Amtrak Vacations
Washington, D.C. Ultimate Getaway Roundtrip from Orlando
6-day round-trip Amtrak getaway from Orlando to Washington, D.C.
6 daysfrom $719
33% rail
Amtrak Vacations
Southern Coastal Explorer
Miami to Charleston rail and rental-car journey via St. Augustine and Savannah
Amtrak Vacations runs this 7-day journey from Miami to Charleston, combining the Silver Meteor and Palmetto trains with a 3-day rental car picked up in Jacksonville. After the rail leg north from Miami, travelers drive to St. Augustine for two nights, taking in Castillo de San Marcos and the cobbled streets of the old town, known for Spanish colonial architecture. The car returns to Jacksonville, where the Silver Meteor continues to Savannah for two nights, including a guided trolley tour of the historic district past stately mansions and picturesque squares, with free time for River Street and Forsyth Park. The Palmetto then carries travelers on their final rail leg to Charleston for two nights, where a guided tour covers the 'South of Broad' homes and the city's antebellum history, with time to walk the Battery promenade. Mixing rail, a short self-drive, and guided city tours, this suits travelers who want Southern history covered without giving up all their free time.
What to know before you look closer
- The 15 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.
- The Miami to Savannah leg is not entirely by rail; travelers pick up a 3-day rental car in Jacksonville to reach and explore St. Augustine, then return the car to Jacksonville to rejoin the train, so part of the route is self-driven.
- No meals are listed as included in this package; the operator's included list covers only rail travel, the rental car, and 6 nights of hotels.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: St. Augustine
Your Journey Begins in Miami
Depart Miami today and head north along Florida's east coast by rail. Picking up your included car rental in Jacksonville and drive to St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the U.S. Once you've checked in, start exploring this historic gem, known for its Spanish colonial architecture and waterfront charm.
- Day 2overnight: St. Augustine
St. Augustine
Spend the day discovering the many treasures of this fascinating city. With your included sightseeing, you'll learn about St. Augustine's rich history, from the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos to the cobbled streets of the old town. Enjoy shops, cafés, and local galleries throughout this walkable city.
- Day 3overnight: Savannah
Savannah
Return your car to Jacksonville and continue your journey north to the enchanting city of Savannah, Georgia. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and begin soaking in the Southern charm that defines this riverside destination. Perhaps take a twilight stroll under the Spanish moss-draped oak trees for which Savannah is known.
- Day 4overnight: Savannah
Savannah
Enjoy a guided trolley tour through Savannah's historic district today. Discover stately mansions, picturesque squares, and stories of Civil War history. The rest of the day is yours to explore the boutiques and eateries along River Street or unwind in Forsyth Park.
- Day 5railovernight: Charleston
Charleston
Board the train this morning for your final rail journey to Charleston, South Carolina. This beautifully preserved city welcomes you with pastel-hued houses, historic churches, and charming cobblestone streets. Settle into your hotel and take the afternoon to begin discovering Charleston's rich culture.
- Day 6overnight: Charleston
Charleston
Spend today diving into Charleston's storied past. With your included tour, learn about Charleston's history and architecture. Tour past stately homes "South of Broad" to learn about the city's colonial roots and antebellum history. Then perhaps enjoy lunch at a local Lowcountry eatery or a walk along the scenic Battery promenade.
- Day 7
Your Journey Ends in Charleston
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1Ride the rail leg north from Miami to Jacksonville, then drive the included rental car to St. Augustine, the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the U.S.
- Day 2Explore the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos and the cobbled streets of St. Augustine's old town.
- Day 4Take a guided trolley tour through Savannah's historic district, taking in stately mansions, picturesque squares, and Civil War history.
- Day 5Board the train for the final rail journey to Charleston.
- Day 6Take a guided tour past Charleston's stately 'South of Broad' homes, learning about the city's colonial roots and antebellum history.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Miami to Jacksonville, Jacksonville to Savannah on the Silver Meteor® and Savannah to Charleston on the Palmetto®
- 3 day car hire from Jacksonville
- 6 nights' hotel accommodations
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. One-way Amtrak Coach travel is included: Miami to Jacksonville and Jacksonville to Savannah on the Silver Meteor, then Savannah to Charleston on the Palmetto.
- Is a rental car part of this trip?
- Yes. A 3-day car hire from Jacksonville is included to reach and explore St. Augustine before the car is returned to Jacksonville to rejoin the train.
- Which trains are used?
- The Silver Meteor between Miami, Jacksonville, and Savannah, and the Palmetto between Savannah and Charleston.
- What hotels are used?
- The package offers 15 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront, DoubleTree by Hilton St. Augustine Historic District, Hampton Inn St. Augustine Downtown Historic District, DoubleTree by Hilton Savannah Historic District, Cotton Sail Hotel Savannah Tapestry Collection, Embassy Suites Savannah Historic District, Kimpton Brice Hotel Savannah, and The Bluff Savannah Historic Tapestry Collection.
- Are meals included?
- No meals are listed as included; the operator's included list covers only rail travel, the rental car, and 6 nights of hotels.
- What are the main included tours?
- A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of St. Augustine, a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Savannah, and a sightseeing city tour of Charleston.
