Private tour in Charleston Joyce W

Express Historical Walking Tour, 2 hours

4.9

(32) reviews

-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Joyce W.

4.9

Guide rating

159

Reviews

Tours delivered

40 hrs

Avg. response time

Upon arrival I fell in love with Charleston. It was as if a magnet drew me to come and live in this gorgeous city and explore every corner of it. 

Now I've been a Certified tour guide here since 2005.
 During my college studies I traveled to Europe and decided I wanted to live overseas, which I did for two years. I am a seasoned traveler and love communicating with people from all over the world. This is also why I understand travelers. I know what it is to be in a new City or Country where you might not speak the language nor know much about the customs. And I know sometimes you want to see as much as possible, but sometimes you can be tired, sometimes you want to learn as much as possible about a place and sometimes you just need to get the feel of it. When I travel I don't want to feel like a tourist but rather like a traveler and I want to interact with the locals and get in touch with their world. 

One of the things I love the most of being a guide is to see people's smile and hear the "WOW" they say when see or understand something new in Charleston. 

I have a lot of passion for history, architecture, preservations and photography. I have knowledge of good restaurants of all kinds in Charleston and I will be happy to give recommendations. I keep myself very up to date about what's going on in the city, markets, concerts, celebrations, art opening, shows etc. 

I'd love to share my history and share interesting insights of the Charleston I live in with my guests. I like to use the word guests instead of clients, because I want you to feel like a guest in the city going with a local instead of feeling like a tourist…

Why should you come on a private tour with me? Let me tell you!

I have built up a great deal of knowledge about this vibrant city which I am proud to call my home. 
I am an independent and certified tour guide and a member of the Charleston Tour Guide Association. 
I'll show you things that you won't see on the tour bus. My tours are personal. 
I love to guide combining a mixture of entertainment, making history come alive, interesting facts about the present society as well as fun anecdotes about everyday life. 
The tour can be tailored to suit your particular interests. I will suggest an itinerary to match your interests and timeframe. 

I try to adapt my tour to the interests of my guests and make it personal that's why I get recommendations. I am specialized in tours for small groups, couples and families. My guests say I'm very knowledgeable, fun, charismatic and professional. Thank you for reading this! Please don't hesitate to ask me any questions you may have. Welcome to Charleston! Registered Charleston SC tour guide, badge #31662

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Joyce W.

Overview of your Charleston tour

Explore the Holy City's history, legends, lore from 1670 until today. Get to know the City from the unique perspective of Joyce, who will guide you on a memorable walking tour that includes an introduction to some of our most celebrated landmarks and hidden gems that make this such a special place to visit. During this tour you will see among other buildings St. Micheals Church built in 1752, Nathaniel Russel House that was built in 1808 by a wealthy shipping merchant, it is an example of one of many Neoclassical American houses. Our tour will cover architecture, preservation efforts, overall history of the Charleston area and much more!

Recent Reviews

Daniel B.
July 2025

From the moment I reserved the tour to the end, Joyce was prompt, fun, kind and a fantastic guide for this amazing city. Do not hesitate reserving this or any other offering Joyce offers. She was a pleasure. Thank you! Until we meet again!

Kelly G.United States
April 2025

Joyce was a delightful tour guide. She is incredibly energetic and knowledgeable and clearly loves the city. Charleston is a place that you could take several tours of the same area and learn something new every time. However, Joyce made sure to highlight and explain some of the key historic buildings and events in the French quarter and was very accommodating to our party, which included one person in a mobility scooter. We felt like we got a great sense of the area.

Douglas T.United States
November 2024

Joyce is great! Extremely knowledgeable, friendly and funny! Had a great tour!

Lisa D.United States
September 2024

Joyce was a fun, articulate and warm tour guide her knowledge on everything from the history of Charleston to the botany was impressive. The tour was the perfect combination of both for my group. We are looking forward to our return visit and booking another tour with Joyce .

Sandra F.United States
September 2022

Joyce was a wonderful guide for our small private group. She tailored the content to our interests and showed us the best spots and methods for great pictures as well. I'd highly recommend her to any group.

Barbara P.United States
August 2022

Our family, ages 1 to 72, enjoyed our walking tour with Joyce. Joyce is very knowledgeable about Charleston history and is proud to show you her city. She is an enthusiastic and considerate guide.

Your Charleston tour itinerary

Along the Tour we will see: - Fort Sumter & Fort Moultrie (visual): History that defined the battles for independence and state rights. - The Old Exchange Building, South Carolina's most historic building, second only to Independence Hall - St. Michael's Church: the oldest church edifice in Charleston (1752) - Dock Street Theatre: our country's first! (1736) - Four Corners of Law: referenced in Ripley's "Believe It or Not" - Rainbow Row: the longest, oldest, most intact row of English townhouses that predominated the waterfront. - The Pink House: Charleston's oldest structure built in the 1600s. - Antebellum Mansions: see the uniqueness and grandeur of pre-Civil War homes - Historic Waterfront Battery: named for the entrenchments and bastions once protecting the holy city Tour will depart rain or shine. Charleston's 67 National Landmarks allow us to tour many buildings if the weather is inclement.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Other: Additional guests $55 p/p
Meeting location

80 Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina, 29401, United States

80 Broad Street Charleston, SC 29401 This is Charleston City Hall. We meet in front of the building with restrooms and a drinking fountain.

Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
City Highlights
Art And Culture
Off The Beaten Path
Tour reference number
249710
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

4.9

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Charleston best suited for?

This private tour in Charleston is perfect for travellers who have a couple of hours to explore the city's rich history and architecture. It's ideal for those interested in historical landmarks, legends, and lore from 1670 to today. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible, making it a great choice for seniors or travellers with mobility concerns.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 2 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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