Amtrak Vacations
Southern Appeal
11-day rail journey through New Orleans, Washington DC, Charleston, and Savannah
11 daysfrom $1,379
27% rail
Amtrak Vacations
Southern Charm and the Everglades
8-day rail journey through Charleston, Savannah, Miami, and the Everglades
Amtrak Vacations runs this 8-day rail journey from Charleston to Miami, using the Palmetto to Savannah and the Silver Meteor on to Miami. Three nights in Charleston open the trip, with a guided city tour taking in the Joseph Manigault Mansion, Rainbow Row, and the Citadel, followed by a tour of the historic Magnolia Plantation House along the Ashley River. The Palmetto continues to Savannah for two nights, where a hop-on, hop-off tour covers the Davenport House, Forsyth Park, and River Street, capped by a harbor cruise. A daytime ride on the Silver Meteor then reaches Miami for two nights, taking in Millionaire's Row, Little Havana, and South Beach. The final full day includes an airboat tour of Everglades National Park, seeing native birds, alligators, and other wildlife. With a guided tour built into nearly every stop, this suits travelers who want Southern and Florida sightseeing handled for them.
What to know before you look closer
- The 18 listed hotels are accommodation options across price tiers and cities, not a fixed run of consecutive stays; the hotel you actually get depends on the tier and city option you choose.
- No meals are listed as included in this package; the operator's included list covers only rail travel and 7 nights of hotels.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Charleston
Your Journey Begins in Charleston
Welcome to Charleston! You'll immediately feel the city's genial southern charm and hospitality as soon as you arrive! Take a step back in time as you stroll along grand avenues lined with antebellum mansions and well-preserved churches. Explore museums, plantations and the area's colorful gardens. The popular city is also known for its fine dining, abundant shopping options and live music and theater shows at the celebrated Performing Arts Center.
- 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!
- Day 4overnight: Savannah
Charleston to Savannah
Today, board Amtrak's Palmetto line for the short journey to Savannah. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay and settle in for the night. Tomorrow you will enjoy a full day of city sightseeing!
- 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. A wonderful day of touring awaits!
- Day 6railovernight: Miami
Savannah to Miami
This morning, board Amtrak's Silver Meteor for your journey south to the golden sands of Miami! Relax onboard the train and enjoy the varying views of the old and new south. Upon arrival in Miami, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Experience the beautiful and culturally significant city - see the city's mansions on "Millionaire's Row", visit Little Havana, South Beach, and take a bay cruise. Make sure you also take time to enjoy the delicious food and culture of the city. This is the best way to experience Miami!
- Day 7overnight: Miami
Miami and Everglades National Park
And no trip to Miami is complete without a visit to the Everglades, miles and miles of subtropical wilderness at its wild best. Your included tour includes an unforgettable airboat adventure where you'll see amazing creatures such as exotic birds, snakes, fish and turtles in their natural environment. Following your Everglades adventure, you take a tour of the city and discover even more about what makes this entire area so special.
- Day 8
Your Journey Ends in Miami
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2Take a guided tour of Charleston, including the Joseph Manigault Mansion, Rainbow Row, and the Citadel.
- Day 3Tour the historic Magnolia Plantation House along the Ashley River, with a ride past the Audubon Swamp.
- Day 5Take a hop-on, hop-off tour of Savannah's Davenport House, Forsyth Park, and River Street, then a harbor cruise.
- Day 6Ride the Silver Meteor south to Miami, then see the city's mansions on Millionaire's Row, Little Havana, and South Beach.
- Day 7Take the included airboat tour of Everglades National Park, seeing exotic birds, snakes, fish, and turtles in their natural environment.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Charleston to Savannah; Savannah to Miami on Amtrak the Palmetto® and Silver Meteor®
- 7 nights' hotel accommodations
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. One-way Amtrak Coach travel is included: Charleston to Savannah on the Palmetto, and Savannah to Miami on the Silver Meteor.
- Which trains are used?
- The Palmetto between Charleston and Savannah, and the Silver Meteor between Savannah and Miami.
- Is the Savannah to Miami train an overnight trip?
- No. The operator describes it as a daytime train journey with views of the old and new South.
- What hotels are used?
- The package offers 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including Hotel Bennett, Mills House Charleston Curio Collection by Hilton, Francis Marion Hotel Charleston, Holiday Inn Charleston-Riverview, Embassy Suites Charleston Historic District, Hilton Club Liberty Place Charleston, DoubleTree by Hilton Savannah Historic District, and Cotton Sail Hotel Savannah Tapestry Collection.
- Are meals included?
- No meals are listed as included in this package; the operator's included list covers only rail travel and 7 nights of hotels.
- What are the main included tours?
- A Charleston city tour, a Magnolia Plantation tour, a Savannah hop-on, hop-off tour and harbor cruise, a Miami city tour, and an airboat tour of Everglades National Park.
