Our Picks For The 8 Best City Tours In Savannah

Savannah’s charm lies in its beautiful squares, historic architecture, and lively riverfront. What makes exploring this city especially rewarding is the variety of tours designed to showcase its many layers. Whether you want a panoramic view from an open-top vehicle, a boat ride along the Savannah River, or a spooky ghost walk, Savannah’s tour options dig deep into its stories and scenery. These experiences are tailored for different interests and schedules, making it easy to find something that fits your style. Plus, many tours include hotel pickups, expert guides, and unique vantage points, providing a seamless way to learn about the city without a lot of hassle.

Keep in mind that Savannah is especially lively during spring and fall, when the weather’s ideal for outdoor adventures and walking tours. To help you pick the perfect experience, we’ve compiled a list of the eight best city tours in Savannah. From quick highlights to immersive history lessons, this list covers a range of options so you can decide what suits your trip best.

Quick Overview

Our list includes sightseeing tours, such as the Savannah Open Top Panoramic City Tour, which offers unobstructed views of the city’s most iconic spots. For those who want to combine sightseeing with a relaxing river cruise, the Savannah: Riverboat Cruise & City Tour Combo is a solid pick. History fans might prefer the Historical Panoramic City Tour for its detailed narration. For something a little different, the Historic Drinks Tour combines local libations with storytelling. If spooky tales are your thing, the Ghost City Night Tour offers a chilling look at Savannah’s haunted past. For a family-friendly, interactive experience, consider the Wacky Walks scavenger hunt. Finally, the comprehensive Land & Sea Combo combines trolley sightseeing with a scenic river cruise.

Now, let’s look at each tour in detail and see what makes them stand out.

1. Savannah Open Top Panoramic City Tour with Live Narration

This tour is perfect if you’re after unobstructed views of Savannah’s highlights. Riding in a Mercedes Sprinter van with an open-top roof, you’ll get a 360° perspective on the city’s squares, mansions, and historic streets. The open-air design is especially enjoyable on good weather days, giving you the feeling of being part of Savannah rather than just observing it. The route passes City Market, River Street, and iconic churches and parks, with a guide sharing stories along the way.

What makes this tour stand out is the open-top vehicle that allows you to see the city from side to side and above. The 90-minute route covers more than just the big sights; it introduces you to Savannah’s layout, including the more than 20 squares laid out by General James E. Oglethorpe. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the fun, relaxed vibe. One guest noted, “The open air vehicle was a great way to tour the city,” emphasizing the experience’s comfort and educational value.

Bottom Line: A lively, flexible way to see Savannah’s key sights in 90 minutes, especially suited for weather-friendly days and travelers who love panoramic views.

2. Savannah: Riverboat Cruise & City Tour Combo

At number 2, the Riverboat Cruise & City Tour Combo combines land and water for a full picture of Savannah. The 3-hour tour starts with an open-air trolley tour covering the historic district, Victorian homes, and landmarks like Forsyth Park, giving you a broad sense of the city’s layout and stories. Then you’ll hop onto a scenic river cruise along the Savannah River, which offers stunning views of the waterfront and skyline.

This combo is ideal if you want a well-rounded overview without much hassle. The trolley is known for its colorful storytelling, and the cruise offers a relaxing vantage point to see Old Fort Jackson and the riverfront. Guests mention the knowledgeable guides and how the shuttle service makes it easy to get around. The overall value is good considering the combined experience, especially for first-time visitors.

Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive introduction to Savannah with a mix of sightseeing and a relaxing boat ride.

3. Savannah: Historical Panoramic City Tour

This tour focuses on Savannah’s architecture and stories, led by a knowledgeable guide on an open-topped or glass-roofed bus. It’s a 90-minute ride through the city’s most historic streets, with stops at churches, old oak trees, and notable homes. The guide shares insights into local characters and the city’s development, making it both informative and engaging.

Guests love how “the guide was fantastic and full of interesting facts,” and appreciate the comfortable vehicle that allows full views while keeping the weather in check. The tour’s small size makes it feel personal, and reviews highlight its value for learning Savannah’s story without feeling rushed.

Bottom Line: A solid choice for history enthusiasts wanting a detailed, guided overview of Savannah’s key landmarks.

4. Savannah: Historic Drinks in a Historic City

For around $100, this small-group tour combines drinks with history. Starting at Telfair Square, you’ll visit Jazz’d Tapas Bar for wine and tapas, then sample honey-based drinks at the Savannah Bee Company. The tour continues on foot through scenic squares, passing Oglethorpe Square and the 17Hundred90 Inn, with stops for scenic views and local stories.

This experience is adult-only and ideal for those who want to learn about Savannah’s past while enjoying a cocktail. One reviewer called it “a wonderful time in our tour,” highlighting the intimate atmosphere and knowledgeable guide. The all-inclusive price covers multiple stops, making for a relaxed yet educational evening.

Bottom Line: Perfect for adults interested in local history and cocktails in a small-group setting.

5. City Stroll Tour in Savannah

This 1.5-hour walking tour is a great introductory experience. Starting at Johnson Square, the guide takes you through a selection of squares while sharing stories about Savannah’s founding, notable homes, and movies filmed in town. It’s designed for first-timers who want a personalized, relaxed introduction to Savannah.

Guests describe it as “the perfect way to start your trip,” because it covers the basics while giving room for questions and spontaneous interests. The walking pace is gentle, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Since it’s a small group, you get plenty of interaction with the guide.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those new to Savannah, looking for a light, informative walk that covers the city’s main stories.

6. Savannah’s Ghost City “Dead of Night” Walking Night Tour

For lovers of the spooky, the Ghost Night Tour is a must. It takes you through Savannah’s haunted districts, including Colonial Park Cemetery, where unrested spirits are said to linger. The adults-only tour lasts about 90 minutes, and guides share dark tales of duels, deaths, and mysterious happenings.

Rated 4.5/5 with over 2,300 reviews, it’s clear this tour delivers a spooky, atmospheric experience. Guide Henry McDonald is praised for being informative and humorous, making the ghost stories engaging without being overly frightening. The tour offers a unique perspective on Savannah, blending history with ghost stories.

Bottom Line: Ideal for night owls and history buffs who enjoy a bit of fright mixed with storytelling.

7. Savannah City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks

This interactive scavenger hunt is a fun, modern way to explore Savannah. Using an app, you’ll solve riddles and complete challenges around the city to find items and take photos. It’s perfect for families and small groups wanting a dynamic, engaging adventure. The game lasts about two hours, with a live remote host providing hints and support.

Guests enjoy the quirky clues and selfie tasks, making it a lighthearted experience. One review notes, “It was well worth the $10 per person,” highlighting the great value for a family-friendly activity. The game encourages teamwork and exploration, and you can compete on a national leaderboard.

Bottom Line: Best for those who want a fun, active, and social way to see Savannah’s sights.

8. Savannah Land & Sea Combo: City Sightseeing Trolley Tour with Riverboat Cruise

This five-hour tour offers a comprehensive experience. It starts with a guided trolley tour of the Historic and Victorian districts, passing Forsyth Park and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a narrated cruise along the Savannah River, with views of Old Fort Jackson and the waterfront.

Rated 4.5/5 with over 1,700 reviews, many travelers appreciate the smooth transition between land and water. The tour provides a lot of ground coverage and is ideal for those who like a full day of sightseeing without the stress of planning multiple tickets. Some guests mention weather can impact the cruise, so checking the forecast helps.

Bottom Line: Suited for travelers who want a complete, relaxed day exploring Savannah’s streets and riverfront with minimal hassle.

How to Choose the Right Savannah Tour

When selecting your tour, think about your budget, the time available, and your specific interests. For example, if you want a quick overview, the Panoramic City Tour or the Historical Panorama are excellent choices. For a more immersive experience, the Land & Sea Combo provides a full day of sightseeing.

If you’re interested in evening entertainment, the Ghost Tour is ideal, especially if you enjoy spooky stories. For families or groups who want a more interactive outing, the Scavenger Hunt offers a lively way to explore.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons in spring and fall, to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment.

To sum it up, Savannah offers a diverse selection of tours suited for all interests and schedules. Whether you’re after panoramic views, historical insights, spooky tales, or a combined land-and-sea experience, there’s something ready to show you the city’s many layers. For a quick overview, the open-top panoramic tour is a fun, straightforward start, while couples or adults might enjoy the Historic Drinks Tour for its mix of libations and lore. If you’re pressed for time, the City Stroll is perfect for a gentle introduction. Whatever your style, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences.