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South Carolina

Signature City Charleston

Program No. 19403RJ
Immerse yourself in the culture and unique story of Charleston, where you’ll discover plantation homes, Lowcountry cuisine, pre-war architecture and all the charms of the South.
Participant Reviews
4.84
Based on 32 Reviews
SHOWING
Lorna | Bloomfield, CT
This was my first trip with RS and it was very disappointing. Charleston is a charming city but you did not get that impression from this trip. The choices of places we toured/visited were just Ok - my best experiences were when I used my free time to visit more notable places - like Fort Sumter, the African American Museum, the Charleston Museum, the waterfront area and the French quarter. I don't understand why these places were not on the itinerary to begin with. There was also a lot of free time in 2-3 hour chunks, and every evening free with little to do/no advice on activities; this could have been filled with demonstrations or presentations. Turns out (thankfully) the free time enabled me to visit places that were more interesting/meaningful. Our meals were mediocre at best - the plan had us eating too many meals at the hotel (buffet style), and then, using fixed menu choices, at an Irish pub, (horrible food) and an oyster house where we didn't even get a choice of tasting the oysters. We missed enjoying the diverse and interesting food this city offers. While the trip leaders were friendly and responsive, they really didn't add value to the trip as far as educating us on the city and its history; the walking tour parts of the trip were poorly planned and repetitive; lectures and presentations were Ok but not very engaging. On the positive side, I found my fellow travelers to be friendly, upbeat and easygoing. One night we attended a musical revue at an historic church and turns out, that was a highlight of the week. All in all, I was looking to learn more about this famous city, see and appreciate its diverse culture and unique history, but sadly, the trip fell far short of expectations. For the cost, one could do much better traveling on your own. My advice: skip this trip - it needs a total overhaul of the itinerary and rethinking the choices of hotel and meals. I did offer my feedback directly to RS - I hope they take the advice.
— Review left June 11, 2025
Reply from Road Scholar
Dear Lorna, The feedback from our participants is important and allows us to continue to create enriching experiences. We understand your recent adventure did not meet your expectations and we are making some necessary improvements to this program. We pride ourselves on offering educational adventures of the highest quality, and when we don’t meet those expectations it’s important that we make it up to our participants. That is why we extended a credit to all attendees. We hope you do consider giving us another try and join us on a different program sometime in the future. Sincerely, Road Scholar
Pamela – Class of 2014 | San Luis Obispo, CA
This "Signature City" tour of Charleston is a perfect blend of history and modern times--intriguing and enlightening.
— Review left May 31, 2025
Paul – Class of 2013 | Dallas, TX
Great job, Kathy ! Thank you
— Review left May 31, 2025
Ann – Class of 2015 | Ann Arbor, MI
For those interested in American, African-American, Civil Rights, Colonial, and/or Civil War History, this is a "must-see" place. This trip is a good way to do it. Peaked my interest, and I will be back!
— Review left May 18, 2025
Gloria – Class of 2011 | Brooklyn, NY
I enjoyed this program a lot and learned in addition, a lot more about Slavery in America.
— Review left May 17, 2025
Victoria – Class of 2024 | Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Wonderful Charelston experience and opportunity to learn so much abut the Charelston history and culture.
— Review left May 2, 2025
Suzanne – Class of 1998 | Nevada City, CA
The program was one of my favorites of the 26 Road Scholar programs I have attended. The historical Francis Marion Hotel where we stayed was spectacular. Our coordinator was delightful and knowledgeable. The program was a mixture of a variety of speakers on the history of Charleston and the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and slavery among other subjects.. We visited beautiful centuries old homes and tea and a rice plantations among other places. The huge live oak trees everywhere were gorgeous. I highly recommend this program.
— Review left April 29, 2025
Peter – Class of 2025 | Sheldon, IA
This program was very enlightening and covered a wide range of the historical perspectives.
— Review left April 14, 2025
Colin – Class of 2007 | Solana Beach, CA
If you have an itch to experience and learn more about the history, architecture, people and culture of Charleston then Road Scholar's Signature City Charleston program will scratch that desire with a memorable experience.
— Review left April 5, 2025
Anka – Class of 2015 | Eagle, MI
Don't pass up Charleston, S.C., what a treat it was to hear about this historic city! And a plus to visit the International African American Museum-glad it is finally there for generations to learn that history.
— Review left March 11, 2025
Barbara – Class of 2007 | Lees Summit, MO
Be prepared to walk 5 or more miles each day at a rapid pace.
— Review left March 9, 2025
Kathy – Class of 2024 | Beaumont, TX
This was my first Road Scholar trip and it did not disappoint. I definitely plan on booking more trips in the future.
— Review left October 23, 2024
Norma – Class of 2024 | Omaha, NE
Visit the lovely, historic, interesting, and unique city of Charleston. If you've not toured much of the southeast, go to Charleston first!
— Review left October 21, 2024
Randee – Class of 2024 | Melville, NY
Signature Charleston was a wonderful experience. Just the right amount of educational lectures balanced with sightseeing and activities. The group leader was organized, welcoming, energetic, and friendly.
— Review left September 21, 2024
Charline – Class of 2012 | Yorba Linda, CA
This was my fifth tour with Road Scholar and very pleased with the quality of information and activities provided. You get a wealth of information and everything is totally organized for you.
— Review left April 20, 2024
Nathaline – Class of 2017 | Marion, MA
This was a great trip. We had a wonderful, fun, and welcoming group and Kathy was an excellent group leader. We enjoyed visiting sites outside the city and walking and exploring Charleston. The lectures were excellent and the music program was wonderful. Lindy & Will
— Review left April 3, 2024
Marlene – Class of 2003 | Powhatan, VA
Just returned from Charleston Signature City. Excellent program that I highly recommend.
— Review left March 30, 2024
Peggy – Class of 2000 | Audubon, NJ
Charleston is a wonderful city to visit. Great food and beautiful gardens and homes to see!
— Review left March 9, 2024
Bruce – Class of 2022 | Cedar Lake, IN
Our Road Scholar journey though Charleston, South Carolina exceeded my expectation. I feel like I had an opportunity take a walk back into the era of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars! I so enjoyed the camaraderie of our fellow Road Scholar travelers, the comprehensive Road Scholar tours and the delicious local cuisine! I highly recommend this Signature Road Scholar trip to Charleston, South Caroline.
— Review left October 29, 2023
Judith – Class of 2023 | Fullerton, CA
This is not a review but I finished my evaluation and then last night I was with people who had been to Charleston and they asked if I went to the slave market. You might think of adding that. They said they saw bricks with little indentations on them because they were made by children. I would have liked to see those.
— Review left October 28, 2023
Penelope – Class of 2023 | Burlington, Canada
Terrific trip with an historical perspective. What a lovely city and marvellous tour. Thank you.
— Review left April 22, 2023
Michele – Class of 2011 | Roanoke, VA
My husband and I have been to two Road Scholar trips to Charleston SC and would recommend both: one during the holidays and one in the spring.
— Review left March 29, 2023
Susan – Class of 2016 | East Meadow, NY
Very informative and interesting trip. The hotel location was perfect for group activities and independent exploration. Our guide Anne was excellent.
— Review left October 29, 2022
Laurel – Class of 2004 | Pawleys Island, SC
If you have never been to Charleston, this is a comprehensive way to explore a beautiful and historic city for the first time. A variety of touring experiences, lectures and enough free time to explore additional sites on your own. Well-balanced and quite fascinating. You are guaranteed to learn something new!
— Review left October 9, 2022
Sarah – Class of 2019 | Willow Street, PA
I am alway;s nervous driving in new places, and when I do I miss out on a lot of scenery because I am driving. Roads Scholars removed my aprehension and makes travel relaxing and increases what I can see!
— Review left April 11, 2022
Nancy – Class of 2018 | Holland, MI
Road scholars meets every need of people that love to travel and learn. You will not be disappointed when you travel with them.
— Review left April 11, 2022
Elizabeth – Class of 2005 | Lake Placid, FL
Our leader, Becky, was wonderful. The whole trip was informative, well organized, and the food was excellent.
— Review left April 9, 2022
Carol – Class of 2011 | Fitchburg, WI
This was an informative trip with a wide variety of experiences. The guides were organized and personable. The local guides were the best that I have ever had on a Road Scholar trip because they knew a wealth of local history and culture. One of the highlights was the presentation by the artists of the sweet grass baskets. I highly recommend this adventure.
— Review left October 30, 2021
Robert – Class of 2007 | Indianapolis, IN
An excellent introduction to the Low Country and Charleston. Very well located hotel in the middle of the downtown and easy walking distance to most of the downtown activities. Presenters knew their topics in depth and gave us a lot of insight into the history of the area. Highly recommend this program.
— Review left October 29, 2021
Jaclyn – Class of 2020 | Silver Spring, MD
Fabulous group leader in Becky Alexander and first rate lecturer giving the history of Charleston in 2 hours. Great bus tour of the city, with both the tour guide and the bus driver people you love to spend time with. My first RS trip but definitely not my last.
— Review left October 24, 2021
Eileen – Class of 2019 | Williamsburg, VA
This is a wonderful program to learn about Charleston, SC. It does venture out of the city to see plantations which were integral to the growth of Charleston.
— Review left September 26, 2021
Julie – Class of 2019 | Locust Grove, VA
We thoroughly enjoyed our Road Scholar Signature City Tour of Charleston, SC. The presenters were excellent, and I came away with a whole new appreciation and understanding of Charleston history.
— Review left April 16, 2019