Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Charleston and Savannah Roundtrip from Albany

Round-trip Amtrak rail vacation from Albany to Charleston and Savannah

Charleston and Savannah Roundtrip from Albany, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 8-day, 7-night independent rail vacation as a round trip from Albany to Charleston and Savannah and back. The trip opens with an overnight Amtrak journey south from Albany, arriving in Charleston for a free day to explore the Battery and the historic Market on your own, followed by a guided city tour of Rainbow Row and the Citadel, and a tour of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens that includes a ride past the Audubon Swamp, home to alligators and egrets, with dinner included. An evening train then carries the trip to Savannah for two nights, where a hop-on, hop-off tour stops at the Davenport House and River Street, followed by a riverboat harbor cruise. The trip closes with a second overnight Amtrak journey back to Albany, both overnight legs in Coach seating. This suits travelers starting from the Albany area who want a round-trip rail vacation to Charleston and Savannah without a separate outbound flight.

What to know before you look closer

  • The 15 accommodation options span several tiers and cities, from the Hilton Garden Inn Albany to the Hotel Bennett in Charleston and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston 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 8-day trip; other meals are on your own.
  • Both overnight train segments, Albany to Charleston and Savannah back to Albany, run on Amtrak in Coach class; the evidence does not mention a sleeper cabin or berth, so both nights are spent in coach seating.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    This morning board Amtrak as you journey south to Charleston, South Carolina.

  2. Day 2overnight: Charleston

    Charleston, SC

    Arrive this morning in Charleston. Drop your bags to your hotel, check in, and then head out to explore this beautiful southern city. Take in some shopping at the historic Market, stroll the battery for beautiful views of the harbor and Fort Sumter, or grab some of the region's classic Low Country cuisine in one of the numerous fine establishments downtown. Charleston is yours to explore!

  3. Day 3overnight: 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 such as 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.

  4. Day 4overnight: 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

  5. Day 5overnight: 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.

  6. Day 6overnight: 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.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Today you will have a free day in Savannah before you travel north to return to New York. As the train winds its way up the coast, reflect on all of the great experiences you had during your trip to the south!

  8. Day 8

    Your Journey Ends in Albany

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1An overnight Amtrak journey south from Albany to Charleston.
  • Day 3A guided Charleston city tour taking in Rainbow Row's pastel historic houses and the Citadel.
  • Day 4A tour of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, including a ride past the Audubon Swamp, home to alligators and egrets.
  • Day 6A Savannah hop-on, hop-off tour to the Davenport House and River Street, followed by a riverboat harbor cruise.
  • Day 7A second overnight Amtrak journey, back north from Savannah to Albany.

Included

  • Roundtrip Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Albany to Charleston; Charleston to Savannah, and Savannah to Albany on the Empire Service®, Silver Meteor®, and Palmetto® trains
  • 5 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 1 Meal included (1 Dinner)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, roundtrip Amtrak in Coach class from Albany to Charleston, Charleston to Savannah, and Savannah back to Albany, on the Empire Service, Silver Meteor and Palmetto.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is sold as an independent rail vacation; day 2 in Charleston is free to explore on your own, and day 5 leaves a free morning before the train to Savannah.
Which trains are used?
Amtrak's Empire Service, Silver Meteor and Palmetto, all in Coach class.
Are there overnight legs on the train?
Yes, two: day 1 from Albany to Charleston and day 7 from Savannah back to Albany, both overnight in Coach seating with no sleeper cabin mentioned.
What hotels are used?
15 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Hilton Garden Inn Albany, Hotel Bennett, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District.
How many meals are included?
1 meal, a dinner, included on day 4 alongside the Magnolia Plantation tour.

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