5‑Day Charleston & Savannah Winter Escape – December

Day 1: Arrival & Charleston Historic Charm

Morning: Land at Charleston International Airport and settle into your boutique hotel in the Historic District. Take a leisurely stroll to the iconic Rainbow Row, admiring the pastel façades that define the city’s waterfront.

Afternoon: Join a guided ferry to Fort Sumter for a concise but informative tour of the Civil War birthplace. Return to explore the bustling Charleston City Market, where local artisans showcase handmade crafts.

Evening: Dine on fresh Lowcountry cuisine at a waterfront restaurant, then unwind with a sunset walk along The Battery, soaking in views of historic mansions and the harbor.

Day 2: Plantations & Southern Elegance

Morning: Venture to Magnolia Plantation & Gardens for a guided nature walk through historic gardens, a boat tour of the wildlife‑rich wetlands, and a glimpse of ante‑bellum architecture.

Afternoon: Head to Boone Hall Plantation, famed for its majestic oak‑lined avenue and original slave cabins. Enjoy a tasting of traditional Southern desserts at the on‑site bakery.

Evening: Return to downtown Charleston for a ghost tour that delves into the city’s haunted past, followed by a relaxed nightcap on King Street’s vibrant patio scene.

Day 3: Transfer to Savannah & Riverfront Arrival

Morning: Check out of your Charleston lodging and travel the scenic coastal route to Savannah (approximately 2 hours). Check into a historic inn near the River Street district.

Afternoon: Begin exploring with a walk along River Street, browsing its eclectic boutiques, galleries, and cobblestone charm while watching the Savannah River’s gentle flow.

Evening: Savor a dinner of Southern seafood at a riverfront eatery, then enjoy live jazz on the promenade as the city lights sparkle across the water.

Day 4: Savannah Historic District & Iconic Parks

Morning: Embark on a guided walking tour of the Savannah Historic District, highlighting the stunning squares, ante‑bellum homes, and the famous Forsyth Park fountain.

Afternoon: Visit the hauntingly beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery, renowned for its moss‑draped oaks and historic graves. Continue to the SCAD Museum of Art for contemporary exhibits.

Evening: Dine on farm‑to‑table dishes in the City Market area, then take a leisurely carriage ride through the moonlit squares for a romantic close to the day.

Day 5: Coastal Heritage & Departure

Morning: Explore the historic grounds of Wormsloe Historic Site, strolling beneath its iconic live oak avenue and learning about early colonial life.

Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local café, followed by free time to shop for souvenirs or visit the magnificent Cathedral of St. John the Baptist before heading to the airport.

Evening: Depart from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport with fond memories of the Lowcountry’s winter charm.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Fort Sumter – 2 hrs – $30
• Magnolia Plantation & Gardens – 3 hrs – $25
• Boone Hall Plantation – 2 hrs – $30
• River Street (Savannah) – 2 hrs – Free
• Forsyth Park – 1 hr – Free
• Bonaventure Cemetery – 1.5 hrs – $15
• SCAD Museum of Art – 2 hrs – $15
• Wormsloe Historic Site – 2 hrs – $12
• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist – 1 hr – Free
• Guided Ghost Tour (Charleston) – 1.5 hrs – $20
• Carriage Ride (Savannah) – 1 hr – $25
• Transportation & Meals (estimated) – – $150
• Total Estimated Cost – $367

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a day in Charleston to explore the South Carolina Aquarium or a sunrise kayak tour on the Ashley River. To shorten the trip, you could combine Day 4 and Day 5 by visiting Wormsloe in the morning of Day 5 and skipping the carriage ride, still capturing Savannah’s highlights without feeling rushed.