Lanterns of the South - Now Journey Small Group Tour

Meet Now Journey’s Lanterns of the South
There are still places in the American South where the evenings slow down, lanterns glow softly along historic streets, and hospitality feels deeply personal rather than performed.

Lanterns of the South reveals that quieter side of the region — a journey through timeless coastal cities, hidden gardens, candlelit squares, waterfront evenings, and centuries of layered Southern story.

From the historic charm of St. Augustine to the haunting beauty of Savannah and the refined elegance of Charleston, this thoughtfully paced journey unfolds like a series of glowing Southern evenings — rich with atmosphere, music, architecture, conversation, and the lingering feeling that you’ve stepped into another era.

This is not a rushed checklist of Southern landmarks.

It is the South experienced slowly — through its lantern-lit streets, hidden courtyards, coastal breezes, and the warm rhythm of places that still know how to linger.

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★ What's included in Now Journey's Limited Series' Tour:

Lead by our very own Tour Captain beginning to end.
Limited Small Group up to 8 Guests: Enjoy a more personal and immersive way to explore.
Privately Guided Historical Tours with expert local English-speaking guides.
Signature Discovery Walks in each destination.
Now Journey Exclusives throughout
Arrival Transfer: Included Meet & Greet upon arrival.
Scenic Coastal & Southern Travel
Luggage Portaged: Handling through your Journey. No surprise up-sells.
Comfortable Scenic Travel with premium vehicles, thoughtfully paced routing, and beautiful drives. No large buses.
Deluxe Hand-Picked Hotel Properties selected for character, location and service.
Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or taxes. Gratuities included, except for the Tour Captain.
City Taxes Included — no surprise hotel charges.
Distinctive Southern Dining with Premium Included Beverages.

★ Itinerary at a Glance:

TOUR BEGINS: ST. AUGUSTINE, 2 Nights
Fly into Jacksonville Airport (JAX) or NE Floreida Regional (UST).
SAVANNAH, 3 Nights
Romantic. Haunting. Timeless.
TRIP FINALE: CHARLESTON, 3 Nights
Elegant. Historic. Refined.

Chapter 1: Arrival in St. Augustine

America's Oldest City —
2 Days, 2 Nights

DAY 1: Welcome to St. Augustine

Welcome to St. Augustine — a city where Old World Spain meets the relaxed elegance of Florida’s historic coast. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine feels unlike anywhere else in America. Narrow brick lanes, hidden courtyards, centuries-old architecture, and softly glowing lanterns create an atmosphere that feels almost European in spirit.

Guests settle into the magnificent Casa Monica Resort & Spa — a landmark luxury property blending Moorish Revival architecture, rich textures, dramatic archways, and timeless Southern elegance in the very heart of the Historic District.

Discovery Walk
This evening, step beyond the grand doors of the Casa Monica Resort & Spa and into the softly glowing streets of America’s oldest city. Your Tour Captain leads a relaxed introductory walk through centuries-old lanes, hidden courtyards, Spanish colonial architecture, and lantern-lit corners where history still feels wonderfully alive. Along the way, discover the atmosphere, stories, and rhythm of St. Augustine before gathering for your Welcome Dinner in the heart of the historic district.

Welcome Dinner — Southern Delights
Tonight’s cuisine introduces the flavors of Florida’s historic coast — blending Spanish influence, fresh Atlantic seafood, citrus-forward specialties, handcrafted cocktails, and warm coastal hospitality in a beautifully atmospheric setting.

Where We Stay in St. Augustine, 2 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe Hotels Collection —
Casa Monica Resort & Spa or Similar
The Casa Monica Resort & Spa is a landmark Moorish Revival hotel in the heart of historic St. Augustine, celebrated for its romantic architecture, rich Old World atmosphere, and refined coastal elegance.

DAY 2: ST. AUGUSTINE & THE GILDED COAST

Today's Adventure: Forts & Secrets
This morning, we explore the layered story of St. Augustine alongside our local storyteller-guide as centuries of Spanish colonial history, coastal beauty, and Gilded Age elegance unfold throughout the city.

Highlights include:
• Castillo de San Marcos
• Flagler-era architecture
• Cathedral Basilica
• Aviles Street
• Lightner Museum
• Historic plazas & hidden courtyards

The afternoon is intentionally left open for guests to enjoy the city at their own pace. Perhaps enjoy rooftop cocktails overlooking the bay, browse independent boutiques and galleries, or relax within the timeless atmosphere of the Historic District.

Tonight, join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner or enjoy exploring at your leisure.

Chapter 2: To Savannah

The Romantic South —
3 Days, 3 Nights

DAY 3: SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Today's Adventure: Oak & Moss — Making our way to Savannah
Today we make our way north along the Atlantic coastline toward the timeless beauty of Savannah — a city where towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss frame elegant historic squares, hidden gardens, wrought-iron balconies, and beautifully preserved Southern mansions.

Savannah carries a slower rhythm — one built around atmosphere, storytelling, hospitality, and lingering moments beneath the trees.

Upon arrival, guests settle into the intimate and historic Hamilton Turner Inn, beautifully positioned directly on Lafayette Square in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District.

Discovery Walk
Our property is surrounded by moss-draped oaks, elegant mansions, and the quiet rhythm of one of the South’s most iconic neighborhoods, the inn offers a warm and refined introduction to Savannah’s timeless character as we explore our new home for the next 3 days and nights.

Welcome Dinner — The Southern Dinner
Tonight, we gather for a special Welcome Reception and Dinner — an evening shaped by conversation, Southern hospitality.

Savannah’s cuisine reflects generations of Southern hospitality and Lowcountry tradition — featuring regional seafood, shrimp & grits, slow-prepared Southern specialties, bourbon-forward cocktails, and warm candlelit ambiance that perfectly complements the city’s romantic atmosphere.

Where We Stay in Savannah, 3 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe Hotels Collection —
Perry Lane Hotel or Similar.
Located in the heart of the historic district, the Perry Lane Hotel is a stylish, top-rated Luxury Collection hotel offering sophisticated, art-filled accommodations with a chic rooftop pool and popular dining experiences.

DAY 4: Exploring Savannah

Today's Adventure: Beauty Beneath the Oaks
Savannah reveals itself slowly — through quiet garden squares, elegant mansions, hidden alleyways, and stories woven deeply into the city’s Southern character. Today’s guided exploration uncovers both the beauty and fascinating history that make Savannah one of America’s most atmospheric destinations.

Today’s guided exploration reveals the timeless beauty and layered history of Savannah through its elegant squares, hidden residential lanes, and atmospheric gardens. Highlights include iconic Forsyth Park, the historic waterfront along River Street, the stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Colonial Park Cemetery, and the famed Mercer-Williams House area — all woven together through the city’s uniquely graceful Southern character.

Today's Adventure includes:

Forsyth Park
Historic Squares
River Street
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
Colonial Park Cemetery
Mercer-Williams House area
Hidden residential lanes & gardens

This afternoon allows time for personal exploration, relaxed cafés, rooftop lounges, boutiques, or optional local experiences throughout the city.

Tonight, join the Tour Captain for optional dinner or enjoy exploring at your leisure.

DAY 5: SAVANNAH AT LEISURE

Today is intentionally slower.

Sleep in. Wander slowly. Linger a little longer.

Savannah rewards those who slow down enough to notice its details — the sound of fountains beneath the oaks, quiet church bells echoing through the squares, and the rhythm of life along its historic streets.

Guests may choose to:

enjoy brunch beneath the trees
visit Bonaventure Cemetery
explore local boutiques and galleries
take a Tybee Island coastal excursion
simply relax and savor the atmosphere

Tonight join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner or explore at your leisure.

Chapter 3: To Charleston

Beauty Beneath the Oaks —
3 Days, 3 Nights

DAY 6: Welcome to Charleston

Making our way to the Sea
Today we continue northward into the refined elegance of Charleston — one of America’s most celebrated and atmospheric coastal cities. Charleston blends historic grandeur, harbor beauty, pastel-colored architecture, hidden gardens, and sophisticated Southern charm into a city that feels both timeless and effortlessly elegant.

Upon arrival, guests settle into the luxurious Hotel Bennett overlooking historic Marion Square in the very heart of downtown Charleston.

Discovery Walk
As evening settles over the city, we enjoy a relaxed Discovery Walk before gathering for a beautifully curated Charleston Welcome Dinner celebrating the refined flavors of the Lowcountry.

Welcome Dinner — Coastal Traditions
We enjoy an amazing dinner tonight in Charleston hosted by your Tour Captain. Charleston’s culinary scene elevates Southern coastal traditions into something refined, elegant, and unmistakably local — featuring fresh regional seafood, Lowcountry specialties, artisan cocktails, thoughtful wine selections, and beautifully curated dining settings.

Where We Stay in Charleston, 3 Nights with breakfast

Deluxe Hotels Collection —
The Charleston Place or Similar.
The Charleston Place is Charleston’s grand luxury landmark — an elegant and beautifully appointed hotel in the heart of the Historic District known for its refined Southern hospitality, sophisticated atmosphere, and exceptional walkable location.

DAY 7: Charleston & the Harbor

Today's Adventure: Exploring Charleston's Treasures
Charleston blends refined beauty, coastal elegance, and deeply layered American history into one unforgettable experience best enjoyed at a slower rhythm.

Today’s exploration reveals the city’s iconic landmarks, hidden corners, waterfront atmosphere, and celebrated harborfront.

Today's Highlighs Include:

Rainbow Row
The Battery
Waterfront Park
Historic Charleston Market
Hidden Alleys & Gardens
Historic Mansions and Church District

The afternoon and evening are open for guests to enjoy Charleston at their own pace — from harborfront cocktails and rooftop lounges to boutique shopping and exceptional Lowcountry dining.

Tonight join the Tour Captain for an optional dinner or explore at your leisure.

DAY 8: Charleston at Leisure

Our final full day invites you to experience Charleston at your own pace — perhaps exploring the beauty of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, browsing the boutiques and galleries along King Street, relaxing at a harborfront café, or simply slowing down to savor the final moments of the journey before returning home.

Later tonight, we enjoy a magical Finalé to our adventure.

Our Special Journey Farewell Dinner
As evening settles across Charleston, we gather one final time for a special Farewell Reception and Dinner celebrating the stories, laughter, friendships, and unforgettable moments shared throughout the South.

DAY 9: Departure Day

After breakfast, private departure transfers are available to the airport - inquire.

And somewhere between the lantern-lit streets of St. Augustine, the shaded squares of Savannah, and the harbor breezes of Charleston…you may realize this journey wasn’t simply about seeing the South.

It was about slowing down long enough to let its stories, beauty, and spirit stay with you long after the journey ends.

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2027-2028 Limited Small Group

LANTERNS OF THE SOUTH - Limited to 8 Guests
Prices in US Dollars and based on 2 guests in a room. International airfare is not included.

Deposit is $1000 per person. Solo supplement for a private, double room for solo use is $2800.

2027
2028

2027 Tour Dates True Small Group Touring
TRIP DATES	DELUXE
Oct 9-17 with Mark Story	$7,779	INQUIRE HERE
Prefer another date? Inquire with us.

2028 Tour Dates True Small Group Touring
TRIP DATES	DELUXE
Apr 23-30	$7,779	INQUIRE HERE
Oct 5-13	$7,779	INQUIRE HERE

How active are Now Journey Tours?

Now Journey tours are thoughtfully paced and designed for travelers who want to experience a destination deeply — without feeling rushed or exhausted.

On this Lanterns of the South journey through St. Augustine, Savannah, and Charleston, guests should expect a leisurely to moderate activity level with a comfortable balance of guided sightseeing, scenic walking, relaxation, and leisure time.

Most guided touring occurs during the mornings and typically involves historic district walking tours, waterfront strolls, garden squares, museums, and cultural landmarks.

Guests generally walk approximately 45–90 minutes per day during sightseeing experiences, often broken into shorter segments with regular stops for storytelling, photography, cafés, or rest.

Guests should be comfortable with uneven historic sidewalks, cobblestone streets, occasional stairs, and warm Southern weather depending on season. Importantly, guests are never pressured to participate in every activity and may opt out and enjoy leisure time if desired.

What amount of leisure time is included on a Now Journey Tour?

One of the defining characteristics of a Now Journey experience is our commitment to Slow Travel.

Unlike many traditional tours that move rapidly from one attraction to the next, Now Journey intentionally builds meaningful leisure time into the itinerary so guests can truly experience a destination rather than simply pass through it.

On this Lanterns of the South journey, most sightseeing takes place during the mornings, leaving many afternoons and evenings open for guests to explore at their own pace.

This allows time to relax at the hotel, enjoy rooftop lounges and waterfront cafés, browse boutiques and galleries, discover hidden courtyards and gardens, enjoy independent dining experiences, or simply slow down and absorb the atmosphere of the South.

How many guests are on a Now Journey Tour?

This Limited Series Journey features a maximum of just eight (8) guests.

Smaller groups are one of the defining elements of the Now Journey experience and allow for a far more personal, relaxed, and immersive style of travel compared to traditional large bus tours.

With only eight guests, transportation feels more comfortable, hotels can be more intimate and distinctive, and guests receive more personal attention throughout the journey.

Many guests specifically choose Now Journey because they are seeking an alternative to large motorcoach tours with 30–50 travelers.

What kind of travelers typically join a Now Journey Tour?

Now Journey guests come from a variety of backgrounds and age groups, but they tend to share several things in common.

They are curious, thoughtful travelers who value meaningful experiences over rushed sightseeing, smaller groups, distinctive hotels, authentic local culture, great food and conversation, and slower, more immersive travel experiences.

Many travelers joining this Southern journey are especially drawn to historic cities, Southern architecture and culture, coastal scenery, boutique hotels, culinary experiences, and discovering destinations in a deeper and more personal way.

Just as importantly, Now Journey guests tend to enjoy connecting with fellow travelers. The smaller group environment naturally creates camaraderie, shared laughter, and lasting friendships throughout the journey.

A positive attitude, flexibility, curiosity, and a sense of humor always help make the experience even more rewarding for everyone involved.

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Lanterns of the South (Max 8 Guests) | 9-Day Curated Journey