See 2 of Charleston's best plantations in one tour

Visiting a public plantation while in Charleston is a wonderful way to learn about important aspects of American history and visiting 2 of Charleston’s finest plantations in one tour is the best way to do it. Drayton Hall has the only public plantation home that was spared during the Civil War and is considered America’s most important example of Palladian architecture. And the gardens at Middleton Place are first formal gardens in America and one of our finest. Henry Middleton began the gardens in 1741. Inspired by the famous French landscape architect, Andre Le Notre, the gardens were designed in the image of Versailles.

The tour includes the best that Charleston plantations have to offer. It begins with a hotel pickup and a brief drive through the Charlestowne neighborhood on our way to Drayton Hall. There you will see some of Charleston’s largest homes and the oldest part of the city. Once at Drayton Hall you will be given a one hour guided tour through the home, the only public plantation home that survived the Civil War. Built in 1750 Drayton Hall is considered the finest example of Palladian architecture in America. Then on to Middleton Place, home of one of America’s richest and most influential families. There you will be given a guided tour of America’s oldest formal gardens. You will walk through alleeys of camellias, crepe myrtles and azaleas, learn of the production of rice and indigo and the life of slaves on the plantation. A truly informative and memorable experience.