It is with great delight that we announce the 2008 edition of Walkin' Dixie—Charleston to Orlando. One of our longest running North American tours has been shortened and given new  dates that coincide with the ever popular biennial walking event — The Savannah Baker's Dozen in Savannah, Georgia.
This winter-time walking adventure now includes:
- 2 nights in historic Charleston, South Carolina, one of the South's most endearing old towns
- Charming Beaufort, South Carolina, with a plethora of stately old antebellum mansions
- 4 nights in delightful Savannah, Georgia and The Savannah Baker's Dozen walking event
- Jekyll Island—hideaway of the wealthiest families on the planet in the early 20th century
- St. Augustine, Florida, the oldest city in the USA with a Spanish ambiance that dates back to Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth
- Mount Dora, Florida, one of the most attractive small cities in America and an excellent venue for a day of walking, window-shopping, walking, eating, and walking
While the rest of the country is bundled up against the arctic temperatures typical for this time of year, come on down while 2008 is still young and join us for 12 days of walks and sightseeing in the Deep South. |
Day
1 |
ARRIVE CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
Your walking adventure through our South Atlantic states begins today in Charleston, South Carolina. Because travelers will be arriving throughout the day, the only group activity planned is a “Welcome” reception this evening. We'll rendezvous in the hotel lobby at 7:30 pm and enjoy a chance to get acquainted and discuss the many Adventures yet to come.
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Day
2 |
ACTIVITIES IN CHARLESTON (B,D)
Colonial Charleston Walk 10 km, rated 1
Charleston is a historic southern port town renowned for its colonial architecture. A full day is needed to appreciate the many educational stops, irresistible shops, and innumerable photo ops along our walk route. Travelers may also consider one of several optional harbor tours, such as a visit to Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. This evening, a more traditional form of transport takes us through colonial Charleston to dinner…by horse and carriage.
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Day
3 |
CHARLESTON - SAVANNAH, GEORGIA (B)
Beaufort, Bell of the South Walk 10 km, rated 1
First stop today is a historical icon of gracious southern living - Magnolia Plantation & Gardens. We'll enjoy a guided tram tour of the plantation's wetlands, lakes, forests, and marshes, then wander through the lovely gardens, parts of which are more than 300 years old. Our next destination is the picturesque old port town of Beaufort, venue for today's walk. Enjoy the classic antebellum homes, quaint town center, and nostalgic waterfront that have made Beaufort a popular movie setting and earned it recognition from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
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Day
4 |
ACTIVITIES IN SAVANNAH (B,D)
The Savannah Baker's Dozen Walks
Today marks the beginning of The Savannah Bakers Dozen, a series of 13 events set in delightful Savannah and surrounding areas. Of the events, 9 offer walking routes, 3 are swimming events, and 1 is a bicycle route.Our hotel is just a block from the start point for all but one of the events, which we will offer as a group tomorrow, on Day 5. You will therefore be free to come and go to the various events throughout our three days in Savannah as you wish. After a day of walking and exploring historic Savannah, we'll rendezvous this evening for a Meet 'n Greet party at the Hyatt Regency. A sumptuous southern buffet will be followed by special entertainment.
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Day
5 |
ACTIVITIES IN SAVANNAH (B)
Tybee Island Surf and Sand Saunter 10 km, rated 1+
After breakfast, everyone's invited to board the coach for the Baker's Dozen walk at Tybee Island, a laid-back resort area providing a surf-and-sand ambiance, and the 1773 Tybee Island Lighthouse. We'll return to our hotel in charming Savannah for the afternoon. You are free to participate in as many or as few of the events as you wish. Each event is offered on all 4 days of the Baker's Dozen.
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Day
6 |
ACTIVITIES IN SAVANNAH (B)
The Savannah Baker's Dozen Walks
General James Oglethorpe's visionary 1733 city plan of more than 20 public squares has survived, making Savannah one of the country's best-preserved colonial towns and the base for most of the Baker's Dozen walks.Walk options for the day include the Historic Homes Hike, the Square and Shops Stroll, the Religious Ramble, the Presidential Parley, the Savannah Pub Crawl, or Ardsley Amble.
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Day
7 |
SAVANNAH - JEKYLL ISLAND, GEORGIA (B,D)
Georgia Golden Isles Walk 10 Km, Rated 1+
We head south today to visit two of Georgia's fabled islands. Part 1 of our walk explores St. Simons Island - along the beach, past St. Simons Lighthouse, and into St Simons Village for a lunch break. After a scenic drive to neighboring Jekyll Island, Part 2 of the walk offers stretches of this island's lovely beach, natural areas, and historic district. Dinner is on the house tonight at a local restaurant loaded with island ambiance.
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Day
8 |
JEKYLL ISLAND - ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA (B)
St. Augustine Spanish Heritage Walk 10 km, rated 1+
This morning's guided tram tour shares the story of the Jekyll Island Club, whose exclusive, early 20th century membership was said to represent one-sixth of the world's wealth! From Jekyll Island, we continue south across the border to St. Augustine. Established by the Spanish in 1565, St. Augustine lays claim as America's oldest city. An excellent walk route takes us past highlights such as San Marcos Castle, the Mission of Nombre de Dios, and Ponce de Leon's fabled Fountain of Youth.
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Day
9 |
ST. AUGUSTINE - ORLANDO, FLORIDA (B)
Ponce De Leon Inlet Lighthouse Walk 11 km, rated 1+
Our main event today is a lovely walk starting from the tallest lighthouse on the east coast. The route passes Lighthouse Point County Park, the Marine Science Center, the Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, and provides incredible views from the Ponce Lighthouse. Later this afternoon, we'll arrive in Orlando, our home for the last three nights of the Adventure.
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Day
10 |
ACTIVITIES FROM ORLANDO (B)
Today's options (not included) offer a visit to the Kennedy Space Center and the Lake Buena Vista walk featuring Downtown Disney. Use of our motorcoach will make it possible to participate in one or both of the options, or take a day off to relax on your own. The Kennedy Space Center experience includes a captivating motorcoach tour of the Kennedy Space Center, an excellent space travel IMAX film, and free time to explore the visitor center. The Lake Buena Vista trail offers Disney's unique hotel and shopping complexes, Pleasure Island Entertainment complex, West End Village, and lots of window-shopping and eating opportunities.
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Day
11 |
ACTIVITIES FROM ORLANDO (B,D)
Mount Dora Antiques & Art Amble 10 km, rated 1+
A short distance north of Orlando lies a lovely little town that seems to have something for everyone. From window-shopping in enticing small boutiques, to strolling along Lake Dora, to sampling the many fun eateries, our last walking event provides a relaxing day to enjoy Mount Dora, where “charming” seems the definitive adjective.We'll return late afternoon to Orlando and meet this evening to reminisce about our many Adventures at our Farewell Dinner.
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Day
12 |
DEPARTING ORLANDO (B)
Our winter getaway Adventure in the South has come to its inevitable close.We say farewell to friends old and new this morning, and return to the realities of winter in other diverse climes of North America with a new appreciation for the history, culture, and scenery of the South Atlantic States.
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