Schedule 

Pre-Congress: Mobile, Alabama (Capacity 150)

Day 1: Welcome to Mobile, Alabama USA 
(Friday, January 22, 2027)
Check-in at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel. Join the “Krewe of Kamellians” for a Welcome Reception and experience the electric excitement of the season’s first Mardi Gras street parade!

Day 2: Bellingrath Gardens tour and dinner
(Saturday, January 23, 2027)
Hear the story of K. Sawada, T. Kiyono, Robert Rubel, and other great plantsmen who made Mobile famous for camellias; then tour the renowned Bellingrath Gardens before a sunset toast on Fowl River followed by dinner in the Bellingrath dining room.

Day 3: K. Sawada Wintergarden at Mobile Botanical Gardens
(Sunday, January 24, 2027)
Visit this jewel box of a camellia garden, built and maintained as a living monument to the great camellia nurserymen of this region and featuring many of their cultivars -- an International Camellia Garden of Excellence since 2014. Then tour the privately owned Cornerstone Gardens, another garden with historic roots; finally, check-in to the Marriott Grand Hotel - Point Clear, a five-star resort on Mobile Bay.

Day 4: Flowerwood Nursery and Green Nurseries
(Monday, January 25, 2027)
Visit the American nursery trials of Chinese “four season” camellia hybrids; then tour the personal garden and greenhouses of Bobby Green, a recipient of the RHS Award of Merit and five-time winner of the Ralph Peer Sasanqua Cup. End the day with a fun seafood dinner on the beach followed by a dessert party at the Grand Hotel.

Day 5: Travel to ICS Congress
(Tuesday, January 26, 2027)
Check out from the Grand Hotel; then travel by Motorcoach to Macon, Georgia. We will stop in Montgomery for lunch and a visit to the camellia collection of the Alabama State Capitol, where the camellia is the state flower. Check-in to Macon Marriott Hotel.

Main Congress: Macon, Georgia (Capacity 300)

Day 1: Welcome to Macon, Georgia!
(Tuesday, January 26, 2027)
Arrive and check-in to the Macon Marriott Hotel. Then join ICS President Gianmario Motta for an evening Welcome Reception of food, wine, and special music. Greet your fellow ICS members. Macon also is the home of Capricorn Records and many famous “southern rock” recording artists.

Day 2: Experience Georgia’s Passion for Camellias
(Wednesday, January 27, 2027)
Learn why Georgia is the original home of both the International Camellia Society and American Camellia Society, with educational sessions all morning and optional tours in the afternoon. Evening dinner at Fall Line Brewery, with special music.

Day 3:  Atlanta-area Gardens and Attractions
(Thursday, January 28, 2027)
Atlanta is home to Coca-Cola, the world’s #1 soft-drink — almost as popular as tea! Experience the fun of Coca-Cola world; then tour the world-class Atlanta Botanical Gardens and/or the Goizueta Camellia Collection at the Atlanta History Center.

Day 4: Joint ICS/ACS Convention Begins
(Friday, January 29, 2027)
Experience a historic joint gathering of the two largest camellia associations in the world. Attend an exciting educational session with special guests in the morning, followed by optional tours in the afternoon, and a special Dinner Gala with awards and recognitions.

Day 5:  American Camellia Society — Massee Lane Gardens
(Saturday, January 30, 2027)
Final educational sessions; then journey by motorcoach to the nearby 12-acre campus of the American Camellia Society at Massee Lane Gardens for an exciting afternoon of tours and activities, before returning to the hotel for a farewell toast.

Day 6: Check-out and Safe Travels!
(Sunday, January 31, 2027)
After breakfast, check out from Macon Marriott Hotel; return travel home or board motorcoach for Post-Congress Tour.

Post-Congress: Savannah, Georgia (Capacity 150)

Day 1: Gene’s Camellia World
(Sunday, January 31, 2027)
Join ICS members Gene Philips and Marsha Zeagler for a nursery tour and special Low Country Feast, en route to Savannah. Check-in to Hotel Indigo in historic downtown Savannah.

Day 2:  Explore Historic Savannah
(Monday, February 1, 2027)
After breakfast, learn why Savannah is famous for its camellias, followed by a Savannah Trolley Tour; then spend the afternoon exploring this moss-draped coastal city that oozes history and charm. Dinner on your own at several recommended restaurants.

Day 3:  Savannah Camellia Gardens
(Tuesday, February 2, 2027)
Tour the extensive camellia garden at Georgia State University-Armstrong Botanical Garden and a delightful lunch at Cohen’s Retreat. Then spend the afternoon tour of the Arthur Solomon Camellia Trail and enjoy dinner at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Garden.

Day 4: Savannah Day Tours
(Wednesday, February 3, 2027)
On your final day, you get to choose your own day-trip from options such as Tybee Island; Historic Beaufort; or a shopping ramble. Meet back at Hotel Indigo for a final farewell dinner and toast! 

Day 5: Check-out and Safe Travels!
(Thursday, February 4, 2027)
After breakfast, check out from Hotel Indigo; return travel home. Shuttle to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.