Driving tours are a specialty of our offerings and are a great way to experience the city in a more comprehensive way. Our step-on guide service gives you the flexibility to see and do the things that are of interest to you.
A typical driving tour of downtown will cover both the West End and South/North Main St. areas with a few stops out of the vehicles at the beautiful Reedy River Falls and historic Court Square. Drives through three historic neighborhoods, a 20 minute tour through the 1834 Kilgore-Lewis House or the 1854 Christ Church Episcopal church (at no extra cost) are additional options.
Driving tours are especially good options for newcomers to Greenville, people looking to relocate, senior and church groups, business clients that you want to impress with our city, civic and social groups, reunions, regional tour groups, etc.
Options for vehicles include:
PRICES:
A typical driving tour of downtown will cover both the West End and South/North Main St. areas with a few stops out of the vehicles at the beautiful Reedy River Falls and historic Court Square. Drives through three historic neighborhoods, a 20 minute tour through the 1834 Kilgore-Lewis House or the 1854 Christ Church Episcopal church (at no extra cost) are additional options.
Driving tours are especially good options for newcomers to Greenville, people looking to relocate, senior and church groups, business clients that you want to impress with our city, civic and social groups, reunions, regional tour groups, etc.
Options for vehicles include:
- Using your own car/van/church bus, etc. (you supply driver)
- An old-time looking city trolley (our partners supply the driver and vehicle at an extra cost)
PRICES:
- $12 per individual (12 years or older)
- $6 per child (ages 4-11)
- $250 for a 2 hour weekday daytime trolley rental
- $650 for a 4 hour weekday evening/weekend trolley rental
- $175 each additional hour of trolley rental
What Is Not Included?
Customary guide service gratuity of 15-20% is not included in the price of the tour.
Meeting Location
Court Square on S. Main St. (Greenville, SC)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- What is a Downtown Driving Tour?
- This downtown driving tour will give you a thorough overview of the development and history of Greenville centering on the West End and North/South Main St. portions of the city. You may also choose to incorporate touring any of three historic neighborhoods surrounding the downtown area to get a unique perspective of the city's architecture and domestic development. You may also choose to only tour the historic neighborhoods. Additional options for 20-30 minute stops on a driving tour may include a visit/tour of the historic 1834 Kilgore-Lewis House and/or Greenville's oldest downtown church, the 1854 Christ Church Episcopal church.
- Where do I go on a Downtown Driving Tour?
- Tours are conducted in the Central Business District bounded roughly by the Fluor Field in the West End, Church St., Academy St. Excursions outside of this area may include the historic Hampton-Pinckney neighborhood, Pettigru neighborhood, and Alta-Vista neighborhood. The optional stop at the Kilgore-Lewis House is on Academy St. and Christ Church Episcopal is on Church St.
- How much does a trolley cost to beyond the tour-guide service?
- Cost of the trolley is $250 for two hours (minimum) of weekday/daytime use and is billed separately from the individual tickets for the tour guide service. Additional weekday/daytime hourly use of the trolley is $175 per additional hour. Evening and weekend trolley tours are $650 for four hours (minimum) and is billed separately from the individual tickets for the tour guide service. Additional evening and weekend hourly use of the trolley is $175 per hour.
- How long in advance can tickets be purchased?
- The initial appointment for a Downtown Driving Tour must be arranged at least 2 weeks prior to the event. However, additional people may be added to the party until 24 hours before the start time of the tour, based on availability.
- What should I wear?
- Casual clothing is for the current season is appropriate.
- What is the minimum and maximum capacity?
- Driving tours in which you supply the vehicle have a minimum requirement of four individual adult tickets and a maximum limit to be determined by the seating capacity of the chosen vehicle. If you have less than four people and would like a driving tour, you will just have to purchase the minimum of four individual adult tickets. All tickets thereafter may be purchased in single or multiple amounts. Trolley tours have a maximum seating capacity of 34 people.
- Are there age restrictions for the tours?
- No, there are no age restrictions for Downtown Driving Tours. Supply of appropriate car seats for children will be the sole responsibility of the tour guests. Children ages 3 and younger are free and do not require a ticket. There is a limit of two free children (ages 3 or younger) with each paying adult.
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
- Wheelchairs may be stowed on vehicles based on available room. Guests will need to be mobile enough to get into the vehicles themselves or with the help of members from their immediate party. Optional stops at the Kilgore-Lewis House and Christ Church Episcopal are wheelchair accessible.
- Are tours offered in inclement weather?
- Yes, driving tours will continue to be offered in inclement weather.
- How can I arrange a driving tour?
- Please click on the "Contact GVLTours" link to make arrangements for a driving tour or step-on guide service for your group.
Greenville History Tours
Greenville History Tours' owner and guide, John Nolan, is author of the city's only visitor-friendly guidebook, A Guide to Historic Greenville, SC and ready to give you a dynamic and memorable tour through the streets, parks, and neighborhoods of downtown Greenville.
Driving tours are a great way to see the city and experience a personal guided tour to its best sites and highlights. This step-on service gives you the flexibility and options to use your own vehicle (car, van or bus) or to rent a charming city trolley.
Driving tours are a great way to see the city and experience a personal guided tour to its best sites and highlights. This step-on service gives you the flexibility and options to use your own vehicle (car, van or bus) or to rent a charming city trolley.
for GVLTours
