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South Carolina/Georgia

The Best of Charleston and Savannah: A Tale of Two Cities

Program No. 21715RJ
Discover the charms of Charleston and Savannah with plenty of time on your own, and learn about basket weaving, explore plantations, visit Civil War forts and enjoy local cuisine.

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Participant Reviews
4.93
Based on 48 Reviews
SHOWING
Margaret – Class of 2008 | Little Rock, AR
I got a feel for what it was like to live in our country before it was an official country and to learn how the "black" and "white" experiences were different.
— Review left May 6, 2025
Ellen | Northbrook, IL
The Road Scholar tours provide a very informative and convenient way to explore new and different parts of the country / world. I would very much recommend the program.
— Review left May 5, 2025
This participant did not give a star rating.
Elizabeth | Tenafly, NJ
Do yourselves a favor and do not take this tour. It is poor value in every way. The food is dreadful , the accommodations are not comfortable , the program delivery rooms are businesslike and alienating , the bus is uncomfortable , there is no airport transfer upon arrival , no effort is made to coordinate or connect the tours and presentations , there is entirely too much free time, too much time is wasted transitioning because the group is too large , This was frankly the worst tour and the worst value in my lifetime . Getting food poisoning , undoubtedly from the spoiled buffet food is an added bonus!
— Review left March 25, 2025
Reply from Road Scholar
Dear Elizabeth, Being noted as one of our most popular offerings we are sorry to hear of your disappoint and unfortunate case of food poisoning. We take the feedback of our participants seriously and have passed along your comments to our partners on the ground to see where improvements can be made. We also appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further with you to gain a better understanding of your experience. We hope that you might consider giving us another chance in the future. Sincerely, Road Scholar
William – Class of 2006 | Calabasas, CA
Rally enjoyed an intro to the South
— Review left October 23, 2024
George – Class of 2022 | Goodyear, AZ
This program offers great insight into the development of these two beautiful cities as well as offers revisiting of historic events in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
— Review left May 28, 2024
Chris – Class of 2017 | New Port Richey, FL
Great overview of Savannah and Charleston led by Tom and Janet Murray. They are great group leaders and I highly recommend this program.
— Review left May 20, 2024
Ruth – Class of 2024 | Grand JCT, CO
The beautiful and gracious historic cities of Charleston and Savannah are brought to life through knowledgeable presenters.The hotels are situated within easy walking distance to many fascinating museums, homes, and gardens with free time to visit. The educational opportunities add to the enjoyment and deeper understanding of these cultural icons. And the food ain’t bad either!
— Review left May 9, 2024
JoAnn – Class of 2023 | Vancouver, WA
This was a great opportunity to learn about these two wonderful cities and understand more about the history, gastronomy and culture of the South. We enjoyed every minute and highly recommend it to travelers who are curious about this area of the United States.
— Review left May 4, 2024
Bart – Class of 2024 | Indio, CA
I just finished a Road Scholar tour of Charleston / Savannah. I came away with more knowledge, fewer prejudices, too many photos, and a better understanding of who we are. Hard to beat.
— Review left April 30, 2024
Robert – Class of 2007 | Henderson, NV
History, southern charm, great food (especially seafood), pleasant weather, lovely flowers, fantastic architecture, warm, friendly people. That's what Charleston and Savannah were all about.
— Review left March 12, 2024
Celene – Class of 2023 | San Antonio, TX
What an exceptional experience! I have never been on such a perfectly organized and well led travel experience. Road Scholar is the way to go. When you think of all the work that goes on behind the scenes to put it all together, you realize that the price you're paying is very reasonable. Highly recommended way to travel.
— Review left October 23, 2023
This participant did not give a star rating.
Patricia – Class of 2023 | Meridian, ID
This was a lovely trip. The speakers and guides were amazing and had so much knowledge. Anne, our host, was terrific. I would not return to eat at the Pirate’s House. The food wasn’t good and the place was dirty and uninviting. Also, the bus we used in savannah was disgustingly dirty and had many parts broken like seat belts and air vents. Other than those two things, it was a great trip and I will go on more Road Scholar trips and especially with Anne. Thank you
— Review left October 21, 2023
Eric – Class of 2017 | Franklin, TN
This is a FUN & informative program combining the great history & food of these two cities!! I highly recommend this program to anyone wanting to learn more about the Deep South & its history. Becky Alexander, our group leader, was helpful, patient, and a very pleasant addition to this program!
— Review left October 20, 2023
Nancy – Class of 2016 | Colora, MD
It was a great way for me to enjoy and become familiar with two US cities I have never visited. It is an added benefit when fellow Road Scholars from all over the US join together in the experience.
— Review left October 16, 2023
Jay – Class of 2019 | La Grange, IL
If you have the opportunity to take a tour with Becky Alexander, do so. She was great!
— Review left May 30, 2023
Margaret – Class of 2016 | Woodhaven, NY
Excellent trip. Tom and Janet are fantastic Group Leaders. I would recommend this trip to everyone.
— Review left May 29, 2023
Janice – Class of 2023 | Evanston, IL
Exceeded my expectations. Stimulated me to learn more about an important piece of US history.
— Review left May 28, 2023
Carol – Class of 2023 | Napa, CA
The Tale of Two Cities was an interesting and informative trip to the South. I really enjoyed it until I got Covid. Just be sure to wear your mask in all group settings including bus and lectures, and eat meals at separate tables with your partner.
— Review left May 24, 2023
James – Class of 2017 | Bridgewater, NJ
This tour of the capitals of the US "Low Country" provides excellent insights into US History, especially before 1776. Both cities are compact, very walkable, and safe.
— Review left May 23, 2023
Carol – Class of 2004 | Lower Gwynedd, PA
This was a wonderful trip. Our leaders, Tom and Janet, were outstanding and I enjoyed all aspects of the program. Too many highlights to mention and so much to learn. I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left May 14, 2023
J Donna – Class of 2023 | Sarasota, FL
Don't know if you want to post this but I hope to take another RS trip but I think I will be asking a lot more questions before I sign up
— Review left May 10, 2023
Rosemary – Class of 2019 | Henderson, NV
An excellent way to learn about this unique part of our world and history.
— Review left March 27, 2023
Linda – Class of 2016 | New Smyrna Beach, FL
Charleston and Savannah were a great combination. They both had so much history and such good food. We learned to much on the tours, and we enjoyed the best low-country boil I ever had in Savannah! There was just the right amount of free time so we could discover some restaurants and shops on our own. A great trip!
— Review left November 20, 2022
nancy – Class of 2022 | Wakefield, MA
The program was educational, well thought out and an opportunity to see a part of US that so much history. I would recommend this tour!!!!
— Review left November 12, 2022
Janet – Class of 2022 | Wantagh, NY
My trip to Charleston and Savannah was my first Road Scholar tour. I enjoyed the balance of traveling, along with lectures by very knowledgeable speakers. Our group leader, Terrie Dal Pazzo, was so much fun to travel with, in addition to being attentive to everyone’s needs. I will definitely travel with Road Scholar again.
— Review left October 16, 2022
Seth – Class of 2022 | Westbury, NY
This was our first Road Scholar tour. Having participated in other company’s tours over the years, I found this tour to Charleston and Savannah unique in terms of its educational perspective. We had a wonderful and caring group leader (Terrie Dal Pazzo), excellent experts for each city, and some really fascinating presentations. This was my first, but will not be my last Road Scholar Tour.
— Review left October 16, 2022
Christene – Class of 2022 | Centerville, UT
I learned a lot about the South's history that history books only mention.
— Review left October 12, 2022
Barbara M. – Class of 2018 | Bradenton, FL
I loved learning about the Low Country! I didn't realize rice culture was so strong here. Both Charleston and Savanah are beautiful and welcoming cities. The food was amazing!
— Review left October 7, 2022
Lynnette – Class of 2022 | Lansing, NY
This was our first Road Scholar program but I can assure you it won't be our last! There wasn't a detail that was mised.
— Review left May 31, 2022
Sybilla – Class of 2022 | Westminster, CA
A very thorough coverage of the city. Very interesting and informative.
— Review left May 19, 2022
Francis – Class of 2016 | Columbia, MD
Superb Program. Interesting, fun-filled experiences every day with enough free time to explore on your own. Definitely should be on your list.
— Review left May 18, 2022
Brian – Class of 2022 | Ridley Park, PA
Well organized tour, excellent food, great learning experience and fun people on the bus plus a tour director who did an excellent overall job!
— Review left May 13, 2022
Karen – Class of 2020 | Carlsbad, CA
This was an outstanding program, lead by exceptional leaders and experts in the field. It really made the history of the south come to life for me. I would highly recommend this program to anyone wanting to visit Charleston and Savannah.
— Review left May 9, 2022
Miriam – Class of 2017 | Shoreview, MN
This was a wonderful trip to learn about parts of history we did not learn about in our schooling. Great area and great program!
— Review left May 6, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Patricia – Class of 2022 | Williamsburg, VA
I thoroughly enjoyed my first trip with Road Scholars. I looked forward to each day of discovering each city and the surrounding areas. The leader always kept us informed of what we were doing each day and times and locations to meet. I had never been to Charleston before and enjoyed seeing plantations and tours of the city. Food was great and I did try everything as was suggested. The people we met on the tour and those who took the tour were flexible and were friendly. I enjoyed the musical performances and seeing the old homes on the squares in Savannah. I will be joining more tours in the future.
— Review left March 30, 2022
Karl – Class of 2008 | Wichita, KS
Visiting Charleston and Savannah in succession let us compare and contrast two wealthy southern colonial towns. The program greatly expanded my understanding by emphasizing colonial times over civil war times.
— Review left February 27, 2022
Rosemary – Class of 2017 | Brooklyn, NY
This is the trip to take if you haven't been to the South lately. The guides and instructors are superior. The food is outstanding. The people are kind and friendly, and always willing to help you out. Yaay, Road Scholars!!!
— Review left October 25, 2021
This participant did not give a star rating.
Julie – Class of 2019 | Lowell, MA
I had a wonderful time on this trip. I enjoyed learning about the two cities and their unique history. The trip leaders were entertaining and energetic, always helpful and friendly. The other participants added an extra ingredient to the program and helped make the experience special. The hotels and restaurants were top notch and although we had a bit of soggy weather, the whole trip was extremely rewarding. Hope our current situation improves so I can begin planning another Road Scholar adventure.
— Review left March 19, 2020
Gay – Class of 2019 | Eden Prairie, MN
Excellent program! The tale of these two cities was fascinating!
— Review left November 10, 2019
Natalie – Class of 2018 | Sheridan, WY
The Best of Charleston and Savannah Tour was filled with many exciting southern experiences such as Plantation and Antabellam house tours.The tour guides were exceptional and the offerings amazing. One really got the feel of southern life before the civil war period. Thanks Road Scholar!
— Review left June 16, 2019
Patti – Class of 2019 | Mount Vernon, WA
My recent trip to Charleston and Savannah was filled with information in a variety of items unique to the areas - history, culture, food, music were all part of this amazing opportunity. I look forward to experiencing other Road Scholar opportunities in the future. Thank you for the experience!
— Review left May 20, 2019
Victoria – Class of 2019 | Edgewood, WA
A Tale of Two Cities, Charleston and Savannah, presents an overview of the history, culture and food of these diverse environments. You will participate in a variety of activities which will enhance your understanding of the complicated pasts, the interesting historical figures, the architecture, the music, and best of all the food!
— Review left May 14, 2019
Susan – Class of 2019 | Omaha, NE
Having never been to the South this program was a great introduction to the region and the people there. It was also great to have some flex time and revisit places we had been or places not on the itinerary. Just the right length of time
— Review left May 13, 2019
Carol – Class of 2017 | Comanche, TX
My sister's first 'bus tour' with Road Scholar was a pleasant surprise for her, and she has agreed that we should go on more of their tours.
— Review left April 13, 2019
This participant did not give a star rating.
William – Class of 2008 | Portland, OR
Connie was a great guide: informed, organized, friendly, helpful. Enjoyed all the activities. Good blend of planned activities and free time. Local instructors and guides were great. Would not have liked a group size larger than the 24 on my trip. Would have liked to have had a full day to explore Beaufort, perhaps stay overnight. Two fascinating cities with much to do and friendly locals. Five stars!
— Review left April 10, 2019
Shelly – Class of 2017 | Williston Park, NY
Tales of Two Cities was a great trip. Just the right mixture of everything
— Review left April 9, 2019
Debra – Class of 2015 | Manalapan, NJ
Great trip!
— Review left March 24, 2019
Kimberly J – Class of 2018 | New York, NY
Wonderful warm relaxing escape from bitter New York winter! Our director Kathy was excellent, with the perfect blend of organizational skills and genuine warmth and friendliness. Both cities and nearby plantations were very charming, and I loved being in the midst of beautiful English colonial architecture and lush green subtropical vegetation. The history and culture lectures and demonstrations were informative and entertaining. Every single hotel and restaurant meal I had was absolutely delicious and the settings so atmospheric! New favorite dishes: shrimp with grits and gravy, fried green tomatoes, and key lime pie!
— Review left March 4, 2019





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