Silversea Luxury Cruises À CHARLESTON (South Carolina)

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.

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.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 600 yards (about 549 metres), at times over uneven and grassy surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the trolley, and five steps at the Tea Factory. 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.

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.

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.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 600 yards (about 549 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the carriage. This tour is 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 carriages have to draw for their tour zone. There are five different zones; therefore, our description is very general for this tour. Regardless of the zone selected, guests see beautiful historic homes, churches and public buildings in all zones. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Our Simply Hotel selection is the perfect choice for those who want a centrally located setting from which to discover - or rediscover - the city. Rooms in these 4.5 and 5-star properties are generally Standard Double or King rooms that provide comfortable accommodations and superior service for those who wish to extend their trip with a cultural or shopping experience in some of the world's most iconic cities.

For your convenience, we can easily organize transfers between the airport and hotel or between the hotel and the pier so that you only have to decide how much or how little you wish to do.

Hotel brands that we consistently feature include Intercontinental, JW Marriott, Fairmont or the Conrad Group.

Grande Hotel is for those who want to begin or prolong their Silversea holiday - luxury accommodations, exclusive service and impeccable attention to detail in style. Grande Hotel guests appreciate the finer things in life. These properties have been chosen not only for their prime location but for their outstanding service and their exceptional quality.

For your convenience, we can easily organize transfers between the airport and hotel or between the hotel and the pier so that you only have to decide how much or how little you wish to do.

Hotel groups that are frequently featured in our program include Shangri-La, Four Seasons, Peninsula or Fairmont to name just a few.

Belmond Charleston Place

Located at the very heart of downtown Charleston, in the historic district and within walking distance of all the major attractions, Belmond Charleston Place is the perfect base for a city adventure. We effortlessly blend gentility and old-world charm with a leading-edge spa and innovative cuisine. With over 434 rooms and 80 club level suites on property, in addition to the award winning Charleston Grill, guests will be able to sit back and relax for an unforgettable escape.