Discover the deep Gullah Geechee roots of Savannah on an insightful guided tour through historic landmarks, followed by a traditional lunch at a historic African American church. This cultural journey offers a rare glimpse into a vibrant legacy that still shapes Georgia’s coast today.
Discover the deep Gullah Geechee roots of Savannah on an insightful guided tour through historic landmarks, followed by a traditional lunch at a historic African American church. This cultural journey offers a rare glimpse into a vibrant legacy that still shapes Georgia’s coast today.
Book with Gray Line Savannah
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gray Line Savannah · Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia, is renowned for its historic charm, moss-draped oaks, and cobblestone streets, but its most profound stories often lie beneath the surface—in its living culture. The Gullah Geechee Tour and Lunch offers an immersive gateway into the vibrant legacy of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of West African slaves who shaped this coastal region’s identity from the Antebellum period onward. This tour stands apart as one of the few intimate experiences that bring history, storytelling, and cuisine into a unified journey through Savannah's past and present.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m., guests board a comfortable Gray Line vehicle for a fully narrated 60-minute excursion through the heart of Savannah’s historic district. Along the way, you'll explore notable landmarks such as River Street, with its iconic waterfront warehouses originally built by enslaved laborers, the atmospheric Factor’s Walk, and Johnson Square, Savannah’s first planned square. Each stop reveals layers of history intertwined with the lives of enslaved Africans and their indomitable quest for freedom.
What makes this tour truly exceptional is the narration by Sistah Patt, a master Gullah Geechee storyteller whose deep knowledge and personal connection illuminate the era's lived realities and cultural persistence. Her stories invite visitors to appreciate not only the hardships endured but also the rich heritage forged—from language and crafts to culinary arts that continue to influence the Georgia coast.
After the bus tour, participants are treated to an authentic Gullah Geechee lunch at the Historic Second African Baptist Church, a vital symbol of African American resilience and community spirit established during the slavery era. Here, the flavors of traditional Gullah Geechee cuisine—rooted in African, Native American, and southern influences—are served alongside additional storytelling, reinforcing the connection between food, history, and culture.
The Gullah Geechee Tour and Lunch is more than a sightseeing trip. It’s a rare opportunity to walk through a living history that shapes Savannah’s soul. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, cultural traveler, or food lover, this experience deepens your understanding of the Gullah Geechee people's indelible mark on American heritage. Situated in Savannah, a city receiving millions of visitors annually, this tour shines as a unique, educational, and meaningful way to engage with a chapter of history that most often goes untold.
Discover this journey at 223 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd in Savannah, where heritage history and hospitality meet. Book early to secure your place in one of Georgia's most insightful cultural adventures.
easy.
1.5–2 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; involves light walking
The Gray Line vehicle and historic church have limited accessibility; please contact the operator for specific accommodations.
The narrated bus tour lasts about one hour, with an additional lunch and storytelling session, totaling approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, but it is best suited for school-age children who can appreciate the storytelling.
Lunch is included as part of the full tour experience and cannot be booked separately.
Vegetarian options are available; notify the tour operator in advance to accommodate dietary needs.
Bring comfortable shoes, water, sun protection, and any personal items needed for your comfort during the 1.5-2 hour trip.
Savannah’s Historic District dates back to 1733 and played a pivotal role in the development of the Gullah Geechee culture along the Georgia coast.
Local efforts emphasize preserving historic landmarks and promoting sustainable tourism to protect Savannah’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
Gray Line Savannah operates a broad collection of guided tours, shuttles, and private transfers that showcase Savannah’s coastal scenery, historic sites, and cultural heritage. The company offers land-and-sea combinations, narrated trolley sightseeing, riverboat cruises, cemetery and historic house tours, museum visits, paranormal and ghost tours, and day trips to Tybee and Daufuskie Islands. Gray Line Savannah provides event services including St. Patrick’s Day VIP party packages, reserved bleacher seating at parade viewing locations, and dedicated transportation for special events such as Juneteenth celebrations. Vehicles range from open-air trolleys and convertible sprinters to climate-controlled vans with group seating options up to 38 passengers, and private transfers to marinas and islands. Tour experiences emphasize local storytelling, historic interpretation, and wildlife viewing — including dolphin cruises and salt marsh sunset excursions — led by knowledgeable guides and captains. Booking options include unlimited two-day shuttle passes, combo tickets linking trolley tours with riverboat cruises, and private charter arrangements for groups and events. Safety, punctuality, and clear meeting logistics are highlighted in the operator’s offerings, with ticketing and check-in details provided for combined land and water departures. Gray Line Savannah partners with local museums, historic sites, and community storytellers to present culturally informed itineraries like Gullah Geechee storytelling, slavery-to-freedom walking tours, and curated cemetery visits. The company supports visitors seeking approachable, well-organized access to Savannah’s top attractions, making it a reliable option for families, history enthusiasts, and event groups. Customer-facing staff assist with accessibility requests, luggage handling, and customized itinerary planning upon request daily.
Book with Gray Line Savannah