Positively Bull Street – 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour

Introduction: Exploring Savannah’s Historic Heart

If you’re after a gentle yet immersive way to get to know Savannah, the Positively Bull Street – 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour offers a promising introduction. This guided walk takes you along Georgia’s oldest thoroughfare, highlighting the city’s most iconic squares and architectural treasures. We particularly appreciate how accessible and engaging this tour appears for a broad range of travelers.

Three things stand out: First, the tour’s focus on Savannah’s unique grid-like layout makes it easier to understand the city’s planning and history. Second, the stops at celebrated squares like Chippewa and Wright give you a true taste of local life and history. Lastly, the tour’s reasonable price of $35 makes it a valuable way to see key highlights without breaking the bank.

One potential consideration is that, at about two hours, this walk may leave some wanting more if they’re eager for an in-depth exploration. Still, it’s a fantastic primer and excellent for those with moderate physical fitness who enjoy walking and history. This tour is well-suited for first-time visitors, history buffs, or anyone who wants a compact, well-organized overview of Savannah’s core.

Good To Know

• Affordable Price: At $35 per person, this tour offers good value for a quick yet comprehensive introduction to Savannah.
• Focus on Savannah’s Layout: The walking route highlights the city’s iconic squares and the Oglethorpe Plan, providing context about Savannah’s historic design.
• Engaging Stops: From stunning historic homes to lively public squares, each stop offers insights into Savannah’s architecture and culture.
• Guided Experience: Led by knowledgeable guides, you gain stories and details that bring the city’s history to life.
• Comfortable Pace: The tour covers approximately 2 miles, suitable for most travelers with moderate fitness levels.
• Convenient Mobile Ticket: Easy to book and access, making last-minute plans straightforward.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Downtown Savannah’s Living History

Your journey begins at Jennifer Katzman1 W Gaston St, a convenient central location in Savannah’s bustling historic district. From there, the guide — whose insights and stories are the backbone of the experience — kicks off with a quick overview of Savannah’s founding principles and the city’s distinctive grid.

The Mansion on Bull Street

One of the tour’s standout stops is a magnificent mansion designed in 1917 by Henrik Wallin. This sprawling ten-bedroom home, with nearly 26,000 square feet of space, showcases the city’s architectural diversity. The guide highlights its Italian Renaissance Revival style, noting features like granite balustrades, a porte-cochère, orangery, and sunporch, each adding to its grandeur. Reviewers mention that learning about the mansion’s design details — like the bronze doors crafted in New York — truly enriches the experience. This stop reveals the wealth and elegance that once defined Savannah’s elite.

Monterey Square: A Historic Landmark

Next, you’ll visit Monterey Square, laid out in 1847. This square’s history is palpable, with the Herman Kuhlman Duplex, dating back to 1851, standing as a testament to Savannah’s long-standing architectural legacy. Travelers often comment on how the square’s ambiance is best appreciated when you understand its history and the stories behind its buildings. The guide does a great job connecting these stories, making the square feel alive.

Madison Square: A Front-Row Seat to the Past

Laid out in 1837, Madison Square is rich with past. Named for President James Madison, it’s home to intriguing structures like the Sorrel-Weed House, dating from 1840. Reviewers point out that the guide’s storytelling helps paint a vivid picture of life in the 19th century. The square’s well-preserved buildings and lush greenery make it a highlight of the walk.

Chippewa Square: The Movie Fame

Perhaps Savannah’s most famous square, Chippewa Square is where Forrest Gump sat on the bench. Laid out in 1815, it’s one of the middle-row squares and offers a good blend of history and pop culture. The Savannah Theatre, dating back to 1818, is another highlight here. Visitors mention that learning about the square’s history and its role in Savannah’s community adds depth beyond the Gump reference.

Wright Square: The Oldest of All

Wright Square is notable for its history, being one of the original four squares from 1733. Its oldest building, the William Waring Property, from 1825, stands nearby. Many appreciate how the guide connects its long history to present-day Savannah, giving a sense of continuity through centuries.

Savannah City Hall: The Civic Heart

The tour concludes at Savannah City Hall, built between 1904 and 1905. As one of the city’s architectural landmarks, it embodies Savannah’s civic pride. The guide shares stories about its construction and significance, rounding out the tour with a civic perspective.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authentic storytelling is one of the tour’s strongest points. The guide’s knowledge makes the history of each square and building come alive. The small group size, limited to 12 travelers, ensures a more intimate atmosphere and opportunities for questions and interaction.

Walking through Savannah’s squares provides an immersive experience you can’t get from a bus or car tour. You’ll see the buildings up close, feel the vibe of each neighborhood, and understand how the city’s layout influences its culture.

Cost-wise, the price of $35 seems fair for the quality of storytelling and the density of highlights. Compared to other activities in Savannah, this tour offers a swift, scenic overview that suits travelers with limited time or those who prefer a relaxed pace.

Accessibility is also worth noting. While the tour is designed for those with moderate fitness levels, it involves walking about 2 miles. Those with mobility challenges should consider this, though the terrain is generally flat and manageable.

Some Tips from Past Participants

• Arrive on time at the meeting point, as the tour starts promptly at 10:00 am.
• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking for about 2 hours.
• Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning architecture.
• Consider asking your guide about lesser-known stories; many reviewers appreciated the personalized touches.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This 2-hour walk along Bull Street offers a well-balanced introduction to Savannah’s history, architecture, and urban planning. It’s ideal for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a snapshot of the city’s most famous sights without the hassle of navigating on their own. The intimate group setting and expert narration ensure you’ll leave with a richer understanding of Savannah’s past.

If you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend a couple of hours in Savannah’s historic district, this tour provides good value. The focus on iconic squares and landmark buildings means you’ll walk away with plenty of stories and photos to remember your visit.

However, if you’re craving a deep dive into every detail or prefer very leisurely exploration, you might find the two-hour timeframe a bit brief. Still, for a quick, engaging introduction that respects your time and budget, this tour hits the mark.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for everyone? Yes, it’s designed for travelers with moderate physical fitness, suitable for most adults who can walk about 2 miles comfortably.

What’s included in the tour? The price covers the guided walk, storytelling, and a mobile ticket for easy access. It does not include parking fees.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins at Jennifer Katzman1 W Gaston St and concludes back at the same location.

How long is the walking route? The tour covers roughly 2 miles over about two hours, making it a manageable pace for most.

Are children allowed? The information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but given the moderate walking and historical focus, it’s best suited for older children or teens.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, thanks to the free cancellation policy.

The Positively Bull Street – 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour offers a practical, engaging way to start your Savannah adventure, giving you a glimpse into the city’s history, architecture, and layout through the eyes of a knowledgeable guide.