Day 1
Charleston
Arrive into South Carolina’s oldest and most famous city, packed with history, charm and the chance to savour the delights of Charleston’s vibrant culinary scene. After collecting your car make your way to your historic district hotel.
Overnight: HarbourView Inn
Day 2
Charleston
This morning you’ll get the chance to orientate yourself and learn about the city’s rich history from the comfort of your horse drawn carriage tour or for the more energetic take in the sights and sounds of Charleston’s historic district on a fascinating ‘pay-what-you-wish’ walking tour.
Take a trip out to visit the Charleston Tea Plantation, the US’s only working tea plantation, just a short drive from downtown Charleston on Wadmalaw Island. Here you get the chance to tour the fascinating tea factory, ride the trolley out across the endless tea fields to the state of the art greenhouse before ending at the beautifully stocked plantation gift shop.
Overnight: HarbourView Inn
Day 3
Charleston
Today you have the choice of several historical plantations home to visit. Magnolia Plantation showcases an imposing Reconstruction-era home, stunning gardens and maze, as well as an evocative cypress and tupelo swamp. Middleton Place, a National Historic Landmark and home to oldest and most beautiful landscaped gardens in America, offers fascinating real-time history demonstrations and the magnificent Boone Hall is famous for its dramatic ‘Avenue of Oaks’.
Charleston is renowned for its dynamic culinary and craft brew scene so why not take one of the many excellent progressive dining and brewery tours on offer. You’ll delight in low country favourites, such as shrimp and grits or South Carolina barbecue as well as the array of amazing locally brewed IPA’s.
Overnight: HarbourView Inn
Day 4
Beaufort / Hilton Head Island
Today you head for the coastal gem of Beaufort, one of the south prettiest towns and blessed with a wonderful mix of history, culture and true Southern charm. Learn about the unique African American ‘Gullah’ culture at the Penn Center and take a fascinating walking tour of Beaufort’s historic district, a National Historic Landmark, with its impressive collection of antebellum architecture.
Arriving onto Hilton Head Island, you’re instantly aware that this laid back resort island revolves around its 12 miles of pristine beaches, world class golf courses and almost endless sand-duned and moss-draped biking trails.
Overnight: The Westin Hilton Head Island resort and Spa
Day 5
Hilton Head Island
Lay back, relax and enjoy the white sand beaches set again the warm waters of the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. If you can drag yourself away from the beach, take to the water on a captivating dolphin tour or grab a paddle and head out on a paddleboard or kayak adventure.
Otherwise, take to a bike and explore the more than 60 miles of multi-use trails that connect the entire island. The trails weave their way through wildlife reserves, sand dunes and take you back to the beach along the miles of hard packed sandy trails.
Let your senses go wild as you savour the sumptuous seafood flavours of Lowcountry delights such as gumbo, grilled oysters and peach cobbler or share a bucket of locally caught steamed shrimp. The array of marvellous waterfront eateries, farmers markets and bakeries means there’s something for every taste and palate.
Overnight: The Westin Hilton Head Island resort and Spa
Day 6
Columbia, SC
Today you move on to the State Capital of Columbia, renowned for its world class museums, imposing South Carolina State House and now the revitalised downtown area. Explore the inspiring Riverbanks Zoo & Gardens with over 2,000 amazing animals, set amid 170-acres of lush botanical gardens.
In the evening head for the Conagree Vista, a hub for arts and entertainment and home to an amazing collection of restaurants offering flavours from around the globe, craft breweries and pubs. Here you’ll also have the chance to take in regular live music at one of the many local bars and pop-up festivals taking place here.
Overnight: Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel
Day 7
Greenville, SC
Following breakfast you’ll head out North West from Columbia toward Greenville and hour and a half’s drive away nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Greenville is a modern and vibrant city made affluent by some major corporations having their US headquarters nearby.
Greenville’s is brimming with great restaurants and bars with its downtown bisected by the Falls Park on the Reedy, an oasis in the heart of the city with scenic lookouts, nature trails and waterfalls. The park’s centrepiece is ultra-contemporary and winding Liberty Bridge giving spectacular views out across the city.
Overnight: Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Greenville
Day 8
Greenville, SC
An hour’s drive north from Greenville lies Caesars Head State Park set in the Appalachian Mountains and offering amazing overlooks out across South Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Back in Greenville grab a bike and cycle the 10-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail, a mixed use trail built on reclaimed downtown railway lines. Winding through woodlands, wetlands and wild flowers gardens the trail is a favourite with locals and visitors alike.
Otherwise, enjoy some of South Carolina’s favourite food on a 3 hour barbecue tour, taking in some of the state’s, finest low-and-slow dining establishments.
Overnight: Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Greenville
Day 9
Florence / Myrtle Beach
Heading back towards the South Carolina coast you’ll make a stop at The Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden in Bishopville to experience the fascinating and whimsical workings of this unique self-taught African American gardener. Nearby Florence offer a great spot for lunch or refreshments before heading on to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina’s premiere seaside destination.
Overnight: Hampton Inn & suites Oceanfront Resort
Day 10
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach sits in the middle of the Grand Strand's 60 miles of wide white-sand beaches, offering an amazing collection of dining, entertainment for visitors of all ages. The oceanfront Myrtle Beach Boardwalk stretches alongside the profusion of restaurants and bars, as well as the famous 187-foot tall SkyWheel.
Whilst you are here make time to visit the nearby Huntington Beach State Park, known for its abundant wildlife, and Brookgreen Gardens, the US’s largest outdoor sculpture garden comprising nearly 1,400 amazing worked sculptures that punctuate the entire gardens.
Overnight: Hampton Inn & suites Oceanfront Resort
Day 11
Georgetown / Pawleys Island
Today you head south down the coast to the small historic township of Georgetown, charmingly set on an inlet just inside Pawley Island. Lined with live oaks, downtown historic Georgetown is laced with charm and brimming with quaint shops and waterfront restaurants.
Close by to Georgetown is Pawleys Island, an unspoilt barrier island known equally for its hammock shops and for being one of the oldest summer resorts on America’s East coast. Home to a dozen or so residences dating back to the late 1700’s the island’s historic district is the centrepiece of this laid back island community, dotted with a bevy of informal restaurants offering delicious American fare.
Overnight: Hampton Inn Georgetown-Marina
Day 12
Charleston / Kiawah
Driving south today takes you back to Charleston and just beyond to the beautiful barrier islands of Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. Kiawah, with over 30 miles of paved trails and 10 miles of white sand-duned beaches offers the chance to cross the wooden boardwalks for a relaxing stroll or bike ride.
Be sure to take in the trendy and eclectic Freshfields Village on Seabrook Island with its array of boutiques, restaurants, bars and retail establishments.
Overnight: HarbourView Inn
Day 13
Charleston / Fly Home
Today, your final day of this amazing South Carolina experience, you can sit back and relax and watch the world go by at a sidewalk café in Charleston’s Historic District or maybe take in some last minute shopping along King Street and its surrounding neighbourhood.
Otherwise, take a trip to Mount Pleasant a short 15 minute drive from downtown Charleston to visit the Old Village District, with its stately live oaks and historic houses. Here you’ll also find Waterfront Park and the famous Boone Hall Plantation with its stunning ‘Avenue of Trees’ draped in evocative Spanish moss.
