Top 15 Savannah Tours You Can’t Miss

The riverside city of Savannah serves as the birthplace of the State of Georgia and is rich in local history. Its narratives range from the colonial era and the American Revolution, extending through the Civil War and America’s prohibition era. Consequently, Savannah has been integral in various pivotal events in American history.

A multitude of tours are available throughout the city, allowing visitors to explore its history, culinary delights, and cultural attractions, alongside more haunted locales.

These excursions, crafted by knowledgeable locals, will enable you to delve into the essence of one of the most cherished cities in the American South, which also inspired “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”

Having resided in Savannah for several years, I am confident that my curated list of the premier tours in Savannah will be informative and enjoyable.

1. Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour of Savannah Old Town

Hop-on hop-off excursions are an excellent method to orient yourself within a new city; this tour is distinctive as it occurs aboard a traditional Georgian trolley bus.

With fourteen distinct stops along the route, this tour provides access to over 100 attractions within the city. Uniquely, this tour is led by live conductors, who infuse their personal narratives into the stories surrounding the city’s prominent landmarks.

Additionally, you will receive discount coupons for various restaurants and attractions throughout the city. I recommend this tour as a convenient means of navigating the city, allowing for flexibility in hopping on and off at your leisure.

2. Historic Downtown Savannah: 60 or 90 Minute Segway Tour

Segway tours have gained popularity globally, allowing participants to explore extensive areas of the city at a leisurely pace.

This excursion guides you through the highlights of Savannah, ranging from antebellum mansions to notable movie locations and historical monuments. You may select either a 60 or 90-minute variant of the tour, depending on your interests.

An audio guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key attractions. Safety equipment and water are supplied at no additional cost. I recommend starting gradually to ensure a safe experience.

3. 3-Hour First Squares Food Tour

The American South is renowned for its distinctive cuisines, and this tour will guide you through the city’s finest gastronomic establishments.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, you will explore six different restaurants and gourmet food stores while learning about Savannah’s rich history and the distinctive culture of Georgia.

The tour concludes at City Market, where you can acquire ingredients to recreate the delicious dishes you have sampled.

4. Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour

Similar to many cities across the United States, Savannah has a rich history of ghostly encounters and death. This trolley tour takes you to the most recognized haunted sites in the city.

Your knowledgeable tour guide will share some of America’s most chilling ghost stories and provide context behind each haunted location.

An exclusive visit to River Street Perkins and Sons Ship Chandlery, purportedly the most haunted spot in the city, is included. This 75-minute tour is an excellent evening activity.

5. Haunted Savannah Pub Crawl

Experience a blend of spirits with this pub crawl through Savannah’s most haunted bars. Recognized as the most haunted city in America, Savannah boasts numerous bars home to infamous ghosts.

This tour visits three to five bars, depending on the group’s pace, with your local guide sharing the haunting stories associated with each venue.

The two-hour tour commences at 7:30 pm, providing a delightful start to your evening in the city.

6. Savannah Urban Adventure Quest Scavenger Hunt

A fun method to explore a new city is through a scavenger hunt that directs you to popular spots as part of an interactive experience.

This Savannah scavenger hunt is a three-hour adventure in the style of the Amazing Race. Not only does the hunt guide you through well-known landmarks, but it also reveals some hidden gems throughout the city.

All that is required of you is to download the hunt onto your smartphone and participate at your leisure.

7. Savannah: Historical Panoramic City Tour

This tour offers a convenient means to experience the premier sites in Savannah with a small group alongside a knowledgeable guide.

The 1.5-hour tour utilizes a minibus that fosters a limited group size. It not only showcases the most popular attractions but also includes stops at lesser-known, historically significant locations, providing a distinctive perspective on the city.

The tour centers on historical context while also incorporating valuable cultural insights.

8. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

“Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” is a well-regarded novel by John Berendt, set in the city of Savannah.

This story was subsequently adapted into a film shot within the city, and this tour will take you to all the locations highlighted in both the book and the movie. Your local tour guide, a licensed expert in the narrative, will provide insights into the profound connections between the novel and the city.

You will also have the opportunity to view some of Savannah’s most impressive mansions.

9. Bonaventure Cemetery with Shannon Scott

Although it may seem somewhat morbid, this tour serves as an enriching avenue to grasp Savannah’s history by uncovering the stories of those interred in Bonaventure Cemetery.

The Victorian Gothic-style cemetery, which gained notoriety from its mention in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” provides intriguing insights into facets of Savannah culture that have captivated audiences globally.

The cemetery’s unique artistry can be observed through the various engravings and sculptures found throughout. Shannon Scott, an authority on the cemetery, provides an enlightening two-hour experience. For those who may not prefer cemeteries, I suggest considering one of the walking tours instead.

10. Famous and Secret East Side Food Tour

Enjoy a well-rounded experience featuring both renowned restaurants and hidden culinary gems with this food tour on Savannah’s East Side.

These eateries are immensely popular among locals, and your expert guide will assist you in bypassing queues to sample the city’s finest dishes. The tour encompasses six distinct restaurants, each highlighting a unique delicacy from Savannah.

You will also receive a map of the tour route, which allows for future visits to your favorite dining locations.

11. Historic Savannah Walking Tour

Walking tours are a relaxed way to familiarize yourself with a new city; this particular tour guides you through the major historical sites in the town’s center.

The city’s significant role in the American Revolution, along with its deep influences from the Civil War, are highlighted as you stroll through the beautiful architecture. You will also encounter the unique artistic style of Savannah residents and enjoy an opportunity to taste the local cuisine.

The tour concludes at one of the city’s picturesque beaches, allowing you to unwind after a 90-minute walk.

12. Savannah Civil War Walking Tour

With Georgia supporting the Confederate South, Savannah played a pivotal role in the American Civil War.

This walking tour guides you to existing monuments commemorating the Civil War, alongside significant sites linked to the city’s involvement in the conflict.

Your guide, an expert in Civil War history, will discuss the various strategies employed by both sides during the war. Notably, this unbiased tour will address contemporary influences that the war still holds over the city.

13. American Prohibition Museum

The era of alcohol prohibition gave rise to covert speakeasies and illicit distilleries across the nation during the Roaring ’20s.

This museum serves as a testament to a time when alcohol consumption was clandestine, showcasing the locals’ inventive methods for enjoyment. Discover the causes of prohibition, its eventual conclusion, and its societal impact.

At the conclusion of your visit, you can step into an authentic speakeasy and enjoy a cocktail from that era.

14. Savannah Movie Locations Tour

Georgia is increasingly recognized as a popular filming location, attracting Hollywood’s attention, and Savannah features its share of notable movie sites.

This tour outlines over a century of film history—not only from Savannah but across the country. You will uncover the evolution of cinema and the city’s significant contributions to its constantly shifting narrative.

Location highlights from films such as “Forrest Gump” and “Roots” will be presented, accompanied by movie clips to jog your memory throughout the tour.

15. Savannah Ghosts and Gravestones Tour with Low House Entry

Embark on an exhilarating venture into Savannah’s enigmatic past with the Ghosts and Gravestones Tour. Explore the city’s haunted history as you visit spectral sites and listen to spine-chilling accounts of paranormal occurrences.

Investigate the Low House, infamous for its ghostly phenomena, and experience the unsettling presence of its restless spirits. Knowledgeable guides deliver captivating narratives and intriguing historical context, providing a unique outlook on Savannah’s supernatural history. Brace yourself for an evening filled with thrills, chills, and unforgettable experiences on this haunted escapade.