Savannah is a city made for exploring. Its charming streets, historic squares, and scenic coastal areas mean that a well-planned full-day tour can turn a quick visit into an unforgettable experience. We love how Savannah’s diverse attractions — from the historic district to Tybee Island — make for immersive day trips.
For example, the Savannah VIP Tour (see details here) offers personalized attention and the chance to customize your itinerary, which is perfect if you want to focus on your specific interests.
Meanwhile, the Full Day Private Tour of Savannah Film Locations (find out more here) taps into Savannah’s Hollywood fame, appealing to movie buffs eager to see where classics like Forrest Gump and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil were shot.
Whether you’re interested in historical landmarks, scenic coastlines, or film history, Savannah’s full-day tours give you a well-rounded glimpse of this charming Southern city. Here’s a quick overview of what’s on offer before we dive into each experience.
1. Savannah VIP Tour: Private Full-Day Tour
At number one on our list is the Savannah VIP Tour: Private Full-Day Tour. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a flexible, tailored experience. Priced at $280 per person, it offers approximately seven hours of sightseeing with a personal guide who can adapt the itinerary to your interests.
The tour covers the historic district’s key sights, including charming squares, stately homes, and landmarks like the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which you can explore on a self-guided visit.
What makes this tour stand out is the ability to include Tybee Island and its lighthouse, easily accessible in a day. The tour also combines visits to Victorian and Bluff Drive neighborhoods and includes a stop in the Isle of Hope, famous for its stately mansions overlooking marshes.
Reviews highlight how informative and personable the guides are — “Bill picked us up at our door and made sure we saw all the highlights without feeling rushed,” says one traveler.
The lunch stop (not included) provides a flexible break, and the tour’s private nature means you won’t be stuck with strangers.
Bottom Line: If you value a customizable, private experience and want to see the city at your own pace, this tour offers excellent value for its personal attention and comprehensive coverage.
2. Full Day Private Tour of Savannah Film Locations
The Full Day Private Tour of Savannah Film Locations ranks second for its focus on Savannah’s role as a film industry hotspot. Priced at $350 per person, this seven-hour tour attracts movie lovers eager to see where Hollywood has shot some of its most iconic scenes.
The tour visits Chippewa Square, where Forrest Gump sat on his bench, and Monterey Square, home to the Jim Williams mansion seen in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
You’ll also explore River Street, famous for the Big Muddy Casino from Ozark, and walk through streets and squares used in Spongebob Squarepants.
What makes this experience unique is the cinematic storytelling element — the guide uses visual aids to connect each location to its film role, making it engaging and easy to follow. The tour’s pace is comfortable, ensuring you get enough time at each site without feeling rushed.
Reviewers appreciate how well the guide makes each film location come alive, with one saying, “Lots of fun — I loved seeing the places I recognized from TV and movies.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for film fans, this tour combines Savannah’s historic sights with the glamour of Hollywood, offering a fun and informative experience.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two fantastic Savannah tours, consider your interests and what kind of experience you’re after. If you prefer a personalized, flexible tour that allows you to focus on the sights that matter most to you, the Savannah VIP Tour (see here) is an excellent choice.
On the other hand, if you’re a film enthusiast eager to see Savannah’s movie-famous spots, the Film Locations tour (find out more here) offers a unique look at Hollywood’s footprint in the city.
Budget-wise, the VIP tour offers a slightly more personalized experience for $280, while the film tour at $350 provides a specialized focus that’s more niche. Think about your pace: both tours last about 7 hours, so choose based on whether you want a tailored experience or a themed journey through Savannah’s cinematic history.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and time.
Final Thoughts
Both tours give you a chance to see Savannah in a full day, but they cater to different interests. The VIP Tour is best for travelers who want a customizable, comprehensive look at Savannah’s historic sites and scenic areas like Tybee Island. Meanwhile, the Film Locations Tour is perfect if you’re a movie buff eager to walk through the city’s famous scenes.
For most visitors, a combination of these experiences could provide a well-rounded visit. If you’re pressed for time, choosing the tour that aligns with your specific passions will make your trip more memorable. Be sure to book ahead, especially in busy seasons, to enjoy these personalized, full-day adventures. Savannah’s charm is waiting — now all you need is the right tour to unlock it.