What do you get when you boil up some water in a large pot, throw in some shrimp, corn on the cob, kielbasa, red potatoes and that distinctive blend of spices called Old Bay Seasoning? Some might call it a seafood boil…but down Charleston way, the locals affectionately refer to their version of this classic mélange of seafood, sausage and other fresh ingredients as Frogmore Stew. Hearing other names like Hoppin' John, Limpin' Susan, Shrimp and Grits, and Seafood Muddle simply means you've found yourself smack dab in the middle of Lowcountry USA. Your epicurean escape to Charleston will include luxurious accommodations in the heart of Historic Charleston, a Foodie Tour introducing you to restaurants and shops known for their uniquely regional fare, as well as a full participation cooking class that will satisfy your inner chef.
ItineraryAccommodationsMapFAQ
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
Please note:
Tour inclusions can change depending upon
seasonality and weather conditions.
•3 Nights Luxury Accommodations
•Lowcountry Gourmet Dinner
•Historic Charleston Walking Foodie Tour
•Seasonal Wine Tasting Adventure
•Customized Foodie Experience
While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs,
and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should
speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is
appropriate for your situation.
AVAILABLE DATES
Year-Round Based on Your Travel Dates (subject to availability)
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.
Click arrows (▶) to show details
Day 1
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Arrival and Check-In
Welcome to Charleston! Your hotel, an intimate retreat in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, sets the stage for unforgettable adventures. If you take time to stroll around old town, you will soon discover a charming, elegant and enchanting city. Charleston remains one of the best preserved and picturesque cities in the American Old South.
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Lowcountry Gourmet Dinner
High Cotton in Charleston is a Southern tradition. From conversation and laughter in the bar to their stylish dining rooms of heart pine floors and antique brick, you'll come to understand true Charleston hospitality. With extensive experience in the hospitality industry, the Hall Family appreciates the importance of true hospitality and comfort. With experienced teams from their kitchen to our dining rooms, to the fabulous regional cuisine, the restaurant offers a superior experience.
Day 2
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Customized Foodie Experience
Depending on availability and chosen travel dates, enjoy a customized foodie experience which could be a local cooking class, winery tour & tasting, foodie tour or dining experience at a specially selected restaurant. Our culinary travel specialists will work with you to include the best that Charleston has to offer during your travel dates.
Day 3
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Charleston Foodie Tour with Savory Tastings
During this 2½ hour Charleston culinary tour you will be immersed in the history and culture of the Lowcountry. Discover how the unique cuisine has evolved over the past 300+ years while sampling delicious specialties from local eateries, markets, bakeries, restaurants and other culinary landmarks. This experience will give you a delicious, well-rounded sampling of the famous regional cuisine.
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Seasonal Wine Tasting Adventure
Make it a night to remember with a private tasting at a local wine bar. Expand your palate and make delicious memories. Start your evening with bubbles and enjoy an intimate tasting of 5 hand-picked wines paired with the perfect cheeses and charcuterie. Depending upon the season, and your preferences, this activity may be substituted for another dining experience.
Day 4
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Check-Out and Departure
Time flies when you’re having so much fun, but alas…it is time to check out and depart this delicious, “Edible Destination.” Should you desire an extended stay, please let your culinary travel specialist know prior to check-in. May your future travels come from sweet dreams, and create tasty memories!
The HarbourView Inn
The newly renovated HarbourView Inn, an intimate retreat in the heart of historic downtown Charleston that sets the stage for unforgettable adventures. From nighttime milk and cookies to enhanced beverage offerings from the comfort of your guest room, revel in a heartening selection of surprises at this intimate hideaway in the Holy City. HarbourView Inn is a gracious destination offering 52 hotel rooms with brand new armoires, modern tile bathrooms, glass showers, and outdoor balconies with scenic views of Concord Street. In addition to comfortable, Southern-style accommodations, guests can enjoy an outstanding downtown location, complimentary dining experiences, enhanced beverage offerings, and more.
The Spectator [Alternate]
Like a custom tailored suit, The Spectator Hotel exudes refinement, five-star luxury and made-for-you service, from the moment you arrive. Located at the enviable intersection of the City Market and the historic French Quarter, you'll discover something of a maverick boutique hotel, evoking Old South charm and Jazz Age charisma.
French Quarter Inn [Alternate]
A hidden gem tucked just off Market Street in downtown Charleston, The French Quarter Inn is an intimate boutique hotel with a singular calling: to make you feel at home. Regularly ranked among the city's most luxurious retreats, it captivates guests with an experience akin to visiting the gracious Charleston home of a charming Southern friend.
Charleston, South Carolina
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What Currency is being quoted?
The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.
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What does Double Occupancy mean?
Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.
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What is a Single Supplement?
Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.
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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?
Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.
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Are flights included in the tour price?
No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.
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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?
Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.
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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?
Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.
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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?
Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.
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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?
In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.
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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?
Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.
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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?
Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.
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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?
The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.
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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?
Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.
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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?
Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.
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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?
All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.
Winner OUTSTANDING CULINARY TRAVEL Category
Vacation options presented on this website are offered by Epitourean LLC doing business
as Edible Destinations pursuant to an agreement with Marriott Resorts, Travel Company,
Inc. d/b/a MVC Exchange Company (“MVC”). MVC and its respective affiliates make no
warranty, express or implied, regarding the quality, condition, features or amenities
or any other aspect of any tour or package. The tours and packages offered herein may
have limited availability, are subject to change, and/or may be subject to additional
fees and/or taxes. MVC and its parent company and respective affiliates are not liable
for any damage to, loss of, or theft of personal property, for any bodily injury, or
any other matters, that occurs arising out of or related to the tours or packages
available through Epitourean. MVC HAS NO CONTROL OVER THE CONDUCT OF Epitourean, AND
DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY IN THIS REGARD TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
Access to the Culinary Tours is made available through the Abound by Marriott Vacations™
exchange program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the
applicable Abound documents. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual
arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees.
The experiences described herein are examples of potential vacation opportunities and are
subject to change.
Marriott Vacation Club International and its respective affiliates and subsidiaries make
no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, features or
amenities or any other aspect of the activities, events, or service providers listed
herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities or events, or the qualifications or
the quality of services offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of
or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers.
Winner
