Georgia History Trail to Nashville

Welcome to Atlanta! At 10am there’ll be a group meeting where you’ll get to meet your leader and get an overview of the next couple of days. After the meeting, it’s time to immerse yourself in 33 acres of historic houses, gardens and award-winning exhibitions with a specialist guide at the Atlanta History Center where you’ll explore the past like never before. The center is part of a global network of historic sites and museums that connect past struggles to today’s movements for human rights. Next, head to the Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site where you’ll learn more about where Martin Luther King was born and where he lived and worked, as well as his legacy as a leader.

Mornin' sunshine! Hit the road bright and early and make the five-hour journey to Savannah. In 1946, Lady Astor referred to Savannah as 'a beautiful lady with a dirty face', in reference to the crumbling, faded majesty of the city's 18th- and 19th-century mansions. Due to plenty of restoration work, Savannah's face may no longer be dirty, but she's still a city of contradictions with hidden delights to explore. On arrival, you’ll join an expert guide for a tour of Bonaventure Cemetery, widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cemeteries in the world. Take in its Southern gothic glory as you learn more about this famous spot that has inspired everyone from poets to nature lovers and filmmakers. After the tour, you may like to check out Savannah’s antebellum mansions, towering oak trees and colonial buildings on a stroll around town. In the evening, perhaps head out on a ghost tour of old Savannah or seek out spirits of a different kind at one of the city’s many lively bars.

Take it easy this morning before meeting up at 11am for a three-hour walking tour which blends the city’s history with some of its best and most delicious eats. This fascinating food tour visits spots like a not-so-ordinary pub, an award-winning honey store, and a traditional British pie shop highlighting dishes consumed by some of Savannah’s earliest settlers. This afternoon is all yours, so make the most of it! You could join a walking tour to learn more about the town’s slave and cotton trade, immerse yourself in its underrepresented history or jump on a Hop-On Hop-Off trolley tour around town.

Leave Savannah in the rear-view mirror and drive two hours to Charleston. On arrival, you might like to grab some lunch before joining a Black History walking tour with an expert guide who is an educator, historian and writer. Discover the ‘lost stories’ of Charleston's rich history as you stroll around town and immerse yourself in its complex past. If time permits, you could continue your exploration with a ferry trip to Fort Sumter to see where the Civil War started or join a food tour and check out the local drinking and dining scene.

Bid farewell to Charleston and sit back and relax on the five-hour drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains to the charming town of Asheville. Home to the country’s best breweries and some of North Carolina’s finest barbecue, Asheville also boasts an incredible folk music scene. Arriving in the mid-afternoon, you’ll join your leader for a guided walking tour of the downtown area which is packed with galleries and artist studios. Tonight, you may like to check out one of the town's boutique brew houses or join your group for a good ol’ fashioned BBQ dinner at Buxton Hall, a popular local hangout.

Make the scenic drive to Nashville, arriving in the country music capital in the late morning. On arrival, you’ll be introduced to this famous toe tapping town during an orientation tour with your leader. Then take some free time for lunch and to explore on your own. Perhaps check out the Country Music Hall of Fame or search for the perfect pair of cowboy boots on Broadway. In the late afternoon come together again to taste world-famous Tennessee whiskeys and moonshine on a distillery tour, followed by a true-blue Nashville hot chicken dinner. This Tennessee twist on fried chicken originated right here in Nashville during the Great Depression and has been a local favorite ever since. Order it extra spicy for a real kick, but don't worry, you can turn down the heat if you're not feeling the burn.

There are no activities planned for today but as there's so much to do in Nashville, we recommend you stay a couple of extra days to make the most of the city. If you do wish to spend extra time in Nashville, we'll be happy to help you book additional accommodation (subject to availability).