Historical Cycling International welcomes you to the romantic South where we'll explore on foot and kayak the elegant port cities of Charleston, Beaufort and Savannah. To Travel and Leisure, the Low Country of South Carolina and Georgia is "A slice of Heaven." This gentle corner of the South will charm the most seasoned Yankee traveler as we find the perfect environment to stroll among antebellum mansions and oak-shaded lanes, and kayak past quiet marsh islands and nesting pelicans in vast nature reserves. On the river our resident guide will enthrall you with tales and history of the region's plantations and old rice fields and take us through some of the most scenic and undisturbed natural areas in the South East. In Charleston and Savannah we will discover historic Jewish communities that date back to 1749 and 1733, respectively and learn about the contribution of Savannah and Charleston Jews in all aspects of the commercial, cultural and political life of their communities. We'll savor the delights and natural beauty of undiscovered Beaufort. Known as one of the best walking cities in the nation, Savannah offers a unique walking experience along the city's historic squares, azalea-laden parks, 18th century cemeteries and riverfront boardwalks. In the evenings we will dine in the region's finest restaurants where renowned chefs will prepare for us delicious, Southern nouvelle cuisine. Gracious southern hospitality awaits us each evening at our luxurious accommodations; magnificent Greek revival and French Empire Victorian architecture, tasteful antebellum- era décor and old-world charm.

Days 1&2 Charleston.
Afternoon rendezvous at our hotel in downtown Charleston. Following our introduction, we'll meet with our resident guide and wander the cobblestone streets of this lively, southern city. Before we step out in style to dine on sumptuous Carolina fare we'll enjoy a two hour "sunset paddle" on Rantowels Creek where we'll discover old rice fields, playful dolphin, an abundance of bird life, including egrets, heron, and wood stork and of course, a lovely sunset over the marsh.
Listen to colorful tales as we explore fine antebellum architecture, historic mansions, magnificent verandahs and flower-draped courtyards. Meander through Charleston's brick alleys while we discover historic Jewish history, including the Beth Elohim Synagogue, the second oldest synagogue building in the U.S and oldest in continuous use and the Hebrew Orphan Society Building, the oldest chartered Jewish charitable group in the U.S. (1801). After lunch we depart historic Charleston for the countryside. Transfer to Charlestowne Landing where we travel back to 1670 when the first English settlers arrived. Walk through the natural habitat zoo populated by wildlife that greeted the first settlers. Then we'll visit Magnolia Plantation and gardens, the ancestral home of the Drayton family for over three centuries. Discover how the virgin cypress-tupelo forests were remade into the great fertile rice fields of the Carolina planters. The slave labor that created the man-made landscape was equal to that required to build the Egyptian pyramids. Our naturalist guide will lead us on a hike through the Audubon Swamp Garden designed on the bones and dykes and waterways of old rice fields. Return to Charleston for an exceptional evening of dining and night out on the town.

Days 3&4 Beaufort
Our early morning kayaking adventure takes us on the Ashepoo River. The upper section of the Ashepoo River is a bottomland hardwood forest and teeming with flora and fauna; including Red headed and pilated woodpeckers, fox squirrel and red winged black birds. Along the banks we'll notice tupelo, bald cypress, water oaks, Spanish moss, spider lilies, Cherokee rose and wild azaleas.

Opening up to rice fields and plantations we will see rice trunks that may date back as early as 1700. As for the lower Ashepoo the wildlife will be tremendous in late fall or early spring. We'll view several plantations from the water before we stop for lunch at an old rice mill. The afternoon finds us strolling through Beaufort's National Historic Landmark downtown. Discover the town's lush, romantic lanes, charming homes and waterfront lined with majestic palmetto and blossoming magnolia trees. Beaufort's well preserved 18th and 19th century homes, many of which are large and lavish, remind us of the town's prosperous past ties to Sea Island cotton planters. We'll dine this evening at our favorite restaurant on the waterfront. Our late afternoon paddle ride takes us to very beautiful Cuckolds Creek. This picturesque experience will delight the nature enthusiast and photographer alike. Osprey and bald eagles thrive along this route. The only sign of life is the boathouse from Combahee Plantation. Forest Gump started his run at the bridge at Cuckolds landing. Paddle to Harold's Country Club, a Low Country landmark, for a memorable, down home meal and lots of laughter! Days 5&6 Savannah Transfer to Savannah's mysterious Bonaventure Cemetery and hear tales of Savannah's "legendary" personalities. Our resident guide will escort us on an exceptional private tour of Savannah's historic mansions and magnificent, residential squares. Detour down River Street to visit the various antique shops. After a delightful lunch we'll tour of one of Savannah's private homes and learn about her rich Jewish history. Rendezvous in the evening to attend services at the historic Mickve Israel synagogue (1790), the 3rd oldest Jewish congregation in the U.S. Dine at our favorite restaurant in downtown Savannah. Evening festivities continue at City Market where we'll enjoy Savannah's many pubs and Jazz clubs. After a leisurely breakfast you'll be free to wander Savannah on your own before departing for home with wonderful memories of the New South!