Savannah: Historic Districts & Bonaventure Private Tour

Savannah: Historic Districts & Bonaventure Private Tour — A Detailed Review

If you’re considering a guided look at Savannah’s iconic sights, this private tour offered by DTours promises a well-rounded experience of the city’s most captivating neighborhoods and historic landmarks. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover, or simply someone eager to understand Savannah beyond its postcard scenes, this three-hour journey packs in a lot for a fair price of $175 per person.

What we find particularly appealing about this tour is its focus on both the well-known and lesser-seen parts of Savannah. The chance to explore inside and outside the Historic District, combined with a visit to Bonaventure Cemetery, makes it a flexible, thoughtful way to get a genuine feel for the city’s layers. A potential drawback? Three hours can be tight if you’re a slow walker or love to linger, but the private setup means you can tailor your pace a bit if needed.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate customized experiences and want a mix of outdoor sights, architectural highlights, and historic landmarks without the hassle of self-driving or large group tours. If you’re traveling with someone who prefers a more intimate and flexible setting, this private option truly delivers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Private, customized experience tailored to your interests
• Visiting Savannah’s historic squares and Victorian district for architecture and atmosphere
• Bonaventure Cemetery provides a glimpse into local lore and famous films
• Expert guide enhances understanding of Savannah’s history and culture
• Includes transportation and pickup/drop-off within the Historic District
• Only 3 hours, so pace and focus are key for a satisfying experience

The Heart of Savannah in a Compact Tour

This private tour offers a practical, in-depth snapshot of Savannah’s most treasured sights. We loved the way the guide smoothly navigates the city’s neighborhoods, blending history, architecture, and local stories. If you want a personalized introduction to Savannah, this is a solid choice.

The tour’s three-hour window means you’ll experience a condensed but thorough overview. You’ll get a drive through the 22 historic squares—each with its distinct character, from lush green spaces to elegant homes and churches. These squares are the backbone of Savannah, laid out in a grid that dates back to the city’s founding, and they offer a perfect entry point into understanding Savannah’s unique urban fabric.

Exploring the Historic District

Your guide will take you through the Historic District, a must-see for first-timers. Expect to see stately homes, quaint inns, and museums, all shaded by live oaks draped in Spanish moss. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you think you’ve stepped into a living postcard. The drive allows you to appreciate the layout without the fatigue of walking the entire area.

Forsyth Park and The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

A highlight for many visitors is Forsyth Park, home to the iconic fountain installed in 1858—modeled after fountains in Paris. It’s a lovely spot to snap photos, relax, or just soak in the local vibe. The park’s expansive lawns are perfect for a quick stroll or a moment of peace before moving on.

Next, your guide will likely point out the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, an impressive 19th-century Roman Catholic church. It’s a favorite for its architecture and significance. You might also see Christ Church (exterior only), known as the “Mother Church of Georgia,” which adds a layer of colonial history to your visit.

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Victorian District and Its Architectural Charm

The Victorian District is a feast for lovers of architecture. Here, you’ll see late Victorian and Queen Anne homes, many with intricate details and vibrant colors. Wandering these streets, you’ll get a sense of Savannah’s elegance and the city’s period of growth during the late 1800s.

Bonaventure Cemetery: A Cultural and Cinematic Touchstone

No visit to Savannah is complete without a stop at Bonaventure Cemetery. The tour’s highlight for many is this hauntingly beautiful cemetery, set on a former plantation. Featured prominently in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, the cemetery is famous for its moss-draped oaks, sculptures, and stories of local legends.

Our reviewer mentions, “Bonaventure Cemetery was a highlight — it’s a place full of character and history, with a sense of serenity that stays with you.” It’s a somber but fascinating stop that offers a glimpse into Savannah’s layered past.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour covers quite a lot for the $175 fee, especially considering it’s a private experience with pickup and drop-off within the city’s Historic District. The guide is described as knowledgeable and pleasant, which makes a big difference when exploring a city’s storytelling side.

Transportation is included, which means you can sit back and enjoy the scenery without worrying about navigating or parking. However, food and drinks are not included, so plan to grab a snack before or after your tour if you’re hungry.

Notably, the tour is not suitable for children under 13, as it involves a fair amount of walking and outdoor exploration.

Deep Dive into the Experience

The tour’s strength lies in its personalized approach. Being a private group means the guide can adapt and focus on your interests, which is especially helpful if you’re passionate about architecture, history, or local lore.

The drive through the squares offers quick but vivid glimpses of Savannah’s green spaces and historic homes. This allows you to appreciate the city’s layout and architecture without the fatigue of walking long distances.

Visiting Bonaventure Cemetery provides a different perspective—one that balances the lively historic district with a more contemplative, almost poetic space. The cemetery’s appearance in popular culture adds an extra layer of interest, making it more than just a burial ground but a cultural landmark.

The expert guide reportedly enhances the experience significantly, sharing stories and context that bring Savannah’s past alive. One reviewer even noted that their guide was “only his second day but was phenomenal,” highlighting the quality of the guiding team.

Analyzing the Value

At $175 per person, this tour offers good value for a private experience, especially given the inclusion of transportation and personalized attention. It’s a chance to see a broad swath of Savannah’s sights without the hassle of self-guided navigating or joining larger tour groups. If you’re a traveler who values ease, comfort, and tailored insights, this tour is worth considering.

It’s particularly suited for visitors who want a balanced overview—covering historic squares, architecture, and cemetery without a full day commitment. For those with limited time or who prefer a more intimate setting, it’s a practical choice.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and culture seekers. If you appreciate guided insights and personalized attention, a private tour like this fits the bill. It also suits travelers who prefer to see a curated selection of highlights rather than wandering on their own.

Families with older children might find it a good way to introduce kids to Savannah’s story in a comfortable setting. However, younger children under 13 might find the pace or outdoor elements less engaging.

The Sum Up

In a city as charming and layered as Savannah, a guided private tour offers a wonderful way to grasp its essence without feeling overwhelmed. This tour’s mix of historic squares, elegant architecture, and the haunting beauty of Bonaventure Cemetery provides an excellent overview of what makes Savannah special.

You’ll appreciate the knowledgeable guide, the flexibility of a private experience, and the chance to see both inside and outside the historic district. While three hours might seem brief, it’s enough to leave you with a compelling sense of Savannah’s history, culture, and timeless beauty.

This tour is particularly well-suited for travelers who want a comfortable, tailored introduction to Savannah — whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone wanting to deepen your understanding of the city’s layered past.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 13 due to the walking and outdoor nature of the tour.

What is included in the tour?
Pickup and drop-off within Savannah’s Historic District, a knowledgeable guide, and transportation around the city are included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Do I need to pay upfront?
You can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility with your travel plans.

Where do I meet the guide if I drive?
You can meet at Savannah Coffee Roasters or the nearby Liberty St Parking Garage.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included; plan to eat beforehand or afterward.

What makes this a good value?
The private, tailored experience with transportation and expert guidance offers a lot of personalized insight for the price.

What are the main highlights?
The historic squares, Forsyth Park, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Victorian District, and Bonaventure Cemetery.

Will the tour focus more on history or architecture?
It balances both, providing insights into Savannah’s past and its beautiful buildings.

In summary, if you’re after a well-rounded, private introduction to Savannah that blends history, architecture, and local stories, this tour hits the mark. While it’s compact, it offers a meaningful taste of what makes the city so special, delivered in a comfortable, personable way.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby