Discover the Peach State on this incredible itinerary which showcases Georgia’s diverse attractions and many of its charms – from big cities to small towns and from the North Georgia Mountains and vineyards to the stunning Golden Isles coastline and islands. This fly drive includes:
With airlines and hotels regularly introducing special offers, we’ve elected to not display pricing on our website. In order to ensure that we give you the most competitive price for the itinerary you’re interested in we’ll apply the best rates, promotions and offers that are available when we receive your enquiry. Please contact us via email, telephone or our websites ‘make an enquiry’, and we’ll endeavour to provide you with a tailor-made quotation within one working day.
Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Atlanta. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and proceed to your hotel where you will spend the first three nights of your Georgia adventure. From your hotel, in the heart of downtown, there are lots of great restaurants on your doorstep to grab a bite to eat and take in the urban atmosphere.
Hotel Indigo Downtown, AtlantaWe have included three further nights in Atlanta, so you can discover what this wonderfully diverse city has to offer. There is plenty to see and do to keep you entertained – both day and night. A must see is the National Centre for Civil and Human Rights, exploring the tragedies and triumphs of the civil rights movement and featuring rotating exhibits, with other options including the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, Fire Station No. 6, Birth Home and Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.
For something a little different, the Porsche Experience Centre allows you to drive the model of your choice for 90 minutes with a Porsche Driver Coach. Other options include the Atlanta History Centre, Centre for Puppetry Arts, Fernbank Museum, Georgia Aquarium, Legoland Discovery Centre, Michael C Carlos Museum, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Centennial Olympic Park, Martin Luther King National Historical Park, Krog Street Market, Ponce City Market, Piedmont Park, Sky View Atlanta, Atlanta Zoo and the World of Coca Cola. Located in the Atlanta Metro area, Roswell is a hidden gem. Established in the 1830’s when its first cotton mill was built, it grew along with the cotton industry. Its 640-acre Historic District is filled with home tours, ghost walks, restaurants, theatre, arts and quirky shopping. The Chattahoochee River, woodland trails, marsh boardwalks and bicycling add to the attractions, making Roswell a great choice for a day during your Atlanta stay.
Hotel Indigo Downtown, AtlantaLeaving the big city behind, this morning you will head to the North Georgia Mountains for a two night stay in the quaint town of Dahlonega. The drive will only take you around an hour. Your accommodation is part of a vineyard, nestled in the foothills of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Dahlonega is the site of the first major U.S. Gold Rush and the heart of Georgia Wine Country. Blue Ridge has 106,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest, 300 miles of hiking trails and 100 miles of trout streams on its doorstep, ideal for outdoor types. Taste farm-fresh and homegrown flavours in Georgia’s apple capital of Ellijay, where the quaint antique shops and local fare will have you reminiscing of the good ole days. Our final recommendation is to chase hidden waterfalls. Start at the top with Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville, which is both the tallest in the state and the starting point for the famed Appalachian Trail. Nearby Anna Ruby Falls and DeSoto Falls provide unrivaled views.
Sightseeing in the North Georgia Mountains
Dahlonega Resort and Vineyard, Blue Ridge MountainsYou may wish to spend a lazy morning in the mountains as it is just a short drive today to Athens. Nicknamed the Classic City, the college town of Athens is best known as the home to the University of Georgia. It’s also home to a thriving music industry that gave us big names like R.E.M. and the B-52s, both of which reference Athens in their music. Today, there’s a thriving downtown with locally owned restaurants and shops as well as restored Victorian homes. Whilst here you can visit the State Botanical Gardens of Georgia, Georgia Museum of Art and Ware-Lyndon Historic House which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Georgia Theatre and 40 Watt Club are definitely worth seeing.
Graduate, AthensThis morning you will make the journey across to Augusta, home of The Masters golf tournament. Once there, how about taking the James Brown Historical Tour? Or perhaps you could hit the water and enjoy a boat or kayak on the Petersburg canal. If you’d prefer to stay on land, try a downtown historical tour. Augusta’s Museum of History has exhibits which highlight golfs rich history and the Masters Tournament. The Local Legends Gallery features displays on athletes, entertainers and musicians from this rich region.
Augusta Marriott, AugustaToday you will make your way to historic Savannah, a beautiful area where you’ll spend the next three nights of this incredible journey. While in Savannah there are a plethora of activities and things to do. Be sure to visit Savannah’s historic district – cobblestone streets and Spanish moss-draped oaks make it a magical place – and try to visit Forsyth Park whilst here. Perhaps stop for ice cream at the world-famous Leopold’s Ice Cream Parlour. Savannah City Market is well worth a visit, as is the American Prohibition Museum. A walking, biking or a trolley tour is a great way to see everything on the tourist trail with splashes of local knowledge thrown in. Be sure to head to the Plant Riverside District during your stay. This newly reinvisioned area is a vibrant, riverfront entertainment area offering incredible dining, wine tasting, and high-end shopping. This district also includes the original 1912 power plant which has been restored, retaining historic characteristics like the iconic twin smokestacks and brick exterior. Along its shoreline, over a quarter-mile of riverwalk has been created. On one of your days in Savannah, we highly recommend taking a trip to Tybee Island, where you can visit the stunning Light Station and Museum.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Savannah Historic DistrictThis morning you will make the short journey to Jekyll Island, your base for the next three nights. With two full days to explore, you’ll have ample time to enjoy the delights on offer. Visit Driftwood Beach, hire a bike and explore the island, and perhaps a history tour of the Gilded Age, The Museum of Jekyll Island or The Wanderer Memory Trail. We would also suggest a day trip to St. Simons Island to see the Lighthouse Museum, Tree Spirits and Fort Frederica & Christ Church. If you’d rather take some time to relax, spend the day at the beach and end it with local sea food dining in one of the many dining establishments.
The Westin, Jekyll IslandIt’s time to come back inland and visit the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Okefenokee Swamp’s slow-moving waters and surrounding wetlands – totalling 680 square miles of protected wilderness – is a haven for turtles, deer, ibis, herons and alligators. Next, stop in Valdosta – known as the “Azalea City” for the colourful azaleas that thrive in the area. You could visit Wild Adventures Theme Park or explore The Crescent, listed on the National Register of Historic Homes. Your final destination today is Thomasville, which has an award-winning downtown and old-world feel. Stroll the brick-paved streets, or visit one of the many museums, and you will find that the history of Thomasville is still very much alive. Known as Georgia’s Rose City, Thomasville showcases more than 1,500 blooms in the Thomasville Rose Garden and celebrates the flowers every spring during the Rose Show & Festival. Other must-sees include The Big Oak, a live oak tree that is more than 327 years old and the Jack Hadley Black History Museum.
Courtyard by Marriott, ThomasvilleToday you will make the journey north to Macon where you spend the next two nights of your journey. During the drive, you may want to stop in Albany where you can visit the Civil Rights Institute. Once in Macon, there is plenty to see in this city, including The Allman Brothers Museum at the Big House, the Tubman Museum or the Hay House. Another recommendation includes a visit to the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park.
Hotel Forty Five, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, MaconToday you make the journey to your final destination, the town of Columbus, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Take a white-water rafting or kayaking tour along the Chattahoochee River, zipline across two states, or bike along the Dragonfly Trail which weaves its way through the city. For indoor activities, take advantage of free entry into The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center, and award-winning military museum or Ma Rainey House. A two-story, shotgun-style home that memorialises the life of Ma Rainey, “Mother of the Blues.” Rainey toured for decades and recorded nearly 100 songs before returning to her hometown and purchasing this home, where she lived the last few years of her life. Enjoy your last evening reflecting on what’s been an incredible holiday.
Marriott, ColumbusIf your flight does not depart until the evening, you may decide to visit Callaway Resort and Gardens in Pine Mountain, which is en route to Atlanta Airport and well worth one final adventure. Back in Atlanta, return your rental car, and check in for your flight back to the UK.
Our team of travel professionals focus on providing you with the very best advice when it comes to planning your holiday to the USA and Canada. They have experienced the destinations, hotels, tours and excursions for themselves, so if its expert advice and guidance backed by faultless customer service that you are looking for, you couldn’t’ be in safer hands. We will listen to your wish list of ideas as well as add our own personal recommendations to create a unique itinerary, personalised just for you.
For a quotation based on your preferred travel date and to check availability please contact one of our team of professional consultants who will be happy to assist you.
| Superior Deluxe | Among the finest the world has to offer, hotels in this category are exclusive, lavish and indulgent. Needless to say, you will enjoy the highest service levels, superb accommodation and outstanding facilities and public areas. |
|---|---|
| Deluxe | This will be an outstanding hotel, offering many of the features of Superior Deluxe, though on a scale which will be a little less grand. |
| Moderate Deluxe | This will be a Deluxe standard property, although some of the accommodation and public areas may offer a less pronounced degree of luxury. In other instances, the hotel may be a famous name with a well-established reputation. |
| Superior First Class | More often than not, this will be a superior modern hotel or an older property which is exceptionally well maintained. All offer very comfortable and well-furnished accommodation and public areas. |
| First Class | A dependable and comfortable hotel with standardised rooms. These are the ideal choice for travellers who don not require deluxe facilities or special services. |
| Moderate First Class | Essentially a First Class hotel with comfortable but sometimes simple accommodations. Public areas may be limited but generally provides all the essentials a guest requires. |
| Superior Tourist Class | |
| Tourist Class | |
| Dude Ranch | |
| Resort Ranch | |
| Working Ranch |
