SC LOWCOUNTRY TOUR

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Bike Tour of Charleston, South Carolina's Lowcountry

A Bicycling Vacation of Charleston and Coastal South Carolina

This tour packs the best of the South Carolina Low Country into a fabulous 6 day multi-sport vacation. Bike the idyllic islands of the South Carolina coast under stands of live oaks and wispy Spanish moss. Learn about the history of the Palmetto State's plantation past.  Walk the beaches with gentle sea breezes and stroll past architectural treasures on the streets of Charleston and Beaufort, SC.  And, of course, experience the legendary warmth and charm of southern hospitality in gourmet restaurants and cozy inns.

The terrain is flat, making it accessible to all ability levels. Strong coastal winds sometimes present a minor challenge, but they are just as likely to propel us along our route! Along the way, observe coastal wetlands and rural farmland as we bike the scenic back roads of South Carolina. Because the route distance options are so flexible, this is one of the best tours for bicycling companions of differing riding styles.

This 6-day tour offers routes of 25-50+ miles each day (at your option). Stronger cyclists may bike over 50 miles on a few days of the tour. Less ambitious cyclists can take advantage of short cuts and "leap frog" van shuttles along the route to tailor the route to their needs.

Book this Tour

SC Lowcountry

Beaufort and Charleston

Tour Difficulty

Flat, Easy Terrain

Duration

6 Days, 5 Nights

Meet/Depart

Rhett House Inn, Beaufort, SC

Nearest Airport

SAV Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport

Pricing

From $2725 per person

Dates

4/7/24 - 4/12/24 4/14/24 - 4/19/24 10/13/24 - 10/18/24 10/20/24 - 10/25/24

Tour Status

All 2024 tours are available at this time. Both April tours are guaranteed to run, and have multiple spots remaining. Enrollment can change quickly. Please check availability with us before making travel plans. info@carolinatailwinds.com
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This tour was absolutely outstanding in terms of the educational and supplemental activities. We learned a lot about the area and the off bike activities didn't seem "touristy." You found activities that genuinely gave us insight into the history, environment, architecture, etc.
Teresa, Ithaca, NY

ItineraryDownload Itinerary

Day 1

10–20 miles, flat terrain

We meet at mid-day at the lovely Beaufort Inn in the heart of the historic district.  After orientation and bicycle fittings, we'll pedal Beaufort's lovely neighborhoods where quiet streets between stately antebellum homes and Live Oaks draped with Spanish moss give us our first taste of South Carolina's charms.  Pedal the Spanish Moss Trail, Beaufort's outstanding new rail trail.  You'll learn about Beaufort's and South Carolina's colorful history before biking back to the inn.  We relax before dinner as a group this evening, where we'll experience our first taste of the savory Lowcountry cuisine for which the area has become famous.

Day 2

32–49 miles, flat terrain

After breakfast at a nearby cafe, we bike from the inn toward some of the best biking along the South Carolina coast. Early in the ride, we pass by the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, the school established in 1862 to educate freed slaves. Just down the road, stop to see the ruins of a "Chapel of Ease," a small chapel built during the plantation era so that wealthy plantation owners could attend church without traveling to the mainland.

We picnic at Hunting Island State Park where opportunities abound to walk isolated sandy beaches, bike the extensive park road network and climb the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse for a fantastic view of the SC coast. After lunch, you may opt to join a guided hike past the lagoon and sound waters protected by this barrier island. Your local guides will stop on a sandbar to explain how the migratory nature of barrier islands shape our area. Return at your leisure to Beaufort and savor the soft sea breezes along the waterfront park. Dinner is on your own this evening, with numerous good options within walking distance.  

Day 3

18–45 miles, flat terrain

After breakfast, we'll shuttle north, commencing our bike ride of the tour on remote country back roads near old plantations and cypress swamps. Most of the ride is on exceptionally quiet roads lined with live oaks. We pedal near sites that have been the setting or inspiration of award winning movies such as Forest Gump, Prince of Tides, The Big Chill and countless others.  

We'll then shuttle the rest of the way to downtown Charleston, one of the most charming waterfront towns you'll ever see. Home base for the next three nights will be the Ansonborough Inn, a beautifully-appointed, all-suite inn centrally located near the Market and Aquarium Wharf in the midst of the historic downtown. Dinner is as a group this evening at one of Charleston's famous restaurants.

Day 4

0–41 miles, flat terrain (except for one noteworthy bridge)

Today is a flexible day for you to explore Charleston in the way you see fit.  Included in your tour price is a narrated one hour carriage tour of downtown Charleston.  This is absolutely the best way to soak up a combination of history,  architecture and the overal beauty of the "Holy City."   Afterward, join us on a ride that features the thrilling bike path over the Arthur Ravenel Bridge. Completed in 2005, this beautiful structure over the Cooper River dominates the Charleston skyline.  From there, explore downtown Charleston on bike or foot on a self-guided tour.  Visit the Citadel, Magnolia Cemetery and the College of Charleston at your own pace.  Riders looking for more miles can explore Sullivan's Island, home to the oldest beach resort in the area.  At its point is Fort Moultrie where you can learn about three centuries of coastal military history.  The Fort defended Charleston's harbor from the Revolutionary War through WW II.   Contiune the ride onto Isle of Palms the next island to the north, connected by bridge across the always scenic Breach Inlet.  

Day 5

25–40 miles, flat terrain

Today finds us on one of the loveliest sea islands in South Carolina. We pedal our way through the shady island back roads under arching live oaks full of Spanish moss. We visit the Angel Oak, a live oak believed by many to be over 1500 years old. Our side routes today offer brief glimpses of the salt marshes which define the coastal Lowcountry landscape. We will have a picnic lunch today at America's only tea farm, and afterwards tour the factory and tea garden grounds.

Day 6

16–30 miles, flat terrain

Our last day includes a meandering route near the rural community of Ravenel.  Numerous water views grace the route, as well as hobby farms with exotic animals.  After the ride we will finish the commute back to Beaufort for showers, lunch and departure.  A shuttle to Savannah and the Savannah airport will be available to those who desire one.

Pricing

$2,725 - $2,825
Bike Rental
$100
Single Room Supplement
$625

2024 price: $2,775 - 2,875

Low end of tour price range reflects the 6 month Early Bird Discount, applied when you enroll and pay in full 6 months or more prior to your tour date.  High end of price range reflects no Early Bird Discount. 

Prices are subject to change at any time.

What's Included in Your Tour Price

Lodging:

5 nights at boutique inns in the heart of charming downtowns

Meals:

Dinner on Nights 1, 3, & 5; All lunches except 1; All breakfasts; snacks; and hors d'oeuvres most nights.

Services of Expert Guides

Carolina Tailwinds maintains a guest to guide maximum ratio of 7:1 on all our tours.  Guides are ready to show you the hidden wonders of each and every destination.

Full Route Support & Luggage Transfer

Service of 1 – 2 support vans on route every day.

Complimentary Airport Transportation from Savannah

Carolina Tailwinds picks up on the morning of Day 1 and drops off in the late afternoon on Day 6 at the Savannah, GA (SAV) airport and surrounding Savannah inn locations to and from our tour start at Beaufort, SC.  Timing formally coordinated 2 weeks prior to tour date.

More details on what's included: 

Click here to go to another page.

 

Lodging

Nights 1 & 2

Rhett House Inn is nestled among Beaufort’s Live Oaks draped with Spanish Moss and Resurrection Fern. The inn includes a nearly 200-year-old “in-town plantation house,” and two other graceful buildings.  Gracious southern hospitality is matched with modern room amenities.  Each room is uniquely and tastefully decorated and includes a hot made-to-order breakfast.

The Ansonborough Inn, Charleston, SC

Nights 3, 4 & 5

Ansonborough Inn, Charleston, SC. Awarded AAA's Four Diamond Award, the Inn is one of the historic district’s truly unique properties. It was completely remodeled in 1999 by owners George & Sandra Fennell in keeping with the nautical heritage of namesake Admiral George Anson. You’ll notice their attention to detail…handsome historic antiques and reproductions and a vast collection of original oil paintings throughout the guest suites and common areas.

Planning

Cycling

The terrain is flat, making it accessible to all ability levels.  Strong coastal winds sometimes present a minor challenge, but they are just as likely to propel us along our route!  Along the way, observe coastal wetlands and rural farmland as we bike the scenic back roads of South Carolina.  Because the route distance options are so flexible, this is one of the best tours for bicycling companions of differing riding styles.
This 6 day tour offers routes of 25 - 50+ miles each day (at your option).  Stronger cyclists may bike over 50 miles on a few days of the tour.  Less ambitious cyclists can take advantage of short cuts and "leap frog" van shuttles along the route to tailor the route to their needs.  

Tour Point of Origin:

Beaufort Inn, 809 Port Republic St, Beaufort, SC  (843) 379-4667 

Getting to the Tour Start (Beaufort, SC)

Driving: Approximate travel distance to Beaufort--

  • Atlanta, GA: 287 miles
  • Savannah, GA: 45 miles
  • Charlotte, NC: 232 miles
  • Jacksonville, FL: 178 miles    
  • Washington DC: 559 miles

Airports: Savannah / Hilton Head International (SAV) is approximately an hour away from downtown Beaufort.  It is served by American Eagle, Continental, Delta, United Express & US Airways.

Ground Transit: Taxi cabs are available at the Savannah airport.  The approximate rate for one person to Beaufort is $80.  Each additional person is $10.

A complimentary Carolina Tailwinds shuttle will be available to and from the Savannah airport at a designated time before and after the tour.

Parking: We have arranged for long term parking in Beaufort for the duration of your tour.  We will end the tour at the same inn with an opportunity to shower there prior to departure.  

Arrival/Departure Timing

Arrival time of the first day of the tour is 12:00 noon if renting equipment from us, or 1:00 p.m. if bringing your own bike.  Guests will want to meet us at these times dressed in bike clothes, or ready to change into them.

We plan to wrap up around 3:00 p.m. in Beaufort, SC.  Your return flight should be no earlier than 7:00 p.m. that evening.

Extend Your Vacation:

Before or after our activity packed tour, you may want to tack on a few days.  There is a lot to do in and around nearby Savannah if you have time.  Carolina Tailwinds will provide a courtesy shuttle from downtown Savannah on Day 1 and/or back on Day 6 if requested.

Of course, you may want to continue your visit of the coast by driving down to the pristine beaches of Kiawah Island, SC or Hilton Head Island, SC.  

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