Day 1 Hannibal, MO

We board our coach this morning for a charming adventure south. Spending the day getting acquainted with our fellow travelers as we make our way to Hannibal for our first overnight stay. The evening is on your own to explore and enjoy the town.

Day 2 Nashville, TN

Today we will notice the changing terrain as we pass through Illinois to Kentucky and finally Tennessee, to Nashville, “Music City USA” and check-in to our accommodations for the evening. (B)

Day 3 Marietta, GA

This morning we visit the Lynchburg, Tennessee and tour the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the US. We’ll learn the story of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey and probably an interesting story or two about Mr. Jack as well. Lunch is included at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant. With over 100 years of operation, you’ll enjoy the down-home cooking just like Mr. Jack did a century ago. We’ll continue south to Marietta, Georgia for our overnight. (B, L)

Day 4 Savannah, GA

Trekking farther south, we’ll arrive in Savannah, “the Belle of Georgia.” Upon arrival, we will board the Georgia Queen for a Cruise along the Savannah River front. Enjoy a traditional southern lunch while listening to informational and entertaining tales and facts from the Captain as we tour a river once traveled by the founders of the city. We will learn the history of the city, as well as facts about the port, past, and modern day. Take in panoramic views of the river and nearby landmarks including the Port and historic Fort Jackson. You’ll have some free time on River Street before we head to our hotel which is located right in the historic district near the city market along with many other shops and restaurants. (B, L)

Day 5 Savannah, GA

Today we will travel south out of Savannah to Jekyll Island, the southernmost island of the Golden Isles. We’ll board a tram for a tour to experience of the rich culture and history of the Island. Next, we’ll head out on a Shrimping Excursion in the calm waters of Georgia’s coast. Learn all about shrimp, crabs and other creatures that call these waters their home. Tonight, dinner is included at the Pirate’s House. (B, D)

Day 6 Charleston, SC

Our morning begins with a scenic Trolley Tour through Savannah. This tour gives us a chance to drive down streets our motorcoach cannot. Our friendly conductor will entertain us with historic anecdotes and southern hospitality. Discover the cobblestone streets, magnolia trees draped in Spanish moss, more exquisite antebellum homes and churches, historic sites and Savannah’s southern charm. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious southern included lunch at Lady & Sons. Then we’ll head out of town and make our way to Charleston, South Carolina. We’ll take a bit of a detour to visit the Charleston Tea Gardens on Wadmalaw Island in the heart of Lowcounty. We’ll tour the factory and learn first-hand how tea is made. Then we’ll board a trolley for a tour of the tea fields and learn how tea is made. And to finish our tour, a tea tasting at the “Tea Bar.” We continue to Charleston to check-in to our hotel located in the historic district. You’ll have the evening on your own. (B, L)

Day 7 Charleston, SC

We begin our day with a local step-on guide on a tour of the city that is also known as “The Holy City.” Then we’re off to Magnolia Plantation, which was established in 1676. We’ll experience the history and wildlife of the plantation on a tram ride through the wetlands, lakes, forest and marshes found here on the property and hopefully spot some alligators, turtles, egrets or herons that. Next we step back in time on a guided tour of the house learning about the family life at Magnolia. A visit here would not be complete without a visit to the slave cabins to learn about the families who have lived here as enslaved workers. A boxed lunch will be provided. The rest of the afternoon will be spent at the historic Charleston City Market, one of the nation’s oldest public markets and the cultural heart of Charleston. You’ll have plenty of time to explore and grab a bite to eat. (B, L)

Day 8 Asheville, NC

Back on the road today. We make our way into North Carolina today to Charlotte to visit The Billy Graham Library to explore the life of Billy Graham and experience the Gospel he has preached for decades. Lunch is included while here. We continue to Asheville for our overnight. (B, L)

Day 9 Lexington, KY

This morning we will visit the Biltmore Estate. Overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, this Chateauesque-style mansion was created by George Vanderbilt in 1895. You will see magnificent 16th century tapestries, a library with 10,000 volumes, a banquet hall with a 70-foot ceiling, 65 fireplaces, and indoor pool and a bowling alley. Afterwards, we begin our trek north, towards home. We travel as far as Lexington, Kentucky - the horse capital of the world. (B)

Day 10 Janesville, WI

Our tour is soon coming to an end as we drive to through Indiana and into Illinois and finally Wisconsin to our overnight destination in Janesville. We’ll get together one last evening for a Pizza Party at our hotel. (B, D)

Day 11 Home

With new friendships formed and a suitcase full of memories, we will arrive back home today.