Jewish Journeys: The Synagogue & City Tour
At-A-Glance
Duration - 3 hours
Price - $375 for 1 or 2 people (+$50 for each additional guest, up to 7 total)
Schedule - Custom based on site availability. Give us a call or hit the “Request a Tour” button above to start planning.
Included in your visit:
Local insights into Charleston’s layered history — with a spotlight on Jewish life, legacy, and landmarks woven throughout the tour.
Private tour and entry to Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (KKBE), the oldest continuously used synagogue in the U.S. and the birthplace of American Reform Judaism
Chauffeured driving tour of downtown Charleston with a focus on historic Jewish sites
Bonus scenic drive past Rainbow Row — a guest favorite by popular request
Complimentary transportation throughout in a premium SUV, including pickup and drop-off at your downtown Charleston hotel.*
Cold bottled water and light refreshments
With every tour, you help us give back — a portion of our profits supports Charleston’s local Jewish community
Want to learn more about the sites visited on this tour? See here.
Synagogue Note: This tour includes KKBE synagogue by default, with the option to substitute with Brith Sholom Beth Israel (BSBI), the oldest Ashkenazi Orthodox synagogue in continuous use in the U.S. and cornerstone of “Little Jerusalem.”
Tour Overview
Your journey begins with hotel pickup and a comfortable ride through Charleston’s historic downtown. As we set out, your licensed, certified guide will share stories that frame the city’s Jewish history within its broader past — setting the tone for what’s to come.
We’ll begin at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, a stunning sanctuary and spiritual cornerstone — the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the United States and the birthplace of American Reform Judaism. Inside, you’ll discover the legacy of Charleston’s early Sephardic Jews and the vibrant community that continues to call this synagogue home.
Next, we’ll explore the city by car, taking in some of Charleston’s most iconic landmarks and lesser-known Jewish sites. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of faith, migration, reinvention, and resilience — from the bustling Jewish quarter once known as “Little Jerusalem” to the country’s oldest continuously used Orthodox Ashkenazi synagogue, the home of a Jewish privateer, and even a former brothel owned by a Jewish woman (yes, really). We also explore the critical contributions of African Americans within Charleston’s Jewish community, as well as the difficult history of Jewish participation in both the city’s slave economy and the Civil War.
This isn’t just a history tour — it’s a deeper look at Charleston through the lens of its Jewish experience, brought to life with rich narration and local insight.
The tour is private, the pace is yours, and everything — from bottled water to seamless planning — is designed to make the experience thoughtful, engaging, and memorable.
Tour Note:
Tours operate rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. In cases of severe or unsafe weather, we will contact you to reschedule or issue a refund.
Vehicle Note:
This private tour is conducted in a premium SUV with one front passenger seat and two bench-style rows in the back. It’s most comfortable for up to 4 adults, but can accommodate up to 7 guests total (ideal for families with children). Please contact us if you have questions about seating or group size. See our fleet here.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand plans change. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour are fully refundable. Within 24 hours, tours are nonrefundable.
*Not sure if your hotel qualifies for pickup and dropoff? Please reach out with any questions — we're happy to help confirm.
Looking to enhance your experience? Consider adding a visit to the Jewish Heritage Collection at the College of Charleston—home to original documents, photographs, and oral histories that bring Charleston’s Jewish history to life.
Select photos of KKBE courtesy of Steven Hyatt and Chris & Cami Photography, LLC.
