Charleston Travel Forum

I will be arriving by cruise ship in early May 2008. I will have only about 7 hrs in port.

I would like to visit the historic section of town. Is it walkable from the cruise ship pier? In addition to this I would like to visit a Civil War period plantation. There are organized shore excursions to do these things, but they are pricey and many on Cruise Critic forums suggest doing Charleston on one's own. Any advice appreciated. Thanks ....barrackman2....Montreal

my friends just got back from a cruise round the balearic islands and said the organised tours were so rushed she wished she'd not bothered so if you can go it alone it may be best

have Fun
Julie

Your best bet for seeing the historic section of town is to take a carriage ride. You normally cannot pick exactly which route you take b/c these are regulated by the City to avoid congestion. But all of them are real interesting and relaxing. There are also a good number of neat places easily walkable from the cruise ship terminal. I have a bunch of them listed on my site, including some nice Google Maps so you can find the closest things to where you dock up near Concord St.
http://www.charlestonspots.com

Yes, the cruise ship pier is a short block directly into the historic section, although the plantations are approximately 30 minutes from the downtown area out along the Ashley or Cooper Rivers. Excursions are possible, but would eat up most of your day. Better to visit one of the historic homes in the downtown area, several are open for tours. A great feel for the city can be had just walking through the neighborhoods; south of Broad Street is lovliest. Or take a carriage ride for a bit of local color. May is beautiful here; the flowers are at their peak.