Begin your trip in the bustling city of Atlanta. Visit the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world, and explore its many exhibits. Take a walk through the Atlanta Botanical Garden and enjoy the beautiful scenery. End the day by watching a show at the Fox Theatre, a historic landmark that has hosted many famous performers.
Travel to Savannah and take a tour of the city on a horse-drawn carriage. Explore the Historic District, which is filled with beautiful architecture and charming shops. Stop by Forsyth Park and have a picnic on the grass. End the day with dinner at The Grey, a restaurant housed in a former Greyhound Bus station.
Take a day trip to Tybee Island and enjoy the beach. Visit the Tybee Island Light Station, a lighthouse that has been in operation since 1732. Have lunch at The Crab Shack, a restaurant located on the water with a fun atmosphere. Take a dolphin tour and see these beautiful creatures up close.
Head to Augusta and visit the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, which offers boat tours and walking trails. Take a stroll through the Augusta Riverwalk, a beautiful park overlooking the Savannah River. End the day by visiting the Sacred Heart Cultural Center, a former Catholic church that has been converted into a cultural and performing arts center.
Visit Athens and see the beautiful University of Georgia campus. Take a tour of the Georgia Museum of Art, which has collections ranging from African American art to European paintings. Have lunch at The National, a restaurant located in a historic building. End the day by watching a show at the 40 Watt Club, a music venue that has hosted many famous musicians over the years.
Take a trip to the Okefenokee Swamp and see the wildlife up close. Take a boat tour of the swamp or explore on foot. Visit the Okefenokee Heritage Center and learn about the history of the area. End the day by having dinner at The Suwannee Swinery, a restaurant that specializes in barbecue.
Visit Stone Mountain, a park that has hiking trails and a scenic railroad. Take the Summit Skyride to the top of the mountain for a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Have lunch at Stone Mountain Public House, a restaurant with farm-to-table cuisine. Explore the Confederate Memorial Carving, a massive sculpture on the side of the mountain.
Visit Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. Take a shuttle to the top of the mountain for a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Visit the Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa and indulge in a spa treatment. End the day by having dinner at Michaelee's Chocolate Caffe, a restaurant that specializes in dessert.
Visit Dahlonega and take a tour of the Consolidated Gold Mine, where you can learn about the history of gold mining in the area. Visit the Dahlonega Gold Museum and see artifacts from the gold rush era. Have lunch at The Smith House, a restaurant that has been serving traditional Southern cuisine for over 100 years. End the day by visiting the Frogtown Winery and trying some of their award-winning wines.
For this trip, it is recommended to rent a car to get around easily. The total cost for a 9-day car rental is estimated to be around $300-$400, depending on the type of car and insurance coverage desired. It is also recommended to budget for gas costs, which can vary widely depending on the size of the car and the distance traveled.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Chattahoochee National Forest or hiking the Appalachian Trail. If you have less time, consider skipping Tybee Island or Okefenokee Swamp. It is also recommended to make reservations for any popular attractions or restaurants ahead of time to ensure availability.
The main airport in Georgia is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which is located in Atlanta about 15 minutes from the city center. Other major airports include Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and Augusta Regional Airport (AGS).