Southern Antebellum Cruise

Day 1: Welcome to the vibrant city of Jacksonville, FL where you will embark on your small ship adventure.

Day 2: Travel to Amelia Island, where you’ll learn about the Italianate, Queen Anne and Victorian architecture that Fernandina Beach is known for. An optional walking tour through the local Amelia Island Museum and the historic quarter is available. Later, enjoy a lowcountry cooking demonstration.

Day 3: In St. Marys, you may opt to ride the historic tram tour which includes a visit to the Submarine Museum where an expert introduces you to these unique vessels.

Day 4: Once the winter retreat of “Gatsby”-era New York industrialists, beautiful Jekyll Island still maintains its air of exclusivity. This morning an optional trip will take you through the scenic sights of St. Simons Island and the Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. Take an expert led tour of this important facility before wandering out to the salt marsh to witness the coastal birds. Brunswick is the gateway to the famed Golden Isles, a veritable paradise for nature lovers. Here in the self-proclaimed “shrimp capital of the world” you’ll see picturesque fishing fleets and perhaps enjoy a favorite southern dish: shrimp and grits! This evening a naturalist introduces coastal wildlife to you during an engaging discussion.

Day 5: Savannah welcomes you with her natural beauty and gracious hospitality. This treasured city has it all: art galleries, Victorian architecture, seaside eateries, live oaks draped in Spanish moss and 21 public squares. Take an optional trolley tour through the scenic streets of this unique city. Today a local expert will prepare you for birding opportunities by reviewing the local species.

Day 6: Travel into the heart of lowcountry to beautiful Beaufort, SC, located on Port Royal Island. Enjoy free time in this coastal city, known for its perfectly preserved antebellum estates and gardens. Or take an optional walking tour with a local expert through the historic quarter. Discover the importance of estuaries, tides, animals and oysters from the curator of the Lowcountry Estuarium. Later this evening learn about the Gullah language and history through an Antebellum dance performance.

Day 7: Spend a day exploring the treasures of Charleston. Marvel at the grand homes along the waterfront, take an optional guided plantation tour to elegantly manicured Magnolia Plantation or visit the Old City Market where handmade straw baskets are on display. History buffs may want to visit Battery Park and Fort Sumter, where the first shot of the Civil War rang out in 1861.

Day 8: Disembark in Charleston, SC, where, the Old South comes alive. This genteel city, steeped in Civil War history and romantic southern charm, is framed by cobblestone streets and trademark palmettos.