Join the Yorktown to explore a part of America's southern shores rife with natural history, cultural attractions, and historic sites. Your 8-day journey begins in Charleston, beautifully appointed with palmetto trees and wrought-iron balustrades. Continue south along the coast and travel back in time to visit the natural wonders and historic cities that line this historic region.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Charleston and transfer to the pier to embark the Yorktown. Settle in to your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship and her crew. Overnight in port.
Day 2: Charleston, South Carolina
Spend the day in Charleston, one of the East Coast’s loveliest cities. A prosperous, cosmopolitan seaport from colonial times, it was in here in Charleston’s harbor that Confederate troops first fired upon Fort Sumter, thus starting the Civil War. Tour Charleston’s extensive historic district, which includes the 18th-century Heyward-Washington House; the Calhoun Mansion, with its ornate plaster and wood moldings and sweeping stairwell; and the Nathaniel Russell House, a neoclassical townhouse set amidst beautiful gardens. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or drive to historic Middleton Place Plantation, a carefully preserved 18th-century plantation that is a National Historic Landmark. Situated on the Ashley River, the property includes the House Museum, built in 1755 as the gentleman’s guest quarters, and 65 acres of magnificent gardens.
Day 3: Beaufort, South Carolina
Today call in Beaufort, South Carolina’s second oldest city. Set amid an estuary in the interior Sea Islands, Beaufort is steeped in beauty and in history. Spend time exploring the downtown area, which is a designated National Historic Landmark whose unique, antebellum architecture has been remarkably preserved. Nature enthusiasts can explore nearby Hunting Island, a pristine state park filled with wildlife including egrets, osprey, herons, and loggerhead turtles.
Day 4: Savannah, Georgia
Call at Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city, founded by James Oglethorpe in 1733. Today the fine avenues and open spaces that Oglethorpe planned form the cornerstone of the three-square-mile historic district, which features over 1,000 Federal and Regency buildings and 21 verdant squares. A tour includes the Davenport House, an elegant Federal-style home that presides over the northwest corner of Columbia Square; the opulent Owens-Thomas House, designed by noted English architect William Jay; and the Romanesque Cotton Exchange, once one of the busiest in the world.
Day 5: At Sea
Spend the day enjoying the wildlife and scenery as you sail along the Intracoastal Waterway. Enjoy the sea breeze on deck, attend an educational lecture, take advantage on on-board amenities, or settle in with a good book as you prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Day 6: Brunswick, Georgia
From Brunswick, explore Jekyll and St. Simons Islands, two of Georgia’s Golden Isles. In 1886 a group of millionaires bought the island as a winter retreat and built the Jekyll Island Club, whose members included Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Astors. These illustrious members erected stately mansions — which were called "cottages"—around the imposing club and are remarkably preserved today. In 1947 Georgia purchased the island and the estates and subsequently turned the area into a state park. On scenic St. Simons Island, visit the archaeological site of Fort Frederica, where Spanish and British troops battled in 1742, establishing Georgia as a British colony. Also visit the island’s lighthouse, rebuilt in 1872 and still operational today. More than 280 species of birds have been recorded on this small island, not to mention its abundance of alligators and dolphins as well as rare flora.
Day 7: St Marys, Georgia
From St. Marys, a historic small port town on Georgia’s south coast, take a local ferry to nearby Cumberland Island, the largest wilderness island in the country. Inhabited by Timucuan Indians for more than 3,000 years, the island was also host to British colonists, Spanish missionaries, and the Carnegies, who owned most of the island from the late 19th century and built several mansions that are still standing. In 1972, the island was purchased by the federal government and they established the Cumberland Island National Seashore in order to protect the unique wildlife. During your visit, explore Cumberland’s historic sites, as well as the rich bird and animal life, in the company of park rangers.
Day 8: Jacksonville, Florida / Disembark
Following breakfast, disembark in Jacksonville and transfer to the airport to continue your travels.
Dates & Prices
Per person starting at
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $950, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.8 | 176 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 176 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.