October 31-November 4 (Monday-Friday)

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

& The Golden Isles

Founded as an exclusive retreat for members of America’s upper class society, the Jekyll Island Club Hotel is a careful blending of turn-of-the-century Victorian charm and modern convenience; a unique combination of natural beauty and elegant architecture; private amenities and personal service.  157 guest rooms beautifully appointed with custom décor fitting the style and elegance assumed by the original millionaire members.  Established to provide complete facilities for relaxation and recreation, this exclusive setting is an ideal location for a memorable Gunther Tours vacation! 

Day 1: Welcome Aboard!  Today we travel south on our deluxe motor coach towards Jekyll Island, Georgia, “the southernmost of The Golden Isles”.  We overnight in Santee, South Carolina.  Dinner is on your own.  There is a Cracker Barrel restaurant conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel.       

Day 2: After a deluxe continental breakfast we depart for historic Beaufort, South Carolina.  Upon our arrival we meet our step-on guide, and depart for a narrated driving tour of historic Beaufort.  Beaufort is a city of striking mansions dating back to the pre-American Revolutionary and pre-Civil War eras.  A popular film location, Beaufort has been the setting for such films as “The Big Chill,” “The Great Santini,” “Prince of Tides,” and “Forrest Gump.”  Included on our tour is a visit to Parris Island Marine Base where some 20,000 men and 2,000 women complete their basic training each year.  See the Iwo Jima Monument, Parade Field and the Parris Island Museum.  Lunch is on your own in Beaufort’s quaint historic district.  After lunch we continue on to Jekyll Island, home to the 4-star Jekyll Island Club Hotel, and our deluxe accommodations for the next two nights.  Upon arriving enjoy a welcome reception and a “concierge tour” explaining the Club’s history.  Tonight we are treated to a delicious dinner in the Club’s Grand Dining Room.  At the Jekyll Island Club Hotel, there is a dress code after 6:00 PM.  Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie, and the ladies are required to wear a dress, skirt, or pant suit.  (B, D)     

Day 3: After a buffet breakfast we board a sightseeing tram for an intriguing and history filled tour of the island, seeing where and how some of the nation’s wealthiest citizens like J.P. Morgan and William Rockefeller lived and played.  Later we depart for St. Simons Island.  Lunch is on your own in St. Simons Island Village.  Following lunch we take a guided tour of St. Simons Island.  We will explore the island, view the famous moss covered oaks, and listening to delightful stories of these barrier islands.  We return to the hotel where you can choose to sit, relax and pamper yourself enjoying the grand comforts of this luxurious hotel.  Later a delicious dinner, awaits you in the Club’s Grand Dining Room tonight.  Dress code after 6:00 PM.  See Day 2.  (B, D)

Day 4: After a buffet breakfast we depart for Savannah, Georgia.  Upon arriving we will meet our step-on guide, and depart for an entertaining and informative Paula Deen Tour.  Paula’s “Rags to Riches” story will both surprise and inspire you.  We will learn about her life, the places in Savannah that are special to her, and places where Paula loves to shop.  Our motor coach will make stops at some of these places, and you will have the opportunity to get off, spend time browsing and purchase goodies.  Our tour includes a gift bag full of treats and a delicious lunch at Uncle Bubba’s Oyster House, Paula’s brothers restaurant.  Following lunch we depart for our hotel accommodations in Florence, South Carolina.  Dinner is on your own.  There are several restaurants conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel.  (B, L)    

Day 5: After a deluxe continental breakfast we depart for home taking with us a new appreciation for the rich and amazing history of these unique southern barrier islands, and fond memories of our “The Golden Isles” get-away.  (B)

Included:

?  Basic amenities

?  4 nights hotel accommodations, including:

          - 2 nights at Jekyll Island Club Hotel

?  4 breakfasts

?  1 lunch

?  2 dinners

?  Guided Tours, including:

          - Beaufort, SC

          - Jekyll Island, GA

          - St. Simons Island, GA

          - Paula Deen Tour

?  Parris Island Marine Base

?  Visit Beaufort’s Historic District

?  Visit St. Simons Island Village

?  A Gift Bag Full of Treats

?  Admissions and attractions per itinerary

Price:

$769.00 Double/PP       $729.00 Triple/PP

$699.00 Quad/PP                   $979.00 Single

Deposit:  $125.00/PP

Balance Due:  September 19, 2011

                             Depart                 Return

Carney                  6:00 AM                5:45 PM

Gunther                 6:45 AM                5:00 PM