Charleston historical walking tour with a Professor of History at The Citadel
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Charleston, USA
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Hear all about Charleston, South Carolina and its storied past with a Ph.D historian for a guide on this walking tour. Walk the city streets as part of a small group, seeing popular local attractions like the French Quarter, St. Michael’s Church, Dock Street Theater, Fort Sumter National Monument, and lots more.
- Learn more about this centuries-old city
- Stroll with your guide in an intimate group of no more than 12
- The ideal experience for history buffs
- Feel free to pick your historian guide’s brain
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 108 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
This building has four small white Ionic Greek columns in front. It is now a graphic design center for the city of Charleston and not open to the public. We will meet on the sidewalk in front of the building. It is directly across the street from Hibernian Hall and the pink Mills House Hotel.
End point
- 39 E Battery, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
This tour ends on the Battery near the iconic Rainbow Row section of Charleston.
Itinerary
1
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Dock Street Theater
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Pink House Gallery
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Washington Square
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Charleston City Hall
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Charleston County Courthouse
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
St. Michael's Church
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
Heyward-Washington House
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
9
Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
10
French Huguenot Church
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
11
French Quarter
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
12
Hibernian Hall
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
13
Fort Sumter National Monument
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 1,483 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
George_C, Jun 2026
Eric was extremely knowledgeable, interesting and humorous. A great in depth introduction to Charleston's rich and varied history.
Linda_R, Jun 2026
This was an in depth historical summary of Charleston background, across - 2 mile area. We enjoyed Eric’s stories and amazed at his around history and culture! My husband was very interested and enjoyed learning new historical facts. Highly recommend!
Stephanie_Z, Jun 2026
Fantastic tour! We’ve been going to Charleston for over 20 years. Mostly for the day. We loved this tour. So much great information. Eric was fabulous. We highly recommend this tour. My husband and I really loved it.
Ana_J, May 2026
We enjoyed learning about the history and architecture of Charleston as we strolled around the city. Also. Eric was very knowledgeable pointed out facts and anecdotes that will help us remember names of streets and events that happened.
Mopsi_H, May 2026
A beautiful, historical city made vivid by our tour guide, Dr. Eric Lager, Ph.D. He's an historian (The Citadel) and knows Charleston as if he designed and built it. He was knowledgeable, thoughtful and kept a perfect pace.
Samuel_S, May 2026
Eric is, without question, the gold standard for Charleston walking tours. From the moment we stepped off on the cobblestones, it was clear we weren’t getting a recited script — we were getting a master storyteller in his element. Eric weaves three centuries of Charleston history into a narrative that’s vivid, balanced, and genuinely captivating, moving effortlessly from colonial founding and the antebellum era to Civil War flashpoints, hurricanes, earthquakes, and the city’s modern preservation movement.
What sets Eric apart is his depth. He doesn’t just point at buildings — he tells you who lived there, what they argued about over dinner, and why the wrought iron looks the way it does. He handles the harder chapters of Charleston’s history, including slavery and Reconstruction, with the honesty and nuance the subject deserves. His pacing was perfect, the route thoughtfully chosen to keep us in the shade when possible, and he made room for questions at every turn.
Two hours flew by. By the end, we felt like we actually understood Charleston rather than just having walked past it. If you’re visiting the Holy City, book Eric. You won’t find better.
MaryAnn_J, May 2026
Exceptional, informative, history told in a way that brings the Charleston alive and easy to picture. Loved every minute. One of the best tours I've ever had, and have had some good ones.
Helen_B, May 2026
Eric is extremely knowledgeable about Charleston history. You might have information overload once the tour is done but you will not leave without having all your questions answered. I would definitely recommend whether you are a history buff or just interested in Charleston history.
Diane_T, May 2026
Eric is very knowledgeable and interesting and the 3 hours went by very fast. We learned so much about Charleston!
Mandy_P, May 2026
Eric is a true historian who really loves this city! His love for history and vast knowledge of anything about Charleston made this a truly great experience. I would recommend to anyone who wants to avoid the cheesy tours and really wants to know the history in Charleston.
Christine_F, May 2026
Extremely knowledgeable about the history both the Revolutionary War and Civil War. Eric knows his history!
Bob_H, May 2026
Eric did an amazing job and explaining the Civil War and how it mpacted the city of Charleston Lesrn how the city with stood all the events that destroyed it several times. His knowledge was at the highest level and he made it fun. Three hours went by so fast. Don’t miss the chance to take this tour. You will not be disappointed and you will learn quite a bit about our US history. Definitely deserves a five star.
Mark_D, May 2026
Excellent: History knowledge
Improvement: don’t advertise that you will enter any buildings as we only entered one for a bathroom break, otherwise it is only outside walking and looking at exteriors.
Mary_F, May 2026
Eric is a plethora of knowledge about Charleston history. And he tells great stories too! Thumbs up! Thank you, Eric, for a terrific tour.
Norman_W, May 2026
I wish that every tour could be as good as this one. It brings history to life with fascinating detail, insight and humor. You simply cannot find a better guide than Professor Lager, a person who has genuine knowledge of the subject matter - the result is so much more than a memorized script. The tour offers a well-organized and thoughtful discussion of Charleston's history from colonial times to the present, highlighting the political, military, cultural, economic and architectural aspects of the city that make it truly unique and central to the history of the United States. Professor Lager's experience as an educator shines through in his clear, understandable presentation (a great help to me, considering my hearing limitations). This is no dry lecture: this is the class that everyone wants to take. Don't miss it!
Kevin_H, May 2026
Eric is incredibly knowledgeable about all things in Charleston. The tour goes along in a timely manner and is very interesting. He also takes the time to answer questions along the way. This is a fantastic tour! I would love to take it again.
James_M, Apr 2026
This tour highlights so many historical aspects of the French Quarter, as well as a lot of very good information on the local houses and architecture. The three hours go by very quickly. Eric is an exceptional guide.
Robert_O, Apr 2026
Eric was an amazing guide who made the 3 hour tour end too soon. His mastery of the history of Charleston is exemplary and highly recommend you try to take his tour.
Denise_K, Apr 2026
Eric was fantastic! As a many-years resident of Charleston, I learned much new information and heard interesting stories to go along with the facts. Having a small group of 12, we were all able to hear him and see the items that he pointed out.
Susan_L, Apr 2026
Eric Lager is one of the best tour guides I've ever had:
1.He has extensive knowledge and facts of the history of the city which he shared in a manner that was easy to absorb
2. He is friendly and has a good sense of humor,
3. He welcomed questions and discussion
4. He was engaging and made connection with all group members
He deserves more than 5 stars!!! The passion for his subject matter really comes across and adds to the experience.
Caryn_B, Apr 2026
My husband and I loved it. Really informative and interesting. We’d even take the tour again. Highly recommend!
Kerin_G, Apr 2026
Eric gave an excellent tour, very thoughtful and keeping us in the shade was important to me. We had a wonderful day.
Sandy_B, Apr 2026
This was one of the best tours we have ever taken. Great information, concise, thorough and very interesting! The 3 hours flew by!!! Thank you Eric.
Edward_F, Apr 2026
Eric Lager has a PhD in history and is very knowledgeable about the area. He is also very personable and is a great storyteller, bringing history to life. He keeps his groups small, which makes the experience exceptional. We highly recommend him.
Patti_B, Apr 2026
This was an amazing, fact filled 3 hr tour of the history of Charleston. Eric has such enthusiasm for & extensive knowledge of Charleston. Not to be missed!
Catherine_M, Apr 2026
Eric Lager was a fabulous tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and kept our interest throughout the 3 hour tour. I highly recommend him.
Ellie_L, Apr 2026
Eric is full of history and stories delving into what makes Charleston tick. The small group allowed an intimate feel and an ease to navigate and ask questions. An exceptional tour, skip the large groups and take this tour - you won’t be disappointed.
kelly_s, Apr 2026
Eric was a very impressive guide. We’ve taken a lot of tours over the years, but I would rank him at the very top. His knowledge and delivery was amazing. Highly recommend.
Janet_J, Apr 2026
This tour was everything we hoped for-fast paced, informative and interesting. Eric is a passionate guide with a wealth of knowledge about Charleston. Highly recommend!
Gita_S, Apr 2026
The tour with Eric was fantastic! He knows how to tell historical facts in a fun and interesting manner and we highly value it that he limits the group size to 12 people.
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