Savannah: Grave Tales Walking Tour

Rating: 4/5 (based on 4 reviews)
Price: $25 per person
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours (check availability for exact times)
Location: Johnson Square, Savannah, Georgia, USA
Supplier: Ghost City Tours

Introduction

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly way to uncover Savannah’s haunted side, the Grave Tales Walking Tour offers a blend of history, ghost stories, and a good dose of spooky charm. This tour is designed to entertain all ages, making it ideal for families or anyone curious about Savannah’s eerie past.

One thing we love about this experience is the knowledgeable guides who make the stories come alive, sharing fascinating details about the city’s haunted sites and historic events. However, a potential consideration is that some guests have reported inconsistent experiences, including one who had a less-than-ideal encounter with a guide.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of history and ghost stories, especially those who want a relaxed, small-group atmosphere that keeps things personal and engaging.

Key Points

• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with a focus on fun and spooky tales.
• In-depth stories: Guides share true historic events along with ghostly tales.
• Visit key locations: Includes Savannah’s most famous haunted sites like Johnson Square and Colonial Park Cemetery.
• Small group: Limited to 9 participants for an intimate experience.
• Value for money: At $25, offers a quality mix of storytelling and historic exploration.
• Weather considerations: Takes place rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

What to Expect from the Grave Tales Walking Tour

The Savannah Grave Tales Tour is designed to walk you through the city’s most haunted streets, cemeteries, and historic landmarks, blending stories of the past with ghostly legends. The entire experience lasts about 90 minutes, making it manageable for most travelers without feeling rushed.

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour begins in Johnson Square, right at the Nathaniel Greene Monument. Arrive 15 minutes early to settle in, as the guide will meet you there. The tour ends back at the same location, making it easy to plan other activities afterward.

Tour Content and Highlights

The guide will lead you through Savannah’s haunted mansions, historic homes, cemeteries, burial grounds, and even a Revolutionary War battlefield. Each stop is chosen for its haunted reputation and historical significance, giving visitors a chance to learn about true events, local legends, and ghostly sightings.

The Haunted Locations

You’ll visit spots that are widely recognized as some of Savannah’s most haunted, including cemeteries and burial sites where the city is believed to be literally built on top of the dead. One reviewer noted, “It’s true, Savannah is buried on top of the dead.” While the focus is on storytelling, these locations are often the backdrop for ghost stories that make the city’s history come alive.

Guides and Their Stories

Guides are the star of the tour – they are knowledgeable and enthusiastic. One reviewer noted the guide’s entertaining storytelling, although another shared a less fortunate experience where the guide left their group at a gas station unexpectedly, which highlights the importance of choosing a reputable tour provider.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Stops

While exact itineraries may vary, here’s a typical breakdown of what you might see and learn:

Johnson Square

As the starting point, Johnson Square is not just Savannah’s oldest public space but also home to ghost stories rooted in its colonial past. Your guide will likely share tales about Revolutionary War-era events and haunted figures associated with the square.

Colonial Park Cemetery

This cemetery is a highlight for any haunted tour. Known as one of Savannah’s most haunted burial grounds, it’s said to host spirits of those buried there, including some who don’t seem to have moved on. Walking through its historic stones, you’ll learn about the lives and deaths of early settlers and see why it’s a hot spot for ghost stories.

Savannah’s Haunted Mansions and Historic Homes

Many of Savannah’s beautiful historic homes have ghost stories attached, often tied to former residents or tragic events. The guide will point out these locations, some with documented sightings, adding an extra layer of fascination.

Revolutionary War Battlefield

The tour may include a visit to a battlefield where, beyond the history, supernatural stories persist. Such sites often feel charged with history — and perhaps spirits.

Cemeteries and Burial Grounds

The tour emphasizes Savannah’s burial sites, many of which are underground or hidden beneath the city’s streets. The idea that the city is built over cemeteries adds to the spooky atmosphere and makes each stop meaningful.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Reviews

The reviews reveal some additional insights into what makes this tour special. One guest shared that the guide was entertaining and shared fun stories, mentioning that they learned a lot about Savannah’s history alongside the ghost tales. This indicates a balanced approach that combines factual storytelling with spooky legends.

On the downside, another reviewer recounted a negative experience where the guide left the group unexpectedly at a gas station, with no response from the company afterward. This highlights the importance of choosing reliable operators, but such incidents seem to be exceptions rather than the rule.

What You’ll Love

• The knowledgeable guides who bring stories to life with enthusiasm.
• The small group size ensures a personal experience and opportunities to ask questions.
• The location choices are well-selected for their haunted reputation and historical significance.
• The value at $25, especially considering the mix of fun, history, and spooky tales.

Possible Drawbacks

• The inconsistency in guide quality as indicated by reviews, so managing expectations is wise.
• The tour takes place rain or shine, so be prepared for weather conditions.
• Some guests might find the stories more atmospheric than truly spooky, which is perfect for families but less so for thrill-seekers.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for families with children, history enthusiasts, or those new to Savannah who want a gentle introduction to the city’s haunted reputation. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer small groups and personal stories over large, noisy tours. The focus on true historic events alongside ghost stories makes it educational as well as entertaining.

If you’re after a lighthearted, spooky walk that doesn’t go overboard into the macabre, this is a good pick. However, if your main goal is chilling scares, you might want to look for more intense ghost experiences elsewhere.

The Sum Up

The Savannah Grave Tales Walking Tour offers a charming, accessible way to experience the city’s haunted side. Its balance of historic storytelling and ghostly legends makes it suitable for a wide audience—especially families and history buffs. The tour’s small group size and enthusiastic guides help keep the experience intimate and engaging, though it’s worth choosing a reputable operator for the best experience.

Priced at just $25, it provides a memorable combination of education, entertainment, and spooky fun that can add a unique element to your Savannah visit. Whether you’re a believer or just curious about the city’s ghost stories, this tour is a solid choice for getting a taste of Savannah’s haunted aura without sacrificing comfort or value.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, this is a family-friendly ghost tour designed to entertain all ages with spooky stories and historical facts.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at Johnson Square, with guides waiting at the Nathaniel Greene Monument.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially during peak seasons.

What if it rains?
The tour takes place rain or shine, so dress appropriately for weather conditions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a sense of curiosity—ghost stories are optional!

The Savannah Grave Tales Walking Tour provides a welcoming and intriguing way to explore Savannah’s haunted past, perfect for those looking for a relaxed yet memorable ghostly adventure.