Let’s Take an Adventure – September 28 – October 2, 2022 - Asheville, NC & the Biltmore Estate.

Let’s Take an Adventure – September 28 – October 2, 2022 - Asheville, NC & the Biltmore Estate.  

Bus Departs Willow St., Lancaster & Harrisburg, PA, or Meet us on the way. 

Asheville, N.C., situated in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of America’s most vibrant destinations. The breathtaking mountain scenery is met with a sophisticated yet bohemian vibe, including a thriving arts community, diverse adventures, fun and inviting downtown, many historic attractions, and an incredible food scene with over 250 independent restaurants and more breweries per capita than any U.S. city. Set among the highest peaks in the East, this mountain oasis offers plenty of choices with its stunning natural beauty, lively downtown, and a creative spirit with stellar culinary, cultural and outdoor offerings. Asheville is also home to America’s Largest Home. Tucked amid 8,000 acres of Blue Ridge Mountain beauty. Don’t forget the Biltmore Estate, explore our great indoors: from the house, soaring glass Conservatory, and spectacular art exhibition to our award-winning winery, nature trails, and splendid overnight properties, Biltmore is your safe haven from the cares of the everyday.   

Day 1: Depart Lancaster at approximately 5 A.M. with a Made to order Breakfast (included) as we travel to Asheville, NC. Our home for the next four nights is the Hampton Inn @ Biltmore Village 117 Hendersonville, Rd. Asheville, NC 28803 828-771-2277 https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/avlbvhx-hampton-suites-asheville-biltmore-village. After checking into our hotel, we will take a 1 ½-hour Historical Tour of Asheville by Gray Line Trolley Tours. Upon returning to our hotel, we will depart by bus for a Welcome Dinner at Tupelo Honey Café (included). The remainder of the evening is on your own.  

Day 2: Breakfast buffet at the hotel, before departing for the Biltmore Estate https://www.biltmore.com.  A Marvel of Elegance and Charm Experience America’s Largest Home, as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Your self-guided audio house visit spans three floors and the basement of the luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. Explore the stories of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and employees through displays of vintage clothing, accessories, art, furniture, and more. A hot made to order lunch is included at the Stable Café after the mansion tour.  Gardens & Grounds: A Living Tribute Stroll acres of formal and informal gardens designed by America’s foremost landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. From the gardens’ year-round beauty to the majesty of the nation’s first managed forest, Biltmore’s breathtaking landscapes are a tribute to Olmsted’s genius. You will have time for shopping, visiting the gardens, greenhouse, and walking the trails before we depart for Antler Hill Village. Connecting Past with Present A casual and relaxing way to extend your Biltmore experience, Antler Hill Village connects the estate’s past and present with dining, shopping, exhibits, the Farmyard, and more. If you’re interested in Wine Tasting, we will have a group reservation for your convenience. Dinner on your own at Antler Hill Village. Upon returning to the hotel the remainder of the evening is on your own.  

Day 3: Breakfast buffet at the hotel, before departing for Asheville’s Visitor Center for you to browse through and see work from local Artisans. We will board the trolley for Grovewood Village A hidden gem rich with art and history. Located adjacent to the Omni Grove Park Inn, this site once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries, a force in American craft and textiles that was originally backed by Edith Vanderbilt. A Docent will provide the history of Biltmore Industries including the Homespun Museum and Dye House. Next, our Docent will provide us with the history of Estes-Winn Antique Auto Museum featuring classic cars from 1915-1959. This is a self-guided tour. https://www.grovewood.com One of the most stunning views in Asheville is from the Omni Grove Park Inn. Before boarding the trolley for downtown Asheville, take a walk inside and visit their shops, walk through their splendid lobby to the terrace. This view is listed as one of the top 8 places in Asheville to watch the sunset.  Board the trolley for your first visit to Downtown Asheville. Midafternoon we will have a combined Walking & Culinary tour. You will learn the best places to eat, drink and play for the best prices, including where locals hang out for free. You will have free time to shop, people watch, or just take in Asheville and its vibrant style throughout the day. Friday evenings starting at 6 P.M. in Downtown Asheville are known for the Drum Circle, a favorite Asheville tradition since 2001 for both locals and visitors. Anyone can participate by drumming, dancing, or watching. https://www.romanticasheville.com/drumming_circle.htm. Once you’ve had a chance to watch the drum circle, we will depart for our hotel. The remainder of the evening on your own.     

Day 4: Breakfast buffet at the hotel. This is YOUR day! Take advantage of the Hop-on/Hop-off trolley picking you up at our hotel. Visit Pack Square, Asheville Art Museum, Haywood Street, Wall Street, Battery Park, Grove Arcade, River Arts District, and Biltmore Village https://graylineasheville.com. Upon returning to our hotel, we will depart by bus for dinner at Moe’s Original BBQ (included). The remainder of the evening is on your own.  Day 5: Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye to Asheville. We will enjoy a buffet lunch at Firewood Grill, Harrisonburg, VA (included) in-route home. Returning to Lancaster approximately 7 P.M.

Day 5: Breakfast buffet at the hotel. Unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye to Asheville. We will enjoy a buffet lunch at Firewood Grill, Harrisonburg, VA (included) in-route home. Returning to Lancaster approximately 7 P.M. 

Tour Includes: 

Round Trip Deluxe Motorcoach Transportation, 4 Nights Lodging at the Hampton Inn Biltmore Village, Four  Buffet Breakfasts, One Made to Order Breakfast, One Made To Order Lunch, One Welcome Dinner, One Made to Order dinner, One Buffet Lunch, Walking & Culinary Tour in Downtown Asheville, Admission to Biltmore Estate Including A House Tour With Audio Handset, Gardens, Conservatory, Trails, Antler Hill Village, Free Wine Tasting, and Much More, 1 ½-Hour Historical Trolley Tour of Asheville, 2 Day Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley Pass, Tour of Grovewood Village including Biltmore Industries, Homespun Museum and Dye House, Estes-Winn Antique Auto Museum, Water and Snacks on Motorcoach, Experienced and Knowledgeable Tour Representative, and All Taxes.