Historic Antebellum South

The trip is available for groups on various dates (15 people minimum).

Discover the charm of a bygone era as you stroll through Charleston’s magnificent parks, gardens and plantations, surrounded by the fragrance of azaleas and warm, southern breezes. Explore the French and Spanish influence in Beaufort and Amelia Island, and the intriguing Gullah culture of isolated, mysterious Daufuski Island. Visit St. Simons’ historic lighthouse, tour Jekyll Island’s extravagant mansions, and step into Savannah’s festive city squares to sample regional delicacies and experience music and energy unique to this city known as “Hostess of the South.” Set your own pace and enjoy!

Glittering bays, elegant mansions, moss-draped oaks, abundant wildlife and remote islands lend to the grace and enchantment that is distinctly Antebellum South. Take in the spectacular scenery while gliding through the Ashepoo, Stono and Ashley Rivers and St. Catherine’s Sound, and enjoy the history and culture of each port along the way as we cruise on the American Star.

PRICE PER PERSON: $4,575 per person based on a group of 20 to 25 people.
In order to offer the lowest possible price, the trips are priced according to the number of participants on the tour. The cost will be lower with more people in the group, and the cost will increase if there are fewer people. Price can also be reduced if you wish fewer meals or other services included. The standard of hotels you choose will also change the price.
Price was last up-dated on February 22, 2008. Subject to change.

TOUR COST INCLUDES:
• Three nights at the Renaissance Hotel in historic Charleston with sightseeing    excursions
• Get-Acquainted reception and festive dinner at our hotel in Charleston
• Seven nights aboard the deluxe American Star – “A” category cabin
• Complete breakfast each morning, seven lunches and eight dinners
• Gratis pre-dinner cocktail parties on the ship and wine,
  beer or soft drinks with all dinners
• Personalized tours of most towns visited with local guides and entrance fees.
• All gratuities, port charges, security charges, taxes, service charges for the   restaurants, hotel staff, coach drivers, local guides and the American Star crew.
  No additional tipping.
• Porterage and handling of luggage at all hotels and on the ship.
• A careful balance of free time to pursue your own interests.
• A careful balance of free time to pursue your own interests.
• Escorted by Gerhard Meng.
• Special feature: an optional brisk pre-breakfast or after dinner walk.

DAILY ITINERARY

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday - Charleston, SC   The scene of major Revolutionary War naval battles, legendary pirate tales, and Civil War sieges, Charleston is brimming with history and culture. We visit historic Fort Sumter, experience the African-American influences of the area and stroll through magnificent parks, gardens and plantations. Warm southern breezes, gas-lit lamps and cobblestone streets welcome you to the city that is best known as the site where the Civil War began.

Saturday – Morning at leisure.  In the afternoon we board our ship and commence cruising.

Sunday - Beaufort, SC   Beaufort’s 500-year history includes Spanish and French explorers, Native American inhabitants, British settlements and significant Civil War battles. Today, horse-drawn carriages bring visitors through the narrow streets of the historic district and past 18th and 19th century homes famous for the unique Beaufort architecture. View tabby ruins, historic forts, elegant homes and majestic plantations. Find out why Beaufort was once heralded as the “Newport of the South.”

Monday - Daufuskie Island / Hilton Head, SC   Recently opened to the public, Daufuskie Island is steeped in history and tradition. Accessible only by boat, the island’s small native population lived an isolated life, having little contact with the outside world and leaving many modern amenities absent from the island. In fact, Daufuskie’s intriguing isolation and fascinating Gullah culture became the inspiration for Pat Conroy’s novel “The Water is Wide”. Throughout the centuries the essence of Daufuskie Island has remained – private, mysterious, divine. 

Tuesday - Savannah, GA   With historic city squares, beautiful flowering parks and classic southern grace, Savannah has earned its nickname as “Hostess City of the South”. Recognized as the country’s first planned city, Savannah is still a bustling seaport with renowned historic districts that preserve its phenomenal 19th century wealth and opulence. We will explore the magnificent streets alive with music, southern delicacies and exotic shops.

Wednesday - St. Simons Island, GA   From shady lanes lined with moss-draped oaks to a diverse range of wildlife, St. Simons Island offers a quaint atmosphere with an enthralling past of momentous 18th century battles and sprawling, antebellum plantations. The lighthouse houses a fantastic museum devoted to the history of the Georgia Coast. The natural beauty of St. Simons will leave you breathless!

Thursday - Jekyll Island, GA   Discover the fascinating history of Jekyll Island! At the end of the nineteenth century some of the wealthiest men in America, including J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William Rockefeller and Cornelius Vanderbilt, purchased the entire island as a hunting resort prized for its “splendid isolation”. Today it is part of Georgia’s Sea Isles and boasts “Millionaire’s Village” - 240 acres of extravagant homes and winter cottages recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

Friday - Amelia Island, FL   Discover the unspoiled beauty of pristine Amelia Island, with its miles of quartz beaches and rolling sand dunes, surrounded by calm waterways and the Nassau Sound. Amelia Island was home to Spanish explorers, French Huguenots and British settlers before enjoying its "golden age" during the late 1800's when several wealthy Americans relocated to the picturesque island. Once a bustling Victorian seaport, Fernandina Beach, the island's only city, now harbors a treasure trove of history, antiques, and collectibles just steps from your ship. Join a walking tour of Centre Street's Historic District, with 50 blocks of restored 19th century Victorian homes and shops.

Saturday – After breakfast, we transfer to the Jacksonville, FL airport for the flight home.

CABIN UPGRADES:  Cabins with a private verandah are available on the top deck. The additional cost is $895 per person (category AAC). Ask us for details regarding the various options.

FLIGHTS & EXTRA NIGHTS:  Arrive at Charleston Airport no later than Wednesday evening, Gerhard will meet you.  If you arrive a day early a package is available that includes hotel accommodations, breakfast and the airport transfer -- $130 per person ($95 single surcharge).  At the completion of the tour (Saturday) Gerhard will provide the transfer to the Jacksonville Airport.  We will disembark the ship at approximately 8 AM on Saturday.

The American Star entered service in June of 2007. It offers guests a unique style of cruising that has become the hallmark of American Cruise Lines. Onboard, you will be able to unwind in the friendly and accommodating atmosphere created by the staff. Joined by travelers who share an interest in history, culture and nature, guests truly enjoy the onboard ambiance, and feel very much at home in the huge lounges, the single-seating dining salon, and the 52 oversized staterooms. All double.

Questions?  Call us at 1.800.966.2402

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