Charleston & the Georgia Coast

Begin your trip in style with included VIP airport lounge access before boarding your flight to Charleston where, on arrival, you'll transfer to your chosen downtown hotel.

Should you choose to upgrade to the luxurious Charleston Place, you'll enjoy access to a light-filled, rooftop pool and wellness area, while the garden-inspired Palmetto Cafe prides itself on serving the finest local and regional cuisine – from Lowcountry classics to French-inspired dishes. In the evenings, Charleston Place's elegant living room lounge, the Thoroughbred Club, hosts live music as expert mixologists prepare exquisite cocktails. 

Stay: Fulton Lane Inn or similar (Superior) or Charleston Place (Deluxe)

You've got two full days to explore Charleston. Thanks to a citywide height ordinance, much of its 18th-century charm has been preserved, making for atmospheric walks among pastel-coloured townhouses, cobbled streets and palm-lined avenues. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and historically significant cities in the American South, Charleston's rich heritage is reflected in its elegant architecture, thriving arts scene and celebrated culinary culture. Don't miss a visit to one of the spectacular plantations that shaped the region's history, as well as a stroll through the Gothic splendours of the French Quarter, where church spires and grand mansions stand alongside galleries, boutiques and excellent restaurants. Golf enthusiasts can take advantage of the area's world-class courses, while the bustling City Market offers a wonderful introduction to Charleston's local crafts and traditions.

Stay: Fulton Lane Inn or similar (Superior) or Charleston Place (Deluxe)

On day four, pick up your hire car and head to your next stop, Jekyll Island. One of Georgia's Golden Isles, it's home to historic buildings and beautiful swathes of unspoilt coastline. Two full days here will afford you plenty of time to visit the island's main attractions including the Georgia Sea Turtle Centre, the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District and nearby Cumberland Island, a stunning unspoilt wilderness just a short ferry ride away. You'll stay at the castle-like 19th century Jekyll Island Club that effortlessly combines elegance with laid-back charm. 

Stay: Jekyll Island Club (Superior/Deluxe – multiple room categories available)

Continue your self-drive to Savannah on day seven, where superb cuisine, live music and a rich cultural heritage reflect the character and charm of America's Deep South. Renowned for its oak-lined avenues draped in Spanish moss, elegant antebellum architecture and beautifully preserved historic squares, Savannah is widely considered one of the country's most atmospheric cities. Spend your time exploring its leafy streets, independent galleries, boutiques and welcoming cafés, or simply soak up the laid-back pace of life that defines this much-loved Georgian city.

Should you opt for the five-star Hotel Bardo Savannah, you'll stay right next to Savannah's largest stretch of greenery, Forsyth Park – a wonderful place for morning walks among manicured gardens and boutique cafés, and just moments from the architectural delights of Savannah's colonial mansions and historic squares. Designed as a luxury urban resort, the hotel features a 25-metre heated outdoor pool, a luxury spa, an upscale Italian restaurant and a Mediterranean-inspired courtyard bar.

Stay: Tempo by Hilton Savannah Historic District (Superior) or Hotel Bardo Savannah (Deluxe)

Start your drive south on day nine and check in to your hotel, Montage Palmetto Bluff, comprising beautifully appointed South Carolina cottages tucked away between peaceful waterways, ancient oak forests and expansive salt marshes. Set within a vast private nature reserve in the heart of the Lowcountry, this remarkable retreat offers an immersive introduction to one of the American South's most distinctive landscapes, home to winding rivers, tidal estuaries and abundant wildlife. 

During your stay, perhaps enjoy a round on the acclaimed 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course or unwind with a treatment at the luxurious spa. There are also opportunities to discover the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage through a range of experiences, from ecological boat tours through the bluffs and marshlands to hands-on cooking demonstrations that showcase the flavours and traditions of Southern cuisine. 

Stay: Montage Palmetto Bluff (Superior/Deluxe – multiple room categories available)

You’ve got a final few hours to explore Palmetto Bluff before driving to Charleston airport, dropping off your hire car and boarding your overnight flight back to the UK.