(C) Asheville, North Carolina
Biltmore Estate & Blue Ridge Parkway
Come join Women Traveling Together as we explore Asheville, North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains, which derive their name from the bluish haze that clings to them. They're thought to be among the oldest mountains on Earth, having formed 500 million years ago. We'll see pristine waterfalls and beautiful mountain vistas, and spend time exploring the hip and still up-coming city of Asheville. Asheville is home to America's largest home, Biltmore Estate. If you love the outdoors combined with the charm of small towns and gorgeous scenery, then this trip is for you!
(C) Asheville, North Carolina
May 10 - May 15, 2020Highlights
- Spend a Day exploring Biltmore Estate
- Ride the Great Smokey Mountain Train
- Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Enjoy lunch at historic Grove Park Inn
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- Small group no larger than 14
- And More... See itinerary for details
Itinerary
Sunday, 10 May 2020: Arrive Asheville, NC; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival into the Asheville airport no later than 4:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. The tour begins at 6:00pm in the lobby of the hotel. Our Welcome Meeting will be followed by dinner to get acquainted and discuss our upcoming adventure. Overnight Asheville - 5 nights
Monday, 11 May 2020: Walking Tour of Asheville; Afternoon Waterfalls Walk (B,L)
This morning we're off on a walking tour of Asheville to learn more about this delightful artsy city. The downtown area is very compact making walking around to all the sights very easy. There is a vibrant artisan, food and craft beer scene in Asheville. Later we enjoy a leisurely walk to three waterfalls closely located to each other in nearby DuPont State Forest, with frequent stops for photo opportunities and time spent relaxing at the falls.
Tuesday, 12 May 2020: Great Smoky Mountain Railroad (B,L)
It's all aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad today. This excursion departs from Bryson City and travels 44 miles along the scenic Nantahala River and rugged terrain that the Cherokee called "The Land of The Noonday Sun." It crosses Fontana Lake on a historic 100-foot-high bridge that spans almost 800 feet across the lake and into the beautiful Nantahala Gorge. There is a one-hour layover at the Nantahala River Depot for sightseeing, shopping and relaxing.
Wednesday, 13 May 2020: Blue Ridge Parkway; Mount Mitchell; Grove Park Inn (B,L)
This morning we will drive the fabled Blue Ridge Parkway, often dubbed "America's Favorite Drive." We'll stop in at the Folk Art Center, which showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians. From here we drive to Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi, for a stellar scenic overlook with breathtaking views of the rolling ridges and fertile valleys. We then make our way back to enjoy a late lunch at historic Grove Park Inn, nestled in the mountains. This is a taste of true Southern hospitality.
Thursday, 14 May 2020: Biltmore Estate and Gardens; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
We will spend today visiting the famous Biltmore Estate, the largest home in America. George Vanderbilt's French chateau-style mansion features 250 rooms, 65 fireplaces and numerous art masterpieces. The estate also features elegant gardens, a winery and the River Bend Farm. There is so much to see and do at Biltmore that we will spend the entire day here. Later, we will gather for our Farewell Dinner to reminisce about the enjoyable week we've just had.
Friday, 15 May 2020: Return Home from Asheville (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Based on the departure time you provide WTT, your Tour Leader can assist with organizing travelers into small groups so you can ride-share to the airport if you wish.
(C) Asheville, North Carolina
May 10 - May 15, 2020Pricing
Room Share
$1,986.00Single Room
$2,645.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Do not Display to the Web
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Transportation in WTT's own Mercedes mini-coach
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation from your home and return to your home,
- Airport transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Any personal expenses
- Any gratuities for WTT Tour Leader
- Travel Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
At Space Reservation: Initial Deposit is due.
Tuesday, 12 Nov 2019: Initial deposit cannot be parked and is forfeited if traveler cancels after this date.
Monday, 10 Feb 2020: Payment in full. 50% cancellation penalty after this date.
Thursday, 26 Mar 2020: 100% forfeited if traveler cancels after this date.
Please review our Terms and Conditions before making your reservation. You will be required to confirm you have read and agree to WTT's terms & conditions before our website will allow you to submit the Reservation FORM.
By submitting the Reservation Form you are providing your electronic signature that you are authorizing WTT to charge your credit card the required amount due for the tour at this time, and to charge your credit card in a separate transaction for the membership length selected, if applicable.
Travel Insurance: It is your responsibility to purchase the amount of travel insurance you determine is appropriate to protect you from the risk of financial loss should you have to cancel your tour, or should unforeseen events, due to no fault of WTT, prevent the tour from operating in whole or in part as originally scheduled.
WTT does not sell travel insurance. As a convenience, we will email you information from 2 reliable travel insurance providers at the time we confirm your reservation, however you can purchase insurance from any provider you choose.
You can review the insurance information from TravelGuard to get an idea of rates.
(C) Asheville, North Carolina
May 10 - May 15, 2020Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: AVL - Asheville, NC (Asheville Regional Airport)
Arrival Date: Monday, May 17th. Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Depart Airport: AVL - Asheville, NC (Asheville Regional Airport)
Departure Date: Saturday, May 22nd. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. WTT Tour Leader will assist in coordinating ride sharing.
Lodging / Hotels
Asheville: DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville - Biltmore
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
Worried about possible flight delays? Consider arriving on Saturday, May 9, one day before the official tour start date. Many of our travelers choose this optional service. Your pre-tour package includes:
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Optional activity suggestions prior to tour
$115.00 Roomshare $230.00 Single
The pre-tour package is an optional service. Rates are established at time of tour posting. Early check-in is solely at the discretion of the hotel and cannot be arranged in advance.
Additional Reminders About This Tour
This tour uses a 15 passenger Mini-Coach for transportation while on tour. Learn more about The WTT North American Travel Experience by downloading/opening the pdf.
(C) Asheville, North Carolina
May 10 - May 15, 2020Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
- If you wish to share with another solo traveler, select this option on the Reservation Form and your tour price will automatically be based on the room share price.
- Or, you may select a single room, when available, on the Reservation Form and your tour price will be automatically based on the single room price.
- These choices are clearly stated on the Reservation Form.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- Most solo travelers elect to share a room
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
Because of this requirement, WTT tours are not suitable for anyone who is physically challenged, walking impaired, or is a slow walker that cannot keep up with the pace of the group.
The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
- 70% Easy
- 25% Moderate (nature walking and walking tours)
- 5% Strenuous
If you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Read more about Activity Levels
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
- Breakfast daily
- 3 Lunches
- 2 Dinners
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary requests can be accommodated on this tour.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
In general the temperature, rainfall and humidity levels vary based on the time of the year. In Spring, temperatures can climb to the low 70s dropping to the low 50s at night. We suggest you monitor weather apps before you depart for the most current information. Refer to http://www.weather.gov/
For This Trip You'll Need—
- Sturdy and comfortable shoes for walking to the waterfalls.
- Lightweight but warm jacket/sweater for the cool mornings and evenings or the unusually brisk day.
You May Also Want—
- One smart-casual outfit if you'd like to dress up a bit for dinners.
- Inexpensive rain poncho or travel umbrella, just in case
- Swimsuit—the hotel has an indoor pool.
- Bring what you need to get a good night's sleep, such as ear plugs, white noise generator, sleeping pills, etc. Unfamiliar noises of all types can disrupt your rest.
Good Packing Habits—
- Pack a limited amount of comfortable, casual clothing that layers and coordinates. Your fellow travelers will not mind or even notice – seeing you in the same clothing.
- Bring only two pairs of everyday shoes: one pair of well-broken-in walking shoes, and a second pair that could do double-duty as a walking shoe or a slightly dressy shoe.
- Pare down your beauty regimen to the bare minimum and always pack travel-sized toiletries.
- Pack medication in your carry-on and pack only as much as needed for the duration of your tour plus a few extra days as a precaution.
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
On every WTT tour, our policies regarding luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations of the vehicles we use and the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
- We recommend you bring only one suitcase plus small shoulder bag/daypack/purse.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
Only you can determine the optimum amount of cash to take on tour. When budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses, there are several aspects to consider: the number of meals you are responsible for, the amount of money you like to have on-hand for snacks and drinks, and your individual shopping interests and habits.
- Notify your credit card issuer and checking account bank that you will be traveling, and provide dates of travel.
- ATMs are typically the best way of obtaining cash; you must know your PIN number for your debit and credit cards in order to use the ATMs.
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
All tips to local guides during your tour have already been paid on your behalf.
- You are responsible for tipping wait-staff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, restaurants, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $7-$10 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
This tour uses a 15 passenger Mini-Coach for transportation while on tour. Learn more about The WTT North American Travel Experience by downloading/opening the pdf.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?

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