Genteel and Bard’s Savannah Dark History and Ghost Encounter Walking Tour

If you’re after an experience that combines history, storytelling, and a touch of the supernatural, the Genteel and Bard Savannah Dark History and Ghost Encounter Walking Tour offers an engaging way to spend an evening in this charming Southern city. Based on glowing reviews and a consistent five-star rating, this tour promises a balanced mix of spine-tingling tales and insightful history, all delivered by passionate guides.

What we love about this experience is how the narration is enhanced with high-quality audio headsets, ensuring you won’t miss a single detail—even from a distance. Plus, the small group size means more personal attention from your guide, making the stories feel more intimate and immersive. However, one point to consider is that the tour is entirely outdoors and can’t go inside any buildings, so if you’re expecting to explore haunted interiors, you might be disappointed. Still, this tour suits those who enjoy vivid storytelling and a good ghost story as much as they love history.

This walking tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate engaging narratives, are comfortable walking outdoors, and love discovering local legends firsthand. Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or just looking for an entertaining way to experience Savannah after dark, this tour might just become a highlight of your visit.

Key Points

• The tour is highly rated for guides who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
• It features continuous storytelling with audio enhancements for clear narration.
• The walk covers Savannah’s most haunted sites and dark histories.
• The small group setting fosters an intimate experience.
• The entire experience lasts about two hours.
• The tour’s outdoor-only format means no inside access to buildings.

A Deep Dive into the Savannah Dark History and Ghost Encounter Tour

This walking tour offers more than just spooky stories; it’s a layered experience blending history, local lore, and the thrill of ghost tales. Priced at $35 per person, it’s quite reasonable considering the depth of storytelling and the quality of equipment provided. It also means that you can enjoy a rich, engaging experience without breaking the bank.

The tour begins in Oglethorpe Square, one of Savannah’s historic parks and a perfect starting point to set the tone for the dark stories ahead. Guides will paint vivid pictures of Savannah’s haunted reputation right from the start, emphasizing the city’s status as “America’s Most Haunted City.” Their storytelling is delivered with a theatrical flair that keeps you hanging onto every word.

Throughout the walk, you’ll visit key sites such as Wright Square, known for Savannah’s first murder, and the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. The guides don’t just tell ghost stories—they share detailed accounts of the history behind the legends, including first-hand accounts, photographs, music, and even professionally-recorded letters. This multi-sensory approach enhances the experience, making it feel more like a living history lesson with a ghostly twist.

Exploring the Stops — What You Can Expect

Oglethorpe Square: Starting here, the guide introduces Savannah’s haunted reputation and sets the scene with stories of spirits that still linger. We loved the way storytelling takes center stage, making history feel alive.

Wright Square: This is where the story of Savannah’s earliest murder is told. The guide’s narration makes you feel like you’re stepping into a crime novel, with just enough suspense to give you chills.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace: Not just a museum, this stop unearths secrets buried beneath Savannah’s streets. The guide shares tales of undying love and the spirits said to still wander nearby, adding a romantic yet eerie layer to the tour.

Chippewa Square: Most famous for the scene in Forrest Gump, here the guide reveals a hidden story about a person concealed among the square’s popular inns, blending pop culture with local history.

Old Sorrel Weed House Museum: Known for stories of murder, suicide, and war, this site is one of the darker highlights of the tour. While you can’t go inside, the exterior storytelling is enough to send a shiver down your spine.

Madison Square & Colonial Park Cemetery: These historic sites are packed with tales of disease, death, and spiritual activity. The cemetery, though closed after dark, is presented as a place where many ghosts are said to dwell, and the guide does a good job describing its haunted reputation.

The Genteel & Bard Venue & Nearby Sites: Concluding the tour, this part includes stories about Savannah’s first cemetery, The Marshall House, Foley House Inn, and other iconic locations. Expect a mix of ghost stories and historical anecdotes that keep you captivated for almost 45 minutes.

The Experience’s Practicalities

The tour’s duration of around two hours makes it a perfect evening activity — long enough to dive into the stories without feeling rushed. The use of high-quality headsets means everyone, regardless of where they’re standing, can catch all the storytelling nuances. The small group size (max 22 people) ensures personalized attention, and reviews rave about guides who are both knowledgeable and entertaining.

The meeting point at 124 Abercorn Street is central, making it easy to find and accessible via public transportation. Since the tour is outdoors, you should dress for the weather — comfortable shoes and a jacket if needed, especially since Savannah nights can be cool.

A notable aspect is that the tour doesn’t include entry to any buildings—a conscious choice to keep it outdoor and safe, but it also means you won’t get inside haunted houses or interiors. However, the guides’ stories are vivid enough to compensate for that limitation, and the sites are well-chosen for their dark histories and legends.

What Do Reviews Say?

The overwhelming majority of reviewers love this tour, praising guides like Julianna, Jovavee, and TC for their storytelling flair and enthusiasm. Comments like “this tour was the best,” and “a combination of fun, history, and spookiness,” echo common sentiments. Many reviewers highlight the guides’ knowledge, theatrical delivery, and ability to build suspense, which makes the stories memorable.

One reviewer, however, pointed out a less-than-stellar guide experience, but that seems to be a rare exception. Travelers find this tour fun, factual, and a great way to experience Savannah’s ghostly side.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $35, this tour offers excellent value. For a two-hour guided walk with high-quality audio equipment and a passionate guide, you get an immersive experience that layers storytelling with historical context. It’s a relatively inexpensive way to explore Savannah’s darker side compared to more formal museum visits or ghost-hunting excursions.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is best suited for those who enjoy storytelling, history, and a bit of supernatural intrigue. If you’re curious about Savannah’s haunted reputation but prefer to keep your feet on the ground, this outdoor walk provides a perfect balance of spooky tales and historical insights. It appeals to couples, families, solo travelers, and small groups looking for an evening of entertainment that’s both educational and eerie.

It’s also a great choice for travelers who prefer to explore on foot, appreciate a lively guide, and want to avoid inside visits. If you’re a fan of ghost stories, local legends, or simply want to see Savannah in a different light after dark, this tour will not disappoint.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely, if you’re after a lively, well-paced, and atmospheric look at Savannah’s haunted past, this tour delivers. The guides’ storytelling skills, combined with the thoughtful use of audio technology, make it stand out. It’s a perfect way to combine history and ghost stories on a cool evening stroll through one of America’s most haunted cities.

On the flip side, if you’re expecting inside access or a more intense paranormal investigation, you might find this experience less satisfying. But for most seekers of haunted tales and local legends, this walking tour offers a memorable, fun, and educational experience.

In the end, it’s a well-priced, thoughtfully curated tour that’s likely to be a highlight of your Savannah visit—especially if you love stories that make the hair stand on end while teaching you something new about this historic city.

FAQ

Does the tour last exactly two hours?
Yes, the tour duration is approximately two hours, making it a manageable and enjoyable evening activity.

Is the tour suitable for all weather conditions?
The tour is subject to favorable weather; if canceled due to poor weather, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not eligible for refunds.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Since the tour is outdoors, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. No other specific items are required.

Are children allowed on this tour?
The information suggests most travelers can participate, so children should be okay, but it’s best to consider their comfort with outdoor walking and spooky stories.

Is inside access available during the tour?
No, all locations are outside, including hotels, private homes, museums, or restaurants. The tour does not include inside visits.

What’s included in the price?
You’ll receive high-quality headsets, a local guide, and the storytelling experience. Food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 124 Abercorn Street and ends at Colonial Park Cemetery, both centrally located in Savannah.

Is the tour suitable for those unfamiliar with Savannah?
Absolutely. The guide will introduce you to Savannah’s haunted sites and dark stories, making it perfect for first-time visitors eager to learn local legends.

This tour is a charming way to spend an evening exploring Savannah’s spooky side while soaking up its history. Whether you’re a ghost story enthusiast or just a curious traveler, you’re likely to come away with a new appreciation for Savannah’s haunted charms.