Amtrak Vacations
Charleston and Savannah Roundtrip from New York City
6-day roundtrip rail vacation from New York City to Charleston and Savannah
6 daysfrom $1,039
50% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Charleston and Savannah Roundtrip from Washington, D.C.
6-day roundtrip rail vacation from Washington, DC to Charleston and Savannah
Amtrak Vacations operates this 6-day, 5-night independent rail vacation roundtrip from Washington, DC to Charleston and Savannah on the Palmetto train, departing from Union Station. 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 north. Because hotels are chosen from a list of 18 options across the three 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 18 accommodation options across Washington, DC, 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
Washington, DC to Charleston
This morning board Amtrak's Palmetto route in Washington's Union Station for your journey south 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 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 6rail
Your Journey Ends in Washington, D.C.
This morning, board the train in Savannah for your journey north back to Washington, DC. As the train makes its way towards our Nation's Capital, reflect upon your wonderful experiences in America's historic south!
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Ride Amtrak's Palmetto south from Washington's Union Station, arriving in Charleston that evening to check into the hotel.
- Day 2A guided city tour of Charleston visits the Joseph Manigault Mansion, 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 Andrew Low House and River Street, followed by an hour-long harbor cruise.
Included
- Roundtrip Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Washington, DC to Charleston; Charleston to Savannah; and Savannah to Washington, DC on the 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 Washington, DC to Charleston, Charleston to Savannah, and Savannah back to Washington, DC on the 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 Palmetto, in Coach class, for all three legs of the journey, departing from Washington's Union Station.
- What hotels are used?
- The package offers 18 accommodation options across Washington, DC, Charleston, and Savannah, including hotels such as the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Washington DC and Hotel Bennett in Charleston; 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.
