Viator Rating : 5 (10003 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.9/10 (Solid Experience)
Charleston
Charleston Carriage Tour: Old South Historic Ride
60
Overview
Charleston’s Old South Carriage Historic Horse & Carriage Tour lets visitors travel the charming streets of Charleston in a relaxing way. This horse-drawn carriage tour shows off the beauty and history of this South Carolina gem. Guests can expect to see highlights like historic homes, pretty churches, and lovely gardens as the carriage rolls along Charleston City Streets (Carriage Tour Route) after starting at Charleston Stables.
During the one-hour tour, a certified guide shares interesting stories about the city’s important role in the nation's history. This tour is perfect for those who want to soak up Charleston’s southern charm at a gentle pace. The experience includes a ride on a carriage pulled by a beautiful Belgian or Percheron Draft Horse, led by a knowledgeable guide.
What’s included is a 1-hour sightseeing tour. What's excluded is gratuities. This unique tour provides a memorable way to discover the heart of Charleston's historic district. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (8 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Mobility (8 - Easy / Accessible) : Comfortable for most people
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (5 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Highlights
See Historic Charleston: Discover Charleston's beautiful historic homes, churches, and gardens from a unique perspective.
Relaxing Carriage Ride: Enjoy a leisurely 1-hour horse-drawn carriage tour through Charleston's charming streets.
Expertly Guided Tour: Hear fascinating stories about Charleston’s history from a certified local guide.
Charming Southern Experience: Soak up the unique Southern charm and ambiance of Charleston.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved learning about Charleston's history from the guides.
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Many enjoyed the gentle pace and comfortable ride of the carriage tour.
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Visitors appreciated seeing the beautiful historic buildings and gardens.
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Several reviewers highlighted the horses as a charming part of the experience.
Some visitors found the tour route a bit repetitive.
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A few people felt the tour was too short.
The Journey
Charleston Stables
Your Charleston adventure begins at our historic stables, a charming haven where you can meet our gentle giant draft horses. Enjoy a refreshing drink or a quick restroom break before embarking on your carriage tour. Take a moment to appreciate the equestrian heritage, imagining the countless horses that once shaped the city's economy and culture. Our inclined ramp ensures easy boarding, allowing you to start your exploration comfortably. Feel the anticipation build as you prepare to delve into Charleston's rich history.
Charleston City Streets (Carriage Tour Route)
Embark on an unforgettable carriage ride through the heart of Charleston, navigating a carefully planned route assigned near the historic market. Traverse approximately 30 blocks, spanning over 300 years of captivating history. Marvel at the exquisite custom wrought iron gates, manicured gardens bursting with color, and the stately historic mansions adorned with picturesque piazzas. Known as the 'Holy City', Charleston boasts a skyline punctuated by numerous church steeples, each a testament to the city's spiritual heritage and architectural grandeur. This unique tour offers an intimate glimpse into what defines Charleston’s timeless allure. Your knowledgeable guide will breathe life into the sights, revealing hidden stories and historical significance at every turn.
Know Before You Go
This 1-hour Charleston sightseeing tour includes a ride in a horse-drawn carriage led by a certified driver/guide, where you'll see historical homes, churches, and gardens. Gratuities are not included. The tour starts at Charleston Stables and takes you through Charleston City Streets (Carriage Tour Route).
Hot Tip
Many reviewers suggest booking your tour in advance, especially during peak season. Some people suggest that the earlier tours are less crowded and the horses are more comfortable in the morning cool temperatures.
Review Summary
People find this tour to be an excellent and relaxing way to experience Charleston's history and Southern charm. The most frequently praised aspects include knowledgeable and entertaining certified guides who share rich historical details and engaging stories, well-treated and calm horses, clean and comfortable carriages, and friendly, professional staff. Travelers consistently recommend the tour as the best way to see the historic district without walking. Minor criticisms occasionally mention that some guides drift off on tangents or that the randomly assigned routes can be unpredictable, but the vast majority of visitors express high satisfaction and would recommend or revisit the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
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