North Carolina
Asheville at Christmastime: The Biltmore and Beyond
Program No. 22980RJ
Experience the magic of a Vanderbilt Christmas at the ornately decorated Biltmore House as you learn about turn-of-the-century traditions, and explore the charming city of Asheville.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Dec 7 - Dec 12, 2025
Starting at
2,729Dec 14 - Dec 19, 2025
Starting at
2,999Not seeing the date you're looking for?
To be notified if dates of this program become available, click the button below.
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 3L 4D
1
Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Asheville, North Carolina
2
History Field Trip, All Souls Cathedral, River Arts District
Asheville, North Carolina
3
Cherokee History, Thomas Wolfe Home, Brewery, Night Lights
Asheville, North Carolina
4
Appalachian History, Basilica, Biltmore Gardens & Home
Asheville, North Carolina
5
Southern Appalachian Christmas Traditions, Grove Park Inn
Asheville, North Carolina
6
Program Concludes
Asheville, North Carolina
At a Glance
Evergreen trees twinkle with thousands of white lights. Poinsettias, wreaths tied with bright red bows and miles of ornate garland adorn nearly every surface. Cinnamon sticks scents blended with aromas of fresh balsam and carol music greet you as you enter the gloriously festive Biltmore estate, in full regalia for Christmastime. There’s nothing like it. Celebrate the season at this landmark estate as you step back in time to learn about what the holidays were like for the Vanderbilt family at the turn of the century. While you’re in town, explore charming Asheville and learn about Southern Appalachian and Native American traditions.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1.5 miles daily, sometimes on uneven surfaces. Getting on/off trolley. Standing in museums up to an hour for lecture. Some historical structures have stairs/no elevator.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience the Biltmore House by candle and firelight as holiday choirs and musical performances welcome you.
- Immerse yourself in the history, arts and art-deco architecture of Asheville, including a visit to the Cathedral of All Souls and the Basilica of St. Lawrence.
- Enjoy live performances ranging from choral Christmas carols to traditional Appalachian folk music and songs of the Cherokee Nation on flute, rattle and Native American Drum.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Lee Knight
Raised in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lee is a folk singer, story teller and outdoor leader, performing at concerts, workshops, festivals and schools. He shares his knowledge of the natural world leading hikes, canoe trips and guiding whitewater rafts. Lee has collected and shares Cherokee legends and plays the Cherokee flute and rattle, as well as the Native American drum. He also plays the five-string banjo, guitars and the Appalachian dulcimer.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Lee Knight
View biography
Raised in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lee is a folk singer, story teller and outdoor leader, performing at concerts, workshops, festivals and schools. He shares his knowledge of the natural world leading hikes, canoe trips and guiding whitewater rafts. Lee has collected and shares Cherokee legends and plays the Cherokee flute and rattle, as well as the Native American drum. He also plays the five-string banjo, guitars and the Appalachian dulcimer.
Kevan Frazier
View biography
Kevan Frazier is an Asheville native whose family settled in the Asheville area in the late 1700s. He is the author of “Legendary Locals of Asheville,” which details the pioneers, educators, artists and others who have had a lasting impact on Asheville. Kevan is a former member of the history faculty and administration at UNC Asheville, where he served for 17 years. He holds a doctorate in history from West Virginia University.
Anne Peery
View biography
Anne Peery has traveled extensively in the Southeastern United States. She has served in various leadership roles including the Executive Director of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. Anne holds a B.S. in education from Mississippi State University. She has worked with a volunteer group making medical-grade PPE for first responders in the Big Bend region of Florida.
Suggested Reading List
(9 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Asheville at Christmastime: The Biltmore and Beyond
Program Number: 22980
Cherokee History and Culture
An introduction to the locale, history, way of life, and culture of the Cherokee Indians.
BUILT FOR THE AGES: A History of the Grove Park Inn
Of Time And The River
he sequel to Thomas Wolfe's remarkable first novel, Look Homeward, Angel, Of Time and the River is one of the great classics of American literature. The book chronicles the maturing of Wolfe's autobiographical character, Eugene Gant, in his desperate search for fulfillment, making his way from small-town North Carolina to the wider world of Harvard University, New York City, and Europe. In a massive, ambitious, and boldly passionate novel, Wolfe examines the passing of time and the nature of the creative process, as Gant slowly but ecstatically embraces the urban life, recognizing it as a necessary ordeal for the birth of his creative genius as a writer.
Asheville's Historic Architecture (NC) [Paperback]
Asheville, known for its architectural diversity and intriguing Art Deco style, has been fortunate in attracting brilliant architects who, with imaginative foresight and design expertise, have created lasting testaments in brick and stone. Local architectural enthusiast Richard Hansley recounts the history behind dozens of Asheville's most prominent buildings and historical neighborhoods in Asheville's Historic Architecture. Discover how Douglas Ellington, Richard Sharp Smith, James Vester Miller and Tony Lord influenced this busy metropolis, as landmarks like the Jackson Building, the Grove Park Inn and the Art Deco City Building were constructed along the city's thriving streets. These buildings have stood the test of time and remain as breathtaking in concept and appearance today as when first completed.
Lady on the Hill: How Biltmore Estate Became an American Icon
"What William Cecil has accomplished at Biltmore Estate is one of the great preservation success stories of all time. He has set a high standard for what all historic house museums strive for: magnificently preserved buildings and grounds, engaging interpretation, and--perhaps most challenging of all--economic self-sufficiency. It is no surprise that Biltmore Estate is widely recognized as one of America's finest places to visit."
--Richard Moe, President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
"Biltmore is a glorious national historic landmark that, through creative vision and entrepreneurial management, preserves and provides insight into a way of life in the early 1900s. Bill is the imaginative and multifaceted leader who has built this great monument to enrich his community. George and I admire his dedication and success."
--George and Abby Rockefeller O'Neill
"Bill Cecil and his team at Biltmore Estate have sure proved that they know how to build a successful business. They did it the old-fashioned way: embrace a bold idea that others said could not be done and--through commitment, determination, and hard work--bring it to life. Their achievement against the odds is inspiring, and their vision and perseverance are valuable lessons to us all."
--Don Logan, Chairman, Media & Communications Group, Time Warner
"If George Vanderbilt did nothing more than engage the two most prominent and storied designers of their time, architect Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, to carry out his vision of a European estate in the southern Appalachians, he would have created an American icon. The beauty of the method by which the estate was executed and, even today, the meticulous attention to detail, in the presentation and care of the estate by William Cecil, have brought history to life."
--Gary J. Walters, Chief Usher, The White House
Legendary Locals of Asheville
Like all great cities, Ashevilles story is one of people, not institutions or industries. For more than two centuries, deep in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina, extraordinary women and men have created a truly unique American city. Legendary Locals of Asheville tells the stories of the people who founded, built, and rebuilt Asheville. From the first woman elected to state office in the South, who won her primary before women had the right to vote, to the grandson of a famed railroad magnate who built a 250-room chateau that became the largest home in America, to the entrepreneur who helped ignite the citys renaissance when he risked opening an art gallery downtown when most of it was still boarded up, Ashevillians are an amazing lot. Likewise, there are stories of extraordinary groups like the renowned faculty of an experimental college that redefined the American arts or the brave high school students who joined together to fight segregation. Their stories are as touching and fascinating as they are varied.
Look Homeward, Angel
A legendary author on par with William Faulkner and Flannery O’Connor, Thomas Wolfe published Look Homeward, Angel, his first novel, about a young man’s burning desire to leave his small town and tumultuous family in search of a better life, in 1929. It gave the world proof of his genius and launched a powerful legacy.
The novel follows the trajectory of Eugene Gant, a brilliant and restless young man whose wanderlust and passion shape his adolescent years in rural North Carolina. Wolfe said that Look Homeward, Angel is “a book made out of my life,” and his largely autobiographical story about the quest for a greater intellectual life has resonated with and influenced generations of readers, including some of today’s most important novelists. Rich with lyrical prose and vivid characterizations, this twentieth-century American classic will capture the hearts and imaginations of every reader.
The Last Castle
A New York Times bestseller with an "engaging narrative and array of detail” (The Wall Street Journal), the “intimate and sweeping” (Raleigh News & Observer) untold, true story behind the Biltmore Estate—the largest, grandest private residence in North America, which has seen more than 120 years of history pass by its front door.
The story of Biltmore spans World Wars, the Jazz Age, the Depression, and generations of the famous Vanderbilt family, and features a captivating cast of real-life characters including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe, Teddy Roosevelt, John Singer Sargent, James Whistler, Henry James, and Edith Wharton.
Orphaned at a young age, Edith Stuyvesant Dresser claimed lineage from one of New York’s best known families. She grew up in Newport and Paris, and her engagement and marriage to George Vanderbilt was one of the most watched events of Gilded Age society. But none of this prepared her to be mistress of Biltmore House.
Before their marriage, the wealthy and bookish Vanderbilt had dedicated his life to creating a spectacular European-style estate on 125,000 acres of North Carolina wilderness. He summoned the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to tame the grounds, collaborated with celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt to build a 175,000-square-foot chateau, filled it with priceless art and antiques, and erected a charming village beyond the gates. Newlywed Edith was now mistress of an estate nearly three times the size of Washington, DC and benefactress of the village and surrounding rural area. When fortunes shifted and changing times threatened her family, her home, and her community, it was up to Edith to save Biltmore—and secure the future of the region and her husband’s legacy.
This is the fascinating, “soaring and gorgeous” (Karen Abbott) story of how the largest house in America flourished, faltered, and ultimately endured to this day.
The Rise of Asheville: An Exceptional History of Community Building
As newcomers flocked to Asheville over the last fifty years, they joined with locals to breathe new energy into the city. Sometimes called the Asheville One Thousand, these folks didn't necessarily intend to be entrepreneurs, community organizers and business leaders, but when they saw a challenge, they rose to it. Stone Soup became a gathering place and laid the foundation for Asheville's natural food culture. MANNA Food Bank emerged to help solve hunger. And the River Arts District turned into a vibrant cultural center for upcoming artists. Join author Marilyn Ball as she traces the bonds of community that gave rise to Asheville today.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Asheville, North Carolina
Program Concludes
Asheville, North Carolina
Meals
12
| 5B |
3L |
4D |
Activity Level
Evergreen trees twinkle with thousands of white lights. Poinsettias, wreaths tied with bright red bows and miles of ornate garland adorn nearly every surface. Cinnamon sticks scents blended with aromas of fresh balsam and carol music greet you as you enter the gloriously festive Biltmore estate, in full regalia for Christmastime. There’s nothing like it. Celebrate the season at this landmark estate as you step back in time to learn about what the holidays were like for the Vanderbilt family at the turn of the century. While you’re in town, explore charming Asheville and learn about Southern Appalachian and Native American traditions.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Experience the Biltmore House by candle and firelight as holiday choirs and musical performances welcome you.
- Immerse yourself in the history, arts and art-deco architecture of Asheville, including a visit to the Cathedral of All Souls and the Basilica of St. Lawrence.
- Enjoy live performances ranging from choral Christmas carols to traditional Appalachian folk music and songs of the Cherokee Nation on flute, rattle and Native American Drum.
Featured Expert
Lee Knight
Raised in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, Lee is a folk singer, story teller and outdoor leader, performing at concerts, workshops, festivals and schools. He shares his knowledge of the natural world leading hikes, canoe trips and guiding whitewater rafts. Lee has collected and shares Cherokee legends and plays the Cherokee flute and rattle, as well as the Native American drum. He also plays the five-string banjo, guitars and the Appalachian dulcimer.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Kevan Frazier
Kevan Frazier is an Asheville native whose family settled in the Asheville area in the late 1700s. He is the author of “Legendary Locals of Asheville,” which details the pioneers, educators, artists and others who have had a lasting impact on Asheville. Kevan is a former member of the history faculty and administration at UNC Asheville, where he served for 17 years. He holds a doctorate in history from West Virginia University.
Anne Peery
Anne Peery has traveled extensively in the Southeastern United States. She has served in various leadership roles including the Executive Director of the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. Anne holds a B.S. in education from Mississippi State University. She has worked with a volunteer group making medical-grade PPE for first responders in the Big Bend region of Florida.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1.5 miles daily, sometimes on uneven surfaces. Getting on/off trolley. Standing in museums up to an hour for lecture. Some historical structures have stairs/no elevator.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(9 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
12 meals | 5B | 3L | 4D |
4 expert-led lectures
11 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-In, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Asheville, North Carolina
Meals:
D
Stay:
Haywood Park Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 5:00 -6:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the conference room to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and fill out menu choices. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. At orientation the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Continue to get to know your fellow participants or take time to unpack and rest up for a week of adventure in Asheville, NC.
Day
2
History Field Trip, All Souls Cathedral, River Arts District
Location:
Asheville, North Carolina
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Haywood Park Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; riding about 5 miles, approximately 3/4 hour riding time. Walking up to 1.5 miles; paved city sidewalks. slight inclines.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by a local historian who will tell us about Asheville from its beginning as a crossroads for Native American Indians into one of the highest ranked destinations in the country over more than 200 years. We’ll learn about its history and how it became a storehouse for music, culture, arts, crafts, Art Deco architecture, and how it came to be known as the “Paris of the South.” We’ll also hear about the coming of the railroad and its role in the city’s history as well as how it was affected by the 1929 stock market crash.
Lunch:
At Pack’s Tavern, built in 1907. An underground passage that led from the building’s basement to other buildings in the vicinity was used during the Prohibition era to distribute illegal “moonshine” to people who didn’t respect the dry laws.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll board our coach for a field trip through the River Arts District. Galleries and studios run along a one-mile stretch along the French Broad River. We’ll stop at Foundry Street, which is the center for arts and crafts that go beyond the ordinary. There will be time to go in and out studio's of your choice. We will attend an educational pottery workshop and art gallery in the River Arts District where we will have a demonstration. We’ll return to the hotel after our field trip.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Before dinner, we'll enjoy a welcome reception.
Evening:
At a given time in the evening, settle in to watch a wonderful video highlighting Christmas at Biltmore. There's no way to adequately describe the beauty of the Christmas season on the estate; there are beautifully decorated trees with thousands of twinkling lights in almost every room, wreathes and bows, floral decorations and miles of decorated garlands. Scents from live trees and cinnamon sticks remind us of the season and much, much more! The video will give us a glimpse into the beautifully decorated estate and will provide us with pertinent logistical information as we prepare for our upcoming estate visit!
Day
3
Cherokee History, Thomas Wolfe Home, Brewery, Night Lights
Location:
Asheville, North Carolina
Meals:
B
Stay:
Haywood Park Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 3/4 mile and standing during field trips. At Thomas Wolfe home, no elevator to second floor. Belgium Brewery is a 30 min. visit with standing for the field trip. North Carolina Arboretum garden areas for Winter Lights. Walking along trails to view lights up to 45 min.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by a long-time resident of the Southern Appalachians, a folksinger-folklorist for more than 30 years. We’ll learn about Cherokee history and culture as it relates to Asheville and the surrounding area. Before the arrival of the Europeans, the land where Asheville now exists lay within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation. Your local expert who has collected and continues to share Cherokee legends, will play the Cherokee flute, rattle, and the Native American drum. Our presenter also plays the five-string banjo, guitars, and the Appalachian dulcimer. Through this presentation and performance, we’ll delve into hundreds of years of Cherokee culture and history in a short time including one of America's darkest tragedies, the Removal of tribes to the West, and into the present. Setting out from the hotel via motorcoach, we'll travel to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial Museum for an introductory film followed by an expert led visit through the Victorian style home of Thomas Wolfe. As stated on the museum website, "Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th Century American Literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, ‘Look Homeward, Angel.’ Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, and the Old Kentucky Home boarding house earned the historic Victorian home a place as one of American Literature’s most famous landmarks."
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We'll meet up after lunch at a designated time and place to ride by motor coach to the Belgium Brewery. A bike trip through Belgium in 1988 inspired a young couple to bring the flavors of centuries-old Belgian beer to the town of Fort Collins, CO. It spread to many cities and now Asheville is a recipient of a local Asheville Brewery. We'll have an expert guide from the brewery to give us an educational field trip through the brewery. We'll be able to sample some of the brews.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At an appointed time, we will board our motorcoach for the North Carolina Arboretum for the Winter Lights display. Winter Lights features beautifully lit displays and glowing landscapes snuggled along the Arboretum’s woodland edge and garden areas. Be amazed at the new nature-themed displays like winter wildlife, colorful butterflies, special insect lantern exhibit, and a giant daisy "garden." Guided by green principles, the design team created a show composed of energy-efficient LED lights, which use 80% less energy than conventional lights.
Day
4
Appalachian History, Basilica, Biltmore Gardens & Home
Location:
Asheville, North Carolina
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Haywood Park Hotel
Activity Note
Walking about 1.5 miles throughout the day’s field trips; some various terrain including pavement and brick walkways. Biltmore Estate does have a handicap accessible elevator. The walk through the Biltmore House averages about 1.5 hours; there is no seating in the mansion, only walking and standing, but there is limited seating near the entrance.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll assemble in the classroom for Appalachian History given by an expert. Music samples of the era and more information will be included. After this presentation, we will walk over to the Basilica of St. Lawrence for a docent led field trip. The inside of the basilica is adorned with statues of saints, including St. Lawrence, St. Cecilia, St. Rose of Lima, St. Patrick, and St. Peter the Apostle. The basilica is known for its many elaborate stained glass windows, many of which were made in Munich, Germany.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
We'll travel by motor coach to Antler Hill Village to experience exhibitions at The Biltmore Legacy. George Vanderbilt’s farming legacy will be highlighted, which connects Biltmore’s past and present. The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad exhibition offers us a rarely seen look at the Vanderbilts’ lifestyle. Deeper insights into George, Edith, and Cornelia’s personalities, both at home and on their extensive travels may be viewed. Leaving Antler Hill Village, our field trip will continue as we explore the Estate Gardens and Conservatory. The gardens, formal and informal, were designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed parks throughout the U.S. including Central Park in New York City. Present-day horticultural experts work diligently to preserve Olmstead’s vision. The Conservatory, designed by Richard Morris Hunt and completed in 1895, features hundreds of exotic plants nurtured in several purposely designed “rooms” beneath an expansive glass roof covering more than 7,000 square feet. We will be able to see the Palm House, Orchid Room, Exhibit Room, and Cool House. The conservatory was carefully placed at the lower end of the garden so as not to obstruct the view from Biltmore House.
Dinner:
At Biltmore Stable Cafe.
Evening:
Live music, firelight and candlelight will all enhance our experience and enjoyment of the Biltmore Estate on this Candlelight Christmas Evening. Audios will not be used on the candlelight visit due to the choirs, dancing and musical performances that take place throughout the home. We’ll go on a candlelit stroll around and through the Biltmore House, which will be adorned with beautiful grand-scale holiday decorations. Step back in time to the late 1800s as we view elegant Victorian decorations including wreaths, bows, poinsettias, evergreen garlands and thousands of ornaments twinkling in the firelight; each tree will be uniquely decorated to match the room in which it is located; and marvel at the forty foot Christmas tree that towers above visitors in the formal dining hall – it will be an unforgettable evening at Biltmore! There will also be dancing and singing, choirs, and performances on site. We’ll then rendezvous at a predetermined time and place for transfer back to the hotel.
Day
5
Southern Appalachian Christmas Traditions, Grove Park Inn
Location:
Asheville, North Carolina
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Haywood Park Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 3/4 mile and standing during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Christmas is a special time of year and this morning an Appalachian Cultural expert will join us at the hotel to present a program on the rich history, culture and Christmas traditions of the Southern Appalachians. Prepared with fresh greenery that the locals have used for ages, our expert will demonstrate how the Appalachian culture made their holiday decorations and will explain what Christmas was like "back then". After a short break, We will then ride to the grand Omni Grove Park Inn. This beautiful hotel has captured the hearts of many travelers who sought the peace and tranquility of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grove Park Inn has withstood time to secure a permanent spot as a landmark in history. During a self-directed exploration, we will have an opportunity to view the Inn’s historical displays.
Lunch:
At Omni Grove Park Inn.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will have time to independently view the entries in the Gingerbread House competition. The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition is one of the nation's most celebrated and competitive holiday events. The caliber of judges and competitors has changed since it first started and now the panel of judges represents nationally renowned food, arts, and media professionals and the level of competition has attracted the highest quality of design, artistry and pastry expertise. The competition has merited broadcast coverage by ABC's Good Morning America, the Travel Channel, and the Food Network. The national gingerbread house competition is held annually at the inn in mid-November, and entries will be on display through the Christmas holidays. Enjoy taking some time for a self-led exploration through the site and its exhibits. We will have the opportunity to visit the North Carolina Homespun Museum and the Ester-Winn Antique Car Museum, both housed in the historic weaving complex adjacent to the Grove Park Inn. After exploring each museum independently at one’s own pace we’ll rendezvous at a predetermined time and place for transfer back to hotel via motorcoach.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We will enjoy our final evening together as we say a fond good-bye to newfound friends and hold on to the memories we have made.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Asheville, North Carolina
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please select a day to update the map
Map details are not available for this location.
MEALS
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025
- Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 21, 2025
- Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
- Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
- Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 19, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 20 Reviews
Sort By:
This was a fabulous experience that I will never forget as our group leader Anne led us through the magical adventure of Ashville NC and the Biltmore. I highly recommend this trip!
— Review left April 4, 2024
I was expecting to be awed by the Biltmore, and was! But the town of Asheville was an unexpected joy! Totally enjoyable and informative trip!
— Review left December 25, 2023
Our 2nd trip with Road Scholar and it was excellent as I expected. From our director Ann Perry, who was very organized, thorough and personable to all the daily adventures, educational speakers and food; it was all great. We had a group of 38, some couples, some friends, some siblings and some singles; everyone became friends by the end of our 5 days. Loved the variety and just the right amount of free time.
— Review left December 24, 2023
This was a wonderful trip. If this program doesn't get you in the Christmas spirit I don't know what would. I must have seen 1,000 Christmas trees over the course of my tour (Biltmore, Grove Park Inn, NC Arboretum and all the ones in downtown Asheville).
— Review left December 20, 2023
This was an exceptionally well organized trip to enhance every minute of our program. We saw so much in the time allocated which was just right for us. We began with a bus tour of the city acquainting ourselves with the area and history of Asheville. That was a big help when doing other things during the week. Our group leader Anne was so well informed of what we were to see and constantly researched the sites so we know what to expect and don’t waste time trying to figure out what we need to do once we get there. Our Biltmore day was exceptional which was the primary reason we joined this tour. We were so pleasantly pleased with the remaining sites such as the NC Arboretum, Grove Park hotel and the River Arts district. The downtown area is also really nice with unique shops and restaurants.
— Review left December 16, 2023
This adventure was thoroughly enjoyable with a nice variety of experiences and an extremely knowledgeable, organized and kind group leader.
— Review left December 11, 2023
This was a nice trip. We enjoyed seeing the Christmas decorations at the Biltmore, the Omni Grove Park Hotel, the Trail of Lights and around town. The Cambria hotel was fabulous! The beds were comfortable and the rooms were very clean and quiet. The meals were good, but the meal at the Omni Grove hotel was spectacular and probably the best. The leader, Ann, was excellent. She seemed very interested in the travelers and making sure all was well. The "teachers" were excellent at well. We learned a lot from them.
The tour changed course several times, so it was a bit hard to keep up with where we were going and what was next. Sometimes there was too much free time.
Overall, this was a nice way to spend the holiday season and we enjoyed it very much. We were so glad to be able to see the Biltmore, as it is a national treasure.
— Review left December 11, 2023
Highly recommend!
— Review left January 3, 2023
This was a great trip. I enjoyed the speakers and learned a lot. The hotel was in a great location and comfortable. Our leader and bus driver were great. One comment regarding the bus. Many of the seats were broken, backs did not stay up. Sharp metal projecting from the seats were a injury hazard. Torn upholstery. No seat belts.
— Review left December 26, 2022
We had been to the Biltmore 5 years ago in the Spring and this was a totally new experience. The lights and music gave it a new look. The food and accommodations were top notch and the leader, Anne Perry, was fantastic. There were so many changes she had to deal with and did it seamlessly.
— Review left December 19, 2022
If anyone is interested in learning about Appalachian History, Cherokee History, folk customs ,great artists of and music of this area as well as exploring the magnificent Biltmore and Omni Grove Inn, this program is for you! It was a wonderful learning experience.
— Review left December 19, 2022
Great Program. Great guide!
— Review left December 17, 2022
This was our first Road Scholar program and we loved it! I loved the learning aspect of the program - all the speakers were excellent as well as the docents. The program was well organized and well rounded - we had the opportunity to “sample” the arts community, literary community, learn the history of the area, visit beautiful churches and spend time at the amazing Biltmore estate and Grove Park Inn. And in between had some wonderful meals! Anne was a wonderful group leader and kept us moving along in the nicest way possible!! Highly recommend this program!
— Review left December 13, 2022
Enjoyed Asheville at Christmas time! So much to see. Great speakers on the city’s history as well as Cherokee history.
— Review left December 21, 2021
The Biltmore was just one of the wonderful parts of this trip. Asheville is a lovely city and we leaved so much about its unique history. There are arts all over the city. Our excellent hotel was was in a perfect location. We packed a lot of learning, seeing and sharing in just 4 days. It was a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas.
— Review left December 21, 2021
A wonderful, well balanced adventure that should put a person in the holiday spirit.
— Review left December 20, 2021
I totally enjoyed this program!
— Review left December 18, 2021
We really enjoyed our trip Asheville. Our group leader, Anne, was the best
. Highly recommend this trip to others!
— Review left December 12, 2021
If you want to experience a bit of Christmas Spirit - Asheville @ Christmas - may be just the ticket for you - Enjoy !
— Review left December 5, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable visit to the Biltmore and Asheville at Christmas. All very organized with plenty of time at all venues to enjoy. Hotel in walking distance of Biltmore Village, so easy to walk, shop, and eat on own when we had that time. All lecturers and presenters were entertaining and knowledgeable. Had a wonderful time with my sister.
— Review left December 14, 2019