Welcome to Charleston: Private 2-hour Highlights Walking Tour
With nearly four centuries of history, Charleston is one of America's oldest cities. It is also one of the most remarkably well-preserved. Its complex and fascinating story is deeply intertwined with the early colonisation of America, the development of the Southern economy, the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Civil Rights Movement. Enjoy a journey through the pages of the country's history books and experience the highlights of charming Charleston on this walking tour through the Old and Historic District at the heart of the city.
On your private walking tour, you will:
- Discover the origins of Charleston, established as Charles Towne back in 1670;
- See the house where President George Washington stayed;
- Get a crash course in Charleston’s architecture as you stroll past the picturesque Rainbow Row and learn about why the houses have maintained their colourful facades through the years;
- Find out more about points of interest around the harbour like the Battery and Fort Sumter;
- See the only still-practising French Huguenot Church in the country;
- Hear about the city's darker history and the impact of the slave trade on the city and state;
- Stroll the stalls of crafts, produce, and local fare at the Historic Charleston City Market.
Your tour will begin at George Washington Square in Downtown Charleston, nestled within the Old and Historic District, which has enjoyed protected status as far back as 1931. Your guide will take you back to the early days of Charleston, explaining the circumstances in which British settlers established the port city of Charles Towne in 1670. As you pass by the house where President George Washington stayed during his visit to Charleston in 1791, you will hear tales of his Southern tour and how Charleston played a significant role in early American politics and society.
Your route will continue through the picturesque streets of the historic district as your guide gives you an overview of Charleston’s unique architectural styles. As you admire Rainbow Row, a series of vibrant historic homes, you will discover why these houses have maintained their colourful facades through the years and become an emblem of Old Charleston. You will then uncover why Charleston became known as ‘the Holy City’, discover the diverse religious heritage that helped shape Charleston’s identity and visit the only still-practicing French Huguenot Church in the United States.
As your journey continues, you will find out more about other key landmarks around Charleston Harbor such as The Battery, a defensive seawall lined with historic mansions, and the distant Fort Sumter, where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. You will also delve deeper into Charleston’s complex and sometimes painful past, discussing the impact of the slave trade on both the city and the wider state of South Carolina. Your guide will explain Charleston’s role as one of the largest ports for the transatlantic slave trade and the lasting effects of this dark chapter on the city’s history and culture.
The tour will end at the lively Charleston City Market, a bustling hub of activity since the early 1800s. You will have the opportunity to wander through an eclectic range of stalls filled with local crafts, produce, and southern delicacies. From sweetgrass baskets made by Gullah artisans to South Carolina’s culinary delights, this market is a delectable showcase of Charleston’s cultural heritage. By the end of your time together, you will no doubt be enamoured by Charleston’s vibrant history and particular Southern charm. Your guide will be happy to offer recommendations on how to spend the rest of your time in Charleston, from must-try restaurants to hidden historical gems, ensuring your visit to the city is truly unforgettable.
