Savannah: Old Savannah Tours Historic Overview

Savannah: Old Savannah Tours Historic Overview

If you’re visiting Savannah and looking for a quick, comprehensive introduction to the city’s stately mansions, cobblestone streets, and lush squares, the Old Savannah Tours trolley ride is a fantastic choice. This 75-minute journey, guided by lively, knowledgeable narrators, costs around $35 per person and covers more than 270 years of history in a relaxed, open-air trolley. Starting and ending at the 217 W. Boundary Street Welcome Center, this tour aims to blend history, architecture, and local color into one engaging experience.

What we love about this tour is how accessible and lively it feels. The fully narrated guides don’t just recite facts—they bring Savannah’s streets alive with stories and humor, making it feel more like a friendly chat than a lecture. Plus, riding along moss-draped oaks and cobblestone streets offers a uniquely Southern atmosphere that’s hard to match in a car or on foot.

One possible consideration is the time constraint—at just 75 minutes, this is a quick overview. If you’re eager to explore every corner or hop off to wander a square, you might find the “non-stop” format somewhat limiting. Still, for those wanting a solid first glimpse of Savannah’s sights, this tour hits the mark.

This tour suits first-time visitors, history buffs, or anyone wanting a comfortably paced, colorful overview of Savannah without the hassle of navigating on your own. Family groups, solo travelers, or couples can all enjoy its blend of informative narration and scenic views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Concise Yet Comprehensive: Covers over 270 years of Savannah’s history in just 75 minutes.
• Engaging Guides: Narrators are praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling ability.
• Beautiful Scenery: Ride past moss-covered oaks, historic mansions, and charming squares.
• Value for Money: At $35, it’s a reasonably priced way to get a thorough city overview.
• Accessible and Relaxed: Fully narrated open-air trolley makes for a comfortable, fun ride.
• Ideal for First-Timers: A perfect primer before exploring on your own.

A detailed look at the Savannah trolley experience

The Route and Key Sights

The tour’s starting point at the Welcome Center is easy to find, marked by a white trolley emblazoned with Old Savannah Tours. From here, the trolley meanders through the historic districts, offering a panoramic view of Savannah’s architectural gems. Expect to see stately Federal-style mansions, their wrought-iron balconies and lush gardens suggesting a bygone era of elegance. The route also takes you down cobblestone streets, which instantly evoke the city’s colonial past.

A highlight for many is the chance to drive beneath live oaks draped with Spanish moss, a quintessential Southern image. You’ll cruise past beautiful squares, many lined with romantic park benches and historic monuments, perfect for a leisurely wander later. The riverfront, often mentioned in reviews, provides a scenic backdrop of ships and boats, adding a vibrant, modern touch to Savannah’s historic ambiance.

The Guides and Narration

The reviews consistently praise the guides’ knowledge, with many mentioning guides named Gertrude, Angela, Mike, Tammy, and others who bring humor, warmth, and local lore to the stories. One reviewer notes, “Our guide Angela was informative & charming, bringing the stories of Savannah to life with enthusiasm and a touch of theatrical flair.” Another mentioned Eddie, describing him as lively and informative.

The guides are adept at balancing historical facts with entertaining anecdotes, making the ride engaging for all ages. Several reviews highlight the personalities of the guides, noting that their humor and storytelling were the best parts of the experience. This approach makes the city’s history accessible and memorable, which is especially valuable for first-timers or families.

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The Experience and Atmosphere

The open-air trolley provides an immersive experience—feeling the breeze, hearing the sounds of the city, and seeing the sights up close. The seating is comfortable, and the small group size (or at least the feeling of intimacy) lets guides tailor their stories and answer questions.

Many reviewers comment on the cleanliness and well-maintained trolley, ensuring a pleasant ride. The trolley operates non-stop, so you get a seamless, uninterrupted overview. This is ideal if you’re on a tight schedule or want a quick orientation before exploring on your own.

Value and Pricing

At $35 per person, this tour offers remarkable value, considering the expert narration, scenic views, and ease of transportation. For just over an hour, you gain a well-rounded understanding of Savannah’s architecture, history, and culture. Some reviewers have mentioned that the tour is perfect for short visits, providing a snapshot of the city that helps plan your subsequent explorations.

The Review Highlights

• “Wonderful historic tour, our guide was the sweetest Savannahian…interactive, welcoming, detailed” – a clear highlight of engaging guides.
• “Guide Justice was very knowledgeable and engaged…” emphasizes the skill of the narrators.
• “Eddie was a delight, very informative and fun”, showcasing the lively guides appreciated by many.
• “The driver, Denise, was knowledgeable and entertaining”—not just the guides, but also the drivers, contribute to a friendly, professional atmosphere.

Who will love this tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Savannah’s historic districts. It’s also perfect for families, seniors, or anyone who prefers a relaxed, narrated overview without the stress of navigation. If you’re short on time or seeking an easy, entertaining introduction, this tour hits the sweet spot.

Practical Considerations

• The tour runs in the morning and afternoon, offering flexibility.
• Reserve in advance—you can pay later if your plans change.
• The tour is in English; guides are live narrators.
• The non-stop format means no hop-on hop-off options, so if you want to explore specific sites in detail, plan a separate visit.
• The meeting point is clearly indicated, and the trolley is easy to spot.

The Sum Up

The Old Savannah Tours offers a delightful, informative, and scenic way to get acquainted with Savannah. Its expert guides, engaging storytelling, and beautiful sights make it a worthwhile investment for anyone wanting an easy, enjoyable introduction to this charming city. The 75-minute ride packs enough history, architecture, and Southern character to inspire further exploration—perfect for first-timers or those with limited time.

If you’re after a relaxed, well-guided overview, and enjoy sitting back while being entertained and informed, this tour will serve you well. It’s especially great for families, solo travelers, or couples seeking a memorable, low-stress way to soak in Savannah’s unique vibe.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 75 minutes, providing a quick yet rundown of Savannah’s historic districts.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the 217 W. Boundary Street Welcome Center, marked by a white trolley with Old Savannah Tours.

Is the tour fully narrated?
Yes, the tour includes live narration in English, with guides praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling skills.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour suitable for children or mobility issues?
Many reviews mention the trolley’s accessibility and comfort. It’s a good choice for families, and the open-air design helps with mobility considerations.

Are there any hop-on, hop-off options?
This particular tour is non-stop, so if you want to explore specific sites in more detail, consider additional tours or separate visits.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
The knowledgeable, humorous guides and scenic route through moss-draped streets and squares make this tour a memorable way to start your Savannah adventure.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s priced at around $35 per person, offering good value given the quality of guides and the scenic experience.

Is it worth booking in advance?
Yes, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability. You can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

Whether you’re a history lover, a first-time visitor, or simply looking for a charming way to see Savannah’s iconic sights, the Old Savannah Tours trolley provides a friendly, scenic, and informative experience that will leave you with a great first impression of this historic southern city.

You can check availability for your dates here: