Athens for the Holidays

2 Day / 1 Night Group Tour Itinerary

Day One

City Hall Tree

Morning: Delve deep into Athens' Antebellum roots at the Federal-style Church-Waddel-Brumby House (ca. 1820), Athens' oldest surviving residence. You'll meet your step-on guide for the Museum Mile Tour of Historic House Museums with driving commentary and docent tours in each of the homes, decorated in the more modest style of the Antebellum period. The gift shop at the Church-Waddel-Brumby House and the gallery shop at the Lyndon House Arts Center afford opportunities for one-of-a-kind gift shopping.

Afternoon: Depart for the State Botanical Garden of Georgia for a charming lunch at the Gardenside Cafe. Enjoy festive decorations as you tour the three-story Conservatory, featuring a poinsettia Christmas tree to enhance the beauty of the exhibits. Be sure to stop in the gift shop for a souvenir of a wonderful afternoon.

Experience true Southern Hospitality with a welcome reception at your hotel before dinner.

Evening: Dine in style and enjoy a wide selection of fine cuisine at East-West Bistro. Your dining room overlooks the historic North Campus of the University of Georgia, decorated in the spirit of the season. After dinner, experience downtown Athens' transformation into a festival of lights. You'll love the Athens Christmas Tree in front of City Hall...bring your cameras!

Contact the CVB or browse the event listings for more information about the countless holiday entertainment options throughout the season. The Classic Center Theatre and the UGA Performing Arts Center have bountiful options for the season.

Overnight in one of Athens' fine properties.

Day Two

Morning: Where is that enticing aroma coming from? The locally-based, fair trade-sourced coffee roasters of 1000Faces Coffee offer cuppings, which are tastings of various brews with education for the beginning coffee connoisseur. Pick up a bag of beans--a great gift for the holidays!

We'll let you loose in Downtown for unique boutiques and chic shopping in locally-owned spots. You're sure to find one-of-a-kind treats for under the tree.

Contact the Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau to make hotel room block arrangements, 706.357.4430, toll free 800.653.0603 or Request a Destination Planning Guide.