Annual Christmas Tour South Carolina
MOTORCOACH DEPARTURE
11/27/2027
MOTORCOACH RETURN
12/03/2027
7 Days / 6 Nights
DEPARTURE LOCATIONS
Rayne, LA
Houma, LA
Every year many look forward to the annual Christmas Tour, well for 2027 it will be similar to the tour we did in 2024 with a few extras. For the first time in three years, we will only be doing one coach this time so if you are interested in this one you may want to reserve your seat early.
DAY ONE we begin with our usual pickups throughout south Louisiana. Before departing Louisiana, we stop for a scenic lunch in the Slidell area. From there we make our way along the Gulf Coast through Mississippi and into Alabama. Upon arriving in Mobile we attend mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Dating back to 1850 this Cathedral has withstood explosions, fire and even a plane attack but still stands tall in all its grandeur today. After mass we’ll check into the newly built Drury Inn of Mobile and enjoy the kickbacks before boarding the coach once again to take the drive to see the Magic of Christmas in Lights at Bellingrath Gardens. The 65 acre estate consists of over 3 million lights and over one thousand set pieces in fifteen themed scenes. (D1: L, KB)
The next morning, we board the coach for a full day of driving on this SECOND DAY of the tour. We pass the time playing games and watching some holiday movies and of lots of conversation stopping in Tallahassee for lunch. Since it’s such a long day and we loose an hour a pre-order dinner will be waiting at the hotel for us. You can unpack a bit as we’ll be here two nights. (D2: B, L, D)
With no luggage on DAY THREE we can enjoy the extra time with a slightly later departure. We begin this scenic day with a narrated city tour of Savannah learning of events which has shaped not only the landscape of the area but also the culture. As we ride through the city we’ll pass under moss draped oaks, you’ll be able see the beautiful unique squares filled with lush gardens surrounded with beautiful homes also pass upon the stone riverfront roadway. With so many unique shops and restaurants the mid-day you will be on your own either tour one of the fascinating homes, enjoy a southern dish or do a little holiday shopping. Just with other tours you’ll have the hop on/off pass to get around town and back to our meeting place. Later in the afternoon we regroup for a group dinner. After dinner with weather permitting, we take another drive through the historic area for Christmas Light Tour to see the city all lit up in holiday style. (D3: B, D)
One day was nice not to pack but this morning we pack up once again to head to Charleston on DAY FOUR. We are welcomed to Charleston by a local guide who will take us around this second charming southern city to learn of its history, which also was shaped by being located next to the coast. After I guided tour, we have a group lunch before free time in the famous Charleston Market for those looking for unique finds for either yourself or someone else. This afternoon we check into the hotel which once again we’ll be in for two nights, when then make our way to dinner before tonight’s outing. This evening’s outing will be to the James Island Christmas light display. We’ll slowly drive through the 3 mile park circle with maybe a stop or two for photos before arriving to the midway point where we’ll get down to see additional displays such as actual sandcastles, school holiday displays and a few more colorful displays up close. (D4; B, L, D)
For DAY FIVE after a late previous night and another late night this evening we’ll gladly accept today’s extended drive for not having to pack for another hotel this evening. Even though we may arrive a bit early to The Original Benjamin Jack’s Calabash for lunch. This lunch spot also includes a vast model ship museum with over 500 model ships from special collections such as America’s World Cup, Famous Ocean liners and Navy Ships. After touring the museum section we’ll move over to this 1,000 seat nautical themed restaurant for its 170 item Buffet consisting of seafood anyway imaginable. A short ten-minute drive brings us to the popular Carolina Opry House where we enjoy their afternoon Christmas Show often the Best Christmas Show of the South. Celebrating 40 years in 2026 of performing this show each year gets better with over 35 vocalists, musicians and dancers. From heart touching Christmas favorites to high energy clogging paired with a little comedy this stage performance will be a memory to last forever.
Since we had such a big lunch and then sat in the theater this evening you’ll have the chance to walk it off at our next stop just south of Myrtle Beach at Brookgreen Gardens. Even though we’ve already toured two other Christmas light displays this one stands out in a category of its own with its annually themed event “Night of a Thousand Candles”. And just like the title each night volunteers light actual candles through this park with most years totaling over 2,700 candles each night.
Paired with unique themed areas such as the colored areas with specific color coordinated areas or the sculpture garden but a true highlight is a visit to Oak Alley where 200 year old oaks are draped with millions of lights cascading down. Once we’re finished, we’ll make the hour and half drive back to Charleston but thankful that its our second night so no unpacking this evening. (D5: B, L)
DAY SIX will be our return driving day with so much activities on the previous days I’m sure many will appreciate the chance to slow it down. As always we’ll pass the time with games and conversations and who knows what else before making our way to Montgomery for our last nights stay. We also get our hour back so we should be arriving in plenty of time to take in the Drury Kickback Reception (D6: B, L, KB)
For DAY SEVEN which is our last and final day being a Friday we’ll do an early breakfast to give us an early start on the road back home. With a few short breaks we make it through Alabama, Mississippi and back to our Lovely Louisiana!
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RESERVATION INFORMATION
TOUR COST PER PERSON
Single: $2,792
Double: $2,324
Departure Location(s):
Rayne, LA / Houma, LA
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST
Motorcoach Transportation
6 Nights of Hotel Accommodations (Inc. All Resort Fees)
All Admissions to Group Activities (Inc. All Gratuities)
6 Hotel Breakfast, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners (Inc. 2 Drury Kickback)
RESERVATION & DEPOSIT POLICY
To reserve your place on a tour, each guest must complete an individual reservation. Couples, partners, family members, and friends traveling together should each submit their own reservation form.
Once your reservation is received, a member of our staff will send you a confirmation email with a tour balance statement. A non-refundable deposit of $250 per person is required within 30 days of receipt of the email to secure your reservation. Payments can be made by either credit card using the including link in the email or by mailing a check to ACADIANA BYWAYS, 7423 Clydesdale Dr. Iowa, LA 70467.
FINAL DECISION & PAYMENT DUE DATE
All payments for this tour must be made by 09/28/2027 along with decision whether to proceed with the reserved tour allowing the coordination of transportation, hotel accommodations, included meals and activities of which most are prepaid ahead of our arrival.
CANCELLATION POLICY
We understand life changes and personal situations may arise which can prevent planned travel therefore we offer a refund of all payments made towards the tour minus the $250 non-refundable deposit. This is to cover our internal expenses of reservations made along with time to process cancellation with all partners within the tour such as hotels, attractions and restaurants. This offer is available for any cancellation made more than 60 days prior to the departure date of the tour. Cancellation Deadline: 09/28/2027 Departure Date: 11/27/2027 Any Cancellation after or during will forfeit all payments made. For any reimbursement of funds, we suggest obtaining the insurance so a claim may be made.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
• Tour Cancellation: Up to 100% of the prepaid non-refundable payments towards the registered tour for any covered reason.
• Tour Interruption: Up to 150% of the prepaid non-refundable portion of your tour expenses and the additional transportation cost required to return home, if your tour is interrupted for any covered reason. If your tour is interrupted for any covered reason.
• Emergency Medical & Dental: Up to $50,000 Reimbursement of expenses incurred during the tour due to covered medical and dental emergencies. No deductible. $750 Maximum for emergency dental care.
• Emergency Transportation: Up to $250,000 provides benefits for the cost of medically necessary transportation to the nearest appropriate facility and can also provide benefits for the cost transportation back home following a covered illness or injury.
INDIVIDUAL TRAVELER: $426
(For those traveling as a SINGLE or DOUBLE)
COUPLES: $264
(For couples who reside together and are traveling together)