Land and Sea: Savannah Historic Trolley Tour and Cruise

A Practical Look at Savannah’s Land and Sea Experience

If you’re planning a visit to Savannah, Georgia, the “Land and Sea: Savannah Historic Trolley Tour and Cruise” offers a compact way to get a taste of this charming city. Priced at around $78 per person, this experience combines a 75-minute open-air trolley ride through Savannah’s iconic squares, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods, with an hour-long river cruise along the Savannah River. Starting at 215 W Boundary St, you’ll choose your tour time—either in the early afternoon or later—and then set out to explore the city’s most loved landmarks.

What we love about this tour is how it provides a lively, guide-led overview of Savannah’s highlights while offering great photo opportunities along the riverfront and in the squares. The guides are generally knowledgeable and engaging, bringing history and stories to life in a way that makes the city’s storied past feel accessible. Plus, the river cruise is a relaxed way to see Savannah from a different perspective, especially if you enjoy waterfront views and spotting ships from around the world.

However, a key consideration is the variable nature of the combined experience. Some reviews mention that the river cruise isn’t always available on the day of your tour, which can be frustrating if you’re expecting the full package. Plus, the experience can be somewhat disjointed if logistics or tour timings aren’t clear upfront, so do your homework before booking.

This tour tends to suit travelers who want a short but sweet overview of Savannah without committing to multiple days of touring. It’s especially good for first-time visitors who want to see the main sights, learn some history, and enjoy a scenic river cruise—all in a manageable time frame.

Key Points

• Balanced Experience: Combines land and water to give a well-rounded view of Savannah.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable storytelling helps bring the city’s history to life.
• Great Photo Ops: Historic riverfront, squares, and skyline provide plenty of picture opportunities.
• Potential for Disappointment: Not all tours include the river cruise—check availability when booking.
• Value for Money: At around $78, you get a decent snapshot of Savannah, but the actual experience depends on the day.
• Suitability: Perfect for first-timers or visitors short on time who want a quick overview.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Logistic Details

The tour kicks off at 215 W Boundary St, a central location near the historic district. You’ll select your preferred time—either 1:00 pm or 3:30 pm—and then board an open-air trolley. Booking includes a mobile ticket for easy access, and the tour is designed to last between 1 hour 30 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the specific itinerary and whether the river cruise is available.

The Trolley Ride — Landmarks and Stories

The trolley ride covers some of Savannah’s most famous sights, including beautiful city squares, like Reynolds Square and Franklin Square, and landmarks such as Chippewa Square, made popular by Forrest Gump, although there’s a funny note that “something’s missing” from the actual square—meaning the iconic bench isn’t there anymore. Guides like “Red” are typically praised for their knowledgeable and fun narration, making history accessible and engaging.

Your guide will point out landmarks like City Hall with its distinctive gold dome, The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and the Pirates House, which has a fascinating history dating back to 1753. The stops also include the Massie Heritage Center, offering a glimpse into Savannah’s educational past, and Telfair Museums, including the Telfair Academy and Jepson Center, which showcase art and architecture.

One stop that’s especially popular is Forsyth Park, with its picturesque fountain and lush greenery, perfect for a quick photo and some leisure time. The guides also weave in spooky tales associated with places like the Sorrel Weed House, appealing to those interested in ghost stories and haunted houses—Savannah’s haunted reputation is well-earned.

The River Cruise — A Different Perspective

The second part of this experience is the one-hour river cruise. The cruise offers a relaxed, scenic view of Savannah’s waterfront, with the captain sharing intriguing tales about Savannah’s port, the ships that dock there, and the river’s history. The cruise is often praised for its great photo opportunities of the skyline and riverfront, especially from the upper deck, which is the “main attraction” according to some reviews.

However, reviews reveal inconsistency—one reviewer noted that the river cruise was not available that day despite being part of the package. Others mentioned that the cruise can be shorter than expected but still enjoyable, particularly for children and families.

Snacks and beverages are available at the Riverboat Snack Shop, enhancing the laid-back vibe of the cruise. The experience is suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly activity that combines sightseeing with relaxation.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

What travelers love is the opportunity to see a lot of Savannah in a short time, with knowledgeable guides making the stories interesting. The views from the river are often highlighted as a “fun” and “nice” way to see the city from a different angle.

On the flip side, some reviews point out disappointments—such as the river cruise not running on certain days or lack of clear communication about tour arrangements. A few travelers mention poor customer service at the kiosk or difficulty with tickets, especially when booked through third-party providers like Viator. A couple of reviews also express frustration about cancellations or not getting what was originally promised.

Price and Value

At $78.39 per person, this tour is a moderate investment for a quick overview of Savannah. It’s not the cheapest option, but it includes two different experiences—land and water—making it a reasonable choice if transportation and guided narration are what you value most. The actual value depends on whether the river cruise runs as scheduled; if it doesn’t, you might feel the experience is less complete.

For those who enjoy guided storytelling and scenic views, this tour offers a decent snapshot of Savannah’s charm. But if you’re looking for a deep dive into history or haunted tales, you might find this experience somewhat surface-level.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors who want to cover the main sights without multiple bookings or long days. It’s suited for families, as the river cruise is kid-friendly, and the guided narration keeps everyone engaged. If you’re short on time but eager to get a broad overview of Savannah’s landmarks, this is a convenient option.

However, repeat visitors or history buffs might want a more specialized or in-depth tour. Also, if knowing that the river cruise might not be available is a concern, check availability before booking.

Final Thoughts

“Land and Sea” in Savannah offers a practical way to experience the city’s highlights from both land and water—perfect for those new to Savannah who want a manageable overview. With knowledgeable guides and scenic views, it captures the city’s charm without requiring a full day of sightseeing.

While the experience is generally enjoyable and offers great photo moments, it’s also worth noting that the availability of the river cruise isn’t guaranteed, which can dampen expectations if you’re counting on the full package. For the price, you’re getting a taste of Savannah’s squares, history, and riverfront—ideal for first-time visitors or casual travelers. Just remember to verify the schedule and what’s included, so you’re not surprised.

If your goal is a quick, friendly introduction to Savannah’s most iconic spots and scenic waterways, this tour strikes a reasonable balance of education, entertainment, and relaxation.

FAQ

Is the river cruise always included in the tour?
Not necessarily. The cruise is scheduled for 1:00 pm or 3:30 pm, but some reviews note it may be unavailable on certain days, so it’s best to confirm ahead of time.

How long does the full experience last?
Depending on the day and availability, expect roughly 1.5 to 3 hours. The trolley ride itself is about 75 minutes, with optional time for the river cruise.

Where do I start the tour?
The tour begins at 215 W Boundary St, which is near Savannah’s historic district. Be sure to check your ticket for the exact meeting point and timing.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, the river cruise is described as fun for children and adults alike, making it a family-friendly option.

What if I book through a third-party company?
Some reviews mention issues with third-party bookings like Viator, including ticketing problems or cancellations. It’s advisable to double-check the tour’s current status directly with the operator.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.

In The Sum Up

This Land and Sea tour in Savannah provides a practical, engaging way to see the city’s main sights without overextending your schedule. It offers a good mix of history, scenic views, and local color, ideal for first-time visitors or those seeking a relaxed overview. The combination of guides, photo opportunities, and the river cruise makes it a well-rounded choice, but keep in mind the potential for schedule inconsistencies.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, family-friendly introduction to Savannah’s charms, this tour fits the bill. Make sure to verify cruise availability, and consider whether a guided overview is enough for your interests. For those wanting a more in-depth exploration, you might want to look for other options, but for a quick, friendly glimpse of Savannah, this experience is certainly worth considering.