Travel > Charleston & Savannah

Forsyth Park Fountain in Savannah, GA / © iStockSecrets of the Jewish South, Charleston & Savannah

Dates: October 19-24, 2025
Price: $2,395 per person (land only)
Prices are listed in US dollars.*
 
Shalom Y’all! Join us for an unforgettable Jewish heritage journey through Charleston and Savannah, two of the South’s most charming and historic cities. With cobblestone streets, rich stories, and warm Southern hospitality, this limited, intimate group experience offers meaningful learning and genuine connection in a uniquely Southern setting.
 
Jews arrived here as early as the late 17th century marking these cities with the distinction of being home to two of the oldest Jewish communities in the U.S.
 
Southern Jewish life has a rich history, which we will see and feel during our visits at a Colonial synagogue and Jewish cemeteries. No trip to the South would be complete without discussing the institution of slavery and the Civil Rights Era, which we will do at different points over this trip.

* Price does not include flight or hotel.

BOOK NOW!

Highlights:

  • Explore Charleston & Savannah through a Jewish lens, uncovering rich heritage in two of the South’s most historic cities.
  • Learn with scholar Joellyn Zollman, whose sessions illuminate the unique stories of Southern Jewish life.
  • Visit Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim and Mickve Israel, two of the oldest Jewish congregations in the U.S.
  • Walk the streets with local Jewish guides, blending personal narratives with historical Jewish insight.
  • Gain special access to the former Congregation B’nai B’rith Jacob, now SCAD’s Student Union, a rare opportunity not typically open to non-students.
  • Engage with powerful stories of resilience, from Holocaust remembrance to the lives of enslaved individuals at the Owens-Thomas House.

 

For the itinerary and other details, please see the tabs below. On a mobile device, use the menu icon (☰) to open other tabs.

Please read Melton's comprehensive health policy HERE.

  • Secrets of the Jewish South - Charleston & Savannah
    October 19-24, 2025
    (Itinerary subject to change)

     

    Day 1 – Sunday, October 19
    Welcome to Charleston!

    • Arrive in this charming Southern city, known for its rich history and hospitality.
    • Gather for a warm welcome and opening dinner at Basic Kitchen (82 Wentworth St., 843-789-4568), where fresh, local ingredients and great conversation set the tone for the week ahead.

     

    Overnight: Charleston

    Day 2 – Monday, October 20
    Stories of a Southern Jewish City

    • Engage in a dynamic learning session with scholar Joellyn Zollman, PhD.
    • Begin your visit with a Walking Tour of Charleston, led by certified city guides who are also local Jewish residents.
    • Enjoy lunch at leisure.
    • Afternoon visit to the College of Charleston Center for Southern Jewish Culture, where a learning session will be held featuring historic documents and objects from the Jewish Heritage Collection.
    • Dinner at leisure.

     

    Overnight: Charleston

    Day 3 – Tuesday, October 21
    Stories of a Southern Jewish City

    • Engage in a dynamic learning session with scholar Joellyn Zollman, PhD.
    • Walk to the historic Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim for a guided tour of Charleston’s iconic
    • colonial-era synagogue.
    • Continue to the Coming Street Cemetery, the oldest Jewish burial ground in the American South.
    • Afternoon and lunch at leisure—perfect for visiting museums, boutiques, or relaxing.
    • Gather at the Charleston Holocaust Memorial for a thoughtful analysis of its design and message.
    • Enjoy a group dinner at the intimate Muse Restaurant & Bar (82 Society St., 843-577-1102).

     

    Overnight: Charleston

    Day 4 – Wednesday, October 22
    From Charleston to Savannah

    • Depart Charleston and travel to Savannah by private coach (approx. 2 hours).
    • Lunch at leisure upon arrival.
    • Stroll through historic Savannah on a Walking Tour exploring its charm and hidden stories.
    • Take a private tour of SCAD - Savannah College of Art and Design, a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation. Visit historic Jewish buildings, now part of the SCAD campus, on a special tour designed just for us.
    • On the tour we will visit the Student Union, formerly Congregation B’nai B’rith Jacob, a Moorish Revival synagogue built in 1909 by local architect Hyman Witcover. Restored by SCAD students, the building now serves as a vibrant student hub while honoring its historic roots.
    • Evening free for dinner on your own, a chance to sample Savannah’s culinary gems.

     

    Overnight: Savannah

    Day 5 – Thursday, October 23
    Legacy and Learning in Savannah

    • Begin the day at Mickve Israel with an engagin learning session led by Joellyn Zollman.
    • Take a private guided tour of this storied synagogue and museum, followed by coffee and conversation with members of the congregation.
    • Lunch at leisure and time to explore Savannah’s shops and squares.
    • Step into history at the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, where we’ll explore the layered lives of both the elite Owens family and the enslaved people who lived and labored there.
    • Closing dinner at the elegant 45 Bistro (123 E Broughton St., 912-234-3111), where we’ll reflect on our journey and celebrate community.

     

    Overnight: Savannah

    Day 6 – Friday, October 24
    Departure Day

    • Check out and transfer to the airport at your leisure.
    • Optional visit: The Girl Scouts of America’s First Headquarters (on your own).

  • The "Secrets of the Jewish South: Charleston & Savannah" tour will be led by scholar and editor Dr. Joellyn Zollman. Melton travel is open to adults of all ages.

    While Melton oversees the educational aspects of our tours, it's important to note that we are not a travel agency. For the logistics of this trip, our travel partners in Charleston and Savannah will be responsible.

    Please note that Melton is not liable for any financial loss due to reasons beyond our control, such as health-related cancellations. We highly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation and health-related issues, including COVID, within a few weeks of paying your nonrefundable deposit.

    Thank you for your interest in travelling with Melton. We eagerly await the opportunity to learn and explore together with you,
    The Melton Travel Team

    Register online now >

  • Include

    • Three pre-trip online learning sessions taught by Dr. Joellyn Zollman
    • Travel between Charleston and Savannah
    • All site entrance fees, program fees, & daily learning sessions
    • 3 group dinners (as per itinerary)
    • Motor coach transportation, 3 group dinners, sightseeing, admissions, and the services of local guides, and the tour guide/educator are included.

    Not Included:

    • Hotel Accommodation
    • Flights and personal insurance
    • Personal expenses, including meals or drinks not mentioned in the itinerary, unless specified.

    Suggested Hotels*:

    In Charleston, please book 3 nights, October 19-22, 2025:


    In Savannah, please book 2 nights, October 22-24, 2025:

     

    * Other hotels or air B&Bs in the vicinity will also work

  • Need to Know

    A nonrefundable deposit of $500 is due upon registration. If the seminar is cancelled, the registration fee will be refunded. 

    The final balance will be due by August 1, 2025. All cancellations must be submitted in writing. After August 1, 2025, there will be no refunds, nor will there be refunds for unused services. Please purchase travel insurance within 21 days (about 3 weeks) of making this deposit.

    Meals are included as indicated in the itinerary.

    A Melton educator will be with the group throughout the tour.

    All gratuities are included.

    Baggage: Melton shall not be held responsible for any damage to or loss of luggage/personal items. All damage/loss must be reported at time of incident and documented in writing by local authorities for submission to the insurance company. Regarding airline baggage allowance, different carriers have different regulations for business and coach, please check with your individual carrier about permitted number of pieces, weights, and dimensions. Melton is not responsible for fees levied by any air carrier for the transport of personal belongings of any kind.

    Melton Travel recommends Forbes Advisor for the most up-to-date travel insurance comparisons. Consider travel protection for:

    • Trip Cancellation
    • Trip Interruption
    • Emergency Medical Expenses
    • Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation of Remains
    • Trip Delay
    • Baggage & Personal Effects
    • Baggage Delay

     

    Please Note: To be eligible for the waiver of pre-existing medical condition exclusion, the protection plan must be purchased within 21 days (about 3 weeks) from the time you make your initial trip deposit, the entire non-refundable amount of the trip must be insured, and you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. However, the travel protection plan itself can be purchased any time prior to departure.

    Additional Information

    Airline Security Measures: Your name must match the name on your tour reservation and airline ticket, or you may be denied boarding. If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S., you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification are required for that airport.

    Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times. You may also wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration website at www.tsa.gov to obtain more information on acceptable identity documentation and prohibited luggage items.

    Holidays and Museum Closures: Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or state and local holidays observed in the destinations being visited.

    Photography During Tours: We will occasionally use photographs taken by fellow guests or your trip director for promotional purposes. If you prefer your photo not used in any marketing activities, please notify us at the start of your tour.

  • For more information, please write to us here.

    Or call: 1–646–921–0747, Ext. 4