Amelia Island Getaway
Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach offer a serene blend of natural beauty, coastal charm, and rich history. Draped in moss-covered oaks and edged by miles of wide, cinnamon-colored shoreline, the island feels both peaceful and quietly vibrant. Fernandina Beach—with its Victorian-era architecture, welcoming boutiques, and slow, sea-salted breezes—adds a small-town warmth to the island’s wild coastal landscapes. Dolphins often arc through the surf, shrimp boats glide across the horizon, and at sunset the sky washes the dunes in amber and rose, creating an atmosphere that feels timeless, gentle, and deeply inviting.
The group’s venture into the Okefenokee Swamp will reveal a vast, otherworldly wilderness of blackwater channels, floating peat mats, and moss-draped cypress trees. Teeming with wildlife—especially alligators, wading birds, and unique plant species—it offers an unforgettable glimpse into one of North America’s most pristine and hauntingly beautiful wetland ecosystems. After the tour, the group will enjoy a classic Okefenokee cookout, a perennial guest favorite, with everything prepared and cooked on-site. Following lunch, you'll explore the Chesser Homestead, a beautifully preserved pioneer home from the early 1900s. Guests will have time to wander the house, grounds, and outbuildings while learning about the Chesser family and what life in the Okefenokee was like a century ago.
This tour not only immerses you in the rich history of Southern Georgia and Northern Florida but also provides a chance to relax, enjoy time with friendly pirates, and experience the natural beauty of this remarkable region.
Day 1
Settle in for a three-night stay at the Hampton Inn, located along the picturesque, historic harbor front of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. Enjoy free time to explore this charming waterfront district before dinner at a local favorite - The Crab Trap (included).
DDay 2
Step aboard the Anchor Trolley for your private 90-miute historic tour. A local guide brings Amelia Island's rich past, architecture, and pirate lore to life. In the late afternoon, embark on The Flying Dutchman pirate ship for a fun and scenic two-hour cruise. Enjoy free time in the evening after the cruise.
BDay 3
Board the bus traveling to Folkston, Georgia for a guided 90-minute skiff tour in the Okefenokee Swamp. Glide through the mysterious blackwater channels in a flat-bottom skiff with shaded canopy and comfortable backed seats. A 'favorite' awaits—your camp style cookout lunch and time to explore the restored Chesser Homestead and informative Visitor Center. Return to the Hampton Inn after your 'day in the swamp'.
B, LDay 4
Board the motor coach after breakfast for the return to Florida. The first stop today is Kingsley Plantation on Fort George Island, the state's oldest surviving plantation, offering a powerful blend of history and natural beauty within the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The bus then crosses the St. Johns River on the Mayport Ferry and arrives at Singleton's Seafood Shack, one of Jacksonville's iconic waterfront eateries for lunch on your own.
BB=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner
Be advised that the bus will be stopping at all three pick-up points (Wildwood, Inverness and Ocala) for this and all tours.
ALL deposits are due within seven (7) days of reservation by credit card or check. A 3% processing fee applies to all credit card transactions.
