Bonaventure Cemetery & Wormsloe State Historic Site Tour

If you’re looking to see some of Savannah’s most iconic sights without the hassle of navigating on your own, this guided tour to Bonaventure Cemetery and Wormsloe Historic Site might just be your perfect choice. From stunning moss-draped oaks to centuries-old ruins, it offers a solid mix of history, scenery, and local flavor—all wrapped into about six hours of easy, well-organized exploration.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines a beautiful walking tour of Bonaventure Cemetery with a scenic drive through Wormsloe’s famous live oak-lined avenue. Plus, finishing with a sweet stop at Savannah Byrd Cookie Company adds a tasty local touch. On the downside, it’s a fairly packed half-day, so if you’re after a slow-paced, deeply immersive visit, you might find it a little rushed. Still, for those wanting a convenient, informative overview of Savannah’s outside-the-city highlights, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is particularly well-suited for travelers who want a guided, no-stress way to see both historic sites and natural beauty, especially if you’re short on time or unfamiliar with the area. It’s also great for anyone who appreciates engaging guides and a well-rounded snapshot of Savannah’s history and charm. Families or history buffs, in particular, might enjoy the mix of storytelling and scenic stops.

Key Points

• Comfortable, hassle-free pickup and drop-off from Savannah’s Historic District hotels.
• Knowledgeable guides who bring history to life with stories about locals and notable figures buried at Bonaventure.
• Beautiful scenery at Wormsloe with the iconic oak-lined drive and 18th-century ruins.
• Tasty treat stop at Savannah Byrd Cookie Company for local cookies and a sweet ending.
• Flexible itinerary with enough time to enjoy each site without feeling rushed, despite the full schedule.
• Good value for your money, considering the guided access, transportation, and included attractions.

A Closer Look at What You Can Expect

Convenient Pickup and a Well-Organized Day

The tour begins with the ease of a hotel pickup in Savannah’s Historic District, meaning you don’t have to worry about parking or figuring out where to meet. The guides are there to make the day flow smoothly, which is a big plus if you dislike navigating or dealing with the logistics of a self-guided trip.

Most reviews highlight the smooth pickup and friendly guides, with some emphasizing the value of not having to worry about transportation. As one reviewer says, “pick-up and drop-off was at our hotel door,” making the experience straightforward.

Exploring Bonaventure Cemetery

The first stop is Bonaventure Cemetery, famous for its moss-covered oaks, statues, and centuries-old graves. You’ll get a guided walking tour lasting about 1.5 hours, which is long enough to soak in the scenery and hear stories about the notable people buried here, like Johnny Mercer and Georgia’s first governor, Edward Telfair.

Many visitors find Bonaventure both beautiful and moving. One reviewer describes it as “gorgeous,” emphasizing the atmosphere of peacefulness and history. Guides typically share charming anecdotes, making the graveyard feel less like a somber place and more like a storyteller’s stage.

However, some mention they wish they had more time at Bonaventure—it’s a sprawling site, after all. If you’re a keen photographer or history enthusiast, be prepared for a leisurely walk, and bring comfortable shoes since you’ll be strolling under moss-draped oaks and along the bluff of the Wilmington River.

Scenic Drive through Wormsloe

Next comes the drive down Wormsloe’s famous live oak-lined avenue—a scene you’ve probably seen in countless photos. This drive alone is worth the trip, offering that quintessential Southern landscape perfect for photo ops.

The tour includes a short walk to see the Plantation Tabby Ruins, dating back to the 18th century, and a visit to the museum. While there’s no mention of touring a plantation house, the ruins and museum provide a glimpse into early Georgia life.

Reviews praise Wormsloe’s beauty—many noting the “breathtaking drive” and “beautiful photo opportunities.” For history buffs, the ruins add context to Georgia’s colonial past, though some note that the lack of a plantation house tour might be a minor disappointment.

Ending on a Sweet Note at Savannah Byrd Cookie Company

After a scenic drive and some walking, the tour wraps up with a 30-minute stop at Savannah Byrd Cookie Company. Here, you can indulge in free tastings of their famous cookies and browse their shop for souvenirs. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed this treat, describing the cookies as “delicious” and a perfect way to end the day.

It’s a small but fun addition that offers a taste of local Georgia confectionery and a chance to pick up a gift or memento.

The Value and Practicalities

Considering the tour costs around $74 per person, it’s a reasonable price for the access, guided commentary, transportation, and the stops included. You’ll be riding comfortably in a coach, with most travelers praising the knowledge and friendliness of guides, who make the day engaging and informative.

What’s particularly good about this experience is how it balances sightseeing with storytelling and stops that allow you to take photos or explore briefly on your own. The included attractions, especially Bonaventure Cemetery and Wormsloe, are among Savannah’s top outside-the-district destinations.

That said, lunch isn’t included, so plan for that on your own—most local restaurants are just a short walk from pickup points—and be aware that traffic or weather could slightly alter timing, as is common with outdoor tours.

What You Should Know

• The tour lasts about 6 hours, a full half-day, leaving you time to relax afterward.
• It’s suitable for most travelers, with some walking involved at Bonaventure and Wormsloe.
• You’ll enjoy a maximum group size of 25, which helps keep things personal and engaging.
• The tour operates rain or shine; if canceled due to weather, a different date or a full refund is offered.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Feedback

Reviewers consistently praise the guides, with many mentioning specific guides like Dennis for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. One says, “Dennis was very knowledgeable and it was obvious he had done his homework,” which speaks volumes about the quality of storytelling you can expect.

Some feedback points out minor inconveniences, like the bus air conditioning not working in one case, but overall, the consensus is positive. The beautiful scenery, the intriguing stories, and the hassle-free setup make it a solid choice for those wanting a guided overview of Savannah’s outside landmarks.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a first-timer to Savannah wanting a manageable, guided experience, this tour offers a balanced mix of history, scenery, and local flavor. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy storytelling and want to see both a historic graveyard and picturesque oak-lined roads in one trip.

For history enthusiasts or photography lovers, the visual appeal of Wormsloe and Bonaventure combined with the stories about notable figures buried here makes this a worthwhile outing. Families with older children or teens who appreciate history and outdoor exploration will find it engaging without it feeling too strenuous.

However, if you’re after an in-depth, slow-paced exploration or want to see the interior of a plantation house, you might find this tour somewhat limited. It’s best suited for those who prefer a structured, guided overview rather than an all-day deep dive.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Savannah’s Historic District, making it very convenient, especially if you don’t want to worry about parking or directions.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 6 hours, which includes travel time, walking, and sightseeing.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included in the ticket price. You’ll have time to grab a meal at a local place during the day.

Can I visit the plantation house at Wormsloe?
According to the information, the tour features the Plantation Tabby Ruins, but it doesn’t mention touring a house—so you might only see the ruins and museum.

Is the tour suitable for kids?
While not explicitly marketed as kid-friendly, most of the stops involve walking and scenic drives. Bring comfortable shoes and keep in mind that some walking is involved at Bonaventure and Wormsloe.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 25 travelers, which helps keep things personal and manageable.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or other conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How much does it cost?
It’s priced at $73.83 per person, offering good value for a guided experience with multiple stops.

What do reviews say about the guides?
Reviewers consistently praise the guides, especially mentioning their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to keep everyone engaged. Dennis, in particular, is highlighted for his storytelling skills.

This Bonaventure Cemetery & Wormsloe Historic Site Tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Savannah beyond the historic district. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy beautiful scenery, engaging stories, and a no-stress schedule, all wrapped into a half-day adventure. The guided format ensures you get insightful commentary, while the scenic drives and stops make for memorable photos and moments.

While it’s not a deep-dive into every historical detail, it strikes a great balance between sightseeing and storytelling, making it an excellent choice for those wanting a convenient, informative, and enjoyable overview of Savannah’s outside landmarks.

Many reviews highlight the value of the guides’ knowledge and the scenic beauty—so if a mix of history, nature, and local treats sounds appealing, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to plan for lunch on your own and bring comfy shoes for walking. Overall, a very solid way to add some outside-the-district sparkle to your Savannah visit.