Charleston: Historic City Tour & Magnolia Plantation Combo

Uncover the captivating history and natural beauty of Charleston on this immersive 6-hour tour. Explore the city’s iconic landmarks, then venture to the renowned Magnolia Plantation, where you’ll stroll through America’s oldest public garden and witness the vibrant flora and fauna of the Audubon Swamp. With knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling, this combo tour promises an unforgettable experience for a limited group of just 6 participants.

This experience made our article of Top 16 City Tours In Charleston.

Key Points

• This tour combines a visit to the historic Magnolia Plantation with a guided city tour of Charleston’s iconic landmarks, offering a comprehensive exploration of the city’s history and natural beauty.
• Magnolia Plantation features one of America’s first public gardens, providing opportunities to spot diverse wildlife and learn about the plantation’s 12-generation history.
• The Charleston city tour covers over 100 significant sites, including the Battery Sea Wall, Rainbow Row, and well-preserved antebellum architecture, with knowledgeable guides providing engaging insights.
• The tour duration is 6 hours, with a small-group size limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized experience, and is conducted in English.
• The tour offers excellent value for money, with an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 177 reviews, and provides the flexibility of free cancellation up to 2 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour, named "Charleston: Historic City Tour & Magnolia Plantation Combo," offers a comprehensive 6-hour experience for visitors.

A comprehensive 6-hour experience for visitors exploring Charleston’s historic landmarks and the iconic Magnolia Plantation.

Priced from €103.86 per person, the small-group tour is limited to 6 participants and conducted in English.

With availability likely to sell out, the tour includes free cancellation up to 2 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guests will explore the historic Magnolia Plantation, stroll through its iconic gardens, and enjoy a narrated tram ride.

They’ll also embark on a 1.5-hour guided tour of Charleston’s landmarks, from the Battery Sea Wall to Rainbow Row.

Exploring Magnolia Plantation

Established in 1676, Magnolia Plantation boasts a rich heritage, having been home to the Drayton family for 12 generations. Visitors can explore the plantation’s expansive landscaped grounds and living history exhibits. The property features one of America’s first public gardens, opened since 1870, and the last large-scale Romantic garden.

| Nature Highlights | Duration |

| — | — |

| Audubon Swamp Garden | 30-minute narrated tram ride |

| Wildlife Viewing | Alligators, turtles, herons |

| Botanical Gardens | Explore 19th-century gardens |

| Plantation House | Tour the historic home |

| Slave Cabins | Gain insights into history |

Discovering the Historic Gardens

While strolling through Magnolia Plantation‘s lush gardens, visitors can’t help but marvel at the serene beauty that surrounds them.

The plantation’s gardens feature:

1. America’s oldest public garden, opened in 1870, showcasing Romantic-style landscaping with meandering paths, bridges, and diverse flora.

2. The Azalea Garden, a riot of color during spring bloom, complemented by towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss.

3. The Nature Trail, a tranquil walk through wetlands and forests, offering glimpses of local wildlife like herons, turtles, and alligators.

This historic oasis provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city.

Nature Tram Ride Through Audubon Swamp

A 30-minute narrated ride aboard the nature tram takes visitors through the Audubon Swamp Garden, a sanctuary for diverse wildlife.

Alligators bask on the banks, turtles sun themselves on fallen logs, and herons wade in the shallows. The guide points out the unique flora and fauna of the wetland ecosystem.

Towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss line the waterways. Visitors glimpse the hidden world of the swamp, learning about the delicate balance of this natural habitat.

The tram provides an immersive experience to appreciate the beauty and importance of the Audubon Swamp Garden.

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Taking in Charleston’s Iconic Landmarks

After exploring the natural wonders of the Audubon Swamp Garden, the historic city tour takes visitors on a journey through Charleston’s most iconic landmarks.

The 1.5-hour guided tour covers over 100 significant sites, including:

1. The Battery Sea Wall, a historic defensive seawall with stunning views of the Charleston Harbor.

2. Rainbow Row, a colorful collection of 18th-century row houses along East Bay Street.

3. Historic homes, showcasing the city’s well-preserved antebellum architecture and rich history.

Knowledgeable guides provide insightful commentary, bringing Charleston’s past to life through engaging storytelling.

Highlights of the Historic City Tour

The guided historic city tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through Charleston’s most iconic landmarks, bringing the city’s rich past to life. The tour covers over 100 historical sites, including:

| Landmark | Description |

| — | — |

| The Battery Sea Wall | An iconic landmark offering panoramic views of Charleston Harbor |

| Rainbow Row | A picturesque row of 13 historic pastel-colored houses |

| Historic Homes | Beautifully preserved antebellum mansions and historic residences |

| St. Michael’s Church | A stunning example of Georgian architecture dating back to 1761 |

Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating insights, transporting guests back in time and showcasing Charleston’s enduring charm.

Transportation and Pickup/Drop-off

Climate-controlled coaches ferry participants between the historic Charleston tour and the Magnolia Plantation.

The tour includes:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

2. Comfortable transportation throughout the day, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the sights.

3. Seamless transitions between the city tour and the plantation, maximizing the time spent exploring the highlights.

This transportation arrangement enhances the overall visitor experience, making it a convenient and efficient way to discover the rich history and natural beauty of Charleston and its surroundings.

Visitor Experience and Important Information

With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 177 reviews, this tour provides an exceptional visitor experience.

Guests rave about the knowledgeable and entertaining guides, who offer informative historical insights throughout the 1.5-hour Charleston city tour.

Knowledgeable and entertaining guides offer informative historical insights throughout the 1.5-hour Charleston city tour, according to enthusiastic guest reviews.

The transportation, a climate-controlled coach, also earns high marks at 4.7 out of 5.

Visitors find the tour offers great value for money, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5.

To ensure a smooth experience, guests should arrive 15 minutes early at the Charleston Visitor Center and bring a camera, comfortable clothes, and shoes.

Food, drinks, weapons, and sharp objects are prohibited on the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended to fully enjoy the walking experiences at the historic sites and plantation. The tour operates rain or shine, so dressing appropriately for the weather is advised.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, you cannot bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour guidelines specifically prohibit bringing food and drinks into the vehicle. Participants are advised to refrain from consuming outside items during the tour.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

No special discounts or offers are listed for this tour. The tour operator’s cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 2 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Guests with mobility needs can participate fully in the plantation and city tour experiences. Wheelchair-friendly transportation and accommodations are provided.

Can I Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

The tour can’t be extended or have additional activities added. However, guests can explore the Magnolia Plantation & Gardens more thoroughly on their own after the tour. Customizations aren’t available for this pre-designed combination tour.

The Sum Up

This captivating 6-hour Charleston tour offers the perfect blend of history, nature, and architectural beauty. Visitors will enjoy the rich heritage of the city, explore the stunning Magnolia Plantation, and marvel at the diverse flora and fauna of the Audubon Swamp Garden. With knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling, this combo experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into the charm and allure of Charleston.

You can check availability for your dates here: