CHARLESTON • MIDDLETON PLACE GARDENS & HOUSE • DINNER:

The historic port city of Charleston is bursting with southern charm, and Middleton Place Gardens is no exception. Here we see the oldest landscaped gardens in America, laid out by Henry Middleton in 1781. One hundred slaves labored for a decade to complete the work. Middleton is a masterpiece of formal landscaping, flowers, lakes and terracing. Animals, artifacts, and craft exhibits in stableyards demonstrate the economy of 18th and 19th century rice plantations. We will tour the house, originally built in 1755 and becoming a house museum in 1975. We’ll see an extraordinary collection of portraits, furniture, china, and documents. We check into our hotel for a two-night stay. We’ll enjoy dinner together tonight. (D)

HISTORIC CHARLESTON CITY TOUR • CITY MARKET • FORT SUMTER BOAT TOUR • DINNER:

This morning we take a combined motorcoach and walking tour through the largest intact colonial city in North America. We will also go through the old walled city area, the French Quarter, early suburbs including Ansonborough, and the famous Battery waterfront district. Enjoy lunch & shopping at the City Market in downtown Charleston. This afternoon we take a boat cruise to Fort Sumter, the place where the “War Between the States” began. In addition to seeing the fort, you’ll get a sweeping view of the historic Charleston skyline and beautiful Charleston Harbor. This evening you may sit back and relax as we enjoy dinner together at another of Charleston’s great restaurants. (D)

CHARLESTON TEA GARDEN • HOME:

This morning we visit Charleston Tea Garden, America’s only working tea plantation. On arrival we will tour the factory then take a narrated trolley ride through the fields. We’re back at the gift shop to enjoy some fresh iced tea while browsing through the gift shop. We travel home arriving in the late afternoon.