Super Rough Itinerary- Please Critique

Question

Hi! For those of you who didn't read my other post, we are a middle-age couple who like history and architecture. Not into brewpubs, but will go to them for dinner sometimes. Also not into haunted tours. I like shopping, hubby hates it, plus we won't have a lot of room in our luggage due to flying in. We usually walk four miles a day, so we're in decent shape. We will have a car for our entire stay. We found a b and b near Forsyth Park with good parking options. Sometimes I over plan, sometimes I under plan. Please let me know what you think. We're traveling in January, right after New Year's. Cold doesn't bother us in the least. Whatever the temp is in Savannah, it will be much colder at our house. :)

Day 1 (Thurs): 9:30PM flight in. Staying at the Courtyard by the airport because it has a shuttle (at least until 11- hopefully our flight will be on time).

Day 2 (Fri.): Take hotel shuttle back to airport. Pick up rental car around 9:00ish. Our b and b owner allows check-ins as early as 11, or we can at least dump our luggage. Drive to stop #1 of the hop-on-hop-off trolley tour (read you will be asked to get off at stop 15 if you start anywhere else, and then will need to reboard). Stay on the trolley for the duration of the trip to get a feel for the area. Assuming we'll be done mid-afternoon. Browse River St. Return to lodging to freshen up. 6:30 dinner reservations at Olde Pink House.

Day 3 (Saturday): Tybee Island (lighthouse, museum, pier walk). Fort Pulaski. Just going to pick up a dinner from Kroger a couple of blocks from our lodging. We're trying to save money and don't want big meals every night.

Day 4 (Sunday): Owens Thomas House tour, possibly browse one of the Telfair museums? (we've been to many major art museums, so I'm okay with not seeing everything in the museums), 2:30 cemetery tour by Bonaventure Don, 6:30 dinner reservations at Vic's

Day 5 (Monday): Get in line at Mrs. Wilkes for huge lunch. Mercer-Williams house tour, Cathedral of St. John, Chippewa Square. Not interested in going out for dinner after the big lunch.

Day 6 (Tuesday): Morning flight home

I haven't booked the cemetery tour yet. I did book the restaurants, per our B and B owner's advice, but those can obviously still be changed at this point.

Edited: 1 year ago

Answer

Overall, it looks like you've crafted a well-thought-out itinerary with a nice balance of history, architecture, and a little downtime. Since you're planning on visiting Savannah in January, the cool weather will be perfect for walking and exploring. You've also chosen great spots for history lovers! Below are a few suggestions and tweaks to help make the most of your time.

Day 1 (Thursday): Your plan to stay at the Courtyard by the airport for the night is a good one, especially since you're arriving late. It's smart to get some rest after your flight, and the shuttle service will help you avoid any stress about transportation when you arrive. I’d suggest not over-planning the first day, as you’ll likely be tired from the travel.

Day 2 (Friday): Your plan to pick up the rental car, drop off your luggage at your B&B, and hop on the trolley for a quick overview of Savannah sounds like a good way to start your visit. Here are a few thoughts:

Trolley Tour: Starting the tour at stop #1 and staying on for the full route is a great idea to get a feel for the city, but be sure to check the trolley schedule ahead of time to see if the route changes during the winter months. You may want to plan some extra time to walk around a bit after the tour, especially around the historic squares.
River Street: River Street is a fun place to browse, but it can get touristy and crowded. If you're looking for a more relaxed walk, you could also check out Factors Walk, which is quieter but still offers great views of the river and historic buildings.
Olde Pink House: Great choice for dinner! It’s one of Savannah’s most iconic restaurants. The atmosphere is charming, and the Southern cuisine is a must-try. Just be aware that the portions can be large, so you might want to pace yourselves if you plan on eating a big meal that night.

Day 3 (Saturday): Your plan for Tybee Island and Fort Pulaski sounds perfect for a day trip! A few suggestions:

Tybee Island: The lighthouse and museum are must-see attractions. The pier walk will also give you a beautiful view of the coast, and while it’s winter, Tybee Island is still worth the visit. Be sure to bundle up as it can be windy by the water.
Fort Pulaski: This is one of the best-preserved Civil War-era forts in the country, so it’s definitely worth spending a couple of hours here. If the weather permits, you can explore the grounds, watch the cannon firing demonstrations (if available), and enjoy the historic setting.
Kroger Dinner: Picking up something to make a casual dinner back at the B&B is a smart way to save time and money. Consider a picnic-style dinner with local cheeses, fresh bread, and some Savannah-inspired dishes to enjoy in the comfort of your accommodation.

Day 4 (Sunday): This day is packed with great historical sites! A couple of thoughts:

Owens-Thomas House: Excellent choice. This house is one of the best examples of Regency architecture in the U.S., and the tour will give you a deep dive into both Savannah’s history and the architecture of the time.
Bonaventure Cemetery Tour: A cemetery tour with Don is a great option. His tours are well-regarded for their informative and engaging take on Savannah’s history, particularly the fascinating stories surrounding the famous graves in the cemetery.
Dining at Vic’s on the River: Vic’s is a lovely choice for dinner. The restaurant offers Southern-inspired dishes, and the views of the river make it a memorable spot for a nice dinner. It’s a great place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

Day 5 (Monday): A big day ahead! If you’re planning to eat at Mrs. Wilkes’ at 11 a.m., you’ll want to arrive early as the line can get long. The food is worth the wait, though. Afterward:

Mercer-Williams House: The tour of the Mercer-Williams House is a great option to dive into Savannah’s fascinating history. Afterward, you can wander over to Chippewa Square, made famous by the movie *Forrest Gump*.
Cathedral of St. John: The Cathedral is a beautiful place to visit, and it’s right in the heart of the historic district. It’s a peaceful stop and a nice change of pace after the busy morning.
Dinner Plans: It’s understandable that you wouldn’t want to go out for dinner after a big lunch, especially at Mrs. Wilkes’. Consider a light snack, maybe from one of the local cafés or a more casual spot like Leopold’s Ice Cream for dessert. Alternatively, your B&B may have some great recommendations for relaxed, low-key places to eat.

Day 6 (Tuesday): You’ve left a bit of time for a morning flight, so if you have any extra time before your departure, you could visit a nearby coffee shop or walk around Forsyth Park one last time. It’s a lovely way to end your time in Savannah.

Final Thoughts: Your itinerary is already well-paced and hits the major highlights of Savannah, with a good mix of history, architecture, and relaxation. The only thing I’d suggest is keeping your plans a little flexible, especially on days with tours, as some locations may have changing hours or weather-related closures in January. It looks like you’ll have a wonderful trip with plenty of time to enjoy the city!

Super Rough Itinerary- Please Critique

More Savannah Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions