Flannery O’Connor and Toni Morrison in Savannah

Savannah Tour Overview

We’re happy to announce this tour is now a guaranteed departure!

Our Savannah tour is a unique invitation to study two great American writers, Flannery O’Connor and Toni Morrison, against the backdrop of a city as beautiful, complicated and haunting as the works we will read.

In reading their works together, we can explore the ideas that occupied them both. ‘O my sweet Jesus, what kind of cross is that?’ Nel asks in Morrison’s novelSula. Many of O’Connor’s characters might be understood as asking the same question. What do life—and faith—demand of us? Both writers were Catholics whose works address powerful theological and moral questions: What is grace? How can the divine penetrate the everyday world? What is the nature of freedom, and its relationship to religion?

They also shared a fascination with the idea of the stranger, the Other. How does each define the Other, and its role in society? Here we will study both the “intense, outsize” characters in O’Connor’s and Morrison’s fiction, and Morrison’s writings on racism and its effects on American history, literature and life.

Our exploration of Savannah will help shape our literary journey. From our base in the historic city centre, we will visit O’Connor’s childhood home, the striking antebellum architecture, and sites that shaped white and Black life in Savannah from the 1600s to today. We’ll also make an excursion to Andalusia, the O’Connor family farm, and meet with O’Connor scholars at nearby Georgia College & State University. The recently restored property offers a unique glimpse into O’Connor’s life, writing process, and influence. Throughout we’ll enjoy delicious Southern cuisine and friendly hospitality.

Join Classical Pursuits on a journey to Savannah, one of North America’s most beguiling cities, and into the minds and hearts of two writers of uncommon imagination.

All Travel Pursuits operate under the umbrella of our partner, Worldwide Quest (TICO Reg: #2667946). Worldwide Quest arranges the logistics for each trip to complement our literary theme. They handle all bookings/registration and are happy to book flights and help with pre- and post-trip arrangements.

Savannah Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Arrive in Savannah / opening discussion
Day 2: City walking tour focusing on the life and works of Flannery O’Connor
Day 3: Savannah’s African-American history
Day 4: Excursion to O’Connor farm, Andalusia
Day 5: Free time, seminar discussion, and festive farewell dinner
Day 6: Depart

Accommodation

The Marshall House

Readings

Selected fiction and essays by Flannery O’Connor; The Bluest Eye and selected essays by Toni Morrison

Image credits: O’Connor childhood home, JRempel on Wikipedia

The meals, discussions (getting to have a discussion in Flannery's childhood living room was very cool), trip to Milledgeville were all great. I loved making new friends.

Robert, past Savannah traveller

Leaders

Melanie Blake

Melanie Blake has led tours in France, Italy, Belgium, Colombia, Mexico, Japan, and more. Growing up in an Irish Catholic household, she doesn't shy away from Nel's question. She believes O’Connor’s dark wit and theological sophistication make her works ones to return to again and again.

John Riley

John Riley has spent over 30 years leading seminars as a faculty member at Benedictine University and Morton College. At Classical Pursuits, he's led seminars on theology, philosophy, and landmark 20th-century novels such as Ulysses. Originally from Memphis, he has worked throughout his life in support of civil rights.

FAQ

What is the cost of the tour?

The per-person cost is US$2795. The single supplement is US$910.

I have dietary restrictions; can you accommodate me?

We can accommodate most dietary restrictions. To talk more about your specific needs, please contact Abbie at abbie@worldwidequest.com.

If you're a Canadian company, why are most of your tours priced in US dollars?

Like other tour operators, our travel partner Worldwide Quest plans tours 18 to 24 months in advance, with payments to vendors and suppliers due well ahead of the tour. Suppliers in the countries Worldwide Quest works with expect payment in US dollars. When these suppliers must convert to CAD so many months in advance, they have to speculate the value of the Canadian dollar at the time of booking. Over the past several years, the final pricing has worked in the favour of our travellers, paying a better rate than would have been if originally priced in Canadian dollars.

What’s Included

Accommodation in double occupancy, based on hotel listed or similar
Meals as specified in the itinerary
All activities as specified in the itinerary
All entrance fees
Literary discussions
Books and readings
Gratuities for local guides, drivers, hotel staff, and group meals
Taxes
Fully escorted by Discussion Leader Melanie Blake

Online Learning: Presentations

Short Stories by Toni Morrison and Flannery O'Connor

September 19, 2024. 3 PM ET

Lunchtime Lit: What is Grace?

October 17, 2024, 11 a.m. PT

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Toronto, Canada. Classical Pursuits organizes literary and cultural trips and seminars in Toronto, Canada, and around the world with our travel partner Worldwide Quest (TICO Reg: #2667946). Design by Ctrl Alt Create.