South Carolina & Georgia Multisport
Biking, Walking & Kayaking Between Charleston & Savannah
In South Carolina and Georgia, centuries have cultivated two distinct cultures. On one hand, the coastal wetlands and tidewaters of the Low Country exude a simple rural charm. On the other, there’s the refined and elegant - and sometimes eccentric - allure of Charleston and Savannah. Our Southern sojourn captures the best of both. With the camaraderie of local guides, explore Charleston’s flower-draped courtyards, Savannah’s elegant neighborhoods and Beaufort’s back streets lined with palmetto and magnolia trees. End each day with nouvelle cuisine and welcoming inns, and experience the true meaning of Southern hospitality.
Trip Planning Links
- Historic Charleston, Beaufort and Savannah, all rich with beautiful architecture, gardens and Southern charm
- Pedal Savannah's waterfront en route to the Wormsloe Plantation, where 400 stately oaks grace the entrance
- Award-winning cuisine at Peninsula Grill in Charleston and Elizabeth on 37th in Savannah
- Kayak to a sensational bird sanctuary
- Two Relais & Châteaux hotels and an antebellum inn
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 charleston
Meet in Charleston 
From historic Fort Moultrie, once a key stronghold in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, pedal past the grand mansions of Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms, winding through delightful Atlantic waterfront communities with elegant beachside homes In Charleston, soak up fascinating Southern history along cobblestone lanes with local guide Rhetta Mendelsohn Kayak through Shem Creek into Charleston Harbor and to Crab Bank, gliding past fishing boats and nesting pelicans while learning about the thriving marine life Cycle through the old village of Mt. Pleasant before crossing the Cooper River Explore Charleston’s lovely historic district, with its narrow brick alleys, hidden cemeteries, flower-draped courtyards and fine examples of Colonial, Art Deco, Gothic Revival and Federal architecture.
Days 3-4 beaufort
Tour the quiet scenic roads of the ACE Basin (formed by the Ashepoo, Combahee and Edisto Rivers) on two wheels, riding through yellow pine and live oak forests On a pontoon boat, cruise through wetlands and inland waterways, keeping your eyes out for alligators and eagles Visit the Penn Center, an educational center for Sea Island and Low Country African American culture and heritage Bike a shady route past sweetgrass fields, stopping for a coastal picnic lunch at beautiful Hunting Island State Park, where the ocean meets a palmetto forest Learn colonial dances such as the Virginia Reel at a traditional Beaufort social.
Days 5-6 savannah
From Savannah’s famous Bonaventure Cemetery, bike along the Intracoastal Waterway to the Isle of Hope Historic District, an area set aside in the 1800s for Savannah’s elite Savor elegant Southern cuisine at celebrated Elizabeth on 37th Enjoy a guided walk through historic Savannah, visiting riverfront shops and garden squares Visit with historian John Duncan at his grand home Feast family-style on authentic food of the South at lively Mrs. Wilkes’ Dining Room.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was our 10th bike trip, first with Backroads, and we will be looking to Backroads from now on! The leaders for the trip were excellent, very attentive, competent and accommodating. Having leaders of this quality makes all the difference. We had a great time.- Encino, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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South Carolina & Georgia Multisport
GRAND LUXURY: Premiere Inns
Planters Inn
Charleston (2 nights) In the heart of the historic district by the Old Market, the beautifully appointed guest rooms at this Relais & Châteaux member feature four-poster beds and marble baths.
Rhett House Inn
Beaufort (2 nights) This Greek Revival plantation with sprawling verandas and antebellum-era décor is surrounded by romantic grounds.
The Gastonian
Savannah (1 night) Housed in two elegant Regency Italianate-style mansions, this charming inn features individually decorated guest rooms with 19th-century ambience.
South Carolina & Georgia Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 16 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour of Charleston 2 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Biking 10 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Kayaking Trip 3 hours
Day 3
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 16 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Boat Cruise 2 hours
Day 4
- Level 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 23, 29 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 13, 22 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Walking Tour of Historic Savannah 2.5 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain