Charleston Tours
HISTORIC CHARLESTON TOUR
Tour Charleston, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the south. Her stately
homes with their lovely gardens, her magnificent public buildings and her majestic
churches will enchant you. As you tour you will see the College of Charleston, Harleston
Village (one of the early suburbs of the city), the Citadel, the Military College of South
Carolina, and of course our famous Battery with its elegant town houses built by planters
and merchants in the 18th and 19th centuries. |
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FORT
SUMTER TOUR
As you cruise through Charleston's beautiful harbor, you will view the beautiful
homes along the Battery and watch the sea gulls and the dolphins play in the harbor. Upon
arrival at Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, rangers from the National Park Service
will give you an informative introduction before you begin your tour of this famous
bastion and its marvelous museum.
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PATRIOTS POINT TOUR
Tour Patriots Point, the world's largest naval and maritime museum. Visit the Aircraft
Carrier YORKTOWN, the famous fighting lady of World War II; the destroyer LAFFEY, a
participant in the World War II D-Day landings at Normandy; the submarine, CLAMAGORE, one
of the Navy's last diesel powered submarines; and the Coast Guard Cutter, INGHAM, which
was in active service until decommissioned and given to Patriots Point in 1989. While at
Patriots Point enjoy a traditional lunch in the CPO Mess.
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Courtesy of friends of the Hunley
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THE H. L. HUNLEY TOUR
On February 17, 1864 the Confederate Submarine, the Hunley sank the USS Housatonic in
Charleston harbor by ramming her with a spar torpedo. She was the first submarine to be
used successfully in naval warfare. Lost for 136 years after this momentous victory, the
Hunley was raised from the ocean floor in August of 2000. Today she and her crew have been
preserved in a special tank, and are being studied by a renowned team of scientists and
archeologists. There are on-going discoveries being made about this amazing vessel and her
crew. Join us for a tour of the Hunley. This tour includes round trip transportation to
the Warren Lash Laboratory and an expert guide well versed in the Hunley's history.
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BOONE HALL PLANTATION TOUR
Journey across the Cooper River to the town of Mt. Pleasant. Here visit historic
Boone Hall Plantation which was used in the filming of the television mini series,
"North And South" and "Queen" and for background filming in "Gone
With the Wind". Tour the lovely Georgian plantation house, the slave quarters built
from brick made on the plantation in the 1800's and watch the flower ladies making their
sweetgrass baskets. |
Courtesy of Boone Hall
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HISTORIC CHARLESTON CARRIAGE
TOUR
Enjoy the sights of Charleston the way your ancestors did, aboard a horse-drawn carriage.
This leisurely ride through narrow streets and alleyways carries you past carefully
restored 18th and 19th century homes and buildings. Your knowledgeable guide relates three
hundred years of history to the accompaniment of horse's hooves clopping along the
pavement. The scent of tea olive from nearby gardens lingers in the air as you snap that
special photograph capturing a bit of Charleston's history.
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HISTORIC CHARLESTON WALKING
TOUR
Stroll with your guide down lovely streets and lanes and view the marvelous architecture
of homes built more than a century ago. Peak into the lush private gardens of this quaint
old city and breathe the aroma of tea olive and magnolia. Visit the Heyward-Washington
House, c. 1772 which houses the finest collection of Charleston made furniture in the city
and see Catfish Row, the inspiration for the American opera, "Porgy and Bess".
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COBBLESTONES AND GARDENS
WALKING TOUR
Stroll with your guide down lovely streets and lanes and view the marvelous architecture
of homes built more than a century ago. Peak into the lush private gardens of this quaint
old city and breathe the aroma of tea olive and magnolia. During your walk you will learn
about the unique relaxed culture of this grand old city as you gaze at beautiful historic
homes and buildings which have stood the test of time.
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CHARLESTON TEA PLANTATION
Over 100 years ago, tea planters brought their finest tea bushes from China, India, and
Ceylon to the South Carolina Lowcountry. Now the descendants of those very plants are
growing strong at the nation's only tea farm, nestled on a serene sea island near the
historic city of Charleston. You will see the only tea plantation in America and listen to
staff tell about the exciting world of tea production. Before your departure you will also
enjoy a complimentary glass of American Classic Tea.
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Courtesy of Magnolia Gardens
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MAGNOLIA GARDENS TOUR
Tour Magnolia Gardens, one of the most beautiful romantic gardens in the world. As you
stroll the garden paths through a Cypress Swamp which was turned into a garden by the Rev.
John Drayton prior to the War Between the States the beauty of these unique gardens will
take your breath away. After touring the gardens board the tram which will take you into
part of the Audubon Swamp Garden, home to scores of water loving creatures and traversed
by boardwalks, dikes, and bridges to put the visitor in close contact with its
inhabitants. You may even see an alligator and will have the opportunity to view the
abundant bird population of the lowcountry.
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MIDDLETON
PLACE PLANTATION TOUR
Visit Middleton Place, a Registered National Historic Landmark and the plantation home of
the Middleton family since 1741. Stroll through the magnificent Formal Gardens (the oldest
in America) laid out by Henry Middleton in 1741 and explore the stable yards, a living
outdoor museum where the behind-the scenes story of life on an 18th century plantation is
told with animals, artifacts, and craft exhibits. Tour the remaining wing of the Middleton
House furnished with heirlooms from the Middleton family
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Courtesy of Middleton Place
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Courtesy of Drayton Hall
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DRAYTON HALL PLANTATION TOUR
This tour winds down live oak canopied roads to Drayton Hall, c. 1738 considered the
finest Georgian Palladian Plantation house in the south. The house has stood through the
rise and fall of plantation society, survived devastating natural disaster, and remained
intact in the face of modernization. Its amazing architecture and craftsmanship tell the
story of a family and its community over two centuries. Your interpreter will bring this
marvelous house and its family to life for you. |
This is just a sample of the tours and
activities we offer. We will be happy to custom design an event or excursion to suit
your group’s specific needs.
Please feel free to give us a call so that we can
discuss your needs in more detail. We look forward to providing your group with a
wonderful experience in Charleston. |
Student Tours
CHARLESTON HARBOR ECO TOUR
Join our naturalist aboard the catamaran, Palmetto, as he discusses the abundant wildlife
in the Charleston harbor. Come with us as we get a close up view of shore birds and wading
birds in their natural habitat. Some of the birds we may see are Great Blue Herons, Snowy
Egrets, Eastern Brown Pelicans, and Least Terns. Dolphins are often seen at play as they
grace us with their presence. During the course of the tour we will take a walk on the
beach at Morris Island where shells abound. This afternoon on the water is not only
educational but also fun and refreshing.
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Courtesy of Drayton Hall
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THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AT
DRAYTON HALL
Students will learn all about the American Revolution in the lowcountry and specifically
about the role that the Drayton family played in the Revolution. Drayton Hall actually
served as headquarters for both the British and American forces during the course of the
Revolution. As your students stand around the walls of this house they will be swept back
in time to the fiery Revolutionary period. This unique workshop will also focus on the
life of the common soldier. Students will sign period enlistment papers and be taught the
basic techniques of 18th century military drill. They will view first hand the uniforms,
equipment, and personal terms of the common soldier and learn all about the role of free
and enslaved African-Americans in the conflict.
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THE SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM
(FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO THE SEA)
Discover more than 10,000 living organisms as you journey from the mountains to the ocean
floor of South Carolina all within the walls of our Aquarium. Students will explore the
history of our state through 60 exhibits reflecting our mutually interdependent aquatic
habitats and the evolution of our Southeastern environment. The beauty and mystery of this
natural setting will spark your curiosity and leave you in awe of the world beyond
ourselves. Exhibits include not only aquatic creatures, but also a fascinating variety of
birds and native plants. Learn how plants and animals are all dependent on each other for
survival by visiting the Discovery Lab and Education stations. South Carolina Aquarium is
truly an educational gem! Be sure and take in the Great Ocean Tank Dive Show during your
visit.
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Courtesy of the South Carolina
Aquarium
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Courtesy of the IMAX Theatre
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THE IMAX ® THEATRE The IMAX ® Theatre at Aquarium Wharf, with IMAX ®
technology offers students and teachers the chance to explore the world and its wonders.
Our specially-designed 422 seat auditorium guarantees that every seat is the best seat in
the house. Our state-of-the-art technology will take your group into the heart of the
film's action, allowing them to live the adventure. With a screen five stories high,
comfortable leather stadium seating, and 12,000 watts of digital surround sound, your
group will share a unique experience. |
| A GHOSTLY NIGHT ON THE TOWN As the night deepens we will begin our ghostly walking
tour. This city by the sea has survived wars, hurricanes, fires and even earthquakes.
Where sadness and natural disasters abound so do members of the spirit world. Through out
her rich history there have been stories of Charleston Ghosts and many Charlestonians
firmly believe that they do exist. Some are meek and mild while others like Lavinia Fisher
who murdered countless people are terrifying. On this evening ghost walk your guide and
expert story teller will entertain you with our traditional tall tales and perhaps an even
more recent sighting.
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FRANKIE'S FUN PARK OUTING Spend the evening at Frankie's Fun Park which provides
great entertainment for the whole family. Upon arrival at Frankie's you will be treated to
an Old Fashioned Cookout with Hamburgers and hot dogs. Spend the rest of the evening
riding the Go Karts, Bumper Boats, playing miniature golf and trying your hand at the
batting cage. Excursion includes round trip transportation, 18 holes of miniature golf,
three ride tokens, 8 arcade tokens, and the cookout. Students must be accompanied by an
adequate number of chaperones.
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| PIRATES, PATRIOTS, AND
PRESENT DAY CHARLESTON SCAVENGER WALK As you stroll with your guide through this old and historic city you will not
only learn about her heroes, but also about those infamous villains who preyed upon the
city. Search for those special things unique to Charleston during these and other
interesting periods of its history as you walk the city streets and tour the Old Exchange
Building and Provost Dungeon. |
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This is just a sample of the tours and activities we offer. We will be happy to
custom design an event or excursion to suit your group’s specific needs.
Please feel free to give us a call so that we can
discuss your needs in more detail. We look forward to providing your group with a
wonderful experience in Charleston. |
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