Carolina Christmas at The Biltmore in Asheville
The Vanderbilt Estate in All Its Holiday Glory, Led by Tour Director Linda Melnyk
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Known as the “Paris of the South,” Asheville offers a vibrant culture, spectacular scenery, and some of the most beautiful architecture found in and around the city. An exquisite example is the Biltmore House, created in the style of a 16th century French châteaux as a vacation retreat for George Vanderbilt. Now considered America's largest home, it is at its most magnificent when decorated for the holidays. Your tour director for this special visit is Linda Melnyk, an independent travel agent with more than 16 years in planning group tours and individual vacations. From her home base in Brentwood, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville, she frequently leads groups at her favorite destinations around the world. And of all those places, it is the Biltmore at Christmastime that she loves most. If you have never seen the Biltmore, you must see it with Linda
Exclusively for Women
Not Included:
Day 1 – Tuesday, November 10 Arrival on Own Scenic Asheville lies tucked between the ranges of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Vibrant and wholly unique, the city has an energy all its own, offering visitors a blend of art and nature, culture and mountain flavor. Our hotel is the glorious Grove Park Inn, modeled after the grand old railway hotels of the West. Fully restored in1973, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places. The lobby is known as The Great Hall, and for good reason. Measuring 120 feet across, the hall features 24-foot ceilings and two gigantic 14-foot stone fireplaces that burn 12-foot logs. The Great Hall is also famous for the elevators cleverly hidden in the chimneys of the stone fireplaces (put there to conceal the noise of the machinery). Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the mountain views are breathtaking. The restaurants are excellent, offering sumptuous buffets. The Spa is world-class, and ranked #13 by Travel & Leisure on its list of Best Hotel Spas. View the Spa Menu. Be sure to call in advance to book an appointment! Dial the Spa toll-free at 1-877-772-0747. The treatments are heavenly, and relaxing in the pools is the perfect end to any day. Or, relax in the Grand Hall by the fireplace, in a rocking chair with drink in hand, have afternoon tea, or listen to the music at Elaine's, the piano bar where they have dueling pianos and take requests.
Downtown Asheville is located only five minutes by taxi from the resort. With its colorful sights and historic buildings — the city features more Art Deco architecture than any other southeastern city outside Miami Beach — the downtown is best explored on foot. Its streets are lined with an inviting collection of restaurants, bookstores and shops. With an average high in November of 57˚F and an average low of 40˚F, Asheville offers a delightfully mild climate that is ideal for enjoyment. Buffered by the surrounding mountains, the area also has less precipitation than any other city east of the Mississippi. Airport Transportation in Asheville Asheville Regional Airport is 25 miles from the hotel, about a 30 minute ride away. The Airport Shuttle operates 24/7 at $55 per person each way. Be sure to say that you are part of the “Women’s Travel Club group with Linda Melnyk,” and your ride will be discounted to $45. They will also try to group you with other club members for further cost reduction. For reservations, call toll-free at 1-888-288-9915 or locally at 1-828-687-8825. Diamond Executive Limo offers private sedan transportation at $50 per car plus tip. As you walk along the glass hallway in the airport en route to baggage claim, you will see the drivers waiting in the doorways. They don’t have a toll-free number. You can reach Mr. Lamont Bellamy, the owner, at 1-828-281-8139. Let him also know that you are part of the WTC group. Taxi service runs about $50 with no extra tipping required. The next closest airports to Asheville are Greenville, SC (1.5 hours), Charlotte, NC (2 hours) and Knoxville, TN (2 hours). Day 2 – Wednesday, November 11 Breakfast at Hotel
Tonight we will enjoy the Candlelight Experience at George Vanderbilt’s “Home for the Holidays.” The majestic Biltmore Mansion is magnificently adorned with more than 35 decorated trees, hundreds of wreaths and Poinsettias, and ten thousand feet of evergreen roping! Holiday music resounds – featuring harp, violin and piano – and there is much caroling and festivity throughout the evening. At 8:00 pm, we will stroll over to the Stable Cafe on the grounds of the estate for a lovely dinner with wine. (B, D) Day 3 – Thursday, November 12 Breakfast at the Hotel This morning after breakfast, we will return to the Biltmore Estate to view the mansion from the outside and to walk the grounds a bit. An historical tour of the estate, called the “Legacy of the Land,” will be conducted via motorcoach with a Biltmore guide. The grounds are just gorgeous! While there, we’ll have lunch at the Deerpark Restaurant, and afterwards we will visit the Biltmore winery. There, you may sample award winning wines in the tasting room, where most of the wines presented are complimentary.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner is on your own tonight. If you are interested in dining as a group, Linda suggests the Veranda Café at the hotel with views overlooking the mountains. She can arrange this on site. (B, L)
Day 4 – Friday, November 13 Breakfast at the Hotel
Day 5 – Saturday, November 14 Breakfast at the Hotel After breakfast, you are free until it is time to depart for your flight home. We recommend that you let us know your flight arrangements so that we can assist you in sharing the cost of a ride to and from the airport. (B) For more information, see: Explore Asheville To Contact the Hotel The Grove Park Inn & Spa Main Phone: 1-800-438-5800 (toll-free) Concierge: ext. 7010 Spa Reservations: 1-877-772-0747 (toll-free) |
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Following breakfast, you will depart for a guided tour of Asheville. Included will be the Cathedral and Folk Art Center. There will also be a stop at the shops and attractions of the Biltmore Villages and Grove Arcade. Your afternoon is at leisure for lunch and sightseeing or relaxation. Linda will be available to offer many suggestions for your free time. 
Next stop is the beautifully restored 
Today is a free day to explore on your own, or to enjoy the facilities at the hotel. If you are interested in treatments at the Spa, please call well in advance to make reservations. If shopping and sightseeing are on your list, take a cab ride into Asheville for an array of antique shops, and an extensive and unique arts and crafts scene. This evening, we will dine on a sumptuous Seafood Buffet in the elegant Blue Ridge Dining Room at the Inn. (B,D)
Trips designed by women for women