Georgia and the Carolinas

Atlanta • Macon • Savannah • Charleston • Georgetown • Wilmington • Raleigh • Winston-Salem • Asheville

Reminiscent of a more leisurely age, the Old South is a wonderful feast of charming towns, beautiful changing scenery and warm welcoming people and our new tour takes in the very best that this region has to offer. Beginning in the “Gone with the Wind city” Atlanta, our journey takes us through the charming cities of old Savannah and old Charleston with ample time to savour their mansions, cobbled streets and intriguing courtyards. Then onto Old Salem with its beautifully restored Moravian Village and Asheville home to the truly fabulous Biltmore estate. Along the way we take in several beautiful yet refreshingly different gardens including Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation and Brookgreen Gardens, along with the spectacular scenery of the Appalachian Mountains both of which are stunning in the bloom of spring or the dazzle of autumn. With its strong sense of history and culture this region offers a feast of experiences that will remain with you forever.DAY 1 LONDON • ATLANTA
We begin with Titan HiTours Home Departure Service to London Heathrow Airport and your direct scheduled British Airways flight to Atlanta, Georgia. On arrival our coach will transfer us to the Hilton Atlanta Hotel or Hyatt Place Hotel.

DAY 2 ATLANTA
This morning we have arranged a city tour of Atlanta, known as the ‘Gone with the Wind’ city. We include a visit to the Martin Luther King Memorial, ending in the heart of the city at Peachtree Plaza. This afternoon we make a visit to Stone Mountain Park, with its impressive sculptured memorial to confederate war heros Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, carved into the mountainside. The park contains a variety of attractions and we have included entrance to one of your choice. We return to Atlanta later today with free time to explore and with the nightlife catering for all tastes you can enjoy a choice of cuisine from all round the world.

DAY 3 ATLANTA SAVANNAH
We leave Atlanta this morning and head to Macon, redolent of old America and a charming town. We take a tour and visit one of the fabulous antebellum homes and national landmarks in the town with free time to explore before heading towards the Atlantic coast and Savannah. Our coach transfers us to our hotel for the next three nights, the elegant Mulberry Inn. A celebrated centre of jazz and intimate piano clubs, Savannah has spawned many outstanding musicians and the nightlife is boosted by a choice of fine restaurants.

DAY 4 SAVANNAH
This morning we have arranged a locally guided historic trolley tour which will take us through old Savannah, down to the waterfront and throughout the 2.2 square miles of the historic district. Taken by General Sherman’s troops in December 1864 as a place of strategic importance in the Civil War, Savannah was not put to the torch but preserved intact as a present to President Lincoln. A long line of patronage has ensured that this is one of the largest ‘old world’ areas in the country, and its green squares and shady streets carry one back effortlessly to the great days of the South. The rest of the day is free to explore.

DAY 5 SAVANNAH
A full day to enjoy all Savannah has to offer. A medley of iron steps and bridges along the riverbank links Factors Walk and the Old Cotton Exchange with the streets above, and this area now boasts the revitalised Riverfront of shops, bars and restaurants, with pleasant views across to the port and suspension bridge. Savannah is full of artistic and cultural offerings with one of the nation’s oldest public museums, the Telfair Museum of Art.

DAY 6 SAVANNAH .CHARLESTON
We depart Savannah this morning and make a short stop in Beaufort, South Carolina, with its scenic waterfront, quaint shops and historic homes. This afternoon we visit one of the great gardens of the South. Middleton Place is the first landscaped garden in America – its terraces and canals inspired by Versailles, Louis XIV’s palace. Henry Middleton, President of the First Continental Congress, embarked in the 1740’s on his ambitious masterpiece. His son, Arthur, one of the signatories to the Declaration of Independence added walks and artificial lakes. Carrying on the tradition, his grandson planted the azaleas that, together with the native magnolia, provide such brilliance of bloom against the evanescent grey of the Savannahs – a poetic landscape. We arrive in Charleston and check into our hotel, the Holiday Inn Historic District.

DAY 7 CHARLESTON
Built by the privileged upper section of society at a time of hugely profitable plantations, Charleston today is a beautifully preserved architectural and historical treasure with its fantastic antebellum mansions, elegant streets and passageways leading to the lovely gardens. We have arranged a city tour this morning to better acquaint you with Charleston’s hidden charms. After lunch we make a visit to the magnificent Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, the oldest public gardens in America which opened its doors to visitors in 1872. Having evolved over centuries, the grounds boast a vast array of colourful flowers and sprawling gardens to explore at leisure.

DAY 8 CHARLESTON
Time has stood still for this city that uniquely projects the spirit of a cultured and monied past enjoyed by a privileged few. Today that privilege has been extended to the many who appreciate the delights of Charleston – its elegant streets, sumptuous mansions and elegant passageways leading to hidden gardens. You cannot fail to love it and we have left you with a full day to enjoy it at your leisure.

DAY 9 CHARLESTON . WILMINGTON
Today we board our coach for the short journey to 18th century Georgetown, built on the spot where the Spaniards landed in 1562. We then make our next stop at the magnificent Brookgreen Gardens. Founded in 1931 the gardens contain more than 900 sculptures creating a fascinating blend of art and nature. Crossing the state line into North Carolina we come to the waterfront at Wilmington. One of the nation’s oldest seaports, it has been lovingly preserved over an area of 200 city blocks, which have resisted alike the deprivations of developers and the ravages of time. Our hotel this evening is the Hilton Wilmington.

DAY 10 WILMINGTON . WINSTON SALEM
We leave Wilmington this morning for our journey to the state capital city, Raleigh. We take a tour passing the impressive State Capital building constructed in Greek Revival style. Heading west we arrive at Old Salem, a beautifully restored Moravian Village dating from 1766. Here you will experience traditional crafts practised by costumed interpreters and visit the fascinating toy museum considered to house one of the most prestigious antique toy collections in the world. We arrive at your hotel, the Marriott.

DAY 11 WINSTON SALEM . ASHEVILLE
Today we drive along part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which embraces the southern portion of the Appalachian mountain range. The parkway follows some of the highest ridges providing a high balcony from which to view the natural wonders of this mountain region. Our scenic drive takes us to Chimney Rock Park, a spectacular ancient piece of granite that towers majestically over the Hickory Nut Gorge below affording magnificent views for miles around. We continue to Asheville and our hotel, the Renaissance our base for the next two nights.

DAY 12 ASHEVILLE
This morning we have arranged a trolley tour of this eclectic and diverse town, with its vibrant art community, wonderful restaurants and unique shops showcasing the talents of the local community. This afternoon we visit the fabulous Biltmore Estate, built over 100 years ago by George Vanderbilt. The 250- room mansion is currently the largest private home in America and towers over a huge expanse of manicured grounds and managed forest. We also take a tour of the extensive wine-making operation located on the estate with time for a tasting. Out door eating is the ‘in’ thing to do in Asheville and this evening you may wish to dine al fresco in one of the many restaurants whilst watching street performers who entertain the crowds.

DAY 13 ASHEVILLE • LONDON
Today we depart Asheville and travel to Atlanta Airport for your direct British Airways flight to London Heathrow Airport. OR EXTEND YOUR STAY - CALL FOR DETAILS

DAY 14 LONDON
Arrival at London Heathrow Airport where our staff will greet you and transfer you to Titan transport for your journey home to your own front door.Duration 14 days, 12 nights in hotels – 2 Atlanta, 3 Savannah, 3 Charleston, 1 Wilmington, 1 Winston-Salem, 2 Asheville & 1 in flight.

VIP Local Departure Service

Check-in service by Titan staff,

Scheduled British Airways direct flights

Services of an experienced Titan HiTours tour manager

First class air-conditioned coaching with experienced drivers

Accommodation as specified in the brochure or of a similar standard.

Excursions, tours and entrances as detailed in the itinerary

Hotel porterage (1 bag per person).

All airport taxes, security charges and the UK Air Passenger Duty and applicable fuel surcharges