Road Scholar : Home
Savannah’s Rich Heritage, Remarkable History and Memorable Music

Program Number: 11376RJ
Start and End Dates:
11/4/2012 - 11/9/2012; 9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013; 10/6/2013 - 10/11/2013; 10/13/2013 - 10/18/2013; 10/20/2013 - 10/25/2013; 10/27/2013 - 11/1/2013; 11/3/2013 - 11/8/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Savannah, Georgia
Price starting at: $979.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Signature Cities
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    

Part demure Southern belle, part New Orleans jazzman, Savannah is where graceful plantation homes, charming public squares and stately live oaks stand alongside lively blues venues and gothic cemeteries filled with ornate headstones and eccentric ghost hunters. In some ways dignified and in others playful, the city is uniformly beautiful and goes out of its way to embody Southern hospitality and charm. Hit the streets and squares of Savannah to discover what makes the city special, from lowcountry geography to Civil War history and a mosaic of residents past and present.




Highlights

• Uncover colorful history from generals to ghosts during museum visits and expert-led walks through the historic district.
• Relax to the rhythms of yesteryear as you pay tribute to Savannah native Johnny Mercer during a private recital of his music.
• Taste distinctive Savannah flavors during an interactive cooking class with a noted chef.



Activity Particulars

Walking two miles on city streets, some uneven; stairs at museums, historic houses; getting on/off buses.



Program #11377 Savannah History, Mystery and Music offers many of the same educational elements, at a lower price with lodgings at a midtown motel.




Date Specific Information

9-29-2013, 10-6-2013, 10-13-2013, 10-20-2013, 10-27-2013, 11-3-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Armstrong Atlantic State University.




Savannah

One of the world’s most beautiful cities, with the largest National Historic Landmark District in the U.S., this is Savannah. Residents celebrate their culture, creativity and distinctive cuisine amid Revolutionary and Civil War battle sites, elegant architecture, lush parks, and more than 20 city squares.
Accommodations
First-class hotel in the heart of Savannah’s historic district.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hilton Savannah DeSoto Historic District
  Savannah, GA 5 nights
 Hilton Savannah DeSoto Historic District
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Hilton’s Serenity Bedroom Collection. 246 newly renovated guestrooms with beautiful views of Historic Savannah. All rooms have windows that open. Free wireless Internet access in guestrooms and lobby. 32-inch flat screen TVs and MP3 docks. Luxurious Peter Thomas Roth bath products. In-room Cuisinart coffee maker and Lavazza coffee. Ample work space and ergonomic chair. “Print to Desk” service from guestrooms. Valet dry-cleaning/laundryIn-room newspaper delivery. Ironing boards. Hair dryers. Elevators. Lounge. Luggage hold. Room service. Safety deposit box.
  Contact info: 15 East Liberty St.
Savannah, GA 31401 USA
phone: 912-232-9000
web: www.desotohilton.com
  Facility amenities: Pool - rooftop (outdoor) swimming pool & deck. Pool-side cabanas. Full-service restaurant. Bar and lounge Coffee shop/Café featuring Starbucks. Gift Shop. Guest activity/recreation desk. Fitness room. Automated teller machine (ATM). Concierge desk.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Bathroom: King rooms have shower only. Double rooms have shower/tub combo. Rooms w/ HC-accessible baths (roll-in showers) have only 1 bed (double, queen, or king - very limited avail.); not available for same-gender roommates. Grab-bars installed in all types.
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Varies w/ season. Call hotel directly for current rates at 912-443-2021. Subject to availability and Road Scholar rate is not available outside of program dates.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Varies w/ season. Call hotel directly for current rates at 912-443-2021. Subject to availability and Road Scholar rate is not available outside of program dates.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00 p.m. hotel check-in; 5:00 p.m. in lobby for Road Scholar registration. You will be staying at Hilton Savannah DeSoto Historic District that night.
  End of Program:
12:00 p.m. hotel check-out; Program ends after morning class around 11:00 a.m. You will be staying at Hilton Savannah DeSoto Historic District the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Signing a Waiver of Liability/Hold Harmless Agreement is required in order to participate in the program. This form is mailed with the welcome materials and is to be mailed back to the university before the program begins.
  Parking availability:
Valet parking is required at the hotel for a discounted rate of $14.00 per day (at participants' expense) with in/out privileges.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Savannah, GA
  Nearest city or town:  Tybee Island, Georgia
  Nearest highway: Interstate 95.
  Nearest airport:  Savannah International Airport (SAV), Savannah, GA.
  From End of Program
  Location: Savannah, GA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Savannah

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
KShuttle
phone: 877-243-2050
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$25.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic 
 

Distance:

 

13 miles
   

$39 round-trip available. Must make advanced reservations. Website: www.kshuttle.com/
 
Driving Directions
  From Interstate I-95 north or south bound: Exit at 99A (I-16 east), follow to the end where it feeds into Montgomery Street. At the first stop light turn right onto Liberty Street. Follow for 5 blocks to the DeSoto Hilton which will be on your right hand side.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check-in, Registration, and Orientation at the hotel.
(Sunday, November 4)
   
 Afternoon: Afternoon-check-in at the hotel is at 3:00 and Road Scholar registration is in the lobby between 5 and 6.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
 Evening: Orientation. Meet & greet your fellow participants and your coordinator as the group goes over the program materials and finalized schedule for the week.
   
Accommodations: Hilton Savannah DeSoto Historic District
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Savannah's Historical Splendor.
(Monday, November 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: In this morning's lecture, discuss the fascinating aspects of Savannah's history, led by Savannah's very own 14th-generation Southerner, Historian Paul Blatner!
 Lunch: Lunch at The Gryphon Restaurant, an architectural gem of a dining room that originally served as an Apothecary.
 Afternoon: Participants will delight in the warm hospitality and relaxed pace of the old South during an expert-led walking adventure of the Historic District. From festive River Street, through Savannah's 22 enchanting squares, to lovely Forsyth Park with her trademark fountain, moss-covered oaks, and garden-like atmosphere, discover all this coastal jewel has to offer. Some points of interest may include majestic St. John's Cathedral and the Thomas Levy House, a museum home which is also a private residence.
 Dinner: Dinner at Vic's on the River. The building that houses the restaurant dates back to 1858; during the War Between the States, part of General Sherman's Army occupied the building & the main dining room showcases a map that was hand-drawn by Union soldiers detailing Sherman’s march from Tennessee through Georgia.
   
Accommodations: Hilton Savannah DeSoto Historic District
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Explore Savannah's Notable People and Places.
(Tuesday, November 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Discover one of Savannah's remarkable families, the Gordons on a visit to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace.
 Lunch: Lunch at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, a Savannah institution that locals and visitors alike line up to experience true, home-made southern dishes.
 Afternoon: Visit with General James Oglethorpe - from the pages of journals, diaries, and letters of that time period, General Oglethorpe comes to life and relays the first years of the "Georgia Experiment."
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel or a restaurant in the historic district.
 Evening: Explore Massie Heritage Center. Take a lesson in Savannah's history and architecture during an interactive experience at the site of Savannah's first public school.
   
Accommodations: Hilton Savannah DeSoto Historic District
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Savor Southern Savannah.
(Wednesday, November 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Low country cooking with a local, "seasoned" chef - experience an interactive cooking class where the menu includes timeless southern favorites as well as fun, wit, and very useful culinary tips!
 Lunch: Lunch with the chef - enjoy the results of the morning class.
 Afternoon: Free time.
 Dinner: Optional included dinner at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Evening at leisure to relax or explore on your own.
   
Accommodations: Hilton Savannah DeSoto Historic District
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Music and Culture in Savannah.
(Thursday, November 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: An entertaining musical presentation featuring the songs of Savannah's own Johnny Mercer. Learn about our beloved musical icon as you sing along (or just tap your toe if you prefer!) with our talented Kim Polote Trio.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: In an afternoon field trip, discover more about Savannah's people and their culture during visit to the historic Isaiah Davenport House, which was the catalyst in the founding of the Historic Savannah Foundation.
 Dinner: Enjoy a final dinner with fellow participants at the hotel.
 Evening: Evening entertainment. Enjoy a final lecture/presentation on Savannah history & culture by one of our talented instructors.
   
Accommodations: Hilton Savannah DeSoto Historic District
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Program wrap-up.
(Friday, November 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the hotel.
 Morning: Enjoy a final musical presentation led by gifted lecturer/musician, Mr. Jamie Keena and program wrap-up with the group and coordinator, Paul Blatner.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Savannah, GA General Overview
Museum examples, Savannah History Museum, Davenport House, Andrew Low House, Juliette Gordon Low House, Owens-Thomas House, Green-Meldrim House, Telfair Museum of Art, Ships of the Sea Museum, Ralph Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, Mighty 8th Airforce Heritage Museum, Fort Jackson, Fort Pulaski, Tybee Lighthouse, City Market and River Street-examples of historic churches include Temple Mickve Israel, First African Baptist and St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic-examples of historic cemeteries include Bonaventure, Colonial and Laurel Grove-examples of wildlife and bird watching include the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, Skidaway Island Aquarium, Bamboo Farm,and Wormsloe Historic Site, the Oatland Island Education Center, the Savannah Ogeechee Canal Nature Center-Savannah also offers the Roundhouse Railroad Museum. For additional information, visit www.savannahchamber.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Savannah in the Time of Peter Tondee: The Road to Revolution in Colonial Georgia


Author: Carl Weeks


Description: Fictional account of Savannah's first 50 years from Oglethorpe to Independence



A Black Woman's Civil War Memories


Author: Susie King Taylor Weiner


Description: Reissue of a 1902 book by a nurse/teacher/former slave-memoirs of a black woman around the time of the Civil War.



Civil War Savannah


Author: Derek Smith


Description: Glimpse into the lives of the men and women who forever will be associated with Savannah through the wartime deeds.



Lady From Savannah: The Life of Juliette Gordon Low


Author: Daisy Gordon Lawrence


Description: Story of the founder of the Girl Scouts and her remarkable family. Available form the Girl Scouts.



The Complete Stories: Flannery O'Conner


Author: Flannery O'Conner


Description: Native Savannian who won the 1971 National Book Award for Fiction. Thirty-one tales depicting the humorous, of near tragic conditions of life in the Deep South during the fifties.



Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil


Author: John Berendt


Description: Referred to in Savannah as "The Book"-non-fiction, adult language-account of a local antique dealer, Jim Williams', four (!) trials for the same murder in the 1980's-also a Clint Eastwood movie released in 1997.



Spectres and Other Strange Tales/Savannah


Author: Margaret W. DeBolt


Description: Good dose of regional history and insights into the lives of people living in and around Savannah for decades-and of course-local legends/ghost stories.



A Guide to the Georgia Coast, The Georgia Conservancy


Author: Suzanne McIntosh


Description: Natural, historical, cultural, and recreational sites along the Georgia coast are described in detail. Includes driving maps and directions.



Fiction Trilogies by Eugenia Price


Author: Eugenia Price


Description: Savannah, To See Your Face Again, Before the Darkness Falls, Stranger in Savannah are based in Savannah. Lighthouse, Beloved Invader, New Moon Rising, and Bright Captivity, Where Shadows Go, The Waiting Time are based in St. Simon's Island, Georgia. Not all are currently in print-you may find some available only through used book shops or libraries.





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As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



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