Savannah Christmas With Boat Parade Light Festival

**

**Attention Passengers: This trip has a lot of walking and some will be on Cobblestone streets. Please make sure to have comfortable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather. **

Day 1

Following meal and rest stops at your expense enroute, you will arrive in Florence, South Carolina for check in at the Hilton Garden Inn Florence (843-432-3001) for one night. The hotel features an indoor pool, fitness center, business center and complimentary WiFi. In-room amenities include a microwave, mini refrigerator, coffeemaker, hairdryer and complimentary high speed internet access. Dinner this evening is included at a local restaurant. After dinner, you return to the hotel for the night.

Day 2

Following a deluxe continental breakfast included at the hotel, you check out and depart for Savannah, Georgia with lunch on your own and at your expense along the way. Upon arrival in Savannah's Historic District, you'll stop in the Plant Riverside District for free time to browse the Savannah Christmas Market. Experience one of Savannah's merriest holiday traditions. With exciting celebrations taking place throughout the Christmas season, visitors will enjoy live holiday music, street performances, seasonal food specials and exclusive holiday market vendors along Savannah's Waterfront. Next, you visit the Isaiah Davenport House at Christmas to experience a brief glimpse of what early 19th century life was like in one of its most historic homes decked out for the holidays. Just imagine the sights and sounds of Savannah two centuries ago - candlelit homes, horse drawn carriages and a flurry of festivities in anticipation of Christmas Day. Afterwards, you depart for check-in at the Hilton Garden Inn Savannah Historic District (912-721-5000) for a three-night stay. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, onsite restaurant and complimentary WiFi. Guest rooms feature a mini refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, hairdryer and high-speed internet access. Following a brief time to freshen up, you will witness Savannah from a different perspective with a riverboat cruise. Set your sights on holiday lights as you cruise amid the annual Boat Parade of Lights Festival from the best seat in the house and leading more than 30 beautifully decorated glowing vessels along the Savannah River. While cruising along, you will enjoy heavy hors d'oeuvres and entertainment. Once back on land, you return to the hotel to turn in for the night.

Day 3

Wake to breakfast included at the hotel before you begin your day with a guided tour of Savannah featuring a captivating journey through the city's rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture. Narrated by a local guide, explore Savannah's Historic District featuring cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks and beautifully preserved antebellum homes. Next, you have lunch included at a local restaurant and followed by a narrated walking tour of Savannah. You then arrive at the Savannah Theater, where you will kick back and enjoy "ELF the Musical" the comical stage adaptation of the classical film that tells the lovable tale of Buddy the Elf. It's a heartwarming delight and will hopefully help you to embrace your inner Elf. At the end of the show, you will have dinner included at a local restaurant and then return to the hotel to relax and unwind for the night.

Day 4

Once again, breakfast is included at the hotel before you depart for your Hop-on/Hop-off Trolley tour which includes 15 stops throughout the Historic District (additional fees may apply if you choose to explore any of the sites at which you stop). This is your chance to explore Savannah at your leisure and grab lunch on your own and at your expense. You will gather together as a group mid-afternoon for admission included at the American Prohibition Museum to enjoy a guided tour featuring about 1,000 artifacts throughout the gallery and culminating with a cocktail experience. Your tour will start with a historically costumed guide bursting with Prohibition stories. Once you enter the Speakeasy, you will get the opportunity to spend time with an expert bartender learning the art of making a cocktail. Dinner tonight is included at a local restaurant. Afterwards, you return to the hotel for the night.

Day 5

Following breakfast included at the hotel, you check out and travel to Norfolk, Virginia, with rest stops and lunch on your own and at your expense enroute. Upon arrival, you check into the Drury Plaza Hotel Richmond (804-354-1542), for your final night's stay. Hotel amenities include an outdoor/indoor pool and whirlpool, 24-hour business center, a 24-hour fitness center, and an on-site kitchen and bar. Guest rooms feature a coffee maker, hairdryer, microwave, refrigerator, and complimentary high speed internet access. A Kickback Dinner is included at the hotel before you board the motorcoach and depart for the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. Marvel at the uniquely decorated garden for the holidays with hand-crafted botanical ornaments and enchanting displays. Stroll through the GardenFest of Lights, featuring more than half-a-million twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, model trains, and more. Witness the outdoor garden and lakeside paths festively illuminated (Please wear comfortable footwear and dress appropriately for the weather). Visit the Education and Library Complex to view the beautiful holiday trees, creatively decorated by elementary school students. Afterwards, you return to the hotel for the remainder of the night.

Day 6

Breakfast will be included at the hotel before you check out and depart for a guided tour of the Virginia State Capitol Building. The capitol building houses the oldest elected legislative body in North America, the Virginia Assembly, first established as the House of Burgesses in 1619. Designed by Thomas Jefferson, see how the Commonwealth shows off its Capitol during the holidays. After the tour, you depart for Carytown for lunch on your own and at your expense, and a chance to browse the shops. Voted "Best Neighborhood to Shop In" by Southern Living Magazine readers, Carytown is a broad blend of locally owned specialty stores, boutiques, and savory culinary delights. Afterwards, you board the motorcoach for home, with everlasting memories of Savannah. A meal stop at your expense will be made enroute home.

*

**TIMES AND ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner