Southern Grace & the Road to Change: Georgia Tour

Introduction

Savannah • Augusta • Atlanta / October 13–21, 2026

Journey Through Georgia

Southern Grace & the Road to Change is a thoughtfully paced journey through Georgia’s most meaningful stories, from the elegant squares of Savannah to the powerful voices of Atlanta’s civil rights movement. Designed for travelers who enjoy learning, culture, and time to truly absorb each destination, this tour blends scenic experiences, engaging museums, and walkable historic districts. Along the way, we explore coastal traditions, inland industry, African American heritage, and national leadership, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and carefully selected experiences. This is a tour that goes beyond sightseeing—offering insight, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the people and events that shaped the modern South.

Because our flight departs early on the morning of October 14, we will need to be at the airport by 4:00 AM. To make this easier, we will offer motorcoach pickups on the afternoon of October 13 for guests who would like to stay at The Radisson at Portland Airport the night before. Pickups in Albany, Salem, Woodburn, and Tualatin will be available only on October 13. Guests who prefer not to use this option are welcome to make their own arrangements to meet the group at the airport by 4:00 AM on October 14.

Tour Pricing for this 8 day, 7 night tour:

Single Traveler: $5175 per person

Double Traveler: $4475 per person

Optional Portland Airport Radisson Hotel Stay: $150

Journey Through Georgia

At a glance

Journey Through Georgia

Map

Day 1 - Welcome to Savannah

Arrive in Savannah and Welcome Dinner

Arrive in Savannah

We arrive in Savannah late afternoon and transfer to our hotel in the heart of the Historic District. This evening, we gather for a welcome dinner just steps from the hotel, easing into the rhythms of the South with warm hospitality and classic coastal flavors. After dinner, enjoy a short stroll through nearby squares or settle in for a restful first night.

Day 2 - Savannah: Squares, Stories & Southern Elegance

Guided City Tour and Savannah History Museum

Guided City Tour of Savannah

A guided trolley tour of the city brings the famous shaded squares, grand homes, and monuments into context, sharing stories of colonial beginnings, maritime trade, and the preservation movement that saved the city.

Lunch in the Historic District

After the city tour, enjoy lunch in the Historic District.

Visit to Savannah History Museum

Visit the Savannah History Museum, where engaging exhibits trace the city’s role in Georgia and American history.

Free Afternoon and Evening

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to explore River Street, City Market, or relax at the hotel.

Day 3 - Culture, Community & the Savannah River

Gullah Geechee Heritage, River Cruise, and Fort Jackson

Visit to Pin Point Heritage Museum

We begin at the Pin Point Heritage Museum, learning about the Gullah Geechee community and the generations who shaped life along the waterways.

Scenic Luncheon Cruise on the Savannah River

Enjoy a scenic luncheon cruise on the Savannah River, offering beautiful views and a relaxed perspective on the city from the water.

Visit to Old Fort Jackson

This afternoon, we visit Old Fort Jackson, one of the oldest brick fortifications in the country.

Free Evening in Savannah

Enjoy a free evening to savor Savannah on your own.

Day 4 - Savannah to Augusta: From Port City to Industry

Travel Inland, Augusta Canal Cruise, Group Dinner

Travel from Savannah to Augusta

Leaving the coast behind, we travel inland to Augusta, marking an important shift in Georgia’s story.

Free Time for Lunch on Broad Street

Upon arrival, guests enjoy free time for lunch on Broad Street, Augusta’s walkable downtown filled with inviting cafés and local favorites.

Narrated Augusta Canal Boat Cruise

Our afternoon highlight is a narrated canal boat cruise along the historic Augusta Canal, where we learn how waterpower fueled industry, textiles, and growth—connecting the coastal economy to the interior.

Explore the Canal Discovery Center

After the canal cruise, we explore the Canal Discovery Center.

Group Dinner Near Downtown Hotel

After exploring the Canal Discovery Center, we enjoy a group dinner near our hotel in the center of the historic district.

Day 5 - Augusta to Atlanta: Heritage & Transition

Augusta Black History, Madison, Arrive Atlanta

Visit to Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History

This morning we visit the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History, an intimate and moving introduction to Augusta’s African American heritage and educational legacy.

Journey from Augusta to Atlanta with Madison Stop

DepartureAugusta

DestinationAtlanta

We then journey toward Atlanta, stopping in the beautifully preserved town of Madison, Georgia, often called one of the South’s most picturesque communities. After time to admire its historic homes and downtown, we continue to Atlanta.

Settle into Midtown Atlanta Hotel

After time to admire Madison’s historic homes and downtown, we continue to Atlanta, settle into our Midtown hotel, and enjoy dinner together.

Dinner in Atlanta

After arriving in Atlanta and settling into the hotel, enjoy dinner together.

Day 6 - Atlanta: The Civil Rights Story

Civil Rights Landmarks and Powerful Exhibits

Explore Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

We explore the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, including the Visitor Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the surrounding historic neighborhood that shaped Dr. King’s life and leadership.

Lunch at Atlanta’s Historic Municipal Market

After visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, enjoy lunch at Atlanta’s historic Municipal Market.

Visit to National Center for Civil and Human Rights

We continue to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, where powerful exhibits connect the American civil rights movement to global struggles for equality.

Free Evening in Midtown Atlanta

The evening is free to enjoy Midtown’s walkable dining and cultural scene.

Day 7 - Atlanta: Leadership, Legacy & Reflection

Atlanta History Center, Carter Center, Farewell Dinner

Visit to Atlanta History Center

This morning we visit the Atlanta History Center, offering a broader view of Georgia’s past—from early settlement and the Civil War to the growth of modern Atlanta.

Explore the Carter Center

In the afternoon, we explore the Carter Center, reflecting on the presidency and humanitarian legacy of Jimmy Carter and his lifelong commitment to peace and human rights.

Farewell Dinner

This evening, we gather for a farewell dinner, sharing memories and reflecting on the journey we’ve taken together.

Day 8 - Margaret Mitchell House and Departure

Margaret Mitchell House Tour

Gone with the Wind & Journey Home

Visit the Margaret Mitchell House

The Margaret Mitchell House is the historic Atlanta apartment where author Margaret Mitchell wrote Gone With the Wind. Today it is a museum that shares the story behind the famous novel and offers insight into Atlanta’s culture and literary history.

Lunch on Your Own

After visiting the museum, enjoy lunch on your own in Midtown Atlanta. . . steps away from the museum. There are many excellent choices.

Transfer to Airport and Departure

We transfer to the airport for our return flight home—carrying with us a deeper understanding of the South’s grace, resilience, and continuing road to change.

Loading Map…

Map

1. Savannah Historic District

Savannah Historic District, Savannah, GA 31401

2. Savannah History Museum

303 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401

3. Pin Point Heritage Museum

9924 Pin Point Ave, Savannah, GA 31406

4. Old Fort Jackson

1 Fort Jackson Rd, Savannah, GA 31404

5. Augusta Canal Discovery Center

1450 Greene St #400, Augusta, GA 30901

6. Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History

1116 Phillips St, Augusta, GA 30901

7. Madison Historic District

Madison Historic District, Madison, GA 30650

8. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

9. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

10. Atlanta History Center

130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

11. The Carter Center

453 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

12. Atlanta Botanical Garden

1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309