- McLeod Plantation Historic Site - Charleston’s difficult history is recounted at McLeod, highlighting the harsh daily life on a pre-Civil War farm.
- Drayton Hall - The oldest and only remaining plantation house in its original state on the Ashley River. While we won’t tour inside the house, we will stop for photos and a history lesson. The Drayton Family, who owned this property from its inception until recently, is truly fascinating.
Please note this is a driving tour, and we do not enter the admission areas of the grounds.
- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens - Thomas Drayton and his wife Ann arrived from Barbados to the new English colony of Charles Towne and established Magnolia Plantation along the Ashley River in 1676. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Low Country and the oldest public garden in America. We will drive down Live Oak Alley and stop for photos in front of the house.
Please note this is a driving tour, and we do not enter the admission areas of the grounds.
- Middleton Place - View the entrance vista of Middleton Place. We will shop at the open-air market and museum store.
Please note this is a driving tour, and we do not enter the admission areas of the grounds.
- Old St. Andrew’s Parish Church - We visit the oldest church building (1708) still in service south of Virginia. We will stroll through the church graveyard and get a peek inside this 300-year-old structure. Learn how Reverend John Drayton Jr. saved the family’s cruciform church and curated the Ashley River gardens.
- Bottled water included
- Complimentary snacks
- Air-conditioned vehicles
- All fees and taxes covered
- Lunch
Don’t limit yourself to a single estate! Embrace the opportunity to explore 5 historical landmarks in one comprehensive tour, all while enjoying the comfort of our small-group (8 people or less) Mercedes Sprinter journey. Our itinerary includes visits to 4 estates and a family church, each steeped in over three centuries of heritage that form the cornerstone of the American southern history.
Our journey begins at the McLeod Estate, where we’ll partake in their educational tour, providing invaluable insight into authentic estate living. Following this, our journey continues along the picturesque Ashley River Road, offering fleeting yet scenic visits to the Drayton, Magnolia, and Middleton estates. Note that this is primarily a driving tour, so we will not be entering the ticketed areas of these sites. Our journey concludes with a visit to the historic Old Saint Andrews Church, dating back to 1706.
As a city-certified tour guide, I will take you on a revealing, historical journey beyond the city limits. Come and embark on this immersive journey back in time. Minimum group size is 4 people.
- Please note that we do walk the grounds of these plantations and the Sprinter van is equipped with a double step.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
