Explore North America's only English walled city - Charleston. Accompanied by an expert guide, stroll though quaint cobblestone streets while learning about the city's fascinating, turbulent past and its unique place in the history of the United States.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Mobile ticketing: Use your phone or print your voucher
Duration 2 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
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Live tour guide: English

Highlights

Visit the historical walled city of Charleston on an enlightening 2-hour walking tour
Visit key sites such as churches and colonial homes
Hear tales of pirates, patriots, belles and balls from a 7th generation Charlestonian and expert storyteller

Full description

An exciting walking tour of the only English walled city in North America - Charleston! Once the leading seaport of the thirteen colonies and later the United States, historical Charleston is waiting to be discovered. On this 2-hour walking tour, you will learn about the intriguing history of Charleston from veteran guide Al Ray. See pre-and-post colonial homes, storefronts, churches and public buildings while Ray recounts the rich tales and legends of Charleston's proud and turbulent past. Learn the meanings of the ancient symbols on the tombstones, the city's history of rapid growth and rampant piracy, and the rise of the rice planters. Listen to your charismatic guide describe the numerous disasters, such as seven major fires, numerous hurricanes, epidemics, sieges and bombardments, plus a major earthquake, that have struck the city over its long and colourful history.

Includes

Live tour guide

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Meeting point

Tour meets at Historic Charleston Foundation Gift Shop at 108 Meeting Street

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Important information

Know before you go

This is a walking tour, be sure to wear comfortable shoes, In warm weather, don't forget the sunscreen and bottled water!

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 236 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.8/5
Value for money
4.9/5
Service
4.9/5
Organization
5/5

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Eric L was an energetic and very knowledgeable guide. His in-depth study of Charleston history shines through in his 2 hour tour that goes by way too fast. So many fascinating historical, architectural, and cultural facts were presented in a captivating way. Highly recommend this tour. You will not be disappointed!

October 28, 2021

We really enjoyed our guide - extremely knowledgeable about the area and history and we appreciated his candor and willingness to “tell it like it is”. Perfect Southern gentlemen manners, and a true lover of Charleston culture. You really fall in love with the city and it’s deep roots during your experience with this tour.

October 22, 2021

Our guide was so knowledgeable about the history of Charleston! He was very well educated and informative. He could answer every question asked and spent extra time with us since we were so interested in seeing and hearing more!! We liked the personal touch of the smaller size group that this company provides.

September 18, 2021

Charleston: Historical Walking Tour

Charleston: Historical Walking Tour

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