Day 1, Sunday, September 6, 2026
Arrive in Staunton Virginia for our overnight accommodation.
Day 2, Monday, September 7, 2026
Arrive in Asheville, North Carolina and check-in for 4 nights at the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate. Relax and refresh amid 8,000 acres of soul-soothing Blue Ridge Mountain beauty.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner and gracious hospitality, a one-of-a-kind mountain oasis! (B, D)
Day 3, Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Start your morning off right with a delicious breakfast at the hotel
Explore the beauty and history of Western North Carolina through vibrant Asheville and along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. A local guide will join us to share engaging stories about Asheville’s artsy downtown, historic architecture, and cultural highlights, then leads you onto the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking overlooks, lush forests, and panoramic mountain views. This immersive experience combines natural beauty with local flavor, making it a memorable way to discover the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Arrive Lexington Glassworks, located in the heart of downtown Asheville, NC, was born out of the desire to create timeless and innovative hand-blown glass and custom lighting. Each piece is skillfully crafted using century-old techniques and locally sourced material with the singular goal of creating top-notch work. Free time for lunch on own to explore downtown Asheville.
This afternoon, visit the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Folk Art Center, one of the most celebrated cultural attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Headquarters representing over 800 juried artisans from nine southeastern states and has been dedicated to preserving and promoting Appalachian craft traditions since its founding in 1930.
Tonight, you will enjoy a Farm to Table Dinner at Red Rocker Inn near Black Mountain NC. (B, D)
Day 4, Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Start your morning off with a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is America’s largest privately owned home, built by George W. Vanderbilt in 1895. This magnificent 250-room French Renaissance château features grand architecture, fine art, and elegant furnishings. Visitors can tour the mansion, stroll through lush gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and enjoy wine tastings at the Biltmore Winery. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the estate offers breathtaking scenery, world-class dining, and timeless Southern hospitality.
Lunch at Biltmore — with some interesting characters entertaining you and maybe even dropping some hints to the ultimate game of MURDER At BILTMORE!
This afternoon, the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site preserves the legacy of the Pulitzer Prize–winning poet and author. Located in Flat Rock, North Carolina, the site includes the Sandburg family home, and historic barns. Visitors can explore his personal collections, enjoy tranquil gardens, and experience Sandburg’s inspiring literary heritage.
The group will enjoy dinner at the Campfire Grille, near Flat Rock North Carolina.
Evening performance at The Flat Rock Playhouse located in the picturesque village of Flat Rock in western North Carolina. The Playhouse is known for high-quality productions ranging from beloved Broadway musicals and classic dramas to contemporary comedies, all brought to life by professional actors and creative teams from across the country. (B,L,D)
Day 5, Thursday, September 10, 2026
Enjoy another delicious breakfast at the hotel
Step aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for a First-Class journey through breathtaking mountain landscapes. Relax in climate-controlled comfort with panoramic windows and plush seating as you enjoy a freshly prepared, chef-served meal featuring regional Southern cuisine and a full bar service. This elevated experience combines scenic beauty, fine dining, and nostalgic charm—offering an unforgettable way to explore the heart of the Smokies aboard one of America’s most picturesque train rides.
Tonight, back at the Biltmore, a revealing dinner at Stable Cafe — Be on the lookout for who, why and how someone may be aiming to do something rash. Who Dunnit? Keep your ears listening and your eyes wide open. We’ll discuss the clues over a delicious meal. Then it will be time to reveal who committed Murder at Biltmore!
Later this evening, The Luminere at Biltmore Estate, a groundbreaking new immersive outdoor evening experience at the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina — the first of its kind in the estate’s 130-year history.
It transforms the iconic Biltmore House and its renowned gardens into a luminous, story-driven nightscape through artful light installations, animated projections, and a custom soundscape, offering visitors a fresh and magical way to experience one of America’s most beloved historic attractions after dark. As dusk falls, guests embark on a self-guided journey through a series of themed outdoor settings — including the façade of the mansion, the Italian Garden, Pergola, Shrub Garden, Walled Garden, and Conservatory — where dramatic lighting and imagery bring the estate’s architecture, landscapes, and rich legacy to life. The visual spectacle is synchronized with an original musical score composed by Julian Grefe and performed with the Asheville Symphony, creating a multisensory experience of wonder, reflection, and storytelling. (B,L,D)
Day 6, Friday, September 11, 2026
Start your morning off with breakfast at the hotel, then we check out and depart for Winchester, Virginia for our final overnight stay on this fabulous tour, new in 2026! (B)
Day 7, Saturday, September 12, 2026
After breakfast, depart for home with comfort stops and meal stops along the way, with fond memories of Asheville North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains! (B)
Price per Person: Single $3,969 | Double $3,325
Triple $3,125 | Quad $3,075
