I booked this tour because of the good reviews, but our experience was actually very disappointing. I can't believe we had the same tour guide mentioned in so many of the previous great reviews. We could not understand fully half of what Al, the guide, said on our tour. We had no preconceived notion of what the tour should have been, so the route was interesting. It is clear that Al is very knowledgeable and has some fun stories, but something was definitely just off the day we toured. We're all southerners, so our inability to understand the narrative wasn't an accent issue, and it was an issue for the entire group. I really just can't in good conscience recommend this tour. read more

Al was a deep well of information, I good mix of deep historical information, local anecdotes. History with the cultural significance.

Eric Lager, PhD is a wealth of knowledge and provided a base for our enjoyment of the historic City of Charleston. Eric manages his smaller sized group well, and his polished manner keeps one's attention. Eric is perceptive to individuals in the group's needs. The time will just seem to fly by as you gain a greater understanding of how this unique City of Charleston developed. I when on other types of tours after Eric's tour and found Eric's descriptions to have much greater depth than the others...and for that I am grateful. Don't hesitant...sign up for his tour now ! read more

Great tour, very informative and interesting with Eric. Learned a lot of historical facts read more

I literally do not have enough good things to say about our tour guide today. Dr. Eric Lagger (PhD in history) was unbelievable. He had a great answer for every single detailed question I had and kept my friend and I enthralled with the rich history of Charleston from the revolutionary war and beyond. His insight into the causes of the Civil War and the events that lead the first battle really quite amazing. I cannot recommend him enough. He is worth every penny and then some. I can't wait to read his doctoral dissertation. https://www.citadel.edu/root/history-faculty/57-academics/schools/shss/history/22261-marcus-cox read more

Old Walled City Tours - Our tour guide. - Walking Tours Near Me - Charleston, South Carolina

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My husband and I had the pleasure of spending a few hours exploring Charleston's beautiful Historic District on May 20th with our amazing tour guide, Eric! The experience was not only educational but quite entertaining. We started our adventure on Meeting Street and wound our way through the Historic District marveling at the cobblestone streets, hidden alleyways, period architecture, and eventually ended our tour at The Battery. Along the way, Eric shared interesting stories about the past inhabitants of Charleston. We learned about Charlestonians from all walks of life, including folks who fought in the Revolutionary or Civil Wars, wealthy rice planters and plantation owners, merchants, as well as the urban enslaved people that were bought and sold in Antebellum Charleston. One of my favorite highlights was a trip inside St. Michael's Episcopal Church where we were in awe of the breathtaking Tiffany stained glass windows and the historic wooden pews. Eric then led us to a nondescript parking lot which proved to be an outstanding vantage point to get a perfect photo of St. Michael's iconic white spire. I also enjoyed walking by the sweetgrass artisans selling their baskets across the street from St. Michael's and am happy to report that one of Miss Ruth's handmade baskets now resides in Austin, TX. Eric also shared a notebook of maps and photos that helped us envision the old walled city. In addition to sharing so many fun facts and interesting stories, he flawlessly fielded questions and provided very thoughtful, insightful answers. Additionally, when my husband asked for some Charleston historical reading recommendations, Eric gave him several great ideas. This was by far one of the best tours we've ever taken in our travels. We will definitely book another tour on our next visit to Charleston and I highly encourage everyone to spend a few hours exploring Charleston with Eric or Al. read more

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My husband and I enjoyed this tour very much. If you are interested in history of the US you'll enjoy this too. We had a beautiful day and our guide was very knowledgeable. Many interesting facts and stories! read more

What a gold mine I found in Al! My cruise shore excursion was full, so I found Al online and booked a ticket to join a dozen others in a customized walking tour that I should've recorded. Al has an amazing ability to remember hundreds of details - names, dates, incidents, and quotes. The epitome of a walking encyclopedia indexed to my personal interests. You MUST experience Charleston via Al - you will love it! read more

Eric was our guide for this historic tour of old Charleston on a beautiful day to explore the Holy City. Eric's tour hit on most of the highlights in the French Quarter and surrounding area. We appreciated his knowledge of the architecture and architects of the historical buildings. He was patient and was willing to answer all of our questions. His Ph.D. in American history was an added plus. If you like a friendly, knowledgeable guide Eric is the guide of choice. read more

Wonderful walking tour. Easy to find the meeting spot. Our tour guide grew up in Charleston and his knowledge of the city is fantastic! Hits the major highlights and gives you a great feel for the history of this beautiful city. Would highly recommend. read more

I can't put in words how much we enjoyed having Eric Lager show us around Charleston. He is extremely knowledgeable and well educated in not just Charleston history but also of American history in general (PhD in history). His delivery is very polished and clean. He relayed key information in an interesting and organized fashion that keeps you engaged. His breadth of knowledge is very, very impressive. He is the dream tour guide for an educational walking tour. This is as good as walking tours get! read more

Al was very knowledgeable and had a great answer to all of our questions. He is obviously very passionate about Charleston and it's history, and even with bad weather we had a blast. Would highly recommend this tour! read more

We were fortunate enough to have Eric guide us on the most amazing tour of Charleston. The man not only brings a PhD in history to the table, but a passion for story telling which makes thing come alive. This by far was one of the best touring experiences my wife and I ever had the opportunity to take part in. Highly, highly recommend him! read more

The guy we had admitted early on it was his first tour ever and to be honest I was worried it would not be good. Boy was I wrong!!! This guy was amazing!!! He answered just about every question he could related and non related to the tour. I highly recommend this tour!! read more

It was a detailed tour, didn't even feel too hectic of walking. We heard amazing stories and gained so much knowledge of Charleston. It was a weekday and we were the only one group with the guide hence we felt so safe in terms of the social distancing and covid guidelines. Highly recommended! :) read more

Our tour guide Eric was wonderful. He was so so informative and smart about Charleston history. Really enjoyed the tour and his expertise.

Eric was our guide for the two hour walking tour. Eric really knows his history. We learned so much during those two hours about the history of Charlston. Eric really explained in detail about what we were seeing or looking at and he answered everones questions quite thoroughly. I would highly recommend this tour!! read more

What a fabulous tour experience with Eric! We are typically not big on 'group tours' but are so glad we trusted the reviews and signed up for this one. We've been to Charleston several times but learned so much on this tour with Eric. He is so knowledgeable about the history of the area; the tour is the perfect length and pace so it's both enjoyable and interesting. We highly recommend!!! read more

Eric is very knowledgeable regarding Charleston's rich history. He's pleasant & friendly. Great price as well.

This was one of our favorite days in Charleston. Eric's love and respect for history made this walking tour go by too quickly. We could have spent the day listening. I highly recommend this tour. read more

Great walking tour. Al took us to so many places in 2 hours. We got to see it all. I don't feel like we missed out on anything. We saw the historic area, churches, old mansions, cemeteries, the Battery...we walked back to the historic square past Rainbow Row, grabbed lunch, and hopped the ferry to Fort Sumter. If you take Al's tour when you first arrive, it really helps decide what you want to do and see the rest of the day/weekend. Really a must. We go on walking tours in most cities we visit and Al is very knowledgable. Two paws up! read more

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Al was an incredible tour guide! A wealth of information and very enjoyable to spend time with. He was very interested in what our group wanted to learn about and catered our tour accordingly. I highly recommend this tour with Al! We even were able to pop into an estate sale in an historical home that was along our route. The best tour from our trip! read more

Our walking tour with Al was the best! There wasn't a question he couldn't answer and he knew so much history having grown up here. Would highly recommend!! read more

Really enjoyed the morning with Al. He knew the city inside and out, and he was a wonderful storyteller of Charleston's amazing history. I would highly recommend you go. Well worth the money. read more

Al is very informative and entertaining! Kept the tour moving (about 2hr total). Learned not only about Charleston but it's influence on America's growth! We booked this through Yelp at 7am on the morning of, and had no issues. Highly recommend! read more

The tour was arranged through our hotel which resulted in a mix up on timing, but that wasn't a big deal. Al was an excellent, knowledge and fun guide. We learned a lot about old Charleston and really enjoyed his stories. He's also very respectful of the residential neighborhoods that his tour passes through, which we appreciated. read more

Excellent! Al is so knowledgable on so many topics that he (happily) tailor your tour to your interests. Highly recommended. Can't think of a more enjoyable way to get to know Charleston. read more

Al was easily the most knowledgeable tour guide I have come across in Charleston. He gave a great tour and had a good answer for any questions (even if you are just looking for a good place to eat)! read more

Excellent experience. Al asked us our interests and personalized our tour for my husband and me He is very easy to listen to and learn from. Be prepared for some walking and a lot of standing. However aL accommodated our need easily to do some sitting. I highly recommend his tour. read more

The walking tour was fantastic- Al is very personable and knowledgeable. His food recommendations were also excellent! This was a great way to start our trip. read more

Al was everything we we looking for. On a sunny winter dY: Courteous, knowledgeable and covered centuries of history in just two hours. It was a relaxing day in a lovely city. read more

We took the walking tour with Alfred today and couldn't have been more pleased. He is a seventh generation Charlestonian and wonderfully knowledgeable. read more

Al met us at the appointed time and place and then asked the group if there were particular places or things we wanted to do. Our group had no preferences, so he led us on a very informative walk around many of the city's historical buildings and areas. We learned a lot and had an enjoyable walk. He kept us moving but didn't rush us if we wanted to take pictures or linger a little longer in places. I would recommend this tour. read more

A showman and entertainer and educator, who had detailed answers to all our questions. A wonderful introduction to Charleston history, both serious and quirky. Some wonderful quotes and anecdotes and a great path through Charleston's remarkable architecture. Also ask for his local recommendations. read more

An excellent walking tour of the most interesting parts of Charleston. Al is very personable and knows what's important. On foot is the best way to see Charleston, and Al is as good as any guide we've come across. read more