St. Augustine · Savannah · Charleston
Lanterns of the South
Experience the Soul of the American South.
Journey through St. Augustine, Savannah, and Charleston—three unforgettable cities shaped by architecture, cuisine, history, hospitality, and the unhurried rhythm of the South.
- 9 Days
- 8 Nights
- Maximum 8 Guests
9 Days8 nights
St. Augustine to Charlestonvia Savannah
Maximum 8 GuestsPersonal from beginning to end
Tour Captain-ledHosted throughout
Deluxe HotelsOr comparable properties
From $7,779Per person, double occupancy
Your Journey Ahead
Journey at a Glance
From St. Augustine to Charleston, three storied cities joined by one beautifully paced coastal journey.
A hosted route through the Lowcountry
- 01
St. Augustine
Spanish colonial streets, Moorish Revival details and Matanzas Bay create an atmospheric opening to the journey.
- 02
Savannah
Live oaks, fountains, ironwork and rooftop evenings invite a slower rhythm through the Historic District.
- 03
Charleston
Steeples, hidden gardens, the Battery and a final Lowcountry table bring the coastal journey to a polished close.
The South reveals itself in streets, stories, meals and conversation.
The South reveals itself gradually: in shaded squares, waterfront streets, hidden gardens, remarkable meals and conversations that continue long after dinner. Lanterns of the South brings together three cities with distinct personalities, experienced through carefully chosen hotels, guided discoveries and time to explore with confidence.
St. Augustine opens with Spanish heritage and Matanzas Bay. Savannah brings fountains, shaded squares and layered storytelling. Charleston closes with Lowcountry culture, architecture and a dining scene shaped by the coast.
The pace is intentionally intimate. Eight guests means one table, one conversation, and the flexibility to move through historic neighborhoods without feeling like a tour group.
Designed Differently
Small enough for the details to matter.
This route is planned around cultural context, personal attention and the comfort of moving through three beloved cities with a small, hosted group.
Eight guests, never a crowd
Small enough to move naturally through historic neighborhoods, dine together comfortably and travel with a personal rhythm.
Evenings are part of the journey
Discovery Walks, hosted dinners and thoughtful recommendations help each city reveal a different character after the scheduled touring ends.
Hotels that belong to the destination
Character-rich properties keep guests close to the streets, squares and waterfronts they came to experience.
Guided, never over-scheduled
Expertly planned experiences are balanced with time for personal discovery, slower mornings and independent dining.
Journey by Chapters
Spanish streets. Shaded squares. Lowcountry shores.
The route is simple, but the moods are distinct: Spanish heritage and Matanzas Bay, Savannah's fountains and live oaks, then Charleston's Battery, gardens and culinary scene.
Chapter One
St. Augustine
Stone streets, courtyards, Matanzas Bay and the Moorish Revival character of Casa Monica introduce a city unlike anywhere else in the country.
- 2 nights
- Discovery Walk
- Journey Welcome Dinner
Chapter Two
Savannah
Fountains, shaded squares, rooftop views and streets draped in live oak give Savannah its grace and mystery.
- 3 nights
- Perry Lane Hotel or comparable
- Guided city exploration
Chapter Three
Charleston
Church steeples, side gardens, pastel homes and the waterfront along the Battery create a polished final chapter.
- 3 nights
- The Charleston Place or comparable
- Journey Farewell Dinner
Complete Itinerary
Day by day.
Each day separates included experiences from personal time, so you can see what is planned, what is optional and where your Tour Captain can help shape the day around your interests.
Chapter One | Days 1-2
St. Augustine
2 nights | Casa Monica Resort & Spa or comparable
St. Augustine opens the journey with more than four centuries of Spanish, colonial, and American history, along with brick lanes, courtyards and the waterfront of Matanzas Bay.
-
Day 1
Welcome to St. Augustine
Arrive in St. Augustine and settle near stone streets, courtyards and the waterfront along Matanzas Bay.
Included Today- Included meet-and-greet arrival transfer
- Check-in at Casa Monica Resort & Spa or a comparable hotel
- Tour Captain-led Discovery Walk through the Historic District
- Journey Welcome Dinner
This EveningYour first Discovery Walk introduces courtyards, Spanish colonial architecture and the practical rhythm of the city before dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner 
Aviles Street, St. Augustine -
Day 2
St. Augustine & the Gilded Coast
Explore the city's layered story with local context, from Spanish fortifications and cathedral spaces to Flagler-era architecture.
Today's Adventure- Castillo de San Marcos
- Flagler-era architecture
- Cathedral Basilica
- Aviles Street
- Lightner Museum
- Historic plazas and courtyards
Time to ExploreThe afternoon leaves room for galleries, the waterfront, a cafe stop or a slower walk through the Historic District.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Chapter Two | Days 3-5
Savannah
3 nights | Perry Lane Hotel or comparable
Savannah shifts the mood to fountains, shaded squares, ironwork, rooftop views and streets softened by live oak.
-
Day 3
Coastal Travel to Savannah
Travel north along the Atlantic coastline toward Savannah, where the historic district invites a different pace.
Included Today- Scenic travel to Savannah
- Check-in at Perry Lane Hotel or a comparable property
- Tour Captain-led Discovery Walk
- Savannah Southern Table dinner
This EveningWalk through squares, residential lanes and moss-draped streets before gathering for dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 4
Savannah Explorer
A guided city experience brings Savannah's public squares, churches, riverfront and residential streets into focus.
Today's Adventure- Forsyth Park
- Historic squares
- River Street
- Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
- Colonial Park Cemetery
- Mercer-Williams House area
Time to ExploreUse the afternoon for boutiques, galleries, a rooftop view, a cafe or a walk back through a favorite square.
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 5
Savannah at Leisure
Your Tour Captain will help you shape the day around your interests, whether that means architecture, gardens, coastal scenery, local food, museums or simply a slower morning in the city.
At LeisureIndependent time is intentionally built in so Savannah can be experienced at a personal pace.
Optional Ideas- Bonaventure Cemetery
- Tybee Island coastal excursion
- Additional museums, galleries or independent dining
Meals Included: Breakfast 
Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah
Chapter Three | Days 6-9
Charleston
3 nights | The Charleston Place or comparable
Charleston closes the route with Lowcountry cuisine, church steeples, hidden gardens, pastel homes and harbor air.
-
Day 6
Welcome to Charleston
Continue northward into Charleston and settle into a walkable Historic District setting.
Included Today- Scenic travel to Charleston
- Check-in at The Charleston Place or a comparable property
- Tour Captain-led Discovery Walk
- A Taste of the Lowcountry dinner
This EveningThe first Charleston walk introduces the Historic District before dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 7
Charleston & the Harbor
Charleston's architecture and harborfront setting come together through streets, gardens, markets and waterfront landmarks.
Today's Adventure- Rainbow Row
- The Battery
- Waterfront Park
- Historic Charleston Market
- Hidden alleys and side gardens
- Church district and historic homes
Time to ExploreThe afternoon and evening are open for independent dining, King Street browsing or a harborfront walk.
Meals Included: Breakfast -
Day 8
Charleston at Leisure & Journey Farewell
Your Tour Captain will help you shape the final full day around your interests, whether that means architecture, gardens, museums, local dining, shopping or simply an unhurried morning in the city.
At LeisureChoose a slower morning, architecture, galleries, waterfront time or independent exploring.
Optional Ideas- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, with historical interpretation and extensive gardens
- King Street shops and galleries
- Additional culinary or museum experiences
This EveningGather for the Journey Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner 
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston -
Day 9
Departure from Charleston
After breakfast, the Journey concludes in Charleston.
TransfersTransportation to the airport at the end of the Journey is not included unless specifically stated. Departure transfers may be arranged by request.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Signature Experience
The Now Journey Discovery Walk
As the scheduled touring winds down, your Tour Captain invites you to experience the city at a different pace - through hidden streets, quiet squares, viewpoints, cafes, courtyards and the atmosphere that emerges after sunset.
St. Augustine, Savannah and Charleston
Discovery Walks appear where listed in the itinerary. They are relaxed, practical and personal, helping you feel oriented and confident without turning every evening into a scheduled tour.
Led by Your Tour Captain
These informal walks are part orientation, part story, and part invitation to notice the details that are easy to miss from a vehicle or a crowded landmark.
Hotels
Stay Somewhere Worth Remembering
Our planned hotels are shown here. If availability requires a change, we select a property of comparable quality, location and character.
St. Augustine
Casa Monica Resort & Spa
Rich in architectural character and positioned steps from the city's historic streets, Casa Monica sets the tone from the moment guests arrive.
- 2 nights with breakfast
- Historic District location
- Or comparable quality, location and character
Savannah
Perry Lane Hotel
An artful Historic District base with easy access to squares, cafes, galleries and rooftop views.
- 3 nights with breakfast
- Historic District setting
- Or comparable quality, location and character
Charleston
The Charleston Place
A polished Charleston stay near shopping streets, restaurants, steeples and the walkable Historic District.
- 3 nights with breakfast
- Historic District location
- Or comparable quality, location and character
Dining
The Flavors of the South
Dining on this route reflects coastal influence, Spanish heritage, Savannah restaurant culture, Charleston's culinary scene, hosted dinners and independent discoveries with guidance from your Tour Captain.
St. Augustine
Spanish influence, coastal ingredients and the first hosted dinner of the journey.
Savannah
Coastal flavors, relaxed restaurant time, rooftop views and a city that rewards an unhurried meal.
Charleston
Lowcountry cooking, exceptional independent dining and a final farewell table.
Culinary imagery reflects regional flavors and atmosphere; specific dishes and restaurants may vary by departure.
What Your Journey Includes
The details that make the Journey feel effortless.
Nine thoughtfully paced days, eight nights in carefully selected hotels, premium transportation, guided cultural experiences, hosted dining and personal Tour Captain support.
Eight hotel nights
Deluxe Collection hotels or comparable properties, with breakfast listed for each stay.
Personal support
Thoughtful Tour Captain attention and practical help throughout the Journey.
Tour Captain leadership
Hosted by a Now Journey Tour Captain from beginning to end.
Guided touring
Historical and cultural touring with expert local English-speaking guides where listed.
Discovery Walks
Tour Captain-led walks in each destination where shown in the itinerary.
Arrival transfer
Included meet-and-greet arrival transfer to begin the Journey.
Scenic travel
Comfortable travel between St. Augustine, Savannah and Charleston. No large buses.
Hosted dining
Selected hosted dinners and premium included beverages where listed.
Hotel taxes
Hotel and city taxes are included.
Luggage handling
Luggage portage through the Journey where confirmed by the operating details.
Included gratuities
Gratuities for included drivers and local guides are included; Tour Captain gratuity is not included.
Transparent planning
No surprise mandatory add-ons. Optional experiences remain optional.
Airfare and transportation to the Journey's starting point and from its ending point are not included unless specifically stated. Departure transfers may be arranged by request.
Dates & Pricing
Limited departures for 2027 and 2028.
Prices are in US dollars and based on two guests sharing a room. Deposit is $1,000 per person. Single occupancy supplement for a private double room for solo use is $2,800.
Special Founder-Led Departure
October 9–17, 2027
Hosted by Now Journey Managing Director Mark Story.
2027 departures Limited to 8 guests
Oct 9–17
$7,779
Special Founder-Led DepartureHosted by Now Journey Managing Director Mark Story.
Inquire here2028 departures Now accepting reservations
Apr 23-May 1
$7,779
Space AvailableInquire hereOct 5-13
$7,779
Space AvailableInquire herePrefer another date? Inquire with Now Journey for alternate timing.
Tell us who is traveling and what matters most to you. We'll personally help you review availability, room options and the right departure.
Is This Journey Right for You?
For travelers who value story, food, architecture and time to notice.
Lanterns of the South is best for guests who want cultural depth, beautiful settings, guided support and room for personal discovery.
Right for you if...
- You prefer an intimate group over a large motorcoach.
- You enjoy historic cities, architecture, gardens and storytelling.
- You appreciate distinctive hotels, hosted dining and time to explore independently.
- You want guided experiences balanced with personal freedom.
- You are comfortable walking historic districts, including uneven sidewalks, brick streets and occasional stairs.
Not ideal if...
- You want highly active adventure travel or resort-style beach time.
- You prefer every hour and every meal tightly scheduled.
- You dislike walking on uneven surfaces common in older neighborhoods.
- You want large hotels outside city centers or a budget motorcoach format.
- You are looking primarily for nightlife rather than culture, dining, history and atmosphere.
Activity level is leisurely to moderate. Most guided touring is typically 45-90 minutes of walking per day, often broken into shorter segments with regular stops.
Guest Perspective
"We love the small group and personal vibe" and the "attention to detail" throughout the trip.lmf59, Tripadvisor review of Now Journey Small Group Tours
FAQs
A few practical details.
Helpful details about pace, logistics and planning expectations for Lanterns of the South.
How active is this Journey?
On Lanterns of the South, guests should expect a leisurely to moderate activity level with guided sightseeing, scenic walking, relaxation and leisure time. Walking often includes older sidewalks, brick streets, occasional stairs and warm Southern weather depending on season.
How much leisure time is included?
Most sightseeing occurs during the mornings, leaving many afternoons and evenings open for cafes, rooftops, waterfronts, boutiques, gardens, galleries or independent dining at your own pace.
How many guests travel?
This Limited Series Journey features a maximum of eight guests, allowing for a more personal, relaxed and immersive style of travel.
What airport should I use?
The Journey begins in St. Augustine. The recommended arrival airports are Jacksonville Airport (JAX) or Northeast Florida Regional Airport (UST). The Journey ends in Charleston.
Are transfers included?
An arrival meet-and-greet transfer is included. Transportation to the Journey's starting point and from its ending point is not included unless specifically stated. Departure transfers may be arranged by request.
Are meals included?
Selected hosted dining experiences are included, along with hotel breakfasts. Not every meal is included, and independent dining time is part of the Journey design.
Final Invitation
Ready to Experience the Soul of the American South?
Some journeys are remembered because of what you saw. Others because of how they made you feel. Lanterns of the South has a way of staying with you long after you return home.
Tell us who is traveling and what matters most to you. We'll personally help you review availability, room options and the right departure.