The Extras Make the Difference at Biltmore
While daytime admission to Biltmore ensures an enjoyable visit with access to Biltmore House, the gardens, Antler Hill Village and Winery, extra details that hallmark the estate’s specialty guided tours make a difference.
Dig Deeper Into History
Biltmore House is more than just America’s largest home. It’s also a treasure trove of fascinating stories and lively history. These specialty guided tours offer fascinating snippets from Biltmore’s archives and glimpses into areas of the House not open on the self-guided tour:
- Guided Biltmore House Tour: This 90-minute tour pulls back the velvet curtain. History comes alive with dramatic stories about house parties, insight into George Vanderbilt’s closest friends and details about daily life on the estate.
- Biltmore House Rooftop Tour: See the House from a fresh perspective with a 60-minute tour that goes to areas not normally open the estate guests. Travel to the roof for sweeping panoramic views, linger on the upper Observatory’s balcony and parapet and learn more about the construction of the house.
- Behind-the-Scenes Guided Upstairs – Downstairs Tour: In this 60-minute guided tour, descend the back stairs to explore servant life at Biltmore. Discover cutting-edge technology that kept America’s largest home humming. Visit the domains of the butler, head housekeeper, and lady’s maid, then continue on to a suite of guest rooms to learn about grand house parties hosted by the Vanderbilts.
- Legacy of the Land Tour: History isn’t confined to the estate’s structures. Biltmore’s grounds are also rich with stories from the past. Enjoy a guided motor coach ride across the estate and discover the remnants of a community church, tracks from a forgotten railroad trestle and other important archeological findings.
Uncork Something Special
In addition to the Winery’s complimentary wine tasting, Biltmore offers more opportunities to quench your thirst for knowledge with one of these exclusive experiences.
- Red Wine & Chocolate Seminar: Biltmore’s wine experts reveal the science and romance behind the pairing of chocolate with red wine. Samples are, of course, included. Guests must be 21 to attend.
- Biltmore Bubbles Tour: Learn why everyone loves sparkling wine with a tour of Biltmore’s champagne bottling room, a quick lesson on the wine making process and samples of Biltmore’s six sparkling wines. Guests must be 21 to attend.
- Vine to Wine Tour: Explore how Biltmore grapes become our award-winning wines. Visit areas on the estate not normally seen by guests, including a trip to the vineyards and a walking production tour. Sample wine tastings throughout the tour and conclude with a grand tasting. Guests must be 21 to attend. Pricing for these “extras” vary and are in addition to the daytime admission price.
Come Play in Our 8,000-Acre Backyard
Nature takes center stage with an assortment of outdoor activities from the Outdoor Center and Trail Ride Barn.
- Bike Rental and Trail Pass: Guests may bring a bike or rent one from the Bike Barn to explore miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult.
- Carriage Rides: Enjoy a relaxing ride through meadows and woods on a 12-person wagonette, or a more intimate journey in a two-person carriage.
- Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing School: Plan for a two-hour, half-day, or full-day fly-fishing excursion. Orvis equipment and world-class instruction provided.
- Horseback Rides: Novice and experienced riders alike will enjoy relaxing trail rides through peaceful woods and pastures. Guided group and private trail rides are available.
- Land Rover Experience Driving School: Tap into your sense of adventure with off-road driving lessons in a Land Rover. Experienced instructors offer lessons, trail drives and a full-day experience.
- River Float Trips: Float down the peaceful French Broad River and enjoy riverbank wildlife and incredible views of the estate. Guided raft trips and self-guided kayak trips available. Offered April through October.
- Segway Tours: Travel in a new way with guided Segway tours of the estate. Options include basic rides down paved estate paths, off-road tours, advanced off-road tours, and tours on the west side of the estate.
- Sporting Clays: Take your best shot and learn precision shooting techniques from our experience instructors using a Beretta shotgun.
About Biltmore
Located in Asheville, N.C., Biltmore was the vision of George W. Vanderbilt. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, America’s largest home is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques. Biltmore estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres including renowned gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture. Today, Biltmore includes Antler Hill Village, which features the award-winning Winery and Antler Hill Farm; four-star The Inn on Biltmore Estate; the new Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate; Equestrian Center; numerous restaurants; event and meeting venues; and Biltmore For Your Home, the company’s licensed products division. To learn more about Biltmore, go to www.biltmore.com or call 877-BILTMORE