Booking Deadline - 15 December, 2008
Reserve a Space on this Tour

Space Available

$1388
(non-member: $1438)
Single Room–add $498

Activity Level:
     90% Easy;
     10% Moderate
(we will be walking from house to house during the homes tour)

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Travelers will make their own air reservations and are requested to arrive and depart as follows:

Airport: Charleston, SC (CHS)

Arrive: Charleston, SC (CHS) Sunday, March 22nd no later than 4:00pm

Depart: Charleston Thursday, March 26th at your convenience.

Early Arrival:  
To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, consider arriving a day early. The room cost will be:
    $125 dbl / $250 sgl

· Any personal expenses, and any guide/driver gratuities.

Consider combining this trip with the
Savannah and Golden Isles Trip

Sunday, March 22: Arrive in Charleston; Group Dinner.

Arrive Charleston no later than 4:00pm. We will begin the tour at 5:30pm in the lobby of our hotel. After introductions, we will enjoy dinner together in one of Charleston's lovely restaurants. (D)

Lodging: Kings Courtyard Inn - Built in 1854, Kings Courtyard Inn is one of the most historic Charleston Bed and Breakfast Inns. Architect Francis D. Lee designed the three-story antebellum structure in the Greek revival style with unusual Egyptian detail. The building is one of King Street's largest and oldest structures, and has had many uses in the 150 year existence-high quality shops, private residences, and at one time, the upper floors were used as an Inn catering to plantation owners, shipping interests and merchant guests.

Kings Courtyard Inn is located at 198 King Street, in the heart of Charleston's historic district. Each of the rooms has an individual distinction.

Monday, March 23: Morning City Tour; Magnolia Plantation house and grounds tour.

Our day will begin with a city tour of Charleston to get acquainted with our surroundings and to learn what the city has to offer, followed by a visit to Magnolia Plantation.

Founded in 1676 by the Drayton family, Magnolia Plantation has survived the centuries and witnessed the history of our nation unfold before it from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. It is the oldest public tourist site in the Lowcountry, and the oldest public gardens in America, opening its doors to visitors in 1872 to view the thousands of beautiful flowers and plants in its famous gardens.

Upon returning from Magnolia Plantation, the remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy as you wish. (B)

Tuesday, March 24: Morning free; Group Lunch before Legare Street Homes Tour begins at 2pm - 5pm.

The morning is yours to enjoy. The WTT tour leader will have many suggestions for you and your fellow travelers to consider before lunch together. From lunch we will walk to the start our Home Tour of Legare Street.

Legare Street History: When Charles Town outgrew its earliest city walls, it expanded over high land and a creek to the west. As the town developed in the prosperous decades preceding the Revolution, some of the finest mansions of the city were built in the neighborhood now encompassing Legare Street. Here one finds handsome gardens that stretch deeply into the original urban grid established by the "Grand Modell" in 1680. Many of the dwellings retain their original outbuildings, which served as kitchens, wash rooms, carriage houses and slave quarters.   (B, L)

Wednesday, March 25: Free Day or optional "Architectural Gems" Tour.

This day is yours to explore Charleston at your leisure. The WTT tour leader will have suggestions to make the most of your day. There is plenty to see and do in Charleston! We will re-gather at the end of the day at the hotel before departing for dinner together. (B, D)

   Note: An option for those who would like more of the lovely homes in Charleston are encouraged to do the "Architectural Gems" tour this afternoon beginning at 2pm: Offered for the first time in 2009, five to six of the city's finest examples of properties protected under its nationally renowned covenant and easement programs. Each of these houses and gardens has been selected for protection because of its historical and architectural significance. (We must know your intentions to take this tour when you make your deposit. Add $45 to your deposit. Tour cost is non-refundable after tickets are purchased on 15 December.)

Thursday, March 26: Return home.

We say goodbye to Charleston today. Depending on when your flight departs, you may have some time to take a final stroll around the city or have a leisurely breakfast. (B)

Note: The Homes tour Tuesday, March 24th and the optional Architectural Gems tour on Wednesday, March 25th are self-paced walking tours that will take you into private residences and gardens. Individuals taking this tour must be able to combine walking at a leisurely pace along the street, and standing for the majority of the 2-3 hours it will take to see the homes and/or gardens.