Savannah: Bonaventure Is Forever Cemetery Tour

Nestled amidst Savannah’s verdant landscape, the Bonaventure Cemetery has long captivated the imagination of visitors. The Savannah: Bonaventure Is Forever Cemetery Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore this historic burial ground, guiding guests through its enchanting grounds. Led by knowledgeable storytellers, the 2-hour excursion unveils the final resting places of notable figures, while showcasing the cemetery’s intricate sculptures and symbols. As guests enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, they’ll discover how this serene landscape blends nature and art, leaving them eager to uncover more of Bonaventure’s rich history.

Key Points

• This 2-hour English-language guided tour of the 200-acre Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah focuses on the cemetery’s history, art, and notable figures.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, has a flexible cancellation policy, and can be booked without upfront payment, with knowledgeable guides leading the experience.
• Visitors can explore the cemetery’s lush scenery, artistic elements influenced by various traditions, and the final resting places of notable figures like Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken.
• The meeting point is easily accessible, with free parking available near the pillared entrance with goddess statues, and visitors are recommended to arrive a few minutes before the scheduled start time.
• The tour boasts an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 388 reviews, with high marks for the guides’ knowledgeable and engaging storytelling, value for money, and overall organization.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Savannah: Bonaventure is Forever Cemetery Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the 18th-century Bonaventure Cemetery. Priced at Kč675 per person, this 2-hour English-language tour is wheelchair accessible and features a flexible cancellation policy.

Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment, paying later to secure their place. Led by knowledgeable guides like Shannon Scott, the tour delves into the cemetery’s rich history, art, and notable figures, including Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken.

Visitors can expect to discover the cemetery’s lush scenery, live oak avenues, and artistic elements influenced by Masonic, Biblical, and Ancient Egyptian traditions.

Experience Highlights

Guided tours of the expansive 200-acre Bonaventure Cemetery are led by Shannon Scott and other highly-rated guides, allowing visitors to explore this 18th-century plantation turned Victorian Gothic cemetery.

Made famous by the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil," the cemetery is renowned for its lush scenery, live oak avenues, and artistic elements, including sculptures and symbols from various traditions like Masonic, Biblical, and Ancient Egyptian influences.

Visitors can discover the final resting places of notable figures such as Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken, as well as local personalities, while seeing the cemetery’s rich history and captivating atmosphere.

Meeting Point and Parking

The meeting point for the Bonaventure Cemetery tour is located at 330 Bonaventure Road, near the pillared entrance with goddess statues.

Free parking is available at the gravel lot near the marina. Visitors can look for the bridge in the distance and a single picnic table near the parking lot to orient themselves.

The meeting location provides easy access to the cemetery’s historic grounds, allowing tour-goers to begin their exploration of the 18th-century plantation turned Victorian Gothic cemetery without hassle.

Attendees should plan to arrive a few minutes before the scheduled start time to ensure a smooth start to the tour.

Restrictions and Availability

No pets or smoking are allowed during the Bonaventure Cemetery tour.

The tour’s availability is subject to reservation levels and Shannon Scott’s schedule. It’s recommended to confirm the reservation a few days prior to the tour date.

The good news is that unused tour tickets are valid until redeemed, with no expiration date. This means they can be gifted to others if the original purchaser is unable to attend.

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Customer Feedback

Based on 388 reviews, the Bonaventure Cemetery tour boasts an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

Travelers consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring the cemetery’s history and artistry to life with captivating storytelling.

The tour also earns high marks for its value, with a 4.9/5 rating for value for money, and for the tour’s overall organization, which receives a perfect 5/5 score.

Couples, groups, solo travelers, and families alike have all enjoyed the immersive Bonaventure experience, making it a must-do activity for visitors to Savannah.

Artistic Elements

Though the Bonaventure Cemetery is known for its lush scenery and historical significance, it’s the artistic elements throughout the grounds that captivate visitors.

Strolling through the cemetery, you’ll encounter sculptures and symbols from various traditions, including Masonic, Biblical, and Ancient Egyptian influences. These intricate designs are meticulously carved into the headstones and monuments, showcasing the skill and artistry of the craftspeople who created them.

From the iconic weeping angels to the ornate obelisks, each artistic feature offers a glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage that has shaped Savannah’s rich history.

Notable Figures

The Bonaventure Cemetery is home to the final resting places of several notable figures who’ve left an indelible mark on Savannah’s history and culture.

Among them is Johnny Mercer, the acclaimed songwriter behind iconic tunes like "Moon River" and "Days of Wine and Roses."

Another luminary laid to rest here is Conrad Aiken, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and novelist who drew inspiration from Savannah’s haunting beauty.

The cemetery also serves as the eternal home for local personalities, their stories woven into the fabric of the city’s rich heritage.

These illustrious individuals continue to captivate visitors, their legacies etched into the very grounds of the Bonaventure Cemetery.

Lush Scenery

Lush, verdant canopies of live oak trees drape gracefully over the winding pathways of the Bonaventure Cemetery, casting a serene, almost otherworldly ambiance across the historic grounds.

Towering Spanish moss-draped oaks line the avenues, creating a tranquil, shadowy atmosphere that enhances the cemetery’s Gothic charm.

Visitors are captivated by the natural beauty that blends seamlessly with the ornate statues, mausoleums, and tombstones that dot the landscape.

This unique combination of nature and artistic elements makes the Bonaventure Cemetery a truly captivating and memorable experience for all who venture through its gates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Specific Tour Start and End Times?

The tour runs for 2 hours, but the specific start and end times are not provided. The tour schedule is subject to reservation levels and the guide’s availability, so tour times may vary.

How Long Is the Walking Portion of the Tour?

The walking portion of the tour lasts approximately 2 hours. Guests will explore the 200-acre cemetery and learn about its history, art, and notable figures from the knowledgeable guide.

Are Photography and Videography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and videography are allowed during the tour. However, guests are asked to be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. Tripods may be prohibited due to space constraints within the cemetery.

Are Water or Snacks Provided During the Tour?

Water and snacks are not provided during the tour. Guests are responsible for bringing their own refreshments if they desire them during the 2-hour walking tour experience.

Is the Tour Affected by Inclement Weather Conditions?

The tour is generally unaffected by inclement weather, as it takes place primarily outdoors. However, the tour guide may adjust the itinerary or shorten the duration if necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of participants.

Recap

The Bonaventure Cemetery tour offers a captivating exploration of Savannah’s historic burial ground. Guided by knowledgeable storytellers, visitors discover the final resting places of notable figures while immersed in the cemetery’s lush scenery, intricate sculptures, and tranquil atmosphere. With a perfect 4.9-star rating, the tour provides an immersive experience, blending nature and art to showcase Bonaventure’s rich history and artistic elements.

You can check if your dates are available here: