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From: £3395
This tour of North & South Carolina will take you on a journey to some of America's most fascinating history and grand plantation homes. These states are also home to some golden beaches, quaint hamlets as well as incredible Smoky Mountain National Park scenery.
On this leisurely fly-drive, you'll also take a detour across the border into neighbouring Georgia to explore the picture-postcard pretty, and historic Southern city of Savannah.
Price per person includes:
Distance: 252 miles
Start your journey to Savannah with a stop in Columbia with its riverfront park and historic homes and garden district. Take a tour of Robert Mills House, one of Columbia’s five national historic landmarks with beautiful and ornate grounds. Historic Savannah is a charming, quirky city full of period architecture, trendy boutiques and local cuisine straight from the coast and has a world-class reputation for hospitality and grace. Things are just a bit slower and just a bit friendlier here so be sure to take your time, soak it all in and let the southern charm unfold around you.
Getting around couldn’t be easier. Explore the cobblestone streets, stroll through the pretty squares and let ‘Savannah Dan’ take you on a guided tour of the stunning Historic District. Take a trolley tour around the city hopping on and off at numerous sights or treat yourself to a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride around the manicured parks and antebellum architecture. Don’t forget that Savannah is on the river so be sure to visit the waterfront If you’re looking for shopping, dining and galleries. You’ll find it all here.
A short drive away you will find the Wormsloe Historic Site, one of the most beautiful parks in all of Savannah. Stroll down the breathtaking tree lined avenue and take pictures of the exceptional Live Oaks, dripping with ‘Spanish Moss’ which leads right up to the colonial estate and ruins of Wormsloe.
Before you leave the charms of Savannah take a trip to Mrs Wilkes Dining Room, you’ll need to line up as it’s very popular. Formally a boarding house this historic building has been a fixture in Savannah since 1943 and serves a different menu of home cooked southern dishes every day. Locals say this is the ‘real deal’.
Distance: 106 miles
On your drive to the city of Charleston stop off at Beaufort where you can view the fine homes from the Civil War Period, they are in near perfect condition. Charleston is known for its romantic charm, its priceless preserved homes, and its gentility. Charleston's historic houses are open to the public and a fine example is Nathaniel Russell House. Numerous walking tours are available from house and garden tours by day or candlelight, Civil War tours, or for the brave ghost tours. Don't miss the Low Country near Charleston, home to the magnificent Boone Hall and Drayton Hall Plantation Homes.
Distance: 172 miles
With 31 miles of pristine shoreline North Carolinas Cape Fear region beckons you to its idyllic sandy island beaches and historic river town of Wilmington. This area is rich in heritage, which dates back to the early explorers; it's also the largest district on the celebrated list of Historic Places. If you're not strolling along Wilmington's River Walk or dining in the abundant fish restaurants, then relax and watch the world go by one of the many river cruises.
Distance: 229 miles
The Outer Banks are a unique barrier of islands that form a giant sandbar; this leg of your journey is brimming with history too, from mans first successful powered flight by Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk to the fabled 'Lost Colony' that once existed and mysteriously disappeared here. Take time out to explore this coast where Blackbeard's boots once trod or simply soak in the sun at the wild Cape Hatteras National seashore.
Distance: 299 miles
An early start is advised as you cross two thirds of North Carolina from east to west. You will want to arrive in time to enjoy Old Salem, the heart of Winston Salem; little changed in over 200 years, and one of the nations most authentic colonial sights. Dine in the Olde Tavern here as you view costumed interpreters recreate early 18th century life.
Distance: 144 miles
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and an hours drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville is the perfect place to stay and experience this areas stunning scenery. Take a picnic in one of the many beauty spots or have a gentle hike through the protected forests. Travel through centuries of history of this area at the Cherokee Indian Reservation and Oconaluftee Indian Village or stroll the grounds of the exquisite Biltmore Estate a 16th century French Renaissance Chateau surrounded by vineyards.
Distance: 130 miles
It's a comfortable drive back to Charlotte for your afternoon flight home. However, your holiday doesn't have to end here, you could include a trip to Tybee Island, a short drive from Savannah and enjoy dinner on the oceanfront at one of the many crab-shacks or perhaps take a flight and head to the Country Music Capital, Nashville or relax on a Florida beach before you head home?
Call the travel experts at Bon Voyage on 0800 316 3012 to discuss your ideal Carolinas tour.