Amtrak Vacations
American Heritage
Independent Northeast Corridor rail trip through Boston, New York, Philadelphia and DC
10 daysfrom $1,509
100% rail
Amtrak Vacations
Southern Heritage
Ten-day Amtrak Coach rail journey from Washington, D.C. to St. Augustine
Amtrak Vacations runs Southern Heritage, a 10-day, 9-night rail trip through the American South, from Washington, D.C. to St. Augustine, Florida. The days combine short Coach class train rides, on the Northeast Regional, the Palmetto and the Silver Meteor, with two-night stays and guided sightseeing in each city. Washington opens with a hop-on, hop-off city tour and an evening Monuments by Moonlight outing, before the Palmetto carries travelers to Williamsburg for admission to Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center. Charleston and Savannah each get a full day of guided touring, from Rainbow Row and the Battery to Savannah's architecture and gardens, before the Silver Meteor crosses southern countryside to Jacksonville, where a two-day rental car covers the final leg to St. Augustine. Train travel between cities is unescorted, and hotels are chosen from a list of 27 options across price tiers. The trip suits travelers drawn to American colonial and Civil War era history who want city by city sightseeing without long rail segments.
What to know before you look closer
- The package offers a choice of 27 hotels across price tiers and neighborhoods, from budget properties like the Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House to upscale options like the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, so your actual hotel depends on what you book in each city.
- Travel between cities is unescorted: the itinerary has travelers make their own way to the Amtrak station and board each train, so there is no tour manager accompanying the rail journey.
- The evidence does not list specific departure dates; confirm current availability and pricing with Amtrak Vacations.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Washington, DC
Your Journey Begins in Washington, D.C.
Welcome to our nation's capital, Washington, DC! Upon your arrival, you will travel to your hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to start exploring this fascinating city. Head over to the National Mall to see the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, built in honor of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Stroll down the historic cobblestone streets of Georgetown. Washington, DC is full of sites just waiting for you to explore!
- Day 2overnight: Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Today you will have the entire day to see all of Washington, DC's hot spots on your hop-on, hop-off tour. Tonight, you will be treated to a Monuments by Moonlight tour. See all the city's impressive monuments as they are all lit up for the evening. Don't forget your camera as this tour promises spectacular views! The tour stops at several locations so you can take more time with some of the most impressive monuments.
- Day 3overnight: Williamsburg
Washington, DC to Williamsburg
Travel to the station and board Amtrak for a ride on the Northeast Regional to Williamsburg, where a journey back in time awaits! This scenic ride to Virginia is full of pretty landscapes and amazing views of the American South. Once you arrive in Williamsburg, the rest of the day is yours to start exploring this historic southern city.
- Day 4overnight: Williamsburg
Williamsburg, VA
Today you will have the opportunity to experience the story of America's beginnings at the Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center. Take some time to explore the museums' exhibition galleries, films, and interactive displays. Also included in your day is admission to Colonial Williamsburg.
- Day 5overnight: Charleston
Williamsburg to Charleston, SC
Travel to the Amtrak station and board the Palmetto for Charleston, South Carolina. Said to be the quintessential "Low Country" city, Charleston has lovingly preserved its past. The scenery is this palm tree-lined coastal city is simply breathtaking.
- Day 6overnight: Charleston
Charleston, SC
Today you will be treated to a tour of this quaint city along with a visit to the famous Joseph Manigault House, a historic mansion museum. Other tour highlights include the famous Rainbow Row, the Battery, and the Old City Market. Enjoy the city's stunning architecture and historic charm.
- Day 7overnight: Savannah
Charleston to Savannah
Travel to Amtrak station and once again board the Palmetto, this time to Savannah. Founded in 1733, Savannah is known as Georgia's first city. After you arrive, you will travel to your hotel to drop off your luggage and get checked in.
- Day 8overnight: Savannah
Savannah, GA
Today, get to know Savannah on a sightseeing city tour. Explore the extraordinary architecture, lush botanicals, and history of this gorgeous coastal city. Your tour promises a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.
- Day 9overnight: St. Augustine
Savannah to Jacksonville to St. Augustine
Travel on your own to the Amtrak station and board the Silver Meteor to Jacksonville, Florida. Wind through the dazzling southern countryside as you head south to the "Sunshine State." Upon arrival in Jacksonville, you will head to St. Augustine in your 2-day rental car, which is included in your package. After your arrival in St. Augustine, you will be treated to a sightseeing tour, which includes stops at the Old St. Johns County Jail, St. Augustine History Museum, Potter's Wax Museum, the Spanish Military Hospital, and many more city hot spots! You'll also see the Gonzalez-Alvarez House, the oldest documented colonial house in Florida.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2An evening Monuments by Moonlight tour lights up Washington, D.C.'s major monuments after dark.
- Day 4Admission to Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement and the Yorktown Victory Center brings colonial and revolutionary history to life.
- Day 6A guided tour of Charleston stops at the Joseph Manigault House, Rainbow Row, the Battery and the Old City Market.
- Day 8A hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour explores Savannah's architecture and gardens along the coast.
- Day 9The Silver Meteor crosses southern countryside to Jacksonville, followed by a rental car drive to St. Augustine for a sightseeing tour of the city's historic sites.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Washington, DC to Williamsburg; Williamsburg to Charleston; Charleston to Savannah; and Savannah to Jacksonville on the Northeast Regional®, Palmetto®, and Silver Meteor®
- 2-day intermediate car rental
- 9 nights' hotel accommodations
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. Amtrak Vacations includes one-way Coach class travel on the Northeast Regional, Palmetto and Silver Meteor trains, covering Washington, D.C. to Williamsburg, Williamsburg to Charleston, Charleston to Savannah, and Savannah to Jacksonville.
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It combines independent train travel, where you make your own way to each station and board the train yourself, with guided sightseeing tours booked in each city, such as the hop-on, hop-off tours of Washington, D.C. and Savannah and the guided tour of Charleston.
- Which trains are used?
- The Northeast Regional from Washington, D.C. to Williamsburg, the Palmetto from Williamsburg to Charleston and Charleston to Savannah, and the Silver Meteor from Savannah to Jacksonville, all in Coach class.
- What hotels are used?
- The package offers a choice of 27 hotels across the five cities and multiple price tiers, ranging from the Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House and Hampton Inn & Suites Williamsburg Historic District to the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC and Conrad Washington, DC.
- How much walking is involved?
- The trip includes several guided city tours, including hop-on, hop-off tours in Washington, D.C. and Savannah, and walking based touring in Charleston (Rainbow Row, the Battery, the Old City Market) and Williamsburg (Colonial Williamsburg, the Jamestown Settlement); no hikes or high-altitude activity are mentioned.
