Visit the Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, where the Declaration of Independence was read to Charlestonians on August 5, 1776. We continue to the home of Arthur Middleton, Middleton Place Plantation. Middleton was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Have a delicious lunch, take a guided house tour and a guided tour of the gardens.
The cancellation date for this tour is March 4, 2026, which is the last day to cancel and receive a refund from Capitol Tours. Travel Insurance is available upon request to help protect your investment, subject to eligibility criteria.
All times listed on the itinerary are approximate.
Capitol Tours reserves the right to alter this itinerary if we deem it necessary for the successful completion of this tour.
Capitol Tours makes reasonable efforts to secure reservations for the attractions as listed, however we cannot guarantee all reservations. In the event a reservation is denied, we will work on your behalf to secure an alternative.
Due to public health guidelines, there may be limitations, restrictions or additional requirements at attractions, hotels, restaurants, etc. As information becomes available that may impact your tour, we will work to pass along information provided to us. We encourage you to remain flexible as requirements may change rapidly or without notice.
You are responsible for your health. Capitol Tours does not warrant nor guarantee protection from any communicable disease. We ask that anyone exposed to or exhibiting symptoms of an illness to stay at home. If you become ill during your tour, we may require that you be isolated from the group. Capitol Tours is not responsible for any costs associated with quarantine requirements or transportation home.
Roundtrip motorcoach transportation
Admission and guided tour of the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Lunch at Middleton Place in the Cypress Room
Admission and guided tours of the garden and house
Gratuities for guides, waitstaff and the motorcoach driver
Charleston Bus Permit
Saturday, April 18
7:15am Gather with your fellow travelers at Capitol Tours office on Leaphart Road to prepare for departure to Charleston at 7:45am.
10:00am Arrive at the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon for a guided tour. It was from this site on August 5, 1776, that people in Charleston had their first chance to hear the newly-adopted Declaration of Independence
11:30am Board the motorcoach and travel to Middleton Place Plantation.
12:15pm Arrive at Middleton Place Plantation and Gardens. The plantation was acquired in 1741 as part of the dowry of Elizabeth Williams who married Henry Middleton. The Middleton’s played a dominant role in the colonial era with Henry Middleton serving as President of the First Continental Congress and his son, Arthur Middleton, as signer of the Declaration of Independence. Our visit starts with a tasty buffet lunch in the Cypress Room.
1:30pm After lunch the group will be divided into two groups and will alternate between the guided Garden Tour and the guided House Tour.
Guided Garden Tour – Explore the gardens with a trained interpreter who will explain the gardens’ history and horticulture. Learn about the land, the flora and hear the stories of those who designed, created and maintained the gardens.
Guided House Tour – The house serves as a museum of rare Middleton family furniture, silver, china, and historic documents.
3:30pm Have some free time to explore the Stableyards and the Gift Shop.
4:00pm Time to make our way back to West Columbia.
6:30pm Estimated arrival at Capitol Tours.