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.
Participant Reviews
Based on 26 Reviews
SHOWING
Absolutely magical and Anne Perry was the perfect tour guide. An amazing experience!!!
— Review left February 3, 2026
In general. I thought it was a very good trip and so happy I had signed up for it. The trip leaders, bus driver and guest speaker were great and went out of their way to keep things running smoothly. I was very happy with the people involved in this trip. The hotel was very nice and food there was decent. Although a little more variety with breakfast and less time spent in the conference room would have been welcome. The food at the Biltmore was excellent. The food at the buffet at the Omni was hit or miss. The art museum was just okay and and I understand was added on this trip due to a necessary substitution. Time management was just about right, but time at the Biltmore became rushed before the tour. The bus driver and leaders went above and beyond the call of duty and went back later so guests that wanted to go back and spend more time there could do so. Lectures were interesting and entertaining. Fun trip! Thank you.
— Review left December 22, 2025
Anne is an excellent tour guide! This is a wonderfully enriching and exciting program. Viewing a national gingerbread contest and eating a fantastic holiday buffet at the fabulous Omni Park Grove Inn! Touring the historic Biltmore House! Colorful lectures! And so much more! I plan to do this one again!
— Review left December 22, 2025
The Asheville Christmas program is comprehensive and is a wonderful way to start the holidays.
— Review left December 20, 2025
FIVE STARS!!
What a wonderful trip we had! The Biltmore all decked out for the holidays, searching for the trolls at the arboretum, and seeing the most amazing gingerbread houses at the Omni Grove Park Inn were all amazing. Our lectures and tours by Kevin and Lee were fantastic and we learned so much. Learning how chocolates were made, and getting to try some samples, yum! Our demonstration by Gabriel at Odyssey Clayworks was truly mesmerizing. His support for others in need through art was heartwarming.
We bought gifts for family, friends and ourselves on this trip. Seeing how quickly some of the businesses have recovered from the damage from Hurricane Helene and knowing so many more are struggling and others won't ever return really opened our eyes to the strength this area has. The beauty is certainly deeper than the physical.
Our leader, Anne, made it feel like a friend was showing us around her favorite places. Her knowledge and willingness to share made such a difference.
I whole heartedly recommend this trip. Enjoy!!
— Review left December 6, 2025
A wonderful experience. Christmastime in Asheville the Biltmore and beyond. Had the best time touring and learning about Asheville's history and yes, the Biltmore is a wonder to see all dressed up for Christmas.
— Review left November 22, 2025
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 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
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
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
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
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
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