Savannah Land & Sea Combo: City Sightseeing Trolley Tour with Riverboat Cruise

Exploring Savannah with the Land & Sea Combo: A Practical Guide

Starting at the Savannah Visitors Center, this $79.18 package offers a full day of discovery, blending a 90-minute guided trolley tour with a 90-minute river cruise. Both activities are packed with sights and stories that bring Savannah’s charming streets and waterfront to life. Think Victorian mansions with moss-draped oak trees on one side, and bustling riverfront activity on the other.

What we especially like about this experience is how it manages to cover the city’s most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks in one manageable day, making it ideal for first-time visitors. The trolley offers a relaxed, narrated overview of the historic district, while the boat cruise provides a refreshing perspective from the water. Plus, the fact that you can choose hotel pickup in some locations adds convenience.

A key consideration is that weather can influence the experience, especially the boat cruise, which relies on calm waters and clear skies. Also, some reviews mention challenges with parking and signage, so planning ahead helps avoid unnecessary stress.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a combination of history, scenery, and storytelling. It’s perfect if you want a rundown without the hassle of planning multiple activities—especially for those with limited time or who prefer guided experiences.

Key Points

• Balanced experience: Combines land and water perspectives for a full taste of Savannah.
• Knowledgeable guides: Reviews praise guides like Kathleen for their friendliness and expertise.
• Flexible scheduling: Options for hotel pickup in some cases, making logistics easier.
• Photo opportunities: Plenty of chances to capture the city’s architecture and waterfront views.
• Weather dependency: The cruise can be affected by rain or storms.
• Authentic stories: The guided narration, especially during the trolley ride, brings history and legends to life.

A Deep Dive Into Savannah’s Land & Sea Experience

Imagine a sunny morning in Savannah. You arrive at the Visitor Center, a hub that’s easy to find, and hop onto your comfortable trolley. With a full loop through the Historic District, Victorian District, River Street, and City Market, this tour is structured to give you a broad yet intimate understanding of Savannah’s streetscapes and architecture.

What makes this part special is the detailed narration—according to reviews, guides like Kathleen or Dan are not just knowledgeable but also engaging and personable. Their stories about the city’s “legend, lore, and architecture” make the buildings come alive. You’ll pass stately Victorian mansions draped in Spanish moss, a classic Savannah image. The guide might even tell you about “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” which adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Stops along the route include landmarks like the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, an awe-inspiring church at Lafayette Square, and the historic City Market, a lively spot with shops, galleries, and eateries. The guide’s commentary helps you appreciate the city’s romantic and haunted reputation, making history feel like stories from a living storybook.

Once the land tour concludes, you’re dropped off at the riverfront, a bustling area with antique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Here, you’ll find the boarding point for your river cruise. If weather permits, you’ll board the Georgia Queen for a scenic 90-minute cruise along the Savannah River.

The Riverboat Cruise: What to Expect

From the boat, you’ll enjoy spectacular waterfront views and narrated stories about Savannah’s past, especially its historic connection to the river. Your captain will share tales about Old Fort Jackson, where one of the country’s largest artillery pieces is displayed, adding a touch of history to the scenic ride.

While on the water, you may also see the port activity and learn about Savannah as a major shipping hub. Some reviewers mention that their guide Gage shared interesting facts about the ships and port. The cruise offers a chance to relax, snap photos, and appreciate Savannah’s setting from a different angle.

The Experience in Practice

Most guests find the combo perfectly balanced. For example, one reviewer, Donna, said, “This tour hits all of the major hot spots in Savannah,” highlighting the comprehensive coverage. Another, Sonya, remarked on the friendly, knowledgeable guide, making the land portion particularly memorable.

However, weather can affect the cruise. When it rained, some guests were disappointed that the cruise was canceled or less enjoyable, emphasizing the importance of checking the forecast. It’s also worth noting that parking can be tricky, and signage for the meeting spot isn’t always clear, so arriving early or considering hotel pickup could make your experience smoother.

The Value of the Tour

Compared to booking separate activities, this combo offers good value. For about $80, you get two-hour guided land tour, a scenic water experience, and insider stories—an efficient way to maximize your time and learning in Savannah.

The reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and the scenic views both on land and water. Many found the tour to be an excellent introduction, especially if it’s your first visit. It’s also flexible enough for those wanting a broad overview but with enough room to explore more on their own afterward.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Savannah’s highlights. It’s great for travelers who prefer guided narration to navigate unfamiliar streets and waters. If you’re traveling with family or a group, the moderate pace and varied sites will appeal.

However, if you’re eager for a more relaxed, unstructured boat ride or want to explore off-the-beaten-path spots, you might find this tour a bit too structured. Also, those sensitive to weather should be aware that the cruise depends on good conditions.

Final Thoughts

The Savannah Land & Sea Combo offers an engaging, well-rounded way to see the city. You’ll get a taste of Savannah’s historic streets, lush squares, and picturesque waterfront, all narrated by guides praised for their friendliness and knowledge. The scenic river cruise adds a calming, picturesque element that complements the bustling streets.

While some minor issues like parking and weather can occur, overall, this tour balances value and authenticity. It provides a great introduction to Savannah’s most iconic sights and stories, making it a wise choice for travelers who want a hassle-free, informative, and scenic experience.

FAQs

• Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
  Yes, select Savannah hotels offer pickup, making the experience more convenient. If you prefer to meet at the Visitor Center, that’s also an option.

• What time does the cruise part of the tour start?
  Depending on the schedule, the cruise begins either at 1:00 PM or 3:30 PM.

• What can I see between the city tour and the river cruise?
  After the land tour, you’ll be dropped off at the riverside, where you can explore River Street, shops, monuments, or grab a bite while waiting for your cruise.

• Are food and drinks included?
  No, food and drinks are not included in the tour price.

• Is parking available at the departure point?
  Yes, there is parking at the Savannah Visitors Center, though there may be a fee, and signage could be minimal.

• Who are the guides?
  Guest reviews praise guides like Kathleen and Dan for their friendliness and deep knowledge—expect engaging stories about Savannah’s landmarks.

• Can I cancel this tour?
  Yes, cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance. Less notice may result in no refund.

This combo tour is a smart choice for anyone wanting to get a well-rounded, authentic Savannah experience without the hassle of planning multiple outings. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors eager to get the lay of the land and enjoy scenic views from both land and water.