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Experience the stories that shaped a nation.
Best Of Charleston 5-Day Itinerary
Available Year Round - Starting from $4,692 per guest
Step back in time in Charleston with a captivating journey that blends history, mystery, food and more! Hop aboard for a quaint horse & carriage tour, delve into the city’s stories on a private guided walk and chill your spine with a ghostly evening drive. From harbor cruises to culinary adventures and even a plantation visit, Charleston promises amazing experiences. The best part? Every experience is personalized to your interests, ensuring your trip is unforgettable!
What We Love About This Experience
“This Charleston trip captures the city’s vibe, from old streets to spooky spots. It’s great to see travelers experience so many different activities all at once.”
Eric Derr
FIT Experience Designer
“I love how this Charleston adventure covers everything from carriage tours to culinary delights. It really captures the spirit of the city in one complete multiday experience.”
Lidia Johnson
FIT Experience Designer
“This Charleston experience is great because you get a little bit of everything—cool history tours, ghostly walks and great food. It’s the perfect way to really get a feel for the city.”
Mary Eggert
FIT Experience Designer
Embark On An Unmatched Journey Of A Lifetime
Our expert team has put together a sample itinerary designed to inspire your next vacation – and we’re all about customizing it to match your interests, budget and schedule for a genuine local experience. Looking to add a tour, include additional transportation, extend your hotel stay or include a unique touch? Our Experience Designers are here to make it all happen for you!
This is a suggested itinerary – we can customize based on your preferences.
Day 1 - Your Ride Awaits
Your luxury experience starts when you’re met inside the airport with a smile by your friendly driver – who’ll be holding a sign with your name on it. After settling in, why not introduce yourself to Charleston’s culinary scene by having lunch or dinner in one of the city’s renowned restaurants?
Day 2 – History, Horses and Haunts
- Your day starts at the Big Red Barn where you’ll greet your carriage driver and the horses that will whisk you away on a private tour through Charleston’s historic streets.
- You’ll enjoy dinner on your own – and then after dark – it’s a time for some spooky fun courtesy of a journey through the Holy City’s most haunted locations!
Day 3 - City, Cruise and Culinary Tours
- Kick off your first adventure of the day right from your hotel, where your guide awaits to lead you on a walking tour to discover Charleston’s most historic – and photographed – landmarks.
- After a lunch break, it’s time to take in the city from the water aboard the Carolina Belle, where you’ll enjoy a captivating harbor tour.
- Your day ends on a tasty note thanks to a private culinary tour where you’ll taste fabulous fare from local restaurants and get educated on traditional Lowcountry cuisine.
Day 4 – Magnolia Plantation
- Today a luxury vehicle awaits to take you on an day trip to Magnolia Plantation, where you’ll tour the house, gardens, and nature trails, hear stories of Prohibition-era parties, explore preserved slave cabins, and enjoy a guided walk through blooming landscapes.
- A picnic lunch and scenic train ride round out this unforgettable Lowcountry experience.
- That evening, upon your return, you can enjoy one last delicious dinner of Lowcountry cuisine and end your trip with an evening on your own.
Day 5 - Until We Meet Again
When your unforgettable experience in Charleston comes to an end, you’ll be met at your hotel by your driver for your private transfer back to the airport via luxury vehicle.
Hotel Bennett
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, Hotel Bennett combines deep-rooted tradition with European-inspired architecture and Southern charm. Steps from the vibrant King Street, it offers a gateway to the city’s culture and class. Guests enjoy luxurious rooms, exceptional dining, and a rooftop with stunning views. Start mornings with coffee and pastries on the terrace, unwind at the urban spa and end the day with a rooftop sunset aperitif.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Fitness Center
- Bar
- Concierge
- Rooftop Pool
- Spa
The Spectator Hotel
$$$$$
A unique blend of exclusive adventures and tailored experiences – The Spectator Hotel captures the essence of luxury and personalized service from the moment you arrive. Situated where the City Market meets the historic French Quarter, this boutique hotel stands out with its sophisticated charm. It blends the warm grace of Southern hospitality with the vibrant flair of the Jazz Age, offering a truly unique and inviting atmosphere.
Amenities
- Butler Service
- Fitness Center
- Valet Parking
- In-Room Breakfast
- Wi-Fi
- Bar
The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel
$$$$
Discover boutique luxury at The Lindy Renaissance Charleston Hotel, nestled in downtown Charleston’s vibrant heart. With eclectic design and genuine Southern hospitality, guests will enjoy comfort and style. Features include a saltwater pool, a fitness center and rooms decorated with local art and plush bedding. Ideal for business or leisure, this hotel offers a prime location to explore Charleston’s historic charm.
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Fitness Center
- Valet Parking
- Rooftop Pool
- Wi-Fi
- Bar
Inclusions
- Roundtrip Airport Transfers via luxury vehicle including driver gratuity and inside meet & greet upon arrival
- One (1) Hour Private Horse & Carriage Ride
- One (1) Hour Charleston After Dark: Ghost Ride
- One and a Half (1.5) Hour Private Historic Walking or Driving Tour of Charleston City
- One and a Half (1.5) Hour Sightseeing Harbor Cruise Aboard Carolina Belle
- Two and a Half (2.5) Hour Private Culinary Tour of Charleston
- Seven (7) Hour Private Tour of Magnolia Plantation
*Cost of meals not included.
*Hotel accommodations available for an additional charge.
More Information
- This experience is offered year-round, seven (7) days a week. Select holidays may not be available.
- You can customize the starting location of the tours to fit your schedule.
- All stops, timing and inclusions of the tours are dependent on traffic and weather conditions.
- Want to see something specific? We love to personalize our tours to suit your specific interests and passions!
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Quote from Our Travelers
“Our trip to Charleston with American Stories Travel was awesome! They handled all the details, so we could just kick back and enjoy everything the city has to offer. They made our vacation a custom-made adventure – which we loved because we didn’t waste time doing things we weren’t interested in. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience!”
2024 - H.R.
“Our family had an incredible time exploring the plantations around Charleston with American Stories Travel. The tours were both educational and captivating, really bringing the history to life for us and the kids. It was the highlight of our trip, and we appreciated how everything was so well-organized and family-friendly.”
2024 - J.E.
“My bachelorette weekend in Charleston with American Stories Travel was a hit! Loved the Sip and Shop tour, where we explored local shops with drinks in hand—it was a blast and so unique. The sunset harbor cruise was the perfect way to relax afterward. They nailed it with the planning, making my celebration truly special and seamless!”
2024 - K.C.
“Our family had an incredible time exploring the plantations around Charleston with American Stories Travel. The tours were both educational and captivating, really bringing the history to life for us and the kids. It was the highlight of our trip, and we appreciated how everything was so well-organized and family-friendly.”
2024 - M.K.
“Our Charleston foodie adventure was unforgettable! One of our favorite experiences was when we got to pick out fresh ingredients at a local market and then later returned to a chef-prepared meal with the ingredients we chose! We also did a creative cocktail tour that was super fun. Next stop is Savannah – with American Stories Travel of course!”
2024 - P.G.
