Savannah Historic Walking Tour: Small Group Experience
4.9
820 Ratings
Savannah
Experience the heart of historic Savannah on a small group walking tour. Learn about the city's unique layout, its role in the American Revolution and Civil War, and discover famous landmarks from movies and books.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
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Wright Square - Your tour begins in the center of the north side of Wright Square in front of the Gordon Monument.
You will learn how and why Savannah was first established, and why General James Oglethorpe decided to establish the colony on a 40-foot bluff.
You will also learn how the square are designed and why.
Did you know that the Port of Savannah is third largest port in the nation?
You will discover who Tomochichi, the chief of the Yamacraw Indians, was and why is the buried under the Gordon Monument in the center of the square. -
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum - You will admire the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, born here on October 31, 1860. You will discover the history the Gordon family and what it is used for today.
*We do not go into the home, but will admire it from the outside. -
Independent Presbyterian Church - The Independent Presbyterian Church was founded in 1755 on Ellis Square (originally Market Square), but was destroyed by fire. Rebuilding on Telfair Square and destroyed by a hurricane. Today it sits on the corner of Bull St and Oglethorpe Ave, where is was built in 1855.
You will learn which US President was married in the church in 1885, and why is this steeple so famous today. -
Chippewa Square - Here you will see where Forrest Gump sat with his box of chocolates, while waiting for the bus.
The monument in the center of Chippewa Square is General James Oglethorpe, not Captain Morgan. We agree he does look a lot like Captain Morgan, and it would be appropriate since Savannah does allow to-go cups.
Here you will learn about he man behind the colony of Savannah, and what his monument represents. - The Old Sorrel Weed House Museum & Tours - The Sorrel Weed House is one of the most haunted homes in Savannah. We will pass buy the home, and tell you about the Savannah gray brick wall surrounding the courtyard and you will learn why there are fingerprints in the brick. Where did this brick come from?
- Madison Square - Where Madison Square is today, was once the location for one of the bloodiest battles during the American Revolution, the Siege of Savannah.
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Green-Meldrim House - Completed in 1853, this house is the finest example for Gothic Architecture in the south. This house cost $93,000, or $3.2 million today, and was the most expensive home in Savannah during the 1800s.
This home made history as being the Headquarters for General Sherman during his March to the Sea, when he occupied Savannah. - SCADstory - Originally built and used as the Savannah Volunteer Guard building, this is now owned by SCAD. We go past this building.
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Gryphon Tea Room - The Gryphon Tea Room is located inside what we call the Shriner’s Building. Inside the Gryphon Tea room is a museum in itself, once being used as Solomon’s Apothecary, and still has the original mahogany cabinetry and cubbies used to store the medicines.
The Gryphon Tea Room is one of our favorites for lunch, dinner or to relax with a cup of tea! -
Mercer Williams House Museum - The Mercer Williams house, made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, written by John Berendt. This is a true story of Jim Williams, who purchased the home in 1969, and the shooting of his assistant Danny 1981.
The book was released in 1993, and on New York best seller list for 216 weeks, longer than any book in history. A few years later, the movie was released and helped put Savannah on the map of tourism.
After-all, everyone loves a good scandal every once in a while. We recommend reading the book, or at least watching the movie prior to visiting Savannah. - Armstrong House - Now known as the Armstrong-Kessler house, we will talk about the history of the home, and who lives in this 26,000+ square foot home today. This is the one home in town where everyone gasps “WOW’ and has to stop to admire. This is an absolutely magnificent home and one not to be missed. This is a private home today and not open for tours.
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Forsyth Park - Forsyth Park, this is where our tour ends. This park began in 1848 with only 10 acres, today it covers 30 acres. It is our Central Park and enjoyed by young and old alike.
The crowning jewel of Savannah, our Forsyth Park Fountain. What most people don’t realize is that this was a catalog mail order from France and installed in 1858. It is must-see and you must have your picture taken in front of this amazing fountain.
What's Included
- Expert local guide
- Authentic local experiences
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
SMALL TEAM EXCURSIONS - AVOID BEING OVERSHADOWED BY THE MASS! We respect our visitors and deeply care about your excursion journey. Enjoy the genuine southern cordiality with us!
In this journey, we navigate you across the CORE OF HISTORICAL SAVANNAH from Wright Square to Forsyth Park.
- Enjoy the quintessential initiation of Savannah as you meander beneath the live oak canopies festooned with Spanish moss, snaking right through the historical heart of Savannah.
- Enlighten yourself about our square’s exceptional configuration, obtain knowledge about eminent figures who influenced Savannah.
- Our coverage includes American Revolution and Civil War events in Savannah
- And yes, all of you would be intrigued to discover where Forrest sat with his trove of chocolates
- Spot the dwelling from ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil’ and a lot more….
Enrolling in our excursion gives you the status of ‘our honored guest’ in Savannah, rather than merely a ‘traveler on tour’!
- Email confirmation at time of reservation
- Comfortable Walking shoes (approximately 1 mile with benches along the way)
- Consider the weather, bring an umbrella
- Summertime can be hot & humid - bring a bottle of water
- Tour operates rain or shine
- In the event of severe weather, you will be provided the option to reschedule (no refunds unless we cancel the tour)
Location
Wright Square
Meeting point is across the street from CVS in Wright Square, on the north side of the monument in the center of the square, facing CVS. Wright. Square does not have a physical address.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(820 Ratings)
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Eleanor_c
Apr 21, 2024
Great tour giving a... - Great tour giving a wonderful history of Savannah. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and gave some great recommendations.
Review provided by Viator
Suzanna_s
Apr 20, 2024
Scenic tour - Rose was very knowledgeable & knew her history! We loved the homes & the story behind them that she pointed out.
Review provided by Viator
Zacp829
Apr 16, 2024
Fun Tour - Rose is awesome and so knowledgeable. She seems like she knows everyone in town. History went from 1733 to present day. Lots of good stories. Fun tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lindanp5501ad
Apr 15, 2024
Loved this tour of historic Savannah! - We were delighted with our tour of Savannah with Crystal as our guide. Our dear friends treated us to the experience and we could not have enjoyed it more. With a veritable encyclopedia of amazing knowledge and remarkable wit, Crystal (a fourth generation Savannah native) regaled us with stories and interesting facts about this historic treasure of a city. Highly, highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_d
Apr 14, 2024
We loved the one on one... - We loved the one on one experience instead of a large group. We would recommend this tour to everyone.
Review provided by Viator
Kris
Apr 13, 2024
Don't miss this tour! - We have done numerous Savannah tours with visiting guests. We found this company, with Rose and Crystal a year or two ago, and we plan to never use another!!
They both are amazing!! Extreme knowledge, humor and a love of people.
Highly recommend this company, you won't be sorry!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brian
Apr 12, 2024
Savannah Historic Tour - Our tour guide Crystal was awesome. She was so knowledgeable about historic Savannah. She kept us interested and we learned so much.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Joe_r
Apr 3, 2024
Family spring break tour - Very informative and patient guide. She knew the history of Savannah well. 2 hours was an appropriate amount of time getting acquainted with the city and then exploring on our own the rest of the day.
Review provided by Viator
Tabitha_s
Apr 13, 2024
Great tour - The stories about people & then seeing the homes the stories took place in. EX: Jim Williams house. We loved the squares as well.
Review provided by Viator
Camper606790
Apr 11, 2024
Great tour experience for all (except the noise). - We All enjoyed this tour very much. Just the right amount of time and enough humor to create a pleasant experience.
A lot of interesting facts and information were shared, funny stories, which all truly wetted our appetite for more information about Savannah history.
Background noise (out of the guide’s control) was a significant factor in being able to hear our guide; adding to that, our guide did not project strongly enough for all to hear, which was disappointing. We wanted to hear her excellent oratory.
Everyone wanted to give the 5 star rating, but giving the difficulty in hearing, all agreed to a 4 star rating.
Review provided by Tripadvisor