Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Savannah offers so much to see.
Interested in learning about Savannah’s history or exploring its haunted past? Old Savannah Tours offers a wide range of trolley tours that bring history to life. The company is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. They’re toasting four decades of sharing the Hostess City’s history, culture and Southern charm.
“We have been thrilled to share the prettiest city in America with guests over the past 40 years,” says Jim Lucas, the CFO and Vice President of Operations at Old Savannah Tours. “We’re extremely proud to serve as Savannah‘s ambassadors.”
Savannah Magazine has honored Old Savannah Tours — the area’s oldest and largest locally owned and operated tour company — as Savannah’s #1 Tour Company for 17 years. Visitors appreciate the fact that the tours are unscripted. Each professional tour guide brings his or her own personal twist, giving guests an authentic local experience.
What makes Old Savannah Tours unique? The fascinating stories told by costumed characters and re-enactors.
Meet General James Oglethorpe, Girl Scouts’ matriarch Juliette Gordon Low and legendary songwriter Johnny Mercer. Don’t forget the lovable Forrest Gump! The cast shares their Savannah stories exclusively with Old Savannah Tours’ guests. Visitors of all ages enjoy listening to these fun, interactive stories.
These lively characters make daily appearances on the company’s popular Historic On/Off Tour, where guests can customize their Savannah experience with a fact-filled tour of the city’s notable landmarks and hop on and off the trolley to enjoy their favorite spots at their own pace. Guests can get on and off the trolley at 16 conveniently located stops, from Forsyth Park to River Street.
If you’re short on time, the Historic Overview tour offers 100 minutes of Savannah history. You’ll enjoy the same narrative as the Historic On/Off Tour, but stay on board the trolley for the duration of the tour.
For an evening fright, the Grave Encounters tour offers visitors ghostly tales of America’s Most Haunted City.
Characters from Savannah’s past return from the dead to share their story. Guests learn first-hand if Sorrel-Weed House socialite Matilda Sorrel actually killed herself. Uncover Civil War secrets from Confederate soldiers. You can also “meet” Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil’s Minerva the Voodoo Queen. Grave Encounters is the only local tour that takes visitors inside the Telfair Academy after dark and into the rum cellar of the Pirates’ House.
If you’re looking for a more light-hearted ghost tour, don’t miss Old Savannah Tours’ new Boo Y’all.
This is a comedy ghost tour, offered evenings Thursday-Saturday. This tour for ages 21+ is led by a popular local comedian and features a stop at McDonough’s pub, located near Savannah’s famed Colonial Park Cemetery.
Additional options include the Savannah Experience, the Discover Savannah Girl Scout Tour and custom tours.
Pets under 25 pounds and capable of sitting on an owner’s lap are welcome to join in the fun on any trolley tour. “We understand that pets are part of the family,” Lucas says with a smile. “They’ve always been welcome on our tours.”
Backed by a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and 40 years of experience, Old Savannah Tours is guaranteed to make your trip a success for the whole family. It’s only a 20-30 minute drive from Bluffton. Choose the tour that’s best for you and enjoy the ride with the company that truly brings Savannah history to life!
Historic On/Off Tours depart daily from the Savannah Visitor Center at 215 W. Boundary St. between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Grave Encounters ghost tours depart daily from the Savannah Welcome Center at 250 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. at 7 p.m. Please call (800) 517-9007 or (912) 234-8128 for reservations and pickup times. www.oldsavannahtours.com.
