Savannah: Old Savannah Tours Historic Overview

If you’re planning a trip to Savannah and want a solid introduction to its storied streets and architecture, the Old Savannah Tours Historic Overview offers a convenient way to get your bearings. This 75-minute trolley ride promises a lively, fully narrated journey through one of America’s largest National Urban Historic Landmark Districts. While it’s not a deep dive into every nook and cranny, it provides a great snapshot of Savannah’s most iconic sights.

What we particularly like about this tour is its cost-effectiveness — at just $35 per person, it offers a compact yet engaging overview of the city. Plus, the guides are often praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor, making the experience more engaging than your average bus ride. On the downside, because it’s a non-stop tour, you won’t have time to hop off and explore the sights in detail, so it’s best suited for first-timers or those with limited time. If you’re looking for a relaxed, informative introduction to Savannah’s charm, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors, history buffs, and travelers who prefer comfort. It’s also a good pick if you want to get a quick sense of where you’d like to spend more time later during your trip.

Key Points

• Concise format: 75-minute non-stop tour perfect for a quick overview.
• Expert guides: Well-informed, humorous, and engaging narrators.
• Historical highlights: Drive past stately mansions, cobblestone streets, and moss-draped oaks.
• Authentic atmosphere: Open-air trolley offers fresh air and great views.
• Value for money: Affordable price with high praise from past travelers.
• Limitations: No stops, so for in-depth exploration, consider other options.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to Savannah’s Charms

This trolley tour from Old Savannah Tours provides a practical, friendly way to get acquainted with Savannah’s distinctive architecture, lush squares, and riverfront. For those short on time or new to the city, it offers a swift, comprehensive snapshot of what makes Savannah special. We love that it’s fully narrated, giving you a sense of place and history without the need to read guidebooks or wander aimlessly.

One of the things that often draws praise is the quality of the guides. Many reviews highlight how guides like Gertrude, Angela, and Mike bring Savannah’s story to life with enthusiasm, wit, and local knowledge. As one traveler notes, “Our guide, Angela, was informative & charming…she brought the stories of Savannah to life.” This energy makes even a short tour feel personalized and memorable.

The open-air trolley adds an authentic, breezy feel that enhances the sightseeing experience. It’s a more relaxed way to absorb the scenery than being cooped up inside a bus. Plus, riding along cobblestone streets and beneath hanging moss transports you to a gentler, bygone era, perfect for first-time visitors eager to picture Savannah’s Old South.

What’s Included and How It Works

Starting and ending at the 217 W. Boundary Street Welcome Center, the tour runs non-stop for approximately 75 minutes. You’ll see the historic districts, including stately mansions, beautiful squares, and the romantic riverfront. The narration covers over 270 years of American history, distilled into lively stories and anecdotes.

The tour is conducted in English, with live guides who are known to be both informative and amusing. This interactive element often makes the experience more engaging, as guides frequently toss in humor and interesting tidbits.

The cost is $35 per person, which many consider a fair price considering the quality of the guides and the convenience of the tour. The tour operates usually in the morning and afternoon, giving flexibility to fit into different schedules.

The Route and Key Highlights

While the tour is non-stop, the route itself is designed to hit Savannah’s most recognizable sights. Expect to drive past moss-draped live oaks, elegant mansions that once housed the city’s elite, and some of Savannah’s many historic squares. The narration offers insights into the architecture, local lore, and historical significance of these areas.

A common favorite among reviewers is the drive through Savannah’s downtown, where the cobblestone streets and huge oak trees dripping with moss create picture-perfect scenes. The guide’s stories help bring these visuals to life, making the scenery more than just pretty sights.

Authentic Experiences and Guide Quality

The reviews repeatedly emphasize knowledgeable, humorous, and engaging guides. Many mention guides like Justice, Tammy, Arthur, and Big E as the standout characters who add personality to the tour. One review notes, “The knowledge, professionalism and humor of Michael, our guide, was the BEST PART!!” These guides are often praised for their local expertise and ability to keep the group entertained, even during a brief ride.

The character actors who occasionally board to tell stories or add flavor to the narration are a charming touch, making the experience feel like a living history rather than a dry lecture.

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Value and Practical Considerations

At $35, this tour offers a cost-effective way to get oriented in Savannah, especially for those on a tight schedule. It’s perfect for first-timers who want a quick overview, or for travelers who prefer to sit back and relax while soaking in the sights.

However, because it’s a non-stop tour, it doesn’t allow for stopping at individual sights. If you’re keen to explore particular places in detail, this is a good primer rather than an in-depth exploration. Some reviews suggest that adding a hop-on-hop-off element could enhance the experience, but for many, the value lies in the narration and scenic drive.

The open-air trolley adds to the authenticity, but it also means being aware of the weather—rainy days might make the ride less pleasant unless the tour is canceled or rescheduled.

Accessibility and Flexibility

The tour is generally accommodating and accessible, with past reviews mentioning that it’s friendly for wheelchairs and small children. The flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, make it easy to plan without stress.

Many travelers also appreciate the option to reserve now and pay later, especially if their plans are subject to change. The duration of 75 minutes fits well into most sightseeing days, allowing for a relaxed yet rundown.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a first-time visitor, or simply someone who loves charming architecture and stories, this trolley tour provides a well-reviewed, engaging introduction to Savannah. The combination of professional guides, authentic scenery, and affordable price makes it a reliable choice for many travelers.

While it won’t replace a deeper exploration of Savannah’s neighborhoods or museums, it’s an excellent starter activity—a chance to orient yourself and identify what you want to spend more time exploring later.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This tour is best suited for first-timers eager for a broad overview of Savannah’s sights and stories. It’s perfect if you want a comfortable, informative ride with friendly guides and don’t mind the non-stop format. It’s also a good option for those short on time but still wanting to get a taste of the city’s character.

If you prefer to hop off and explore sights more closely or seek a more in-depth historical tour, you should consider additional or alternative experiences. But for a light, entertaining introduction, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 75 minutes in a non-stop format.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and concludes at the 217 W. Boundary Street Welcome Center.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, past reviews indicate it is accommodating for wheelchairs and small children.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the narration live, and in what language?
The narration is live in English, handled by knowledgeable and often humorous guides.

To sum it up, the Old Savannah Tours Historic Overview offers a lively, affordable, and well-reviewed way to get your bearings in Savannah. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors who want a friendly, comprehensive introduction to the city’s sights and stories. With enthusiastic guides and authentic scenery, it’s an experience that many travelers find both enjoyable and informative, laying a solid foundation for a memorable Savannah visit.

You can check availability for your dates here: