Audley Travel has introduced a new sample itinerary for its tailor-made trips to South Carolina, designed to take advantage of BA’s new direct flight to Charleston, which launched April 2019.
The 12-day itinerary takes in Charleston, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island with highlights including gleaning insights into Charleston’s fascinating history from a local guide, visiting traditional plantations, enjoying a taste of Southern traditions and relaxing on Hilton Head Island (see main photo).
Charleston
The trip starts with three nights in Charleston, with a historic walking tour on the first full day – an excellent way to understand the city’s layout and character. The local guide divulges a wealth of information about Charleston’s role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars as well as giving insider tips on the best museums, restaurants specialising in Southern cuisine and places to visit – including recommendations on the great choice of music venues and bars found in the city.
Audley’s specialists recommend driving out of Charleston on the Ashley River Road to visit 19th century plantation homes in the surrounding countryside. An excellent example is Magnolia Plantation which is located 30 minutes from downtown Charleston and boasts beautiful gardens as well as swamps teeming with alligators. Time here will give visitors a sobering insight into the life of slaves during the 1700s and 1800s.
Bluffton
The self-drive itinerary then takes clients to the historic town of Bluffton. On arrival at Montage Palmetto Bluff clients enjoy a traditional Lowcountry welcome before settling into their lagoon-view bedroom. The hotel treats guests to homemade cookies and fresh lemonade on the porch each afternoon, with a s’mores cart by the fire pit in the evening for roasting marshmallows. Activities in Bluffton include a boat trip in search of wild dolphins, fresh-water fishing, kayaking out to the sandbar, taking a boat trip to historic Daufuskie Island and paying a visit to the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy to learn about the land and wildlife on site. Clients can also enjoy a boat trip on Grace, a 1913 motor yacht.
Hilton Head Island
Clients finish their trip with four nights on Hilton Head Island, home to more than 50 miles of paths to explore on foot. Audley’s specialists recommend a drive to Harbour Town Lighthouse to take in the views of the ocean and marshland below and a visit to the Coastal Discovery Museum to learn about the cultural heritage of Hilton Head Island. When it’s time to relax, the beaches are the ideal place to spend an afternoon and Coligny Plaza offers a host of boutiques, cafés, restaurants and shops.
A 12-day tailor-made trip, Historic South Carolina self-drive, costs from £3,965 per person (based on two sharing) and includes flights, car hire, accommodation and excursions. For more information visit audleytravel.com/USA or call 01993 838755.
