Luxury Georgia & the Carolinas self-drive tour

Atlanta's glittering skyscraper core is a testament to the fact it is the commercial heart of the South. Here, the mega-corporation Coca-Cola shows its PR side at World of Coca-Cola, a museum where you can learn its history and taste its range of over 100 products.

Pick up your convertible car, drop the top and head out of the city toward North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. The roads are winding, so take it slowly to admire the views.

The Biltmore Estate was George Vanderbilt's summer retreat, part of the dynasty that was once the richest in America. Biltmore House remains the largest privately owned property in America. It's easy to spend hours exploring the grand rooms of this chateau-style mansion and manicured gardens.

Leave the mountains behind and descend to the coast, where Charleston sits at the confluence of several rivers. Your hotel is one of the grandest in the historic district, so it's worth spending time relaxing there before heading out to explore the streets lined with mansions in all hues.

Charleston is historic and very walkable, so join a local for a stroll around the oldest parts of the city, including places you would never find on your own.

Charleston's big rival for the most charming small city of the South is Savannah. The drive down passes many barrier islands where you could stop for a walk or swim.

Savannah's squares and Spanish moss-draped oaks form its most enduring image, creating a picturesque downtown and providing respite from the sun as you wander around. Savannah is also home to a small but good-quality food scene, so a walking tour of the city with stops at various restaurants provides a great introduction.

Just a short drive from Savannah, you'll find yourself on the beaches of the barrier islands. On Jekyll Island, you can watch seabirds, stroll along the beaches looking for shells, and enjoy the Jekyll Ocean Club facilities.

Day at leisure: explore the natural side of Jekyll Island with a visit to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center or on a ramble around the maritime forest with the resort's park ranger. At Horton Pond, you can spot turtles and alligators.

Day at leisure: there are numerous activities to get involved with, from croquet on the lawns to cycling the miles of trails around the island — or you could just lie back by the pool.

Spend the final few hours on Jekyll taking in the sea air and views before driving south to Jacksonville and state number four of the trip, Florida, where you can put the top back up on your convertible and hand it back before flying home.