Favorite Trolley Tour

Question

Will only be spending 2 nights in the HD (Planter House) and wondering which tour is the best to see and learn the most. My partner has mobility issues so walking tours won't work. Considering Old Savannah Tours, Grayline, and Old Town Trolley. A friend mentioned that the Hop on Hop off might be difficult to Hop back on since we will be doing this on a Saturday in the summer and the bus might be full. I'm leaning towards Grayline since they do hotel pickup and drop-off. Thanks!

(We are doing a road trip with only 2 nights each in 5 historic cities, so my mind is boggled with all the choices)

Answer

If you're only in Savannah for a couple of days and want to make the most of your time while accommodating your partner's mobility issues, a trolley tour is a great choice! Here's a breakdown of the three main options you mentioned, which should help you decide the best one for your needs:

1. Old Savannah Tours

Pros: Old Savannah Tours offers a comprehensive, informative tour with a good balance of history, architecture, and local landmarks. They are known for their friendly, knowledgeable guides who provide rich insights into the history of Savannah. They also have handicap-accessible trolleys, making it easier for those with mobility issues to enjoy the tour without difficulty.
Cons: While the tour is well-reviewed, it does have a hop-on hop-off format, which could potentially be challenging on a busy Saturday with crowds, especially for someone who has trouble getting back on the trolley if it’s full.

2. Grayline Savannah

Pros: Grayline is a solid option, especially if you're looking for the hotel pick-up and drop-off convenience. Their tours are well-paced and provide a great overview of Savannah's historic district. Grayline offers handicap-accessible trolleys, so they can accommodate your partner’s mobility needs. The tour guides are typically engaging and knowledgeable, and their smaller trolleys might help with a more relaxed, comfortable experience.
Cons: Although Grayline is an excellent choice for convenience, some people find the commentary to be a bit less detailed than Old Savannah Tours. However, they are still a great option for those who want a smooth, easy experience.

3. Old Town Trolley

Pros: Old Town Trolley is perhaps the most well-known and widely used trolley service in Savannah. They offer a thorough tour with plenty of historic sites, and their hop-on hop-off option lets you explore various parts of the city at your own pace. They also have handicap-accessible trolleys.
Cons: As your friend mentioned, hop-on hop-off tours can sometimes be challenging on busy weekends, especially in the summer. You may find that certain trolleys are full, leading to longer waits at stops, which could be a consideration if your partner has mobility concerns. Also, because they are so popular, it can sometimes feel more like a “tourist factory” with large crowds and less personal interaction.

Recommendation:

Given your concerns about mobility and the summer crowds, Grayline might be the best option for you. They provide hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it a more streamlined experience, and they’re less likely to have the same issues with crowding as the hop-on hop-off services. Their trolleys are typically smaller and more comfortable for a relaxed, informative experience without having to worry about trying to get back on a crowded trolley.

However, if you want a more detailed, immersive experience, Old Savannah Tours is also a strong contender, especially if you're okay with a slightly longer wait time or the possibility of walking between stops (though you can still remain on the trolley if it’s not full).

Ultimately, all three options are good, but Grayline seems to be the best balance of convenience, accessibility, and comfort for your specific needs during your short stay in Savannah!