Tauck World Discovery: Southern Charms: St. Augustine, Savannah & CharlestonDay 1 St. Augustine, FloridaWelcome to St. Augustine

Journey begins: 5:30 PM, Casa Monica Resort & Spa. A transfer is included from Jacksonville International Airport or Daytona Beach International Airport to the Casa Monica Hotel & Spa in St. Augustine. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at your hotel.

Founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral, Pedro Menendez de Aviles, St. Augustine is the oldest continously-inhabitated city in the United States. Today, much of that historic charm and spanish-influenced style remains, and will become apparent during your explorations throughout the city. Your day begins with a tour of your historic hotel, Casa Monica, Resort & Spa. Built in 1888, the hotel is located in the heart of St. Augustine's Historic District. Blending its vintage Moroccan charm with modern-day amentities, the hotel has many stories to share, some of which can be heard by just simply walking through its historic hallways. A member of the Historic Hotels of America since 2001, the Casa Monica, Resort & Spa shares the distinct honor of being one of the first seven Collection hotels with Marriott. Next, hit the streets on a guided tour of St. Augustine by coach, where the stories and culture of the oldest city in the United States comes to life. The rest of the day is yours to do as you wish.

Wave goodbye to St. Augustine as you head off to your next destination - Savannah, Georgia. En route, stop on Jekyll Island, one of Georgia's barrier islands for a tour through its historic district including entry into one of its cottages where an interpreter will share tidbits and stories regarding the history of the island. Following lunch at Jekyll Island Club Resort, continue on to Savannah, where you'll check-in late this afternoon at the Perry Lane Hotel, your home for the next three nights.

Start a day of exploration with a morning sightseeing trip of Savannah with a local guide, admiring the city's elegant architecture and geometric city design, featuring 24 park squares highlighted by live oaks draped with Spanish moss. One of the first planned cities in America, Savannah's National Historic Landmark District is the largest in the nation, and features more than 1,000 architecturally significant buildings. Next, engage in a hands-on culinary demonstration focusing on dishes representing the unique cuisine of the coastal Low Country region before embarking on a guided excursion through the Low Country region along the Georgia coast. Experience the unique Gullah / Geechee culture firsthand at the Pin Point Heritage Museum. Occupying a former oyster and crab processing factory in the community of Pin Point, the museum's exhibits and multimedia exhibits showcase the longstanding oyster fishing traditions and folkways of the residents of Pin Point - which for nearly a century survived as an isolated, self-sustaining Gullah / Geechee enclave. Return to your hotel late this afternoon for an evening to enjoy Savannah as you wish.

One of the oldest cities in the state of Georgia, Savannah was the original capital of what was then the Province of Georgia as well as a focal and strategic port city during the American Revolution and American Civil War. Today, Savannah has evolved into one of Georgia's industrial powerhouse cities and continues to be an important seaport along the Atlantic Ocean. Renowned for its charming historic district, southern hospitality, Antebellum archiecture and numerous cultural attractions, today offers you the opportunity to experience all that Savannah has to offer during a day of leisure. In the afternoon, rejoin the group for a special private tour at one of Savannah's hidden treasures, before gathering for an elegant dinner in a renowned historic building.

This morning, travel north to picturesque Beaufort, South Carolina. Nicknamed the "Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands, Beaufort is known for its rich history, beautiful antebellum architecture, and charming historic downtown district. Did you know that many scenes from the beloved 1994 film "Forrest Gump" as well as numerous other films including "Full Metal Jacket" and "The Jungle Book" were shot in Beaufort? Be sure to be on the lookout for the real world locations from these famous films during a self guided tour of the city followed by time to browse the city's unique shops and sample its local cuisine—perhaps even stopping by Scout Southern Market for their famous Original Sweet Tea Ice Cream Float. Continue on to Charleston this afternoon, where a delightful horse-drawn carriage tour awaits upon arrival, offering you an insightful overview of this historic city's charms. Your evening in Charleston is free to explore and dine at your leisure.

Join us this morning on a visit to a historic plantation, since beautifully transformed into a national landmark dedicated to education, reflection, and learning about the complex history and cultural heritage of the region. Learn about the history of the plantation including its owners and the numerous slaves that lived and worked here. Return to Charleston early this afternoon for time at leisure. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a private farewell cocktail reception and dinner at the elegant High Cotton restaurant, located in the heart of Charleston's charming historic district.

Tour ends: Charleston. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton to Charleston International Airport. Allow a minimum of two hours for flight check-in.