The Best of Charleston: History, Culture & Architecture Tour
The Best of Charleston: History, Culture & Architecture Tour
We pride ourselves on researched history and anecdotes of the city and its people. We try to tailor the tour to our guests' interests and make connections to further explain Charleston's history and make it fun.....not just another boring history lesson! Come see what makes Charleston such special place to visit.
Whether being your first visit or your twentieth, Charleston always has more to see and learn! We keep learning as well!
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
Our starting point is one of the most historical buildings in South Carolina, c. 1771. The Declaration of Independence was read here in 1776, it was used a British prison for roughy two years during the American Revolution, US Constitution ratified in SC in 1788, George Washington was entertained during week-long visit in May 1791, plus many more events.
15 minutesOld Slave Mart Museum
Known as Ryan's Slave Mart in the 1850's, this building was an auction site of the interstate slave trade. We will speak about Charleston's role in the slave trade. The City of Charleston operates the museum and tours are available on site. We do not enter the building.
10 minutesDock Street Theater
Entrance depending on availabilty. Built on the site of the first theater in the British colonies, The Dock Street Theatre, c. 1937 was restored from the old Planter's Hotel, c. 1809. The Charleston Stage company operates as the largest professional theater company in South Carolina. Roughly 120 performances take place every year.
10 minutesCharleston City Hall
This building sets on one the "Four Corners of Law", named by Robert Ripley (Ripley's Believe it or Not). Built in 1801 as a bank, City Hall has been as such since 1818 and is one of the oldest continuously run city hall's in the country. During the weekdays, visitors can enter the council chamber and see their collection, complimentary.
2 minutesSt. Michael's Church
Entrance depending on availability. Oldest house of worship in the city, c.1761. We speak about Charleston's religious history of the past and present. The building has much of the original woodwork and beautiful Tiffany stained glass windows. John Rutledge and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, US Constitution signers, are buried in the churchyard.
15 minutesNathaniel Russell House
We enter the garden of this beautiful Federal style townhouse built in 1808 and owned by Nathaniel Russell. Reigning from Rhode Island, he was a wealthy merchant involved in shipping. Private tours of the home are available for $12 on site.
10 minutesEdmondston-Alston House
We walk up on the High Battery wall to take a look at the waterfront mansions and discuss the beginning of the Civil War. Ft. Sumter is in the distance. The Edmonston Alston House has been in the family since 1838 and was a site where Gen. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Ft. Sumter with other onlookers.
10 minutesRainbow Row
See the longest row of attached Georgian row houses in the country. These were mariner's stores in the 18th & 19th centuries. Restored in the 1930's during Charleston's preservation efforts to a bright Caribbean color scheme.
5 minutesIncluded
- Tour guide
Good to Know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Most travelers can participate
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.