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Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Charleston and Savannah
Independent 6-day Amtrak rail trip between historic Charleston and Savannah
Amtrak Vacations runs this 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation between Charleston and Savannah. Three nights in Charleston open with a free day to explore the Battery and the open market on your own, followed by a guided city tour taking in Rainbow Row's pastel historic houses and the Citadel military college, and a tour of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens that includes a ride past the Audubon Swamp, home to alligators and egrets, with dinner included. After a free morning, an evening Amtrak ride on the Palmetto or Silver Meteor carries the trip south to Savannah for two nights, where a hop-on, hop-off tour stops at the Davenport House and River Street, followed by a riverboat cruise of the harbor. With one Amtrak segment and free time built into both Charleston and Savannah, this suits travelers who want a short, low-cost introduction to two Southern cities without a longer, multi-stop itinerary.
What to know before you look closer
- The 12 accommodation options span several tiers and cities, from the Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview to the Hotel Bennett in Charleston and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Savannah Historic District; your actual hotel depends on the tier and city you choose.
- Only 1 meal, a dinner tied to the Magnolia Plantation day, is included across the 6-day trip; other meals are on your own.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Charleston
Your Journey Begins in Charleston
Welcome to Charleston! Check-in to your hotel and begin to experience this beautiful, historic city. Today is free for you to explore the city on your own. Perhaps you want to stroll down to the Battery and enjoy a walk along the pier. Or you could head over to the open market for some shopping. There is plenty to do and see in this waterfront city.
- Day 2overnight: Charleston
Charleston, SC
Today you will explore Charleston on a guided tour of the city! Your tour will bring you to some of Charleston's top attractions, including the Joseph Manigault Mansion, the very popular Rainbow Row where you will see many historic houses painted in festive, pastel colors, and the city's military college, the Citadel. Your full day of historic sightseeing will explore the best of what Charleston has to offer.
- Day 3overnight: Charleston
Charleston, SC
This morning you will depart for a comprehensive tour of one of the oldest Southern plantations, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Your guided tour will take you to the historic Magnolia Plantation House that rests along the Ashley River. Along with the tour of the house, you will enjoy a ride past the Audubon Swamp inhabited by alligators, egrets, and other native wildlife. Between the Magnolia Plantation House and the swamps, this tour will give you a unique blend of history and nature! Tonight you will enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant.
Meals: D
- Day 4overnight: Savannah
Charleston to Savannah
Today you will have a free morning to enjoy Charleston on your own, then this evening board Amtrak for a short ride down to Savannah! Upon arrival check-in to your hotel and settle in for the night. Tomorrow you will enjoy a full day of sightseeing around Savannah.
- Day 5overnight: Savannah
Savannah, GA
Today you will have a full day of sightseeing in Savannah! A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour will guide you to Savannah's top attractions. Visit the Davenport House, the scenic Forsyth Park, and the world-famous River Street with its outdoor entertainment as well as many shops and places to eat. This afternoon you will board a riverboat for a sightseeing cruise of Savannah's harbor. A leisurely hour-long cruise will allow you to take in beautiful views from the open-air third-level deck of the boat.
- Day 6
Your Journey Ends in Savannah
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2A guided Charleston city tour taking in Rainbow Row's pastel historic houses, the Joseph Manigault Mansion, and the Citadel.
- Day 3A tour of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, including a ride past the Audubon Swamp, home to alligators and egrets.
- Day 4An Amtrak ride on the Palmetto or Silver Meteor from Charleston to Savannah.
- Day 5A Savannah hop-on, hop-off tour to the Davenport House and River Street, followed by a riverboat harbor cruise.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Charleston to Savannah onboard the Palmetto® or Silver Meteor®
- 5 nights' hotel accommodations
- 1 meal included (1 dinner)
Also sold by
The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.
- Railbookersfrom $1,049
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes, a one-way Amtrak ride in Coach class on the Palmetto or Silver Meteor from Charleston to Savannah.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It is sold as an independent rail vacation; day 1 in Charleston and the day 4 morning are free time, while the Charleston city tour, Magnolia Plantation tour, and Savannah tours are pre-arranged.
- Which train is used?
- The Palmetto or Silver Meteor, operated by Amtrak, in Coach class, from Charleston to Savannah.
- What hotels are used?
- 12 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview, Hotel Bennett, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Savannah Historic District.
- How many meals are included?
- 1 meal, a dinner, included on day 3 alongside the Magnolia Plantation tour.
- How long is the trip?
- 6 days and 5 nights, starting in Charleston and ending in Savannah.
