Charleston, South Carolina is the southern belle of the Eastern Seaboard. That "southern charm" you've heard about? You'll find it here in spades. Take a private Charleston tour and experience all the romance and history of the South with a friendly local guide.

You may want to get a quick history lesson at the Charleston Museum. Founded in 1773, the museum claims to be the oldest in the United States, and is itself a piece of the city's history. Learn about antebellum life at Aiken-Rhett House, the only surviving Urban Plantation. At White Point Park, you can wander among the city's shady gardens and 19th century mansions; you'll want to keep your camera handy as you stroll along Rainbow Row, famous for its candy-coloured houses. Stop for lunch and experience fantastic "low country" cooking.

Whether you're an epicure, a historian or an adventurer, your guide is happy to design a private Charleston tour that reflects your unique interests in this fascinating American city.

Charleston

While exploring quiet alleys as well as busy streets, you'll see the beauty that is the Charleston of today while hearing about its fascinating past.

You'll walk along the same streets, see the same buildings, and hear some of the same sounds that have been a part of Charleston for 350 years.

You'll learn about the foods, customs and language that are unique to our residents and the stories told to me by my relatives long-gone. We'll also dip into important public buildings and peer into antiquated churchyards.

We'll end by visiting the interior of a lovely mansion that was once home to some of Charleston's aristocracy and now serves as a historic house museum.

As we meander through the city, you'll begin to share my passion for a place, a history and a culture that has been part of my family for more than 175 years.

Lovely ironwork adorns many homes in Charleston

Gate made by famous blacksmith Philip Simmons.

The beautiful and historic City Hall building.

The Pink House is one of Charleston's oldest buildings.

The Fireproof Building once housed important documents for the city.

St. Michael's is the oldest church in the city.

This guide is a member of Charleston's Palmetto Guild, a designation of local tour guides who have been recognized by the city as committed to historical accuracy, continuing education and providing an engaging experience for visitors.

Let a 5th-generation Charlestonian walk you through the city's history, architecture and culture!

Charleston 101

History will magically come alive as you travel through the last 350 years by using the city's historic streets, buildings and homes to guide you.

Do you know why Charleston was the only walled city in the British colonies of North America? How did logs from local palmetto trees help American Patriots defeat the Royal Navy during the Revolutionary War? Who was the courageous slave that led a harrowing escape for fellow slaves and later became a U. S. Congressman? Why did Charleston lose over half its population fifty years ago? And how has the city gone from rags to riches in recent years?

There is so much for you to learn as you uncover these mysteries - and more!

The Williams Mansion is one of the most breathtaking in the city.

The Pink House was once a 17th-Century tavern.

The lovely city home of a 18th Century plantation owner.

The Circular Congregational Church has an amazing history.

The city was once surrounded by a wall, as reflected in this historical plaque.

This grand building once served as the state's capitol.

Rainbow Row is one of the most iconic images in Charleston.

Victorian features were added to this 18th century home.

Let's visit some of Charleston's hidden alleys.

Walking through 350 Years of Charleston's History

Magical History Tour of Charleston

Charleston City Highlights and Nathaniel Russell Home Tour

Come with me as I show you all the highlights of beautiful Charleston on this Private Tour. I will pick you up at your hotel or other chosen location.

From there we will meander past gorgeous churches, historically significant buildings and landmarks and beautiful homes and gardens that together make Charleston the charming, southern city that everyone is talking about. Come see why we were ranked #1 Small City in the US! See our wonderful sweetgrass basket ladies and learn more about the unique Gullah Geechie culture.

I will share with you the wonderful history of the only English walled city in North America.

After appreciating the beauty and unique qualities that Charleston has, we will tour one of our beautiful museum homes. Learn how the wealthy of Charleston lived and see a home restored to its original glory. Also learn about the enslaved that lived and worked in the house and gardens.

At every turn, Charleston has beauty to see and history to explore. I can't wait to show you around!

Me giving a private tour on the battery wall

See the Highlights of Charleston and Tour a Museum Home on this Express Private Tour

Historic Charleston Limited Mobility Two and a Half Hour Stroll

Charleston is best seen on foot, and this route shows you all that Charleston has to offer.

Along the way, we meander through neighborhoods virtually intact to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, a grand tapestry including the historic waterfront, oak lined avenues, and quaint alleys South of Broad and in the Old Walled City neighborhoods. Spacious thoroughfares are lined with proud dwellings that give way to narrow cobblestone alleys and byways.
Along the way, we stop at scenic resting spots as needed, on a route featuring level concrete sidewalks for the most part, where your guide will reveal the many layers to the Charleston story. This is truly a two hour walk, but the extra half hour allows for a more casual pace and stops to rest.
Let me show you my beautiful home town!
Allow me to show you my beautiful old home town!

There are no limitations or compromises on this specially curated route featuring nine benches and five restrooms.

I invite you to join me for a two hour tour of Charleston's historic sites and finest neighborhoods!

As we see the sites I will relate to you Charleston's proud and sometimes notorious history. Blackbeard's greatest raid happened here in 1718, but he wasn't the only pirate! Let me share with you about our other legends!

The politics leading to the Civil War, and the first battle, all happened here. If time and weather allow, we will step out of the vehicle for better views and exploration on foot. Let me make history come alive for you!

We will visit everything from the Battery to the old Citadel, including the Old Walled City and the Charleston Market. Discover the city in class in a luxury vehicle with snacks and drinks.

I have given step on tours for forty years, in horse-drawn carriages, buses, and private vehicles, and my presentation and storytelling skills are second to none!

My hope is that when we part ways, you will share my love for Charleston, America's Most Historic City!

These ancient roof lines date back almost 300 years!

Even today, historic Broad Street is a major center for business and government.

An incredible Live Oak hangs over the salt marsh.

Flowerdale is the very oldest garden room at Magnolia

Seen here are the dikes that control the ebb and flow into the rice fields at Magnolia Gardens

Trails lead to secret gardens at Magnolia Plantation

The bridge over the black water lagoon at Magnolia has been a favorite for photographers since 1872!

The oldest documented garden in English America.

The Circular Congregational Church , an elegant example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, hails to 1892

This is a Lowcountry hybrid Azalea, "Pride of Summerville"

I'm standing near the river with the house in the distance beyond the lawn.

Blazing Azaleas in full bloom at Magnolia!

Formal allees are colorful with both camellias and azaleas from October to April

Charleston tours

Explore with 5 tours and 3 guides.

Mary C.

$ 395 (USD)

Mary C.

$ 295 (USD)

Kay

$ 550 (USD)

Al R.

$ 331 (USD)

Al R.

$ 250 (USD)

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