Savannah: Old Savannah Tours Historic Overview

Savannah: Old Savannah Tours Historic Overview – A Friendly, In-Depth Look

If you’re considering a way to get your bearings in Savannah or simply want a charming introduction to its storied streets, the Old Savannah Tours’ Historic Overview offers a pretty solid option. This 75-minute trolley ride promises a lively, fully narrated experience that takes you through one of America’s largest National Urban Historic Landmarked Districts. It’s a chance to see the city’s iconic cobblestone streets, grand mansions, and leafy squares—all from the comfort of a open-air trolley.

What we love about this tour is how accessible and engaging it feels. The knowledgeable guides really bring Savannah’s story to life, often adding humor and local flavor that make the history enjoyable rather than dry. Plus, the tour covers a lot in a short amount of time—perfect if you’re tight on schedule but still want a meaningful taste of the city.

However, a quick heads-up: this tour is non-stop, which means you won’t be hopping on and off. While this keeps things simple and efficient, it might not satisfy those who like to explore specific sites more thoroughly or take plenty of photos along the way.

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors, history buffs, or anyone looking for a relaxed, informative overview of Savannah’s highlights. If you want to get your bearings before venturing out on longer explorations, this is a good pick.

Key Points

• Concise 75-minute tour offers a quick but rundown of Savannah’s historic districts
• Fully narrated rides mean you won’t need to do extra homework; guides share stories with wit and insight
• Beautiful scenery includes cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and stately mansions
• Affordable pricing at $35 per person makes it accessible for most travelers looking for value
• Guides get high praise for their knowledge, humor, and ability to keep the tour lively
• Non-stop format is great for efficiency but might limit time at specific sights or photo stops

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

When you arrive at the Old Savannah Tours Welcome Center, you’ll find a charming white trolley, clearly marked with the company’s name. From there, the ride begins. This tour is designed to be a panoramic, seamless introduction to Savannah, with the vehicle moving through historic districts, beneath centuries-old moss, and past impressive homes and squares.

The tour lasts around 75 minutes, often available in the morning or afternoon, and is fully narrated in English by guides who are usually lively, friendly, and packed with local knowledge. You’ll get a sense of how history and hospitality blend in this southern city, with stories that bring the streets alive.

One of the biggest draws for many is the driving experience itself—riding down cobblestone roads and past old mansions gives you a real sense of the city’s grandeur. The guides often share stories about notable landmarks and local lore, which adds a layer of storytelling to the sightseeing.

The Highlights of the Tour

Historic Overview of Savannah

The main goal here is to give you a broad understanding of Savannah’s past. From the early days, through its role in the Old South, to present-day charm, the narration covers over 270 years of history, making it a well-rounded introduction. Many reviews mention guides who are really knowledgeable and able to communicate history in a fun, engaging way. For instance, one reviewer praised a guide named Michael for his professionalism and humor, calling him “the BEST.”

Drive down Cobblestone Streets and Past Mansions

The tour takes you along some of Savannah’s most iconic streets, with stops at stately mansions and historic homes. The experience of looking at these grand structures while listening to their stories is a highlight. As one traveler noted, guides often add humor and local tidbits, making the experience feel like a friendly chat rather than a lecture.

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Stately Squares and Beautiful Green Spaces

Savannah’s famous squares are woven into the tour, letting you see the city’s lush parks and historic gathering spots. Many reviews highlight how guides make these stops come alive with intriguing stories. The aromatic flowers and trees add to the sensory experience, making it a visual and olfactory feast.

Romantic Riverfront and Artifacts

Though the tour mostly stays on the move, you’ll get a good impression of the riverfront area, with its vibrant atmosphere and historic significance. Guides often talk about artifacts and landmarks, giving you a richer understanding of Savannah’s cultural fabric.

The Experience from the Guides

Based on over 800 reviews, guides are consistently praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling ability. One reviewer mentioned Captain Phil, another praised Gertrude for her enthusiasm, and many highlighted how guides made history fun and accessible. For example, “Angela had loads of fun tidbits” and “Larry was fabulous but spoke a bit too fast,” show the range of guide styles but underscore the importance of engaging narration.

The guides’ ability to navigate narrow streets and keep the tour moving smoothly is often highlighted positively. Several reviews also mention how guides would sometimes step into character or involve actors, adding a theatrical flair that further enchants visitors.

The Transportation: Trolley and Comfort

The custom-built open-air trolley provides a scenic ride that’s comfortable and easy to follow. The vehicle handles narrow streets and tight turns with skill, making for a smooth, enjoyable journey. The open-air aspect means you can enjoy the breezes and sights, but on very hot days, be prepared for the sun.

Most reviews note that the trolley and driver are clean and well-maintained, which adds to the overall positive experience. The driver’s skill in threading through tight spaces is often praised, making the ride feel safe yet adventurous.

Pricing and Value

At $35 per person, the tour is quite reasonable considering the duration and quality of narration. It offers a quick snapshot of Savannah’s core sights, making it a good introductory tour. If you’re short on time but want a broad overview, this price point makes it easy to fit into your travel budget.

Many reviewers express satisfaction with the value, especially given the expert guides and scenic views. Several mention that the tour helps them decide what to explore further on their own. In this way, it acts more as a gateway rather than a comprehensive exploration.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for first-time visitors eager to get a feel for Savannah’s layout and key sights. It’s also ideal for history enthusiasts, who appreciate storytelling paired with beautiful surroundings. If you prefer a relaxed, no-hassle adventure with friendly guides, this tour will hit the spot.

Travelers looking for a more interactive or in-depth exploration might want to consider other options, like hop-on-hop-off tours or specialized cemetery or ghost tours. But for a solid, enjoyable, and efficient overview, this one hits most marks.

The Sum Up

The Old Savannah Tours’ Historic Overview offers a friendly, well-paced introduction to the city’s streets, squares, and mansions. With knowledgeable guides and scenic routes, it’s a practical choice for those new to Savannah or anyone wanting to soak in the city’s charm without much fuss. The price of $35 is fair for a 75-minute ride packed with stories, sights, and some good laughs.

While it’s a non-stop tour—meaning you won’t get off at sites—you’ll come away with a clear sense of Savannah’s layout and history, helping you plan your next steps. The enthusiasm and expertise of the guides are consistently praised, making this tour feel like a friendly introduction rather than a scripted experience.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, enjoyable way to learn about Savannah and see its most famous sights from a comfortable trolley, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially great if you value storytelling and local insights over detailed, lengthy exploration.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour doesn’t specifically target families, it’s generally suitable for most ages because of its engaging narration. However, keep in mind the 75-minute non-stop ride might be long for very young children.

Can I hop off and explore sites during the tour?
No, this particular tour is non-stop, so you stay on the trolley for the entire duration. If you want to explore specific sites more closely, other tours with hop-on-hop-off options might be better.

How long in advance should I book?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially during busy seasons. You can reserve your spot online, and booking early also guarantees better availability and a chance to pay later, providing you flexibility.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in English, and reviews suggest the narration is lively and easy to follow for English speakers.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the Old Savannah Tours Welcome Center at 217 W. Boundary Street. Look for the white trolley marked with the company’s name.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
While specific accessibility details aren’t provided, reviews mention that the vehicle and guides are accommodating, and the driver is skilled at navigating narrow streets, which may suggest some level of accessibility.

This trolley tour is a straightforward, friendly way to get a taste of Savannah’s highlights. Whether you’re here for a quick overview or just want to enjoy a relaxed ride with engaging storytelling, it’s a solid choice. Just remember, if you want to explore specific spots in more detail, you might want to supplement this experience with other tours.

You can check availability for your dates here: