Charleston Walking Tour: Exclusive Small-Group History Experience
5.0
788 Ratings
Charleston
Experience an exclusive small-group walking tour of Charleston with a Ph.D. historian. Discover the city's rich history and enjoy a personalized, in-depth exploration unlike any other tour in town.
Duration: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton - The historic Mills House Hotel played an important role in the early part of the American Civil War.
  • Dock Street Theater - Learn about the first theatre built in North America and the infamous characters associated with it’s history.
  • Pink House Gallery - One of the oldest buildings in Charleston, circa 1712
  • Washington Square - Historic square in Charleston with multiple monuments.
  • Charleston City Hall - Learn about the evolution of this beautiful building that once served as a meat market and bank before becoming City Hall
  • Charleston County Courthouse - Learn about what was once the old South Carolina statehouse.
  • St. Michael’s Church - Learn about the fascinating history of Charleston’s oldest church edifice, completed in 1761.
  • Heyward-Washington House - See where George Washington stayed while visiting Charleston in 1791.
  • Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon - See the last public building built by the British in North America and where the Constitution was ratified in 1788.
  • French Huguenot Church - Learn about the rich history of French Huguenot’s in Charleston and the first church built in the Gothic Revival style.
  • French Quarter - Take in the beauty and charm of the French Quarter in Charleston.
  • Hibernian Hall - Learn about the building where the seeds of disunion were sown and hear about America’s connection to Greek Revival architecture.
  • Fort Sumter National Monument - See where the first shots of the Civil War were fired! We do not go out to the fort, we take a look at it from the Battery on Charleston Harbor.
What's Included
  • All applicable fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation
Additional Information

In contrast to numerous local tour operators who permit up to 20 individuals per group, my Charleston excursion guarantees a maximum of just 10 participants. The most distinguishing feature of my tour is the exceptional historical proficiency that I provide to my guests. Having a Ph.D. in history involved thousands of hours dedicated to reading and researching primary sources in the South Carolina archives. I utilize the knowledge gained from this extensive effort and share it with you during the tour. As I restrict the number of participants to 10 and present a tour that is 30 minutes more in depth than most in the city, you will experience a level of exclusivity and historical richness that is significantly superior to what larger tour operators in Charleston offer.

Location
108 Meeting St
Meeting Street
This is the Historic Charleston Foundation gift shop. We meet in front of the building. The front reads “Shop Historic Charleston”
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(788 Ratings)
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Hannahhx9847ow
Jun 14, 2024
Knowledgeable tour guide - Me and my husband went on this tour together during our anniversary trip to Charleston and we really enjoyed it! Eric was very knowledgeable and willingly answered any questions we had during the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V82
Jun 14, 2024
Don't miss it! - Very informative tour, great pace for absorbing info and views. A History lesson along with interesting twists of fate that shaped Charleston. Smaller group was definitely a plus as other tour groups were larger and therefore had more trouble fitting on the narrow streets and walkways.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Herbs795
Jun 13, 2024
Very enjoyable. - We have not taken any other tours of Charleston but it is hard to imagine that any other guide could be any more knowledgeable or personable than Eric. Very pleasant and eye-opening. Thanks again Eric
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Regina_j
Jun 12, 2024
One of the best tours in Charleston! - Eric was very knowledgeable about the history of Charleston. He was friendly and funny. I would highly recommend this tour if you are visiting this amazing city.
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_s
Jun 12, 2024
Charleston walking tour. - The entire tour was incredibly well presented with insights into the history of Charleston. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to know the fascinating history of the city.
Review provided by Viator
David_g
Jun 12, 2024
Enjoyable Small Group Tour! - Eric provided a wonderful and informative experience for the group, taking time to learn about each of us, capping groups at 12 for a more personal experience, and answering any questions that we had. If you want to experience the richness of 17th-20th century Charleston, Dr. Lager's is the tour to pick. I think it is safe to say that there is no guide more accurately and deeply informed than Eric Lager. Like others have said, the suggestions of materials to read and places to visit after his tour concludes keeps the fun going. He is clearly passionate about both his career and leading tours through the city he has made his home. We were so pleased to find out about this experience!
Review provided by Viator
Katherine
Jun 11, 2024
Best tour in Charleston! - This was the highlight of our anniversary weekend in Charleston, which is saying a lot because we enjoyed the entire stay. Being able to tour with a PhD historian whose master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation was focused on South Carolina history was a real privilege. It was particularly notable when someone in the small group asked a question that required a higher-level of knowledge. My husband and I were impressed with the guide’s ability to answer fairly niche/obscure questions thoughtfully, specifically and accurately. Additionally, the route of the tour was very carefully thought out to put us in the shade 90% of the time, which is helpful on a South Carolina summer day. The cap he places on 12 people for the tour allowed for a more intimate feel! We highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susiejm
Jun 11, 2024
Great tour - Eric was great - very passionate about his subject and extremely knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the tour and found it very educational. It's quite a long tour so wear comfortable shoes and take a drink. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
John
Jun 7, 2024
Highly recommend Eric! - Eric Lager is an excellent tour guide, and I highly recommend him for his historical walking tour of Charleston. He has a PhD. in history of which he is also a college professor of. He just doesn't give you the basics of what he's showing you but delves deeper into the who's and why's. He purposely limits the size of his tour group so that he can engage more with you. He has a great personality and adds a degree of humor to his presentation. I highly recommend him over the other Charleston tour options.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
George_r
Jun 6, 2024
Excellent guide - The tour was excellent. The guide was one of the best we ever had. Thought I had reviewed this tour months ago but I must have missed it. If you take only one tour in Charleston, choose this guide.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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