Walking Tour of Savannahs Historic District

Savannah’s Historic District is a captivating destination that beckons visitors to explore its rich history and architectural wonders. A guided walking tour offers an immersive experience, delving into the city’s origins as one of Georgia’s original 13 colonies and its pivotal role in the American Revolution. Along the way, guests will encounter the lively City Market, the charming Broughton Street, and the bustling Savannah River Walk, all while seeing the city’s diverse architectural styles. With licensed and professional guides leading the way, this small-group experience promises to uncover the fascinating stories that have shaped Savannah’s enduring legacy.

Key Points

1. A guided 2-hour small-group tour of Savannah’s Historic District, covering the city’s rich history, captivating architecture, and picturesque riverfront.
2. Highlights include visiting the lively City Market, strolling along the charming Broughton Street, and admiring the iconic Forsyth Park Fountain.
3. Explore the diverse array of colonial, Georgian, Greek Revival, and Gothic architectural styles that define Savannah’s historic buildings and landmarks.
4. Discover Savannah’s strategic location along the Savannah River, which contributed to its development as a prosperous port city.
5. The small-group format allows for a personalized and immersive experience, with opportunities for questions, observations, and discussions with the licensed and professional guide.

Tour Overview

This walking tour of Savannah’s Historic District provides visitors with a guided exploration of the city’s main attractions, where they’ll learn about its rich history, captivating architecture, and picturesque riverfront location.

Throughout the 2-hour small-group tour, a licensed and professional guide will lead participants on a journey through the heart of the city, covering highlights like the lively City Market, the charming Broughton Street, and the iconic Forsyth Park Fountain.

The tour’s intimate group size allows for ample opportunities to ask questions and engage with the guide, ensuring a personalized and immersive experience.

With its accessibility and free cancellation policy, this tour offers an excellent way to discover the best of Savannah’s historic wonders.

Main Attractions

The walking tour explores several of Savannah’s most iconic landmarks, starting with the lively City Market. Located in the heart of the historic district, this bustling marketplace features an array of local shops, eateries, and street performers, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture. Next, the tour leads visitors down Broughton Street, a charming thoroughfare lined with antique stores, boutiques, and historic architecture. The highlight of the tour, however, is the Forsyth Park Fountain, a stunning example of Gothic Revival style that has become a beloved symbol of Savannah.

Iconic Landmark	Description	Emotional Impact
City Market	Lively, bustling, vibrant culture	Excitement, energy
Broughton Street	Charming, historic architecture	Nostalgia, wonder
Forsyth Park Fountain	Stunning, Gothic Revival style	Awe, appreciation

City’s History

Savannah’s historic roots trace back to 1733 when General James Oglethorpe founded the city as one of Georgia’s original 13 colonies.

During the tour, guests will learn about Savannah’s integral role in the American Revolution and its subsequent development into a prosperous port city.

The guide will highlight the city’s colonial architecture, which blends Georgian, Greek Revival, and Gothic styles, and provide insights into the significance of historic landmarks like the Owens-Thomas House and the Isaiah Davenport House.

Savannah is known as the ‘Hostess City of the South,’ known for its hospitality, lush gardens, and spirited cultural heritage.

Architecture Highlights

A key architectural highlight of the walking tour is the diverse array of building styles that define Savannah’s historic district. Visitors will admire the seamless blend of Georgian, Greek Revival, and Gothic influences that lend the city its unique character, from the elegant symmetry of colonial mansions to the ornate details of antebellum churches.

The magnificent Forsyth Park Fountain, with its elaborate cast-iron design, exemplifies the ornamental flair that permeates the neighborhood.

Along Broughton Street, travelers will encounter an eclectic mix of 19th-century commercial structures, their facades adorned with intricate cast-iron balconies and decorative cornices.

Throughout the tour, the architectural heritage of Savannah comes alive, offering a captivating glimpse into the city’s storied past.

Riverfront Location

Situated along the banks of the Savannah River, the historic district’s prime waterfront location has long been integral to the city’s development and prosperity.

This strategic position enabled the port to become a major hub for trade and commerce, drawing merchants, ships, and prosperity to the city.

It allowed for the construction of the iconic Savannah River Walk, a picturesque promenade lined with shops, restaurants, and stunning river views.

The strategic position also facilitated the growth of Savannah’s bustling riverfront, which today features historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and lively entertainment options.

On top of that, it contributes to the city’s charming ambiance, as the river’s presence is woven throughout the historic district’s architecture, parks, and public spaces.

Small-Group Experience

The small-group format of the walking tour offers a more personalized and engaging experience for participants. With a maximum of 15 travelers, the guide can provide tailored attention and respond to individual questions, ensuring each guest gains a deeper understanding of Savannah’s rich history and architectural wonders.

This intimate setting allows for a more interactive and immersive exploration of the city’s historic district. Guests can freely ask questions, share observations, and engage in discussions with both the guide and fellow travelers. The small-group experience creates a welcoming atmosphere, fostering a sense of camaraderie and facilitating a more enriching and memorable tour.

This personalized approach sets the Savannah Historic District walking tour apart, providing a unique and enlightening experience for visitors.

Meeting and End Points

The tour begins at the statue of John Wesley in Reynolds Square, providing a convenient and recognizable starting point for participants.

From there, the group will explore the city’s historic district, culminating at the iconic Forsyth Park.

The tour departs from the statue, located in the heart of Reynolds Square, a picturesque plaza with rich history and architecture.

As the guided exploration progresses, the group will navigate through the charming streets, eventually arriving at the stunning Forsyth Park, home to the park’s famous fountain.

The end point at Forsyth Park allows participants to continue their Savannah adventure, whether it’s exploring the park’s serene gardens or venturing further into the vibrant city.

This carefully curated tour ensures a seamless and engaging experience, taking guests on a comprehensive journey through Savannah’s historic district.

Accessibility and Fitness

This walking tour caters to a diverse range of participants, ensuring accessibility and accommodating different fitness levels. The tour route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed, making it inclusive for travelers with disabilities. While a moderate amount of walking is involved, the tour’s pacing allows participants to explore Savannah’s historic district at a comfortable pace, making it suitable for those with varying physical fitness levels.

Accessibility	Fitness Level	Tour Experience
Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible	Moderate Walking Involved	Comfortable Pace
Service Animals Allowed	Suitable for Various Fitness Levels	Explore Historic District
Inclusive for Travelers with Disabilities	Accommodate Different Needs	Engaging and Informative

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour?

The walking tour does not offer customization options. It’s a pre-set itinerary that covers the main historic attractions in Savannah’s district. Travelers can’t modify the tour route or duration based on their preferences.

Can We Make Stops to Grab a Quick Snack?

Yes, the tour allows for quick snack stops during breaks in the itinerary. Guests can grab a bite to eat at local cafes or shops along the route as time permits, enhancing the overall experience.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. Guests are encouraged to capture the historic architecture, scenic views, and other highlights along the way. However, guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting the tour or other participants.

How Much Time Is Allotted for Breaks?

The tour allows for occasional breaks, though the specific duration is not specified. Participants can expect to have time to rest and take in the sights at a comfortable pace during the 2-hour walking tour.

Do We Have the Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration is set at 2 hours, but there’s no option to extend it. The tour guide aims to cover the key highlights within the allotted time frame. Participants should plan accordingly and inquire about any special needs or requests prior to the tour.

Recap

The guided walking tour of Savannah’s Historic District provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history, captivating architecture, and picturesque riverfront.

Led by licensed guides, the small-group experience immerses visitors in the city’s diverse architectural styles and captivating ambiance, offering an engaging and informative way to discover Savannah’s enduring charm and significance as one of Georgia’s original 13 colonies.