Charleston
May 15-17, 2025
Immerse yourself in the rich history and architecture of Charleston, South Carolina
Explore the rich cultural heritage and well-preserved architecture in Charleston. Enjoy an insider’s look at exquisite private homes, curated guided tours of national landmarks, and exclusive experiences in South Carolina’s oldest city.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Private tour and wine reception at the c. 1808 Nathaniel Russell House
Guests are invited to this c. 1808 Historic Charleston Foundation property to enjoy the beautiful and serene gardens set back from the hustle and bustle of downtown Charleston. Guests are welcome to enjoy a glass of wine as they mingle. Expert historians will be offering guided tours of the 19th century federal mansion. The restored nature of this property is ornate and accurate of the time spent here by the Russell family.
Friday, May 16, 2025
Tour of Drayton Hall
Drayton Hall, c.1738, is America’s oldest unrestored plantation house open to the public. Renowned for its Palladian-inspired architecture, this 18th-century architectural masterpiece stands alone as the only authentic survivor of the Ashley River’s colonial past, intact and in near original condition with no modern additions. Drayton Hall is a National Historic Landmark and a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the entire site, including the historic grounds with its ancient live oaks, broad vistas, vanished structures, and rare period features, serves as a testimony to America’s history.
Lunch at Middleton Place Garden Market
Tour of Middleton Place
Middleton Place is home to America’s oldest landscaped gardens and is one of South Carolina’s most important historic sites. First settled in 1675, only five years after the first English colonists arrived in the Carolinas, this National Historic Landmark connects to the very fabric of out nation’s complex history. For over two and a half centuries, these manicured gardens have welcomed visitors from all over the world. As you walk the same footpaths as pre-Revolutionary statesmen, we recognize and celebrate the achievements of hundreds of enslaved people who built and maintained these gardens.
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Private, curated tour of the Aiken-Rhett House Museum
The Aiken-Rhett House Museum is the only preserved “as-found” house museum on the peninsula, and one of two in the state. This preservation style transports you back in time; with collection items and architectural features frozen in their c.1895 state. In addition to its unique style, the remaining dependencies are some of the only surviving enslaved quarters interpreted and open to the public. Enjoy a private tour of this powerful and unique property with one of the Museum’s most knowledgeable staff members.
Private tour of four private, residential homes South of Broad
In a truly unique and special opportunity, go behind the gate of some of the most beautiful and historic private residences in Charleston’s Old and Historic Districts. Led by expert guides, guests will tour both interior and exterior of these historic homes to learn more about architectural details, landscape design and more.
Wine reception in a private Charleston garden
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of wine in the garden of a private residential home “South of Broad”. This unique experience is only available thanks to the generosity of the homeowners and stewards of Charleston’s historic homes.
Accommodations
Please contact David Smith if you need someone to handle your hotel bookings.
David Smith
david.smith@protravelinc.com
404-213-7219
Suggested hotels:
Reservations
Pricing
$1,039.80 per person
$2,079.60 per couple
To reserve a spot for this exclusive travel opportunity, please do the following as soon as possible as spaces are limited:
- Contact Bryn Chanudet at (404) 885-7803 or bchanudet@georgiatrust.org by March 1, 2025 to confirm your participation.
- Send a check made out to The Georgia Trust for a $250 per person donation to:
The Georgia Trust, 1516 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta GA 30309.
– OR click here to pay online, use “Other” field to enter $250, and indicate the Charleston Study Tour under “Reason for Donation.”
Please note that a per person donation of $250 to The Georgia Trust is required to reserve your spot.
The full non-refundable payment of $1,039.80 per person is due to Historic Charleston Foundation by April 15.