The 4 Private History Tours in Charleston That Earn Their Price

1.Semi-private SMALL group Historic Walking Tours w/certified guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 224 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35Our pick

Spend about two hours walking Charleston’s old center with a licensed, certified guide. Kate, Kay, Steve Bailey, or Russ may lead the tour, covering early history, architecture, churches, folklore, and the Charleston Battery. The small-group format makes it easy to ask questions and adjust the walk to your interests.

“We had a wonderful walking tour with Steve Bailey. He is a wealth of knowledge about Charleston. It was only our group of 4 on the tour so we were able to fully engage with Steve. Would definitely recommend this tour.”

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2.Private Photo Session in Historic Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 123 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $125

Meet photographer Dennis at 79 East Bay Street for a private Charleston photo walk lasting about one to two hours. Expect Rainbow Row, cobbled streets, cozy lanes, and possible oak-lined settings, with help posing and plenty of room to shape the session around your group. The walk returns to the starting point and is offered in English.

“Dennis was great! He definitely helps with posing and makes you laugh a bit throughout to help ease any tension and make the session more relaxing and enjoyable! We love the pictures he got celebrating our anniversary!”

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3.Private Historic Horse & Carriage Tour of Charleston

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 103 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.)

Start near Charleston City Market and spend about 50 minutes riding through the historic district with your own carriage and guide. Guides such as Daniel, Kiki, Ricky, and Michael are praised for lively stories about architecture, families, and the old jail. One carriage holds up to four people, and the route is set by a city official.

“Tour was great. Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered anything we asked. Horse was also well taken care of in the heat.”

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4.Private Morning Sail, Dolphin and History Tour on Mystique

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 84 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Spend two relaxed hours aboard Mystique with a private captain and mate, sailing past Charleston’s Battery, Ravenel Bridge, Yorktown, and sometimes Fort Sumter. You’ll have soft drinks, bottled water, shade, and a restroom. Dolphin sightings are possible, and guides such as Will, Sam, Rob, Maddie, Scott, and Dustin add local history and sailing know-how.

“Captain Scott Depung and 1st Hand Monique took the time to share their passion about sailing and the local area. We learned alot and enjoyed our morning, private sailing excursion. I highly recommend it.”

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