Charleston, South Carolina – Beaufort, South Carolina – Savanna, Georgia
Southern US Student Expedition
Southern Expedition – The Jews of the South
All Kosher, All Inclusive Tour
Available year- round
Educational Programming: Biology, Ecology, Social Studies
Civil Rights and Jewish history and Heritage
The Journey
Discover a region where Southern charm meets centuries of rich Jewish heritage. Once home to two of America’s most vibrant Jewish communities, Savannah and Charleston continue to preserve the traditions, stories, and spirit that shaped Jewish life in the early American South. Join Kosher X as expert guides bring this extraordinary history to life—through unforgettable experiences, inspiring narratives, and authentic cultural encounters.
Charleston, South Carolina: Step into Charleston, a city where the past truly lives on. Wander cobblestone streets lit by glowing gas lamps, explore secret gardens and hidden alleys, and soak in the timeless elegance of historic homes and waterfront vistas. From pirate lore to Civil War forts, ancient synagogues to centuriesold public buildings, Charleston offers more than 330 years of charm, culture, and discovery.
Uncover the remarkable story of South Carolina’s early Jewish settlers—many with Sephardic roots who built one of America’s earliest congregations, Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, in 1749. Charleston soon became the largest Jewish community in the country, influencing commerce, culture, and American history through the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
Today, this vibrant community proudly preserves its unique blend of Sephardic and Ashkenazi heritage.
Savannah, Georgia: Welcome to Savannah—one of the most enchanting and hospitable cities in America. With mossdraped oaks, elegant squares, and iconic mansions, Savannah invites you to slow down and savor its beauty. Named a top U.S. destination, it’s a city where every corner reveals another layer of Southern charm and timeless appeal. Savannah’s Jewish story begins in 1733, when 42 courageous settlers arrived carrying a Torah scroll that survives to this day. Their congregation, Mickve Israel, is now the thirdoldest in the United States and houses rare artifacts, including letters from early American presidents. The striking Gothic synagogue on Monterey Square anchors a Jewish community still proud, active, and deeply connected to its origins.
Beaufort, South Carolina: Beaufort feels like a Lowcountry fairytale—with gracious antebellum homes, giant live oaks, fragrant gardens, and serene coastal breezes. This captivating town blends natural beauty with rich layers of history, from early explorers to the Gullah culture that shaped the region. Jewish life in Beaufort dates to the 1760s, eventually leading to the creation of Beth Israel Congregation, dedicated in 1908. Still active in its original whiteclapboard synagogue, this enduring community reflects the resilience, warmth, and traditions of Jewish families who have made Beaufort home for generations.
| Call for Pricing | 5 |
| days |
Price based on double occupancy
Student Groups of 18+
Includes:
- Charleston Airport pick up and return
- Buses and drivers for tour duration
- All Kosher meals
- Daily program as per itinerary
- 4-night accommodations based on double occupancy (tour extensions available)
- Private guides/naturalists/educators for tour duration
- Kosher X staff leaders for the tour duration
- All tours and entrance fees
Not Included:
- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Miscellaneous items
Itinerary
Historic city bus & walking tours: Explore these city’s Historic Districts, shaded by spreading live oaks draped with beards of Spanish moss, making the visitor feel almost as if time has stood still
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sun) – Charleston, SC
Arrive Charleston, airport meet-and-greet then transferred to your hotel. We begin our tour with an orientation at KK Beth Elohim where our guide will introduce the group to Charleston, the Jewish community and have a tour of this historic property.
Day 2 (Mon) – Charleston, SC
Morning: We visit the Coming Street Cemetery, the oldest and largest Jewish cemetery in the South and resting place to some of the largest and wealthiest Jewish communities of colonial America. Next on our tour is a visit to the historic Nathaniel Russell House to experience more of Charleston’s 18th Century culture. We will be met by a docent of the Historic Charleston Foundation for a program on slavery and the south and the influence of the Russell family.
Afternoon: We will visit the Jewish Studies Center at the College of Charleston, walk the college grounds to the Addlestone Library, where professors of Jewish Students and Directors of the Pearlstine/Lipov Center for Southern Jewish Culture will teach our group about the Jews who came to Charleston from Poland, speak about the center’s famous Jewish Heritage Collection and share some of the important documents held by the College.
Evening Activity Options:
- Explore the heart of Charleston at The City Market
- Ghost Tour of the Old Exchange Building
Day 3 (Tues) – Charleston, SC
Morning: We will board our coach bus to right to Georgetown, SC to visit Hobcaw Barony, a 17,500-acre property owned by Bernard Baruch and used as his family’s southern retreat and hunting lodge. We will learn about the family’s ownership until the death of Belle Baruch in 1964 and how she ensured its usage today as a place of research in forestry, marine biology and much more. After lunch on the Hobcaw grounds, we will return to Georgetown to meet a member of Congregation Beth Elohim and the impressive Jewish history of Georgetown.
*Optional Field Study Program for Students in biology, conservation, forestry, fire conservation.
*Optional Social Studies Programs for Students: Minority cultures in Hobcaw Barony; Impactful People at Hobcaw and Belle Baruch and Societal Change.
Evening Activity Options:
Explore the USS Yorktown Waterfront for shopping and free time
Ghost Tour of the USS Yorktown
Day 4 (Wed) – Beaufort, SC & Savannah, GA
Morning: We board our coach bus on our way to Savannah, GA, stopping in Beaufort, SC, for an area history tour to include Beth Israel Synagogue which was built in 1908 and community visit.
Savannah, GA – upon arrival in the early afternoon, we board the Old Savannah Trolley for a guided tour stopping at the historical sites throughout the city. We will continue with a guided tour of the famous Mickve Israel Synagogue, the third oldest congregation in America, and the first synagogue built in Georgia. Among the many historical treasures found in the Mickve Israel museum, is a 15th Century Torah, the oldest in North America. Next, we will explore The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. We will be guided through the vibrant tapestry of African American culture and history.
Evening Activity Options:
- “Sound of Charleston” concert, featuring music encompassing the history of Charleston, from Gospel to Gershwin.
Day 5 (Thurs) – Farewell
Hotel check-out and transfer to Charleston airport for your return home.
Accommodations
Ready to Plan Your Southern Expedition Adventure?
Tell us your dates, family or group size and interests and we’ll tailor the villa/condo/hotel.
Call: 800-923-2645
Email: info@kosherxtours.com
What Client Say About us
To A Fabulous Team!! You guys put together an absolutely awesome experience for all of us! The staff was great, the land was stunning...and the tour guide was terrific! Thanks again for bringing out the beauty of this precious land!
Leah
This was a wonderful way to travel Jewishly — a very congenial group from all over the world, full Kosher meals, religious services and all arrangements taken care of, and the extra-special element of an outstanding guest scholar.
Ed & Cheryl D, Fairlawn
"Such a fascinating and informative experience. It was most worthwhile — we could never have arranged such a tour on our own."