Jewish History Private Driving Tour of Charleston
At a glance
Jewish History Private Driving Tour of Charleston is a 2h private experience in Charleston, USA, operated by Charleston Jewish Tours. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 14 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $445 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Private transportation, Bottled water, Snacks.
Highlights
- Private experience — just you and your group
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 6 stops in one well-planned itinerary
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 2h
- Group
- Private tour — only your group
- Languages
- English, Spanish
- Pickup
- Hotel pickup or meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Confirmed within 48 hours
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Charleston History. Jewish Soul.
Charleston was home to the largest Jewish community in the U.S. until the 1820s — even surpassing New York!
This private tour blends iconic landmarks with hidden gems, weaving Jewish heritage into the broader story of Charleston.
We’ll visit sites both famous and often overlooked — including “Little Jerusalem” and two of America’s oldest synagogues: one, the oldest in continuous use and birthplace of Reform Judaism; the other, the nation’s oldest active Orthodox Ashkenazi congregation. You'll also see the first Jewish-owned pharmacy in America, a brothel once run by a Jewish woman, and homes and civic spaces tied to merchants, leaders, and reformers.
Along the way, we honor the contributions of African Americans and reflect on Jewish involvement in Charleston’s slave economy and the Civil War.
Each tour is private, unhurried, and carefully curated — complete with refreshments and storytelling that make the experience both meaningful and memorable.
What's included
What's included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Itinerary
-
Stop 1
Learn about the Sephardic roots of Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the U.S. and birthplace of American Reform Judaism.
-
Stop 2
Hear the story behind Grace Peixotto, daughter of a religious leader, and the brothel she owned and operated here.
-
Stop 3
See Dr. Jacob de la Motta's former pharmacy, which became the first Jewish-owned pharmacy in the U.S, as well as the Hebrew Orphan Society, the oldest incorporated Jewish charity in the U.S.
-
Stop 4
Learn about BSBI, the oldest Ashkenazi Orthodox synagogue in continuous use in the U.S.
-
Stop 5
Explore "Little Jerusalem," a bustling Ashkenazi Jewish quarter from the 1800s.
-
Stop 6
See Charleston's Holocaust Memorial and the powerful symbolism in its unique structure.
Meeting point
Go to the front gate on Hasell Street and the guide will meet you there.
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Jewish History Private Driving Tour of Charleston take?
The experience lasts about 2h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $445 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Private transportation; Bottled water; Snacks; Air-conditioned vehicle.
Where does it start?
Go to the front gate on Hasell Street and the guide will meet you there.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English, Spanish.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 14 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Charleston.
