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

Travelers looking to get a true taste of Savannah’s charm often face a common question: how best to see the city’s highlights without feeling rushed or overwhelmed? This Savannah Land & Sea Combo tour offers a practical, engaging way to cover a lot in one morning or afternoon. It combines a guided trolley tour with a relaxing river cruise, giving you a well-rounded introduction to this historic Southern city.

What we like most about this experience is how it balances storytelling with scenery. The trolley provides a comfortable, narrated journey through past and present Savannah, while the river cruise offers a different perspective—both relaxing and scenic. Plus, the mix of land and water views makes it a good option for those who prefer a variety of experiences in a short time.

One thing to consider is the length of the tour—about five hours—which works well for a full day but might feel a bit tight if you’re on a packed schedule. Also, some reviews point out issues like limited legroom and noisy speaker systems. This tour tends to attract first-time visitors eager for a rundown at a reasonable price, making it an ideal choice for those wanting an accessible, guided introduction to Savannah.

Key Points

• The tour combines land and water views, providing a diverse glimpse of Savannah’s historic and scenic sights.
• Guides are generally praised for their friendliness and knowledge, enriching your experience.
• The itinerary includes historic landmarks, picturesque parks, and lively riverfront areas, all in one combo.
• The tour offers hotel pickup at select Savannah hotels, streamlining your day.
• It’s a well-priced package offering about 3 hours of guided touring and a scenic cruise for under $80.
• Be aware of potential issues like limited legroom and variable audio quality, as noted in some reviews.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Overall Structure

The tour begins at the Savannah Visitor Center, located at 301 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. This strategic starting point puts you at the heart of the city’s historic district. The package includes a 90-minute trolley ride and a 90-minute riverboat cruise, making it a solid 3-hour adventure with some flexibility for sightseeing and breaks.

The Trolley Tour: What You’ll See and Experience

Boarding the trolley at the Visitor Center, you’ll settle in for a narrated journey through Savannah’s most notable neighborhoods. The guide’s lively storytelling brings the city’s sights to life, offering stories about Victorian mansions, historic squares, and notable landmarks.

Stops include:

• The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist: An imposing Roman Catholic cathedral and a spiritual centerpiece on Lafayette Square, this church has been a fixture since the 1800s. Its stained glass and architecture are quite photogenic.

• Historic District and City Squares: Savannah’s layout is iconic—more than 20 squares laid out in a grid by General James E. Oglethorpe. We loved the way the guide highlighted the stories behind these parks, like the lush Forsyth Park with its famous fountain.

• River Street: Once cotton warehouses, now a vibrant strip of shops, galleries, and restaurants along the Savannah River. These historic buildings give the area a unique charm, especially as they glow at night or during the day with bustling activity.

• The Victorian District: With its beautiful architecture and lush foliage, it’s a favorite for many. The tour pauses here, allowing for photos and a chance to appreciate the city’s elegant past.

Some reviews emphasize how comprehensive the history was: “The bus tour was SO loaded with history and sites,” says MaryJo_G. However, a few travelers found the speed a bit too rapid to take it all in comfortably, with one noting a desire for more stops to really explore.

The River Cruise: Scenic and Informative

After the land portion, you’ll be dropped off at the riverfront for the cruise. The boat is a relaxed way to see Savannah from a different angle as you drift along the Savannah River.

During the cruise, you’ll learn about the city’s connection to the river, its port, and see landmarks like Old Fort Jackson, home to historic artillery pieces. The captain shares stories about Savannah’s port and ships, making it both scenic and educational.

Reviewers highlight:

• The cruise offers great photo opportunities of Savannah’s skyline and riverfront.
• The narrative is engaging, with tales about the city’s maritime history.
• Some find the cruise relaxing, though a few mention it being “boring” or too slow, which might depend on individual preferences.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour is priced at $79.18 per person, which includes the guided trolley, river cruise, and hotel pickup if you’re staying in certain Savannah hotels. It’s booked an average of 20 days in advance—so plan ahead, especially in peak seasons.

What’s included:
– 90-minute trolley tour
– 90-minute river cruise
– Hotel pickup (select hotels)
– Narration providing stories and facts
– Photo opportunities of Savannah’s waterfront and skyline

What’s not included:
– Gratuities (usual for tours)
– Food and drinks (consider grabbing lunch beforehand)
– Parking fees if you drive yourself

The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The guides are generally friendly and knowledgeable, making the history come alive. “Kathleen was an awesome guide,” one reviewer raves.
• The combination of land and water offers variety and a fuller picture of Savannah.
• The route covers main attractions in a manageable timeframe, perfect for first-time visitors.
• The tour is well-priced considering the amount of sightseeing and storytelling packed into it.

Cons:

• Some travelers mention discomfort due to limited legroom and noisy speaker systems, which can detract from the experience.
• The speed of the trolley ride might leave some wishing for longer stops or more free time at key sites.
• The cruise, while scenic, might feel “boring” for those who prefer more active or engaging experiences.
• Coordination issues, like pickup problems, have been noted, though these seem to be occasional.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of Savannah’s highlights without the hassle of planning multiple activities. It suits those interested in history, architecture, and scenic views—plus, it’s a good option for travelers on a tight schedule.

If you’re traveling with family, or prefer a guided experience that mixes storytelling with scenic views, this combo offers a convenient way to get your bearings. However, if you’re sensitive to comfort issues or prefer more in-depth exploration at each stop, you might want to supplement this tour with additional visits.

Final Thoughts

The Savannah Land & Sea Combo offers quite a bit of value for its price. The tour’s combination of a narrated trolley ride and scenic river cruise paints a beautifully balanced picture of Savannah’s historic charm and natural beauty. The guides are a highlight, often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, which makes the experience more engaging.

While some may find the pace a bit quick or the comfort level less than perfect, most reviews highlight how much they appreciated the overview, especially as a first taste of the city. The opportunity to relax on the water while hearing stories about Savannah’s maritime history adds a special touch that many travelers enjoy.

This tour is well-suited for anyone wanting a comprehensive, guided introduction without the need for extensive planning. It balances education, scenery, and convenience, making it a practical choice for a memorable day in Savannah.

FAQ

Is there parking available near the departure point?
Yes, you can park at the Savannah Visitor’s Center if you prefer to drive. There might be a parking fee, but hotel pickup is also available at select hotels, offering added convenience.

What time does the river cruise start?
Depending on the day, the cruise begins either at 1:00 PM or 3:30 PM, giving you flexibility to fit it into your schedule.

Can I expect scenic views during the cruise?
Absolutely. The cruise offers great views of Savannah’s riverfront, skyline, and historic landmarks along the water.

Are there any notable landmarks I’ll see during the trolley tour?
Yes, you’ll see the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Forsyth Park, River Street, and the Victorian District, among others.

Is the tour suitable for kids or older travelers?
Most travelers of all ages enjoy it, but be aware of the comfort issues some reviews mention. It’s a good way for families or seniors to see key sites without extensive walking.

Will I get enough history and storytelling?
Guides are generally praised for their knowledge and friendly manner, providing plenty of stories to enrich your visit.

Is this tour good for photographers?
Yes, especially during the cruise and at scenic stops like the riverfront and Forsyth Park.

Are tips included?
No, gratuities are not included and are appreciated if you enjoyed the experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, and you’ll receive a full refund.

In brief, this Savannah combo tour provides an engaging, well-balanced overview suited for those new to the city. With friendly guides, scenic views, and a manageable schedule, it’s a solid choice for capturing Savannah’s essence in a single day.