Historic Charleston City Tour

Duration: 2 hours

Tour Code: chs-002

See Charleston's most important historical landmarks and experience the vivid sights and sounds of this charming southern city on this two-hour narrated tour that offers participants a comprehensive overview of this beautiful city.

Charleston is considered the jewel of the southeastern United States and "America's Best-kept Secret." Through economic hardship, fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes, Charleston has exhibited a remarkable resilience. Often called a living museum, history is found literally around every corner of the city.

Boarding your coach, you'll commence a relaxing tour of the city. As you meander through its lovely streets, you will be able to appreciate the city's charm and allure, displayed via its cobblestone streets, varied architectural styles, and world-famous "basket ladies" which are found nowhere else in the United States except in this remarkable town.

Journey through Charleston's Historic District, where you'll be immersed in the city's fascinating history, viewing such sites as Hibernian Hall, a National Historic Landmark, as well as the site of the 1860 National Democratic Convention. During the convention, no candidate emerged with a majority vote, leading to the election of Abraham Lincoln as the Republican Party's candidate. Steeped in tradition and rich with pride, you will also pass by The Citadel, the military college of South Carolina.

At The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, you will be able to view one of the three most historically significant buildings in Colonial America. From here, it's on to the nation's oldest museum, The Charleston Museum. The museum is where a replica of the CSS Hunley, the world's first successful attack submarine is housed.

As you continue on, enjoy the beauty of Rainbow Row, the oldest row of 18th century structures in Charleston. Your elevated coach allows you to look beyond the privacy hedges meant to conceal Charleston's famed magnificent formal gardens.

Before returning to the ship, a stop will be made at White Point Gardens, the site where the Civil War began and where you will marvel in the magnificence of the Battery Mansions which overlook the Charleston Harbor. It is here that the Ashley and Cooper Rivers converge and according to local lore, meet to form the Atlantic Ocean.

Please note: This tour includes limited walking, mainly at the guest's discretion. The tour is available to guests who utilize a wheelchair who are able to make their way on and off the coach and sit in a coach seat. Casual clothing and comfortable, flat walking shoes are suggested. A restroom is available on the coach. The order of the sites visited or viewed may vary.