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Georgia's Grand Tour: From Peaches to Peaks

A journey through Atlanta's pulse, historic heartlands, and coastal charm

Trip Overview

This week-long adventure showcases Georgia's diverse soul, blending urban energy with deep history and natural beauty. You'll start in the dynamic capital, Atlanta, exploring its civil rights legacy and modern attractions. The journey then heads into the rolling hills for antebellum history and vineyard relaxation before a finale on the moss-draped, historic coast. The pace is moderate, with a mix of city exploration, scenic drives, and leisurely coastal time, designed to give you a true taste of the Peach State's multifaceted appeal.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$200-250 per day (excluding flights)
Best Seasons
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) for pleasant weather
Ideal For
First-time visitors to Georgia, History and culture ensoiasts, Foodies, Couples or friends traveling together

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival & Atlanta's Urban Core

Atlanta
Touch down in Atlanta and dive into the city's history at its most powerful museum, followed by a classic Southern dinner.
Morning
Arrival at ATL Airport
Fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Take the efficient MARTA train directly from the airport to your downtown/midtown hotel. Settle in and get oriented.
1-2 hours (from landing to hotel) $2.50 for MARTA fare
Lunch
The Varsity
Classic American Fast Food Budget
Afternoon
National Center for Civil and Human Rights
Spend a powerful afternoon at this excellent museum. The immersive exhibits, the recreated lunch counter sit-in, connect the American Civil Rights Movement to global human rights struggles today.
2-3 hours $19.99
Purchase tickets online in advance to secure your entry time.
Evening
Dinner in Sweet Auburn
Head to Sweet Auburn Curb Market for diverse food hall options or book a table at Sweet Auburn Seafood for a lively atmosphere and excellent fried catfish.

Where to Stay Tonight

Downtown Atlanta (Hotel (e.g., The Glenn Hotel, Hilton Atlanta))

Central location puts you within walking distance of major attractions like Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium, and on the MARTA line.

If you have energy after dinner, walk through Centennial Olympic Park to see the fountain light show, which runs every half hour after dark.
Day 1 Budget: $150
2

World of Coke & Poncey-Highland Vibes

Atlanta
Taste global flavors at a beloved institution, then explore Atlanta's indie shopping and dining scene in a trendy neighborhood.
Morning
World of Coca-Cola
Dive into the history, pop culture, and secret vault of the world's most famous soft drink. The highlight is the Taste It! beverage lounge where you can sample over 100 drinks from around the globe.
2-3 hours $19
Buy tickets online for a specific entry time to avoid lines, on weekends.
Lunch
Metro Fresh
Healthy Soups, Salads, Sandwiches Mid-range
Afternoon
Explore Ponce City Market & the BeltLine
Walk or take a short rideshare to Ponce City Market, a massive brick factory turned into a food hall and boutique shopping destination. From there, access the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail for a walk amidst street art, locals, and great skyline views.
3-4 hours $0 (walking), variable for shopping/food
Evening
Dinner and Drinks on the Roof
Stay at Ponce City Market for dinner at one of its sit-down restaurants like Botiwalla for Indian street food. Then, head to the rooftop amusement park and bar, Skyline Park, for mini-golf and panoramic views (requires separate ticket).

Where to Stay Tonight

Downtown Atlanta (Same as previous night)

Keeping your base in downtown simplifies logistics and avoids repacking.

For a classic Atlanta cocktail, stop into the Victory Sandwich Bar in the Inman Park neighborhood (near the BeltLine) for a 'Jalapeño Cucumber' margarita and a 'Congress' sandwich.
Day 2 Budget: $180
3

Road Trip to Antebellum Georgia

Atlanta to Madison
Rent a car and drive east to the impeccably preserved antebellum town of Madison, known as the town Sherman refused to burn.
Morning
Pick up Rental Car & Drive to Madison
Pick up a rental car from a downtown agency. The drive to Madison takes about an hour and fifteen minutes via I-20 East. It's a straightforward journey into Georgia's historic heartland.
1.5 hours (drive time) $50-80 for car rental/day
Book your rental car well in advance for better rates and selection.
Lunch
Town 220 Restaurant
Modern Southern Mid-range
Afternoon
Madison Historic Walking Tour
Park your car and explore on foot. Madison's entire downtown is a historic district. Pick up a self-guided tour map from the Welcome Center and stroll past over 50 antebellum homes and churches, many with plaques detailing their history.
2 hours $0
Evening
Dinner and Overnight in a Historic Inn
Enjoy a refined Southern dinner at the Madison Chop House Grille. Spend the night at the historic James Madison Inn or the Brady Inn for an authentic period experience.

Where to Stay Tonight

Madison Historic District (Historic Bed & Breakfast)

Staying in central Madison allows you to fully immerse in the town's quiet, historic atmosphere after the day-trippers leave.

Stop by the Madison Artists Guild's gallery to see and purchase work from local artists; it's housed in a beautiful old post office.
Day 3 Budget: $250
4

Vineyards and University Town Charm

Madison to Athens
A short drive takes you to the college town of Athens, with a scenic stop for Georgia wine tasting along the way.
Morning
Drive to Tiger Mountain Vineyards
Take a 30-minute scenic drive north into the foothills to Tiger Mountain Vineyards. This family-owned winery focuses on European-style wines using native Norton grapes and other varieties. The setting in the Rabun Gap area is beautiful and rustic.
2-3 hours (including drive) $15 for tasting flight
Tastings are first-come, first-served, but tours can be booked in advance on their website.
Lunch
The Café on the Vineyard
Sandwiches & Salads Budget
Afternoon
Explore Downtown Athens
Drive 45 minutes to Athens. Park and wander through the dynamic downtown, famous as the birthplace of R.E.M. and the B-52s. Browse iconic music stores like Wuxtry Records and see the legendary 40 Watt Club.
2-3 hours $0 (walking), variable for shopping
Evening
Dinner and Music on Clayton Street
Grab a famous burger at The Grill or upscale Southern at The National. Check the schedule at the Georgia Theatre for a live show—this historic venue hosts everything from local bands to national acts.

Where to Stay Tonight

Downtown Athens (Boutique Hotel (e.g., Graduate Athens, Hotel Indigo))

Staying downtown puts you steps away from the nightlife, restaurants, and music scene, capturing the full energy of this college town.

For a pre or post-dinner drink, find the hidden bar, The Old Pal. Look for the unmarked door next to Hi-Lo Lounge; it's a speakeasy-style spot with excellent cocktails.
Day 4 Budget: $220
5

Coastal Bound: Savannah's First Impressions

Athens to Savannah
A longer drive brings you to the coastal jewel of Savannah. Get settled and take your first stroll through its legendary squares.
Morning
Drive from Athens to Savannah
It's a 3.5 to 4-hour drive southeast to Savannah. Take GA-15 S and I-16 E. Consider a stop in the quaint town of Sandersville for a coffee break to break up the trip.
4-5 hours with breaks $40-50 in gas/tolls
Lunch
The Wyld Dock Bar
Seafood with Waterfront Views Mid-range
Afternoon
Self-Guided Historic District Walk
After checking into your hotel, start exploring. Walk from Forsyth Park north along Bull Street, passing through multiple of Savannah's 22 historic squares like Chippewa and Wright Squares, ending at the riverfront.
2 hours $0
Download a walking tour podcast or map from the Savannah Tourism Authority website before you go.
Evening
Dinner on the Riverfront
Enjoy fresh seafood at The Shrimp Factory on historic River Street. Afterward, stroll along the cobblestone street, watch the container ships glide by, and maybe grab a praline from Savannah's Candy Kitchen.

Where to Stay Tonight

Savannah Historic District (Historic Hotel or Inn (e.g., The Marshall House, Hamilton-Turner Inn))

There's no better way to experience Savannah than staying in a historic property within the walkable district. You'll be immersed in the atmosphere.

Skip the often-crowded Leopold's Ice Cream on Broughton Street and head to Lulu's Chocolate Bar on MLK Jr. Blvd for incredible desserts and a more relaxed, moody atmosphere.
Day 5 Budget: $260
6

Savannah's History & Haunts

Savannah
Look into the city's layered past with a focused museum visit, then experience its famous ghost stories on an evening tour.
Morning
Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
Tour this National Historic Landmark museum, operated by Telfair Museums. It provides a subtle look at antebellum life, architecture, and the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked here, which is central to understanding Savannah's history.
1.5-2 hours $22 (combined ticket with Telfair Academy recommended)
Purchase the 'Telfair Trio' pass online for access to three museums over two days.
Lunch
The Grey
Southern (Upscale Diner) Upscale
Afternoon
Telfair Academy or Free Time Shopping
Use your Trio pass to visit the Telfair Academy, Savannah's oldest public art museum housed in a Regency-style mansion. Alternatively, explore the independent shops on Broughton Street or in the Starland District.
1.5-2 hours Covered by Trio pass
Evening
Ghost Tour & Lowcountry Dinner
Take a guided ghost tour through the haunted lanes and squares; 'Savannah History & Haunts' has a good mix of history and spooky tales. For dinner, try Mrs. Wilkes' Dining Room (lunch only, plan ahead) or The Olde Pink House for an iconic Savannah experience.

Where to Stay Tonight

Savannah Historic District (Same as previous night)

Maintaining your base here is convenient for walking to all evening activities.

For a local and budget-friendly breakfast tomorrow, go to Clary's Cafe on Abercorn Street, a classic diner featured in the book 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.'
Day 6 Budget: $280
7

Farewell Spanish Moss & Departure

Savannah
Enjoy a final Southern breakfast before a tranquil walk under the oaks and a drive back to Atlanta for your flight home.
Morning
Bonaventure Cemetery & Victory Drive
Take a drive to the atmospheric Bonaventure Cemetery. Stroll among the impressive monuments and moss-draped oaks overlooking the Wilmington River. It's serene and beautiful, not morbid. On the way back, drive down Victory Drive to see the impressive canopy of live oaks.
2 hours $0
A self-guided tour map is available online; respectful behavior is required as it is an active cemetery.
Lunch
The Collins Quarter at Forsyth
Australian-Inspired Brunch/Cafe Mid-range
Afternoon
Drive to Atlanta Airport (ATL)
Begin the 3.5 to 4-hour drive back to Atlanta, returning your rental car at the airport. Allow extra time for potential traffic on I-16 W and I-75 N, on a Sunday afternoon.
4-5 hours with buffer $40-50 in gas/tolls
Check your rental car agreement for the specific airport return location and fuel policy.
Evening
Departure from ATL
Have a final Georgia meal at one of the airport's local outposts, like SweetWater Brewing Company, before your flight home.

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A - Departure (N/A)

N/A

If you have extra time before your drive, the SCAD Museum of Art near the station is a small, excellent museum showing contemporary work and is worth a quick visit.
Day 7 Budget: $150

Practical Information

Getting Around

This itinerary requires a rental car picked up on Day 3 in Atlanta and returned on Day 7 at the airport. Within Atlanta, use MARTA trains and rideshares. In Savannah and Athens, everything is walkable or a short rideshare away. The drives between cities are straightforward and on major interstates.

Book Ahead

Book all accommodations in advance, the historic inns in Madison and Savannah. Reserve tickets online for the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, World of Coca-Cola, and Owens-Thomas House. Consider pre-booking your rental car and any desired fine dining (e.g., The Grey, The Olde Pink House).

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. Pack layers, as indoor spaces can be heavily air-conditioned. A light jacket for cooler evenings, on the coast. Smart-casual attire for nicer dinners. A reusable water bottle.

Total Budget

$1590-$1750 (per person, based on double occupancy, excluding flights)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in budget hotels or Airbnbs outside city centers. Use public transit exclusively in Atlanta, skipping the rental car and taking a bus to Madison/Savannah (Greyhound, Groome Transportation). Focus on free activities like park walks, historic district strolls, and window shopping. Eat at food halls and markets instead of sit-down restaurants.

Luxury Upgrade

Upgrade to 5-star hotels like The St. Regis Atlanta or The Perry Lane in Savannah. Hire private guides for historic tours in Savannah and Atlanta. Book a private driver for the intercity travel. Reserve tasting menus at restaurants like Atlas in Atlanta or Husk in Savannah. Add a spa day at a resort like The Cloister on Sea Island.

Family-Friendly

Swap the afternoon in Athens for a visit to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. In Atlanta, prioritize the Georgia Aquarium and Children's Museum of Atlanta. In Savannah, take a riverboat cruise instead of a ghost tour. Include a beach day at Tybee Island on Day 6. Look for hotels with pools.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Georgia (USA)

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Georgia (USA)

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Georgia (USA)

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Georgia (USA)

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Georgia (USA)

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