FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 Pre-Tour
Savannah & Charleston
September 2 – 9, 2018
The World Equestrian Games are a great opportunity to explore a new part of the country or the world, if you can take the time. With the 2018 WEG in North Carolina it’s an opportunity to visit a bit of the American South.
As it happens, Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina have recently been named the two most beautiful cities in the South. I have had the pleasure of spending time in both cities, exploring the sights and enjoying the fine dining they have to offer. If you haven’t had the opportunity to explore this area, I hope you will join us.
Charleston
If you are joining us by air, make your arrangements to fly in to Savannah, GA and your departure at the end of your WEG visit from Asheville Regional Airport.
Schedule
Sunday, September 2, 2018 – Welcome to Savannah
On arrival, transfer to our hotel, the Hotel Andaz in Savannah, quite near the river and the shops and squares, the city is so well known for. Relax and explore this afternoon and this evening we will gather for drinks and dinner and meet your travelling companions.
Monday, September 3 – Hello Savannah
We have included breakfast every day of our program. Your introduction to Savannah will begin with a 2-hour walking tour of the city, a city of garden squares and wonderful antebellum architecture. Our tour will end with our lunch stop, and this afternoon and on Tuesday, you will have Savannah Trolley tickets to continue exploring the beautiful city as you wish.
Tuesday, September 4 – Savannah at leisure
Free day to continue your visits. The first trolley stop is quite near our hotel. Be sure to get to the Riverfront Plaza, along the Savannah River. We have included tickets to the Owen-Thomas House, owned and maintained by the Telfair Museum, one of the finest museum houses in Savannah.
Wednesday, September 5 – Depart for Beaufort & Charleston
The city of Beaufort (Bew-fort) is the second oldest in South Caroline, and a lovely place to visit. We will stop here, in route to Charleston, and while on the island, visit Gullah sites as well. The Gullah people are descendants of freed slaves, and like their slave ancestors, keep the Gullah language and traditions alive. An interesting afternoon, with time to visit the shops as you wish.
On arrival in Charleston, check in to the Mills House Hotel, just a few blocks from the Cooper (Cupper) River and the harbor. This has always been my favorite Charleston hotel. I hope you enjoy it. This evening is free. You will find the Charleston has numerous wonderful restaurants, large and small, with a great variety of offerings.
Thursday, September 6 – Charleston & Historic Homes
Our guide will introduce us to historic Charleston this morning on our walking tour. You’ll be introduced to the Charleston single house and “joggling boards”, as well as some of the many historic homes and lovely gardens. If you recall the book and operetta “Porky & Bess”, Catfish Row was here in Charleston.
The afternoon is free to continue exploring. Perhaps you’ll choose a harbor cruise or visit to Ft. Sumpter. Whatever you do, don’t miss a visit to the Old Slave Market where you’ll find ladies weaving seagrass baskets (I have one that’s 18 years old) and lots of shops.
Friday, September 7 – Historic Homes & Ashley River Plantations
After breakfast this morning visit two of Charleston’s loveliest houses. The Edmundston-Alston House dates to 1825 and is a lovely Greek Revival. The Nathaniel Russell House is famous for its “free flying” staircase going up three stories. The ornate interior of this 1808 house contains much Charleston made furniture. Enjoy the gardens as well.
Returning to the hotel, board our coach for a trip to Middleton Place Plantation, where we will lunch, visit the house and have time to enjoy the oldest landscaped gardens in America. The “house” that we see today is just one wing, the “South flanker” of the original residential complex, the main residence having been destroyed in the Civil War. After our house tour, feel free to visit the stable yards before we depart for Drayton Hall.
Drayton Hall is a Palladian style plantation house and the only one on the Ashley River to have survived the Civil War intact. It is wonderful piece of architecture left unfurnished to show off its interior work.
Late afternoon we return to our comfortable digs, perhaps relax in the lounge before you evening activities.
Saturday, September 8 – Free Time in Charleston
A leisurely day, perhaps a late breakfast and explore as you wish. St Michael’s Church is the oldest in Charleston and worth a visit. The Battery offers wonderful view of the harbor. There are gardens to explore (the tradition here is if the garden gate is open, you are welcome to come in and enjoy) as well as other historic houses and museums we haven’t touched on.
This evening we will get together for a reception and dinner, as tomorrow we depart for Asheville for the World Equestrian Games to join our other WEG friends.
Sunday, September 9 – Off Today for Asheville, NC
Enjoy a leisurely morning and time to lunch here in Charleston before we depart at 1pm. We will proceed directly to Asheville for the World Equestrian Games, arriving at approximately 5:30, with time to check in, freshen up and be ready for our welcome reception & dinner at 7pm.
Rates per person:
Twin or Double basis $2,395 Single basis 3,295
Includes:
7 Nights’ hotel accommodations with breakfast daily, 2 lunches and two receptions and dinners; sightseeing, admissions and transportation as outlined, taxes and gratuities for included features and services of Equestrian Tours host throughout.
