Old Savannah Tours

Old Savannah Tours has cemented its position as a prominent tour operator in Savannah's competitive tourism landscape. Established in 1979, this locally owned and operated company prides itself on offering more than just a ride through historic streets; it aims to provide a mobile theater experience. The company's core offering revolves around trolley tours that cover the breadth of the city's rich history, but with a distinct feature that serves as its primary differentiator: live historical reenactors who board the trolleys at various stops. This approach of bringing history to life has garnered the company a substantial number of positive reviews and a loyal following, making it a frequent choice for first-time visitors seeking an engaging overview of the city.

The Theatrical Approach: A Key Strength

The most lauded aspect of Old Savannah Tours is undoubtedly its cast of historical characters. Throughout the guided tours, individuals dressed as figures like Savannah founder General James Oglethorpe, or even pop culture icon Forrest Gump, hop on and off the trolley to share personal anecdotes and historical context. This interactive element transforms a standard sightseeing trip into a dynamic performance. For families with children, this feature is often a deciding factor, turning a potentially dry history lesson into an exciting and memorable vacation experience. Reviews frequently highlight these character appearances as the tour's high point, creating photo opportunities and personal interactions that passive narration simply cannot match. This commitment to storytelling has helped Old Savannah Tours be voted "Best Trolley Tour in Savannah" consistently since 2003, a testament to its unique and effective model.

Expertise and Local Flavor

Beyond the theatricality, the quality of the primary tour guides, the trolley drivers themselves, receives consistent praise. Many are described in reviews as being deeply knowledgeable, humorous, and personable, often sharing personal stories that connect them to the city's history. This reflects the company's emphasis on being Savannah-owned and operated, with guides who are long-time residents rather than seasonal workers reading from a script. This local authenticity adds a layer of depth to the tours. In addition to the standard historical tours, the company also offers themed tour packages, such as the popular "Grave Encounters" ghost tour, which uses the same actor-driven format to explore the city's haunted folklore after dark.

Points for Consideration: A Balanced View

While the vast majority of feedback is positive, potential travelers should be aware of a few aspects before booking. The very strengths of the tour can also present certain challenges.

Logistics of the Hop-On-Hop-Off Model

Like many sightseeing tours that use a hop-on-hop-off system, the experience can be subject to logistical hurdles. During peak season or busy times of the day, trolleys can become crowded. Some visitors have noted having to wait for one or two trolleys to pass before finding available seats, which can disrupt a tightly planned itinerary. While Old Savannah Tours aims for frequent service, those on a strict schedule might find a non-stop overview tour a more predictable option. It is wise to factor in potential wait times when utilizing the on-and-off privileges.

The Subjectivity of Entertainment

The theatrical nature of the tours, while a major draw for most, may not suit every taste. Visitors seeking a purely academic or straightforward historical narrative might find the character interruptions and humorous tone to be a distraction. The ghost tours, in particular, receive mixed feedback in this regard. While many find them entertaining and spooky, others have described them as more comical than frightening, leaning towards theatrical jump-scares over serious paranormal investigation. This makes it a great choice for families or those looking for lighthearted spooky fun, but perhaps less so for dedicated ghost hunters.

Operational Considerations

The trolleys are often open-air, which provides excellent, unobstructed views and photo opportunities on a pleasant day. However, during Savannah's hot and humid summers or in the event of rain, this design can be a drawback. While the company has been known to provide handheld fans, the comfort level is still largely dependent on the weather. Furthermore, it's important for visitors to be aware of a significant business change. As of early 2025, Old Savannah Tours has evolved, with its daily touring operations now offered through Historic Tours of America and Old Town Trolley Tours, while the original company, rebranded as Elite Savannah Travel, focuses on group travel and luxury transportation. Customers booking new tours will likely be engaging with the Old Town Trolley service, which now runs the former OST routes.

Conclusion: Who is this Tour For?

Ultimately, this travel agency offers one of the most distinctive and highly-rated ways to see Savannah. It is exceptionally well-suited for:

• First-time visitors who want a comprehensive and entertaining introduction to the city's layout and history.
• Families with children who will be captivated by the live actors and interactive storytelling.
• Travelers who appreciate a tour with personality, humor, and a strong local identity.

Conversely, those who prefer a more solemn, self-paced, or purely informational approach to history, or who are visiting on a very tight schedule, might want to weigh the potential for trolley waits and the theatrical style. By understanding both its unique strengths and its practical considerations, visitors can make an informed decision and choose the vacation package that best fits their travel style.