Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Exploring Savannah can feel like stepping into a storybook, with cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and stunning historic architecture. This hop-on hop-off trolley tour offers a flexible way to soak in the sights without the hassle of planning every step. For $45, you get a 1- or 2-day ticket that promises an engaging narration, friendly guides, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

What we really love about this experience is the mix of informative storytelling and convenient stops—it’s a practical way to see the city’s key highlights without feeling overwhelmed. The guides’ humor and personal touches add a layer of warmth to the journey, making it feel less like a tour and more like a friendly city exploration. A potential downside? The trolley stops can sometimes be tricky to find or distinguish from regular buses, especially if you’re new to the area. But overall, this tour is ideal for first-time visitors, history buffs, or anyone wanting a relaxed yet rundown of Savannah’s historic core.

This tour suits travelers who value flexibility, enjoy engaging guides, and want to maximize their time in historic Savannah without stressing about transportation logistics. If you’re after detailed local insights combined with the option to explore independently, this experience could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Flexible 1- or 2-day tickets allow you to explore at your own pace.
• Over 100 points of interest are included, covering Savannah’s most iconic sites.
• Live narrators provide fun facts, humor, and local stories that bring the city’s history to life.
• Convenient stops are close to major attractions like Forsyth Park, River Street, and the historic district.
• Free parking at the starting point adds value for travelers arriving by car.
• Wheelchair accessible and social distancing measures ensure comfort and safety.

An In-Depth Look at the Savannah Trolley Tour

This Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley is a popular way to see Savannah’s highlights without the stress of navigating on your own. It’s run by Historic Tours of America, a reputable provider known for blending transportation with storytelling. The trolleys are charming and typically run every 20 minutes, giving you a quick, dependable way to hop between sights while soaking in the narrated tales of the city.

The Itinerary and Stops

The tour features 15 stops, all strategically placed at or near major attractions. Starting from a central location—either the Savannah Visitor Center or the Old Town Trolley Welcome Center—you can begin your journey with ease. The stops include:

• Reynolds Square, where you can see the John Wesley statue—an excellent starting point for history lovers.
• Forsyth Park, with its iconic fountain and expansive green space.
• Calhoun Square, home to historic homes and lush surroundings.
• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, a stunning example of architecture and spirituality.
• City Market, Savannah’s vibrant shopping and dining hub.
• River Street, with its lively waterfront, shops, and cafes.
• Colonial Park Cemetery, for a glimpse into Savannah’s past.
• And many more, including the Lucas Theatre, The Waving Girl statue, and the Davenport House Museum.

Each stop is accessible, and you can hop on or off as many times as you like, giving you the flexibility to spend more time at places that pique your interest. One reviewer mentioned that the stops are “sometimes hard to find or distinguish,” which is worth noting if you’re new to the area. However, a map with all stops is provided upon ticket redemption, simplifying navigation.

What to Expect on the Tour

Our sources reveal that guides like Irish, Lillie, or Dez provide engaging and well-informed commentary. Travelers consistently praise their ability to blend facts with humor, making the ride both educational and entertaining. For example, Irish is noted for her in-depth knowledge and enjoyable stories, while Lillie is remembered as “knowledgeable and sweet,” adding a personal touch to the experience.

The narrations are not dry lectures—they include a range of trivia, fun facts, and humorous anecdotes. Many reviews highlight how the guides’ personalities truly brought Savannah’s history alive. As one reviewer put it, “Irish knew the history to a T and added enjoyable facts and humor,” which makes the experience memorable.

The Experience of Riding the Trolley

The trolleys are described as charming and comfortable, with the added bonus of being wheelchair accessible. The ride itself is about 20 minutes between stops, offering a good balance of sightseeing and transit. Most travelers find the schedule reliable, with buses arriving frequently enough to keep the day moving smoothly.

A notable point from reviews is the value of the hop-on hop-off feature. Several travelers mentioned that it allowed them to see multiple areas of Savannah efficiently, then revisit spots they particularly enjoyed. It’s especially helpful if you’re on a tight schedule or want to explore selectively.

The Cost and Value

At $45 per person, this tour offers solid value, especially considering the flexibility and the number of sights covered. Many reviewers noted that the guides’ local knowledge and the ability to hop on and off made the price worthwhile. For just a little more than the cost of a typical city tour, you get two days of exploration, a rundown, and the chance to customize your visit.

Unique Highlights and Insights

From the reviews, a standout feature is the guides’ personalities, which seem to elevate the experience considerably. Guests mention that guides like Irish or Miss Q were “knowledgeable and fun,” which made the ride memorable. Several reviewers appreciated the stories about Savannah’s architecture, historic homes, and local legends, giving context that you simply wouldn’t get from a map or a guidebook.

Plus, the tour provides discount coupons to attractions and restaurants, adding extra value, whether you want to visit the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens or enjoy a bite along River Street. This can help offset some of the tour’s cost and encourage further exploration.

Potential Drawbacks

The main concern for some travelers is the difficulty in locating stops or distinguishing trolley stops from regular buses. While the map helps, first-timers might find it slightly confusing initially. Also, during busy periods, the trolleys may be crowded, and wait times could stretch a little longer than anticipated. However, these small inconveniences are generally outweighed by the benefits of the flexible schedule and lively narration.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for visitors who want a relaxed, flexible way to see Savannah. If you appreciate guided storytelling combined with the freedom to explore at your own pace, you’ll find this especially valuable. It also appeals to those with mobility needs, thanks to the wheelchair accessibility, and anyone wanting to maximize their time by efficiently covering major sites.

Families, history buffs, and first-time visitors will especially enjoy the mix of education and entertainment. If you’re traveling with a group or family, the hop-on hop-off format makes it easy to customize your day without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The Savannah Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour offers a well-rounded experience that balances informative narration, convenient access to over 100 points of interest, and flexibility. For $45, you’re getting two days of easy exploration in one of America’s most charming cities. The guides’ engaging storytelling, combined with the scenic routes and historic stops, makes this a worthwhile way to learn about Savannah’s past while enjoying its present.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to see a lot without the hassle of navigating themselves. It’s also a fantastic choice if you’re keen on local insights delivered with humor and personality. While some stops can be tricky to find, the overall experience remains a great value and a fun way to make the most of your visit.

If you’re after an authentic, laid-back way to get acquainted with Savannah’s historic streets and stories, this trolley tour is definitely worth considering. It’s an accessible, engaging, and practical way to fall in love with Georgia’s oldest city.

How many points of interest does the tour cover?
The tour includes over 100 points of interest, spanning historic squares, landmarks, and iconic sights like Forsyth Park and River Street.

Can I hop on and off multiple times during the tour?
Yes, the ticket allows you to hop on and off at any of the 15 stops as often as you like during the day, giving you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

What is the duration of each ride between stops?
Buses typically pick up and drop off approximately every 20 minutes, so expect short wait times and a ride that lasts around 20 minutes between stops.

Are there discounts available for attractions or restaurants?
Yes, the tour provides discount coupons for various attractions and dining options, adding extra value to your experience.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Absolutely, the hop-on hop-off format and lively narration make it family-friendly and convenient for travelers of all ages.

What should I do if I can’t find a stop?
You’ll receive a map at the ticket depot, and the stops are well-marked—if in doubt, the conductor can also assist you onboard.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.