Experience Georgia and the Carolinas on a self-drive holiday

Day 1 UK to Atlanta

Today board your non-stop international flight from the UK to Atlanta. On arrival pick up your hire car before making your way to your hotel located downtown. Enjoy an evening of leisure in vibrant Atlanta. (N)

Accommodation in Atlanta: The Westin Peachtree Plaza (or similar)

Day 2 Atlanta

A melting pot of culture, art and language, Atlanta is a fascinating city. Historically, the city played a vital role in both the Civil War as well as the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement, resulting in several interesting landmarks such as the Atlanta History Center and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. Alternatively, take a tour of the CNN Centre, where the world’s largest TV network is housed, enjoy world-class shopping in the city’s malls or for wonderful jazz and blues, head to one of Atlanta’s excellent music bars. (N)

Accommodation in Atlanta: The Westin Peachtree Plaza (or similar)

Day 3 Atlanta to Blue Ridge – 93 miles

This morning depart Atlanta and head north to the beautiful mountain town of Blue Ridge. Nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest, spend the day exploring the natural beauty of this region. Kayak down the crystalline Toccoa River, take a ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway or enjoy a gentle hike to one of the local waterfalls. In the evening stroll along Main Street which is home to several craft breweries, an eclectic art scene and many local eateries. (N)

Accommodation in Blue Ridge: Hampton Inn Blue Ridge (or similar)

Day 4 Blue Ridge to Asheville via Nantahala National Forest – 184 miles

After breakfast leave Blue Ridge and begin your journey into North Carolina to Asheville – the ideal base to explore the Great Smoky Mountains. En route to Asheville, we recommend you stop at the great Nantahala National Forest which was once the home of thousands of Cherokee Indians for thousands of years. After a visit to the beautiful Lake Hiwassee, continue to Asheville where you will stay in charming Biltmore Village. (B)

Accommodation in Asheville: Holiday Inn Hotel Biltmore Village (or similar)

Day 5 Asheville

Located on a plateau in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is North Carolina’s chic arts capital. Downtown is home to several excellent art galleries and museums, stuccoed architecture, boutique shops and music venues which you may wish to spend the day exploring. Alternatively visit historic Biltmore Estate and admire the grandeur and elegance of ‘America’s largest home’. Created by George Vanderbilt in the 1890s, Biltmore boasts over 8,000 acres of ground and features a beautiful house with 250 rooms, meticulously manicured gardens, a winery, several restaurants and stunning walking trails. (N)

Accommodation in Asheville: Holiday Inn Hotel Biltmore Village (or similar)

Day 6 Asheville & the Great Smoky Mountains

Today spend the day exploring the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Start your journey by taking a drive along the spectacular Blue Ridge Parkway – described as ‘America’s Favourite Drive’. Continue to the Great Smoky Mountains which boasts some of the oldest mountains in the world. Known by the Cherokee Indians as the ‘land of the blue mist’, this spectacular national park is both a UNESCO World Heritage site and International Biosphere Reserve which is home to an estimated 1,600 black bears and over 140 tree species. Spend the day exploring the hiking trails and visit Clingman’s Dome for breathtaking panoramic views over the park. (N)

Accommodation in Asheville: Holiday Inn Hotel Biltmore Village (or similar)

Day 7 Asheville to Charleston – 268 miles

This morning depart North Carolina and cross the state border to South Carolina as you travel towards charming Charleston; a city of both a strong history yet contemporary culture. Charleston is arguably one of America’s best-preserved architectural treasures which is home to beautiful 18th century townhouses, Georgian mansions and Romanesque churches. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring this delightful city. (N)

Accommodation in Charleston: Planters Inn French Quarter (or similar)

Day 8 Charleston

Today spend the day exploring Charleston. Explore the historic Fort Sumter where the first shots of the civil war were fired - the 19th century Confederate stronghold is home to some of its original guns and fortifications. Other points of interest include Waterfront Park, White Point Gardens, Legare and City Market. You may also wish to hop in the car and take a short drive to visit one of the plantation-era mansions or sandy beaches that surround the city. (N)

Accommodation in Charleston: Planters Inn French Quarter (or similar)

Day 9 Charleston to Kiawah Island – 26 miles

After a leisurely breakfast take a short drive to the beautiful Kiawah Island that lies just south of Charleston. This beautiful sea island is an oasis of untouched natural beauty and renowned hospitality. Boasting 10 miles of beaches, preserved maritime forests, marshes and sand dunes, Kiawah offers an incredibly diverse biosphere for such a small island. (B)

Accommodation in Kiawah Island: Andell Inn Marriot Bonvoy (or similar)

Day 10 Kiawah Island

Spend the day at your leisure to explore this picturesque island. Wildlife lovers will enjoy the Kiawah’s rich natural environment with deer, osprey, river otter, raccoon, grey fox and bobcat inhabiting the island. Other activities available on Kiawah include kayaking, surfing, guided nature tours, golfing, or you may just wish to soak up the sun amongst the scenic sand dunes. (B)

Accommodation in Kiawah Island: Andell Inn Marriot Bonvoy (or similar)

Day 11 Kiawah Island to Savannah – 119 miles

After a leisurely morning on Kiawah continue your journey where you will cross the state line back to Georgia and head to Savannah. Often described as one of America’s most beautiful cities, Savannah is home to picturesque squares, iconic monuments, leafy parks as well as the largest historic landmark district in the USA. It is also a very contemporary city offering a creative, artistic culture boasting a good theatre scene and many excellent restaurants. (B)

Accommodation in Savannah: Homewood Suites Savannah Riverfront (or similar)

Day 12 Savannah

Spend the day visiting the manicured parks, antebellum architecture and historical landmarks of romantic Savannah – you may wish to explore on foot or by traditional horse-drawn carriage. Ensure to make stops at Wormsloe Historic Site – an 18th century landmark featuring ruins and gardens, the famous Bonaventure Cemetery, the neo-gothic Cathedral, leafy Forsythe Park and the arty Telfair Museum. Spend the evening at one of the city’s waterfront restaurants followed by a nightcap at a rooftop bar. (B)

Accommodation in Savannah: Homewood Suites Savannah Riverfront (or similar)

Day 13 Savannah to Jekyll Island – 94 miles

After breakfast in Savannah, hop back in your car and continue down the coast to Jekyll Island, one of the Golden Isles of the Georgia barrier islands. Discover marshes teeming with wildlife, miles of wide-open beaches and sand dunes and old oaks draped in moss. (B)

Accommodation in Jekyll Island: Hampton Inn & Suites (or similar)

Day 14 Jekyll Island

Spend your last day basking in the beauty of Jekyll Island. Wildlife lovers can spend time watching seabirds, visiting the Georgia Sea Turtle Center or rambling around the picturesque maritime forest with a park ranger where you may catch a glimpse of turtles and alligators. Another popular activity is to stroll along the beautiful beaches, photographing the stunning driftwood and dunes, or just relax and soak up the sun. (B)

Accommodation in Jekyll Island: Hampton Inn & Suites (or similar)

Day 15 Jekyll Island to Jacksonville – 65 miles / Jacksonville to the UK

After breakfast depart Jekyll Island and cross the border to Florida where you will drive to Jacksonville International Airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)

Self-Drive: Best of Georgia and the Carolinas

15 days from £2500 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Best of Georgia and the Carolinas

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