Golden Isles of Georgia

Sapelo Island, Jekyll Island, and St. Simons Island

1st Day: Upon arrival to Jekyll Island, we will visit Georgia’s only sea turtle education and rehabilitation facility.  At the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, we will learn about sea turtles and see rehabilitation in action with a host of interactive exhibits and experiences.  Next, we will have a guided trolley tour of Jekyll Island.  The Jekyll Island Club members created an exclusive Gilded Age Island retreat for family and friends on this barrier island.  These empire builders shaped our nation’s future, now we step into their past.  This guided trolley tour of our 240 acre historic district includes entry into a historic cottage and admission into Mosaic Gallery and Faith Chapel at your leisure. After a great day on Jekyll Island, we will check into our hotel for the evening.  Dinner is on your own in the area.  

Day 2 - Following breakfast at the hotel, you will travel to Darien, GA to board the Katie Underwood Ferry to Sapelo Island. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a tour of Sapelo Island, which is known for its Gullah-Geechee cultural heritage and the abundance of wildlife, such as marsh birds and shorebirds. The Island's beaches are pristine, undeveloped, unspoiled and uncrowded. During your tour, you will visit the newly restored Sapelo Lighthouse, which once guided tall-sail timber ships in and out of Doboy Sound en route to Darien.  Check out the Civil War cannon emplacement near the lighthouse and imagine Union and Confederate ships blockade runners vying to reach the port of Darien.  After enjoying a hot lunch at the Beach Pavillion, we will board the ferry in the mid-afternoon to return to Darien. Next, we continue on to Ft. King George State Historic Site. It is the oldest English fort remaining on Georgia's coast. The reconstructed structures include a blockhouse, officers' quarters, barracks, a guardhouse, a moat, and palisades. The remains of the three sawmills and tabby ruins are still visible. After our visit, we will proceed to downtown Darien to enjoy dinner on your own and free time before returning to the hotel. (B, L)

3rd Day: This morning we will enjoy a guided tour of St. Simons Island.  Your tour will include a visit to Fort Frederica, Christ Church, the oil house, and the Victorian Gazebo.  We will also visit St. Simons Island Lighthouse and Keeper’s dwelling.   Enjoy lunch on your own today at St. Simon’s Village with several great restaurants to choose from.  After lunch, we will visit St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum.  In 1965, a small group of local residents formed the Coastal Georgia Historical Society with an ambitious vision: to lead in the preservation of the artifacts and buildings that are the treasures of our coastal heritage.  Today, they own the St. Simons Lighthouse, the A.W. Jones Heritage Center and the Historic Coast Guard Station at East Beach.  The Society has become the guardian of Coastal Georgia history and a driver of heritage tourism.  These sites are essential pieces of our collective history.  Tonight we will have dinner at Ole Times Country Buffet. This delicious buffet includes a wide variety of homemade dishes that is sure to satisfy everyone.  From seafood to BBQ, this buffet has it all. (B, D) 

4th Day: After breakfast at the Hotel this morning we will depart for home with many fond memories of our Golden Isles Adventures.  (B) 

Special Notice: A $100.00 deposit per person is required to reserve a seat. Balance is due 30 days prior to departure. Cancellation within 30 days of departure will result in payment forfeiture.