Southern Glamour

7 night tour - Starting in Atlanta, Georgia - ending in Atlanta, Georgia.

A Gold Escorted Tour with Insight Vacations.

Insight Vacations Gold Escorted journeys offer the ultimate in luxury touring with each itinerary carefully crafted to ensure the finest hotels, epicurean delights and absolute comfort. Enjoy VIP return private UK airport transfers, luxury hotels, business class legroom and complimentary WiFi and water onboard luxury motorcoaches.

Savour the sights, sounds and flavours of the South — graceful oaks draped in veils of Spanish moss, elegant antebellum plantations, gracious island resorts and the romance of sultry Savannah. Experience the history-soaked cobbled streets of Charleston by horse-drawn carriage. Then, with the scent of magnolia hanging heavy in the night air, dine at a private function in one of the cities most magnificent mansions. Yet nothing can hold a candle to Biltmore House, arguably the nation's premier example of Gilded Age architecture, with a priceless collection of original art and antiques.

As befits the relaxed pace of the South, you'll have plenty of time to discover the highlights of the region and several afternoons set aside for you to explore on your own.

2016 Guaranteed departure dates:
April 29th
September 09th
 
TO BOOK THIS TOUR: CALL US ON FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 OR EMAIL US RESERVATIONS@PURELYTRAVELGROUP.CO.UK
View Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive Atlanta, Cultural Capital of the New South

Enjoy your complimentary private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer to your UK departure airport. On arrival at Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport, a transfer takes you to your hotel. At 6.00 pm, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and a chance to get to know your travelling companions over drinks and a light meal.

Hotel: Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Tower

Welcome Reception & Dinner

Day 2: Jekyll Island

Arrive at your resort on Jekyll Island, currently one of the finest luxury getaway hotels in America. In the evening, join your Tour Director for a superb Highlight Dinner with majestic ocean views on the verandah at your beachfront resort.

Hotel: Westin Jekyll Island

Full Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Day 3: St. Simons Island and Southern Comfort in Savannah

Embark on a guided tram tour of Jekyll Island, and it's unspoiled scenery before travelling to idyllic St. Simons Island, an exclusive hideaway of white sand beaches, moss-draped oaks and golden marshlands. Move on to Savannah, the oldest city in the State of Georgia, where a Local Expert awaits to show you the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Monterey Square. The evening is at leisure after joining your Tour Director for a peach bellini.

Hotel: Hilton Desoto

Full Breakfast

Day 4: Savannah In-Depth

In the morning, enjoy a private tour of the Owens-Thomas House, considered one of America's finest examples of English Regency architecture. Cross the drawbridge at Fort Pulaski National Monument to explore the parapets, earthworks and cannons of the historic brick fort. Next, embark on a trolley tour through historic Savannah where you discover 21 historic squares, incredible architecture and much more. Afterwards, there is free time to enjoy Savannah at your own pace. At night, delight in regional cuisine at a convivial dinner with your fellow travellers.

Hotel: Hilton Desoto

Full Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5: Charming Charleston

Head for historic Charleston, a city rich in southern charm. During a horse-drawn carriage ride, you may see the prestigious Battery Park and Rainbow Row with its antebellum mansions and the Old Exchange Building. Then spend some free time on your own. In the evening, be treated to a truly special dining experience at The Thomas Bennett Home. Learn all about 'low country' food with your host Chef Annie Mayo followed by a savoury dinner and riveting performance by local musicians. Chef Annie has hosted an illustrious list of guests including Ben Stiller, Pierce Brosnan and Mayor Joe Riley. Not only is she a chef, she's also an accomplished jazz and gospel vocalist who regularly performs on Broadway in New York. It's an evening that is sure to delight.

Hotel: The Mill House Hotel, Charleston

Full Breakfast, Signature Evening

Day 6: Discover Magnolia Plantation

After a restful night's sleep, delve into the true southern plantation lifestyle at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. Visit the beautiful main house before joining an expert naturalist for a tram tour of the extensive grounds. In the afternoon, enjoy a private experience with a maker of the famous Charleston Sweetgrass Baskets. Learn the history of the baskets and their place in Charleston history. Try your hand at basket weaving and quickly learn just how intricate the process really is; it's easy to see why these unique handicrafts are an indulgence.

Hotel: The Mill House Hotel, Charleston

Full Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7: Vacation like a Vanderbilt in Asheville

As you travel into Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air. Then step back in time to an era of refined elegance as you explore the Biltmore Estate, America's largest home built for George W. Vanderbilt in 1895. Learn about the wealthy Vanderbilt family and their famous guests on your guided tour of this National Historic Landmark. Then wander at your leisure through the mansion's beautiful gardens and grounds. At tonight's Celebration Dinner, indulge yourself with fabulous food and wine at the Biltmore Estate.

Hotel: Inn on Biltomore Estate

Full Breakfast, Lunch, Celebration Dinner

Day 8: Depart Atlanta or extend your stay 

Bid farewell to Asheville as you make your way back to Atlanta. Later, transfer to Atlanta International Airport or alternatively, continue to the tour hotel to extend your stay in Atlanta. Please do not schedule any flights from Atlanta before 6.00pm.

On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting car for your return private V.I.P. door-to-door transfer home.

Full Breakfast

Your Insight Vacations Tour Highlights

 

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

Savannah: Tour the oldest city in Georgia, with a Local Expert.
Savannah: Experience the upper-class lifestyle in 19th century Savannah during a private tour of the Owens-Thomas House.
Charleston: Take a horse-drawn carriage ride past exquisite architectural treasures and gardens that reflect the city's history.
Charleston: Step back in time at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, where you explore the house and tour the beautiful grounds with an expert naturalist.
Charleston: Try your hand at the delicate art of creating Charleston Sweetgrass Baskets, a traditional southern handicraft.
Asheville: Explore Biltmore Estate for an private insight into the daily lives of the elite Vanderbilt family.

ADDITIONAL INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

Beaufort: Travel through the historic district.
St. Simons Island: Take in the vistas and beautiful beaches.
Jekyll Island: Embark on a guided trolley tour of the Island.
Savannah: Join a Local Expert to explore the city's Historic District. Savour a peach bellini at a private reception.

EPICUREAN DINING

Jekyll Island: Surprise your taste buds with an elegant à la carte dinner of market fresh cuisine, complete with wine.
Savannah: If you love to eat then this is the place. Indulge in authentic, world-famous southern fare and wine.
Charleston: Be welcomed by Chef Annie for a low country dinner with true southern hospitality and entertainment at the historical Thomas Bennett Home.
Biltmore Estate: Enjoy a Celebration Dinner of estate raised and grown ingredients, masterfully put together by an award winning chef David Ryba.
1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 7 Full Breakfasts (FB), 1 Highlight Dinner (HD), 1 three-course table d'hôte Dinner (D), 1 Signature Evening (SE) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD).

DISTINCTIVE HOTELS

Jekyll Island: Savour the good life at the Westin Jekyll Island, a brand new beachfront property.
Charleston: Immerse yourself in historic downtown Charleston and southern charm at The Mills House.
Asheville: Experience a legacy of gracious hospitality whilst enjoying the glorious surroundings of the Inn on Biltmore Estate.

ADDITIONAL FIVE STAR SERVICES

An expert Insight Tour Director, at the pinnacle of their career, will guide you on your journey. Serving as your 'travelling concierge', this skilled guide will act as consummate organiser and be your 'friend in a foreign land'.
Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight's luxury air-conditioned 40-seat coach, with extended leg room and an on-board restroom. It's Business Class comfort, complete with complimentary bottled water for you to enjoy during your luxury coaching tour.
A personal radio headset gives you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating insights and commentaries.
At every hotel, you'll be treated to seamless baggage handling with prompt delivery right to your door. Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. Plus, we include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi.
With Insight Flourishes, from time to time, your Tour Director will enchant you with local tidbits, each representing authentic food or beverages unique to the destination.
Included airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 8.

VIP DOOR TO DOOR RETURN UK AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Your holiday begins in true style from the moment we collect you from your front door for a relaxed journey to your choice of departure airport. Your wonderfully appointed executive car is reserved exclusively for your use, ensuring an uninterrupted, hassle-free journey to your departure airport.

Each and every Insight tour begins and ends with our unique and truly unrivalled private car door to door transfer service. You will be met at your front door by your driver who will assist with your bags before whisking you to your choice of departure airport in a private executive saloon car, all in plenty of time to make your way to your check-in desk. With Insight you really will experience an exclusive service, enjoying your journey in a standard of car that you would expect to associate with Insight standards. All of our cars are up-to-date models and maintained to the highest standards. We will arrange a convenient pick-up time from your home that suits you, not us or other passengers. Each car is equipped with the latest satellite navigation intelligence to ensure your continued peace of mind and a speedy journey.

At the end of your tour, on arrival at your chosen UK airport, you will be greeted by your waiting driver in the arrivals hall and escorted to your car for the smooth and comfortable journey directly back home.

Should you wish to make your own way to the airport, all you need do is advise us at the time of making your reservation and a discount will be offered.

Terms and conditions apply.

Tour Only Cost: All prices quoted below are per adult person, per tour in British Pounds (GBP)

Departure Dates

 Single Twin/Double Triple Quad
All departures in 2016 £3130 £2430 £2220 Please call
 
 
Repeat Client Discount - Have you travelled with Insight Vactions before, within the last 5 years ! - if so you qualify for a 5% discount - Ask us at time of booking.
 
Children aged 5-17 may qualify for a discount off up to 10% when sharing a room with 2 adults - Please call us for details. 
 
Not included in your tour cost:
Flights – we can package your tour with flights at very competitive airfares using our airline partners. Please call us to discuss the best airline for your itinerary.
Pre or post accommodation - If you want to extend your stay at the start or the end of your escorted tour or add another destination to your booking please call us and we will be happy to provide a quote.
Meals, other than those listed in the itinerary.
The customary gratuities for the Tour Director and local drivers are not included and are paid locally, if you prefer these can be pre-paid to us in advance for £64.00 per person.
 
FAQs:
There are many questions and considerations you might have when planning an escorted tour with Insight Vactions. For more information please click here.
 

TO BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Please call us on FREEPHONE 0800 0336 335 or EMAIL us reservations@purelytravelgroup.co.uk we are open 7 days a week.

We will be happy to answer any questions, check the availability of your tour, offer a quote for flights and any pre or post nights you would like to add.

When you are ready to go ahead with the booking, a non-refundable deposit of 20% will be due at time of booking or the full balance if you are due to travel within 8 weeks.

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