Tour guide in Charleston Al R.

Charleston, United States

English

Tours Delivered,
Since

16.0

Hours, Avg. response time

I'm Al R., your private tour guide in Charleston

Guide #31519

Welcome to Charleston! Charleston is a city of ancient memory and traditions. As a small child I devoured the tales of my ancestors related to me by my elders. I have always felt that this is not my first life in the City by the Sea. I have been a Certified Charleston Tour Guide since 1981, starting out as a stable hand and then a carriage driver. Later I moved on to bus tours. Today I do walking tours and private passenger driving tours of my lovely old home town My talent lies in creating a story line that is both entertaining and educational. Having spent numerous years in Health Care outreach, I attended many seminars that taught me strategies that convey information in a manner that is compelling , interesting and relatable. After all , you dont come for a college lecture, you come for the fun! I am a student of history, not just Charleston history, but national and international history as well. Charleston history did not happen in a bubble; I expose it in relation to the events that created it. My goal is that when we part ways, that you will have a better context on the city and that you will share my love of Charleston, SC , "America's Most Historic City"! Licensed Charleston Tour Guide 1981 - current Vice President , Charleston Tour Association 2009 -2011 President, Charleston Tour Association 2011-2015 No restrictions

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Tours by Al R.

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Traveller reviews

4.9
  • Suzanne J.United States
    2 weeks ago

    Touring with Al is a must-do attraction! His theatrical storytelling of Charleston’s rich, and sometimes creepy, history is the perfect way to start your visit here! He and our Naseer went to extra lengths to recover a bag we had left in the car and return it to us! Southern hospitality, y’all!

  • Leslie M.United States
    June 2026

    Al Ray gave us colorful descriptions of Charleston history using sites, homes, scenic views, public buildings, and a plaque showing the original walled city. We mostly rode in an air conditioned SUV with large clear sunroof, but also walked in lovely shaded streets and alleyways to see Phillip gate, original 17th century buildings , view of Fort Sumter and revitalized...

  • Karen B.United States
    April 2026

    Al was an informative and entertaining guide. His knowledge of Charleston is extensive, and he covered the history well. Make sure you discuss the size of the vehicle for transportation with Al before the tour. We were a group of five, and the SUV we were in was too small for our group, resulting in an uncomfortable time for the three of us in the third row.

  • Richard L.United States
    March 2026

    Very knowledgeable and engaging. Driver and guide were in sync throughout the tour. Well worth the experience.

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