Fort Jackson, you will be greeted by costumed soldiers in Civil War era garb who will pipe you into the fort. The fort is the oldest standing in Georgia dating to 1809. There will be full bars and light hors d’oeuvres for all to enjoy as they explore the historic site. From the parapet there is a wonderful view of the Savannah River. The fort “soldiers” will play music of the era during the evening. They will also do a short program about the fort, including a firing of the massive canon. The commander may have some of your guests join in marching in the formation and if you wish, single out certain persons for extra recognition.
Dinner will be served under the two pavilions at the fort. The fort and tables will be decorated in patriotic colors with attractive centerpieces and décor. The meal will be a traditional Savannah favorite, Low Country Shrimp Boil, which is a combination of shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob, and potatoes all cooked together. In addition, there will be chicken, Savannah red rice, coleslaw, beverages and dessert.
Throughout the evening, there will be a band for dancing or listening featuring a variety of music for all to enjoy. At the conclusion of the evening, everyone will be transported by trolleys and minibuses back to the hotel. (Or enjoy the optional pub crawl)

Off Site Events

SUGGESTED VENUES:

I. The Chatham Club-
This lovely private club is located on the 14th floor of the Desoto Hilton Hotel and features great views of the city and surrounding area and outstanding cuisine.

II. The Harper Fowlkes House-
Greek Revival private home belonging to the Society of the Cincinnati featuring a beautiful garden and historic interior with antiques. One of our own caterers would prepare the dinner.

RESTAURANT DESCRIPTIONS

The Olde Pink House-
Lovely colonial pink stucco building on Reynolds Square. The building was once used as the Royal Governor’s home when Savannah was the capital of Georgia and also was used as a bank. The building is said to be haunted. The restaurant features several private dining rooms.

45 Bistro at the Marshall House-
One of Savannah’s best, owned by Sandy Hollander who has been in the restaurant business for 25years. Features an eclectic menu and great wine list. There is a lovely private atrium available for the group.

Elizabeth on 37th-
Probably Savannah’s most well known and best four star restaurant (some say its five star) located in a midtown historic home with garden. Featured in many magazines and recipient of many culinary awards. Features nouvelle southern cuisine and a great wine list.

Garibaldi’s-
Located in the City Market area for over 25 years. The restaurant is in an old fire station. The private room on the second floor is probably the best private room in Savannah. The menu features some northern Italian entrees but is known for fresh fish and local seafood. Chef Green’s combinations of sauces and food are great!