Amtrak Vacations
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Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Charleston and Savannah Roundtrip from Orlando
6-day roundtrip rail vacation from Orlando to Charleston and Savannah
Amtrak Vacations operates this 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation roundtrip from Orlando to Charleston and Savannah on the Silver Star and Palmetto trains. The days move at an easy pace: after arriving in Charleston on the first evening, travellers get a guided city tour past Rainbow Row and the Citadel, then a tour of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens along the Ashley River, with a free morning left to explore Charleston on your own before the evening train to Savannah. A full day of sightseeing there includes a hop-on, hop-off tour and a harbor cruise before the return trip south. Because hotels are chosen from a list of 12 options across the two cities, this suits independent travellers who enjoy history and guided sightseeing but want some unscheduled time of their own.
What to know before you look closer
- The trip lists 12 accommodation options across Charleston and Savannah rather than one fixed hotel per city, so which property you get depends on the tier you choose.
- Only 1 meal (a single dinner) is included across the 6 days; other meals are on your own.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Charleston
Orlando to Charleston
This afternoon board Amtrak's Silver Meteor route in Orlando for your journey north to Charleston. As the train winds its way toward South Carolina, settle in and enjoy the scenic views from the train. After arriving this evening check-in to your hotel and prepare for a day of sightseeing around the city tomorrow.
- 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 such as the Joseph Magnolia 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 6rail
Your Journey Ends in Orlando
This morning, board the train in Savannah for your journey south back to Orlando. As the train makes its way towards Orlando, reflect upon your wonderful experiences in America's historic south!
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Ride Amtrak north from Orlando, arriving in Charleston that evening to check into the hotel.
- Day 2A guided city tour of Charleston visits Rainbow Row and the Citadel.
- Day 3A guided tour of Magnolia Plantation and Gardens along the Ashley River passes the Audubon Swamp, home to alligators and egrets.
- Day 5A hop-on, hop-off tour of Savannah stops at the Davenport House, Forsyth Park, and River Street, followed by an hour-long harbor cruise.
Included
- Roundtrip Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Orlando to Charleston; Charleston to Savannah; and Savannah to Orlando onboard the Silver Star® and Palmetto®
- 5 nights' hotel accommodations
- 1 meal included (1 dinner)
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included in the price?
- Yes. Roundtrip Amtrak travel in Coach class from Orlando to Charleston, Charleston to Savannah, and Savannah back to Orlando on the Silver Star and Palmetto is included.
- Is this trip guided or independent?
- It is sold as an independent rail vacation, though the Charleston city tour, the Magnolia Plantation tour, and the Savannah hop-on, hop-off tour are guided.
- Which trains are used?
- Amtrak's Silver Star and Palmetto, both in Coach class.
- What hotels are used?
- The package offers 12 accommodation options across Charleston and Savannah, including hotels such as Hotel Bennett in Charleston and the DoubleTree by Hilton Savannah Historic District; the exact hotel depends on the tier you select.
- What is not included?
- Only 1 dinner is included; other meals are on your own.
- How much walking is involved?
- The Charleston city tour, the Magnolia Plantation tour, and the Savannah hop-on, hop-off tour all involve guided sightseeing on foot.
