Silversea Expedition Cruises À CHARLESTON (South Carolina)

From historic records, maps, and archaeological research we know that Charleston was a walled city in the European style by 1711. On this unique tour you will walk within the perimeters of that walled city. At the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon you will see a model of the original walled city as well as a section of the original wall.

The Europeans who settled Charleston in the late 17th century found that they were in a paradise for gardeners. Due to its temperate climate, rich soil, and plentiful rain fall an amazing variety of plants flourish here. As you stroll with your guide down lovely streets and lanes within the old walled city you will view architecture of homes built more than a century ago and peak into the lush private gardens of this quaint old city. A highlight of this tour will be a visit to Mrs. Whaley's Charleston Garden, a delightful outdoor room designed by landscape architect, Loutrel Briggs.

After visiting Mrs. Whaley's Garden you will be treated to a private tour of the Heyward-Washington House. This house has a magnificent collection of Charleston made furniture. Tea & Benne cookies will be served in the formal garden at the Heyward-Washington House.

Discover a beautiful home and formal gardens dating from 1741 during this half-day, behind-the-scenes excursion to historic Middleton Place.

Charleston, Middleton Place, Formal Gardens, Stable Yards

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Middleton Place, a Registered National Historic Landmark and the plantation home of the Middleton family since 1741. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the magnificent Formal Gardens (the oldest in America) laid out by Henry Middleton in 1741. Afterward, explore the stable yards, a living outdoor museum where the behind-the-scenes story of life on an 18th-century plantation is told with animals, artifacts and craft exhibits.

Middleton Place & House Museum

Next, proceed for a special guided tour of the Middleton House, which is furnished with heirlooms from the Middleton family. Along the way, explore the family's history through the important house museum collections. These collections include magnificent portraits of the Middleton family including furnishings that would have been in the house in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Following your tour, some free time is made available to browse the gift shop. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Depart the pier for the 1 ½ hour transfer by motor coach to the Wambaw Creek Wilderness area of the Francis Marion National Forest where you will board your kayak for an amazing 2 hour journey.

This beautiful blackwater creek is a tributary to the Santee River and was paddled by the Santee and coastal Plain Indians for thousands of years. The creek is surrounded by a seasonal flood plain swamp where giant 1,000 year old Bald Cypress trees can be seen in the upper section and Water Tupelo, Water Oak, Water Ash, Red Maple and Swamp Dogwood shade the banks of its pristine black waters. It offers spectacular birding and wildlife viewing. Banks of the river reflect geological precedence of the rice era where historical earthen dikes give way to a flooded subtropical forest of abandoned rice fields once owned by prosperous rice plantations.

Paddle back and return to the ship.

Journey by private motor coach though part of the Francis Marion National Forest to Garris Landing where you will take a 45 minute boat ride through the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge to Bulls Island where the first Charlestonians landed over 300 years ago. This six mile long island almost untouched by modern man is managed for endangered species such as the red wolf, the bald eagle, and the loggerhead sea turtle.

On the island stroll with your naturalist for almost 2 hours on lush forest footpaths and fabulous stretches of beach literally untouched by the hand of man. Throughout your excursion, you will learn about the ecology of the area and catch glimpses of the abundant wildlife that make this pristine island their home. Included in this unique excursion will be a privately guided walking tour of the SEWE Birds of Prey Center's Resident Aviaries as well as a flight demonstration with the birds untethered in free flight. Return on to the pier and board the coach for a 45-minute drive back to the ship.

Explore the only tea plantation in the United States during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion to the Charleston Tea Plantation.

Charleston, Marshlands, Live Oak-Canopied Roads, Sea Island

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the Charleston Tea Plantation. Nestled on a serene sea island near the historic city of Charleston, it is the only tea plantation in the United States. En route, drive across beautiful marshlands and along lovely, live oak-canopied roads. In addition, learn about the history of the large plantations that once occupied these islands, and hear stories of the unique culture and language of the sea island black people who worked these plantations.

Charleston Tea Plantation, Guided Trolley Tour, Tea Fields, Tea Factory, Gift Shop

Over 100 years ago, tea planters brought their finest tea bushes from China, India and Ceylon to the South Carolina low-country. Today, the descendants of those very plants are growing strong here. As you enter the Charleston Tea Plantation, see thousands of tea plants growing on acres-and-acres of rich, fertile, low-country soil. A guided stroll under the avenue of oaks takes you to the porch of the factory, which affords splendid panoramic views of the plantation. Afterward, take an informative, narrated trolley tour of the grounds and tea fields, and a walking tour of the Tea Factory. Following your tour, some free time is made available to browse the gift shop and for Tea Tasting

Farmland, Forests, St. John's Episcopal Church, Angel Oak

Next, re-board your coach and continue driving past rich farmland and lush forests, then pass by St. John's Episcopal Church en route to the Angel Oak, a 300-year-old live oak tree. After a photo stop here, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Join Chef Bob in his downtown Charleston showcase kitchen, where you will cook and laugh alongside him to prepare and enjoy a seasonal tasting menu inspired by the many farmers, fisherman, and artisans of the low country. Whatever your experience level, in this cooking class Chef Bob will teach you the tips and techniques to help you build your confidence in the kitchen. There will be no pressure, no recipes, or even dishes to wash at the end of the night! Just a fun and truly unique dinner party experience with every detail carefully crafted by Chef Bob himself.

Experience a slice of life in 18th-century Charleston during this picturesque, half-day excursion through the old walled city section of Charles Towne.

Charleston, Old Powder Magazine, Churches, Dock St. Theatre, Four Corners of the Law

Depart the pier for a guided walking tour down lovely streets and lanes of the 1704 walled city of Charles Towne. Along the way, view the marvellous architecture of homes built more than a century ago, peek into the exquisite private gardens of this quaint old city, and savour the sweet aroma of tea olive and magnolia trees. Renowned landmarks to be seen include the Old Powder Magazine, St. Phillips Episcopal Church, Dock St. Theatre, Four Corners of the Law, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, First Scots Presbyterian Church, and Rainbow Row.

Heyward Washington House, St. Michael's Episcopal Church

Highlights of your guided stroll include a special curator's tour of the Heyward-Washington House, c. 1772. This lovely home-turned-museum houses the finest collection of Charleston-made furniture in the city, and has one of the city's few remaining kitchen houses still in its original state. Following your tour, iced tea and benne cookies are served. Your Charleston experience concludes with a brief stop at St. Michael's Church, c.1761, before commencing the approximately 30-minute walk back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately one mile (about 1.6 kilometres), with a few steps to negotiate at the Heyward Washington House. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a sweater or light jacket from the ship. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Start your morning with a 1 hour drive to Francis Beidler Forest located in Four Holes Swamp. The forst is home to the largest remaining stand of virgin Bald cypress and Tupelo Gum swamp forest in the world. Once arriving to the forest, your expert local naturalist will take you for a 2 hour walk through the 1000 year old trees of this majestic forest along the 1.75 mile boardwalk.

This forest is truly a bird lovers paradisw with a chance to see Wood Stork, Wood Duck, Red-shouldered Hawk, Eastern Screech-Owl, Barred Owl, Red-headed, Red-bellied, and Pileated Woodpeckers, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Gray Catbird, Eastern Towhee and Northern Cardinal year round. Many other birds can be seen during the migration periods along with a wide varity of mammals, fish, reptiles and amphibians all calling this place home.

After you've filled your eyes and ears with nature board the bus for a 1 hour drive back to the ship.

Explore the wonderful old homes, buildings and churches of Charleston in a unique new way during this scenic, horse-drawn carriage excursion through this historic city.

Charleston, Horse-Drawn Carriage-Ride

Depart the pier for the short walk to the horse-carriage stand. Upon arrival, receive your safety and tour instructions, climb aboard the horse-drawn carriage and begin your guided tour through the streets of historic Charleston.

Beautifully-Restored, 18th-Century and 19th-Century Homes, Buildings and Churches

During this leisurely ride through the narrow streets and alleyways, pass by beautifully-restored, 18th century and 19th century homes, buildings and churches. Along the way, your guide relates 300 years of history to the accompaniment of horse's hooves clopping along the pavement. The scent of tea olive from nearby gardens lingers in the air whilst you take in wonderful views and photo opportunities of this lovely old city. At the conclusion of the tour, return to the horse-carriage stand and commence the short walk back to the pier.

Start your tour with a 30 minute drive to Bowen's Island for a boat tour to Morris Island.

Board your boat and wind through pristine tidal creeks for 1 hour out to Morris Island and the historic Morris Island Lighthouse. As you cruise the six miles out to the uninhabited barrier island, your naturalist will discuss and point out native wildlife, local history, and the diverse eco-systems of the Low country. Along the way you may have the opportunity to see wild Atlantic bottle nose dolphin, wading birds, oyster flats, and sea turtles.

Once you arrive at the island, you will have around 45 minutes to explore the beach in search of shells and spectacular views of the lighthouse. After beach combing, you will board the boat and enjoy the wind through your hair as we make our way back to the dock.

This tour allows you to view picturesque marshland, walk down a natural beach, photograph the historic Morris Island lighthouse and see wild dolphins all in one trip.

During the first half of the 1800's Charleston was one of the wealthiest cities in America. The wealth from rice and cotton plantations as well as thriving commerce allowed planters and merchants to build elegant town houses. Not only were the homes beautiful but the public buildings and churches constructed during this period were magnificent.

Your first stop will be at the Roper House built in 1838 by Robert William Roper, a wealthy planter. This house is considered one of the finest Greek Revival House in the US and has been beautifully restored by the Classic American Homes Trust, open to select groups by appointment only. Lunch will be served at Circa 1886, a four diamond restaurant, located in the Carriage House of the Wentworth Mansion. This mansion in the Second Empire style was built by Silas Rodgers, a wealthy cotton farmer between 1885 & 1887. A special tour of the mansion has been arranged for your group after lunch before you head back to the ship.