Map illustrating a route starting from Savannah, Georgia, passing through Charleston, South Carolina, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Asheville, North Carolina, Richmond, Kentucky, Nashville, Tennessee, Peru, Illinois, Janesville, Wisconsin, and ending in the Milwaukee metropolitan area, with a floral logo labeled 'Southern Charms' in the top right corner.

Southern Charms

April 7-20, 2026

Lynchburg, TN - Savannah, GA - Charleston, SC - Myrtle Beach, SC - Asheville, NC!

Highlights:

Jack Daniels Distillery Tour
Savannah Riverboat
Jekyll Island Tram
Shrimp Boat Cruise
Savannah Trolley Tour
Carriage Tour of Beaufort
Charleston Tea Gardens
Charleston City Tour
Boone Hall Plantation Plantation
Charleston Harbor Cruise
Brookgreen Gardens
Barefoot Queen Intracoastal Waterway Cruise
Carolina Opry
Biltmore Estate
Billy Graham Library

  • We board our coach this morning for a charming adventure south. Spending the day getting acquainted with our fellow travelers as we make our way to Peru, Illinois for our first overnight stay.

    Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites

  • You will notice the changing terrain as we pass through Illinois to Kentucky and finally Tennessee, to Nashville, “Music City USA” and check-in to our accommodations for the evening. (B)

    Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites

  • This morning we visit Lynchburg, Tennessee and tour the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the US. We’ll learn the story of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey and probably an interesting story or two about Mr. Jack as well. Lunch is included at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant. With over 100 years of operation, you’ll enjoy the down-home cooking just like Mr. Jack did a century ago. We’ll continue south to Marietta, Georgia for our overnight. (B, L)

    Hotel: Drury Inn & Suites

  • Trekking farther south, we’ll arrive in Savannah, “the Belle of Georgia.” Upon arrival, we will board the Georgia Queen for a Cruise along the Savannah River front. Enjoy a traditional southern lunch while listening to informational and entertaining tales and facts from the Captain as we tour a river once traveled by the founders of the city. We will learn the history of the city, as well as facts about the port; past, and modern day. Take in panoramic views of the river and nearby landmarks including the Port and historic Fort Jackson. You’ll have some free time on River Street before we head to our hotel which is located right in the historic district near the city market along with many other shops and restaurants. (B, L)

    Hotel: Doubletree by Hilton Historic District

  • Today we will travel south out of Savannah to Jekyll Island, the southernmost island of the Golden Isles. We’ll board a tram for a tour to experience the rich culture and history of the Island. Next, we’ll head out on a Shrimping Excursion in the calm waters of Georgia’s coast. Learn all about shrimp, crabs and other creatures that call these waters their home. Tonight, dinner is included at the Pirate’s House. (B, D)

  • Our morning begins with a scenic Trolley Tour through Savannah. This tour gives us a chance to drive down streets our motorcoach cannot. Our friendly conductor will entertain us with historic anecdotes and southern hospitality. Discover the cobblestone streets, magnolia trees draped in Spanish moss, more exquisite antebellum homes and churches, historic sites and Savannah’s southern charm. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious southern included lunch at Lady & Sons. Then we’ll head out of town and make our way to Beaufort, South Carolina on Port Royal Island, one of South Carolina’s coastal Sea Islands. Here we will board a horse drawn carriage. We’ll slip back into Beaufort’s elegant past as your carriage meanders under the moss covered Live Oaks, past breathtaking Antebellum homes, historic churches, movie sites and more. Our home for the next two nights is in Charleston. (B, L)

    Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Historic District

  • Our day starts at the Charleston Tea Gardens on Wadmalaw Island in the Lowcountry, featuring a factory tour and a trolley ride through the tea fields. We’ll conclude with a tea tasting at the “Tea Bar.” Next, enjoy a Harbor Cruise, passing landmarks like Fort Sumter, the USS Yorktown, Charleston Battery, the Ravenel Bridge, and Castle Pinckney. A local step-on guide will then lead us on a city tour, revealing why Charleston is called “The Holy City.” Dinner is at your leisure at the historic City Market, a cultural hub and one of the nation’s oldest public markets. (B, L)

  • Our day begins at Boone Hall Plantation, a Georgian-style home constructed in 1936. This residence skillfully integrates reclaimed materials and antique furnishings, recreating the ambiance that would have surrounded a Coastal Carolina planter’s family. We will embark on a tour of the mansion, its grounds along with nine slave cabins. Before we depart, experience the rich Gullah culture through storytelling, song, and dance while enjoying a delightful farm-to-table lunch. Following our time at the plantation, we will head toward Myrtle Beach, pausing to explore the stunning Brookgreen Gardens. Our accommodations feature oceanfront rooms, providing a beautiful view of the sea during our stay for the next three nights. (B, L)

    Hotel: SpringHill Suites Oceanfront

  • Today is on your own to savor the sun-kissed shores of the ocean or wander through the city’s vibrant streets! (B)

  • This morning, we will embark on the Barefoot Queen, a 70-foot authentic wooden riverboat, for a scenic cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway. A boxed lunch will be provided. Following the cruise, we will return to our hotel, allowing time for relaxation by the pool or on the beach before an enjoyable evening at the Carolina Opry. Dinner is included prior to the show at Original Benjamin’s Seafood Calabash. (B, L, D)

  • Our travels will take us into North Carolina today to Charlotte where we will visit The Billy Graham Library. Explore the life of Billy Graham and experience the Gospel he has preached for decades. Lunch is included while here. We end our day in Asheville where we will stay for the night. (B, L)

    Accommodations: DoubleTree Biltmore Village

  • This morning we will visit the Biltmore Estate. Overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, this Chateauesque-style mansion was created by George Vanderbilt in 1895. You will see magnificent 16th century tapestries, a library with 10,000 volumes, a banquet hall with a 70-foot ceiling, 65 fireplaces, and indoor pool and a bowling alley. Afterwards, we begin our trek north towards home. We travel as far as Richmond, Kentucky. (B)

    Hotel: Home 2 Suites

  • Our tour is soon coming to an end as we drive to through Indiana and into Illinois and finally Wisconsin to our overnight destination in Janesville. We gather one last evening for an included Pizza Party at our hotel. (B, D)

    Hotel: Tru by Hilton

  • With new friendships formed and a suitcase full of memories, we will arrive back home today. (B)

Trip Itinerary

TOUR DATES: April 7-20, 2026

PRICE PER PERSON
Double (2 people/room): $2950
Triple (3 people/room): $2930
Quad (4 people/room): $2910
Single (1 person/room): $4650

DEPOSIT REQUIRED: $200

IMPORTANT DATES
Final Payment Due: 2/20/26
Cancellation for Full Refund: 2/20/26

TRIP DOCUMENTS ARE MAILED 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Valid REAL ID, EDL or Passport

MEALS INCLUDED
Breakfast (B): 13
Lunch (L): 7
Dinner (D): 3

INCLUDES
-
Transportation via Riley Bus & Tours
-Riley Tour Director & Driver
-Accommodations
-Attractions Listed
-Meals Listed
-Luggage Handling (1 Bag/Person)
-All Taxes & Tips for Tour Feature

PRINT BROCHURE

HOW TO BOOK A TOUR:
We require all travelers to fill out a reservation form and submit a deposit when signing up for a tour. If you want to pay by credit card, you should BOOK ONLINE. If you want to pay by check, you should BOOK BY MAIL. Please be sure to read our TERMS & CONDITIONS.

    1. Click on BOOK BY MAIL

    2. A printable Reservation Form will pop-up - print this form

    3. Fill out the Reservation Form - Please read the information page that comes with it before fill it out - there are also insurance information with it

    4. Submit the deposit require for the tour you are signing up for - listed under the pricing information

    5. We will MAIL you an invoice which confirms your reservation and shows your remaining balance and when it is due *Please note, we do not send final payment reminders or final payment receipts- this invoice is the only one you will receive from us

    6. Tour documents are mailed to each travelers 3 weeks prior to departure - these documents will have your pick-up location/time, full itinerary of the tour along with luggage tags and other items pertaining to your tour

    1. Click on BOOK ONLINE

    2. Select the number of people you are signing up (people icon) on the package you are choosing (Double, Triple, Quad or Single)

    3. Follow onscreen instructions

    4. You will need to pay the deposit (or full payment if the full payment deadline has passed) *Please note, there is a non-refundable fee for using your credit card - ACH payments are charged a non-refundable fee also but it is lower than a credit card

    5. You will receive an email confirmation from Riley Tours/WeTravel - SAVE THIS EMAIL if you plan to make your final payment online, it is the only way to access your reservation

    6. We will also MAIL you an invoice which confirms your reservation and shows your remaining balance and when it is due - you may choose to pay your remaining balance by mailing us a check if you prefer *Please note, we do not send final payment reminders or final payment receipts - this invoice is the only one you will receive from us

    7. Tour documents are mailed to each travelers 3 weeks prior to departure - these documents will have your pick-up location/time, full itinerary of the tour along with luggage tags and other items pertaining to your tour

  • DISCOUNTS & SAVINGS

    Please not that these discounts and credits have no cash value and need to be applied prior to making your final payment. No refunds for a discount or credit will be made if final payment is made. In fairness to everyone, exceptions cannot be made for any reason.

    PRE-TOUR LODGING

    Upon request, lodging for the night before the tour will be provided at a cost of $50-$100 per room (depending on location) for travelers who live more than 50 miles from the nearest designated departure point. For travelers who live within 50 miles of the nearest designated departure point, we can help you arrange pre-tour lodging for the full cost of the room. We will send this information to you in your tour documents.

    FORM OF PAYMENT

    Personal Checks, Money Order, Credit Card and Cash are acceptable forms of payment. Please note, all credit card transactions are subject to a non-refundable 3.95% service fee. *Fees are subject to change*

    CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

    Full refund will be made provided we receive notice 31 days prior to the tours departure for most tours. Each tour has a cancellation date listed on the brochure or catalog page. For tours which include air, a full refund will be made up to 61 days before departure or the date indicated on the brochure. For tours which include a cruise, a full refund will be made based upon the cruise line’s cancellation policy. Cancellations or changes made within 60 days of departure may be subject to charges assessed by the airlines and/or tour suppliers. Refunds are at the discretion of Riley Tours based on non-recoverable expenses and other factors. If you are sharing a room and your partner cancels or leaves the tour en route, you will be required to pay the difference between the double and single accommodation tour cost if you did not purchase trip insurance. Riley Tours reserves the right to modify it’s refund and cancellation policy when a sizable amount of cancellation or delay of travel that is related to or arising out of acts of God, pandemics, weather, government actions, mechanical breakdowns, acts of terrorism and war. In any one of these circumstances, Riley’s will issue the amount paid in the form of a travel voucher that does not expire.

    TRIP INSURANCE

    Riley’s offers an Travel Protection Plan for every tour. This coverage can protect you from non-refundable charges and any additional expenses if a illness or an accident prevents you or your partner from going on a tour or leave a tour while it’s in progress. This plan is optional and at an additional cost. It is non-refundable.

    PICK UP POINTS

    Inside secure parking is offered at our office in Murdock, Minnesota. Other locations we pick up but do not offer inside secure parking in Minnesota include Hutchinson, Waconia, St. Joseph, Alexandria and St. Michael. We also pick up in Plymouth, Minnetonka, St. Paul, St. Cloud and Eden Prairie but there is not parking arrangements there. These departure points are scheduled based on the tour routing. We suggest you contact our office for the most convenient departure point that is available from your area. Courtesy transportation will be provided upon request for ten or more passengers departing from one location on most tours. If no pick-up point is determined on passenger's reservation form, the nearest one with parking will be selected by Riley Tours.

    PROOF OF CITIZENSHIP

    A Passport is required for all passengers traveling by air to and from Canada and Mexico along with on international tours. U.S. Customs suggests that your passport’s be valid atleast six months past your return date. If you are applying for a passport, we recommend applying for a passport as you register for a tour, as it can take up to eight weeks to process. For land crossings a passport or an enhanced drivers license is required. A REAL ID is required for tours flying within the United States unless you plan to use your passport. Please make sure you have the proper ID when making your reservation. Riley’s is not responsible for costs incurred due to a traveler not having the correct form of ID to travel. Travelers are responsible for checking with the government authorities for all countries visited to determine if the traveler is allowed to enter due to policies in place by that country. For Example: Criminal history such as DWI may not allow someone to travel into Canada.

    TOURS THAT INCLUDE AIRFARE

    For tours that include airfare, Riley Tours book these tickets as a group. Seats are assigned by the airlines and a seat next to your traveling companion is not a guarantee nor is a seat request such as aisle, window seats or upgrades. Riley Tours staff submits these request to the airline and will make every attempt to get travel companions close to each other on the plane but Riley's is not responsible if those requests are not followed by the airline. Any flight deviations or reservations after the final payment on tours that include airfare, are subject to additional costs/fees and payment for the airline ticket is due at the time of purchase. It is the responsibility of each Tour Guest to provide their name as written on their government-issued photo ID (or Passport if required) when registering for a tour. This is the ID you must bring and use at the airport. If the incorrect name is given, Riley Tours is not liable for additional expenses incurred or travel delays as a result of airline ticket name changes.

    TOUR DOCUMENTS

    Complete joining instructions with pick up times and locations, an itinerary, and hotel listing will be included with your luggage tag and medical form. This material is mailed to you approximately 21 days prior to the tours departure date.

    CLOTHING RECOMMENDATIONS

    We recommend for all of our tours that you wear comfortable shoes made for walking. Bring clothing that can be layered easily for changing weather conditions. Bringing a raincoat that can easily be folded and stored is always a good idea. If special events or activities require more dressy attire, it will be noted on your tour documents. We suggest you bring a bathing suit if you enjoy utilizing the hotel pools and Jacuzzis.

    SINGLE TRAVELER

    Riley Tours welcomes single travelers and will try to assist in arranging a roommate for any person wishing to share accommodations at the double rate. Travelers looking for partners are responsible for meeting one another and deciding if it is a good match. Riley’s shall not be held liable should the arrangement fail. If a shared arrangement not be available or does not work out, the single rate will apply. Single travelers that sign up for a tour are purchasing a single seat and may be required to share a seat with another single passenger if the bus is full.

    TRIPLE & QUAD

    These accommodations are usually in rooms with two double beds. A roll-away bed or cot is subject to availability on a request basis only and at an extra cost.

    TOUR PARTICIPATION

    Tour participation will be granted to all persons. Any person who requires special assistance needs to be accompanied by an able companion who will assist them throughout the trip. Riley Tours regrets that we are not able to provide individual assistance to guests with walking, wheel chairs, or other personal needs. Please note it is the responsibility of the traveler to pay for any expenses incurred for special arrangements required.

    MOBILITY DEVICES

    Foldable wheelchairs and walkers are welcome. They are not permitted onboard the motorcoach and will be stored in the baggage compartment. If you intend to bring a wheelchair or walker, please notify us when making your reservation. We can accommodate motorized wheelchairs of a specific size and weight.

    ADA ACT ON INTERNATIONAL TOURS

    Be aware that the ADA Act is only applicable in the U.S., so traveling outside the U.S. with a disability may be more difficult.

    LUGGAGE

    Each person is allowed ONE LARGE SUITCASE which will be handled for you throughout the tour. In addition, a small overnight case or tote bag may be carried aboard. Carry-on articles are the responsibility of each person. A purse or small bag can be in addition to your carry-on as well as a C-Pap breathing machine as it is considered a medical device and doesn’t count as a carry-on. Though every effort will be made to safeguard your luggage, Riley Tours accepts no liability for loss or damage. Each person is required to handle their own luggage at airport check-in.

    SMOKING POLICY

    For the comfort of everyone, smoking aboard the coach and at included group functions is not permitted. Frequent stops enable those who wish to smoke to do so.

    SEAT ROTATIONS

    To enable everyone to enjoy the view from all areas of the motor coach, seating will be changed on a daily basis on tours with 20 people or more, your tour director will explain this procedure.

    INCLUDED MEALS & ATTRACTIONS

    You will be advised of those meals that are included as part of your tour. We regret that food substitutions are not always possible for pre-arranged or set menus. Please let us know when signing up if you have special dietary requests so we may try to accommodate them. Refunds cannot be given, should you choose not to join the tour group for an included meal, or sightseeing that has been prepaid or arranged on a group basis.

    TOUR DIRECTORS

    Every Riley Tour is accompanied by a professional Tour Director who handles all the details of your tour. Cruise tours may not have a Tour Director onboard.

    RESERVATION FORMS

    When filling out a reservation form, please write your full legal name (as written on your ID). If you have a nickname you would like on the name tag that you will wear throughout the tour, you may request that under the “Names on Tag” section of the form. If the form is filled incorrectly, Riley Tours is not responsible for fees to make changes.

    SPECIAL REQUESTS

    Please let us know in the special requests line of your reservation form if you need any of the following: handicapped accessible room or other special room requests, walking restrictions, wheelchair, special dietary needs, if you plan bringing any medical items necessary for your trip, etc. Riley’s must have notice that you need a wheel chair prior to your tours departure in order for the wheel chair to be reserved for a passenger. Please note: handicapped accessible rooms with 2 queen beds is not always available at hotels so please specify what you need exactly so we can make sure your request is accommodated correctly. For example: walk in shower, raised toilet, etc.

    GRATUITIES

    Tips for all included features of your tour (luggage handling, included meals, etc.) will be taken care of by your tour director. Tips for meals on your own or other services are at the discretion of each tour participant. Customary tips for the tour director and driver of your tour should be on a voluntary basis and given individually at the end of the tour. If tips are not included, it is noted on the tour brochure. We suggest $5-10 per traveler per day.

    LIABILITY & RELATION WITH AIRFARE

    We assume no liability for any actions of the airlines, such as flight delays, flight cancellation and equipment failure. The obligations and liabilities of an airline to you, and your rights against the airline, are subject to the terms and conditions of the airlines’ tickets and tariffs. It is important to understand that portions of a trip missed due to a flight delay are lost and no refund will be issued by Riley Tours.

    RESPONSIBILITY

    These tours are operated by Riley Tours of Murdock, MN. Riley Tours and their agents act only as an agent for such other parties, firms, or corporations providing services herein. No liability shall be incurred by Riley Tours, their agents, presenters, or cosponsors because of injury, loss, delay, or other complication experienced by tour participants. Riley Tours reserves the right to correct printing errors, to make any changes or alterations in the printed itineraries, dates, routes, hotels, or included features prior to or during the tour, as may be necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the tour. The names of the hotels used may be changed without notice. Riley Tours also reserves the right to accept, decline, or retain any person as a participant of these tours at anytime.

A park scene with a brick walkway, large trees with hanging moss, a white statue of a man on a pedestal, flagpoles in the background, and some people walking near the statue.
Person in a white shirt and sunglasses holding a large stingray over the water with a shoreline and trees in the background.
A large white Gothic-style church with twin tall spires and rose window, surrounded by palm trees, under a blue sky with some clouds.
A large, historic castle-like building with ornate architecture, turrets, and pointed roofs. In front, a green Riley's bus and several people are visible on the lawn and walkways.
Large white letters spell 'JEKYLL MOSAIC' in an outdoor park with trees and a lawn.
An elderly couple stands in front of a vintage Jack Daniel's Lynchburg Hardware & General Store delivery truck display. The man wears a checkered shirt, jeans, and a cap, while the woman wears a floral blouse and dark pants, both smiling.
People visiting the interior of a church with stained glass windows, ornate columns, and religious artwork on the walls.
Beach with yellow, blue, green, and teal umbrellas and wooden lounge chairs on the sand, with a city skyline and Ferris wheel in the background.
A large, pink historic house with multiple stories, white balconies, black wrought iron railings, and a pink fence with white posts and black gates, surrounded by trees and a sidewalk.
A boat named Lady Jane is docked at a pier with a group of people waiting nearby. The scene is set on a sunny day with clear blue skies and calm water in the background.
Historical sign about Charleston Tea Plantation with trees and shaded ground.
Two older adults, a woman and a man, standing on a wooden deck near the beach, smiling at the camera. They are wearing outdoor clothing with name tags, under a clear blue sky.
A sandy beach with colorful umbrellas and chairs facing the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.
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A scenic park with large, sprawling trees covered with moss hangings, a paved pathway winding through the lush green grass, and three elderly people walking along the path under the shade of the trees.
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