Biltmore Blooms Festival of Flowers: Asheville, NC

Duration: 5 Days |   Meals Included: 4 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners

 

Trip Highlights:

 

 

Biltmore Blooms at Biltmore Estate

Celebrate the arrival of spring during Biltmore Blooms, the estate-wide event that brings George Vanderbilt’s magnificent 8,000-acre property to life with color. Set against the backdrop of this regal French château—a National Historic Landmark nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville—this annual tradition features more than 100,000 tulips in full bloom, greeting visitors from the main entrance to the Walled Garden and throughout the estate. Stroll through the 20-acre azalea garden bursting with vibrant hues, and discover cascades of native and exotic blooms in the natural gardens and along scenic walking trails. Enjoy live music performances in the Conservatory and Winter Garden, engaging seminars at A Gardener’s Place, seasonal menus at estate restaurants, and exclusive Festival of Flowers commemorative wines at the Winery. Guests are invited to explore the house, gardens, and winery at their own pace with self-guided tours throughout the estate.

 

Asheville, NC Sightseeing Tour

Spend time discovering downtown Asheville, the most architecturally diverse city in North Carolina. Visitors will find more Art Deco architecture here than in any other Southeastern city outside of Miami Beach. Consistently ranked on American Style’s list of the nation’s top 25 arts destinations, Asheville is known as a collector’s and shopper’s paradise. During your visit, be sure to see the Basilica of St. Lawrence, the D.M. Roman Catholic Church, and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.

 

Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley offers a fascinating overview of the area. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the historic Glen Burnie House, furnished with art and antiques from one of the Valley’s most prominent private collections. Surrounding the house are six acres of stunning gardens. The Glen Burnie Gardens are considered among the most beautiful public gardens in Virginia. From the stately Grand Allee to the secluded Hidden Garden, each space offers its own unique charm. Inside the newly expanded museum, explore four major gallery spaces, including the Shenandoah Valley Gallery, where a blend of artifacts, multimedia exhibits, and detailed dioramas bring the Valley’s story to life.

 

Reynolda House

Reynolda House is the 1917 estate of industrialist R.J. Reynolds. This 64-room home features original furnishings, family clothing, and children’s toys, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century family life. Set within this historic and homelike atmosphere is a collection of American art considered to be the best south of Washington, D.C.

 

The Grove Arcade

The Grove Arcade, which originally opened in 1929, flourished as one of the nation's leading public markets until World War II. After decades of transformation, it reopened to the public in 2002 and is now a vibrant downtown destination featuring boutique shopping, regional crafts, and a variety of unique dining experiences, all under one roof. Whether you're craving a classic burger or inspired dishes from Latin America, Italy, or Thailand, the Grove Arcade offers an array of eclectic options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day two is included at Stone Ridge Tavern. Choices are (order when seated):

• Beef Tips over rice

• Greco Chicken

• Sesame encrusted Atlantic Salmon

• Greek pasta (does not include a side, it is served with salad & garlic bread)

• Baby back ribs

Dinner is served with a choice of salad (tossed, Greek, or Ceasar), choice of side (baked potato, sweet potato fries, french fries, garlic mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, asparagus, applesauce, or coleslaw), and chocolate cake for dessert.

 

Dinner on day four is included at Wood Grill Buffet

Buffet includes fried chicken, wings, meatloaf, pot roast, fried shrimp, fish, salad, and a variety of sides and desserts.

 

Lunch on day five is included at Piccadilly's Public House & Restaurant. Choices are:

• New York Strip Steak

• Herb Grilled Chicken Breast: topped with Dijon supreme sauce

• Bourbon Glazed Salmon: seared and finished in a sweet and savory glaze

• Pasta Primavera (V): served with salad only

Lunch is served with a side salad, garlic mashed potatoes, vegetable medley, dessert, coffee, tea, and soda. Pasta is served with salad only.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

• At the Biltmore, guests may carry small personal bags no larger than 19" x 14" x 9", Backpacks and wheeled bags are prohibited. Clear, plastic water bottles are the only water bottles allowed. Biltmore does not accepting cash; acceptable forms of payment are credit or debit cards.

 

Accessibility:

• Your visit to Biltmore House includes three floors and several flights of stairs. Because of the historic architecture, only the first and second floors are accessible by wheelchair. Guests who are unable to go to the third floor and basement may visit the designated second floor rest area and watch a video of the rooms they are unable to access.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Day 1: Country Inn Wytheville (Wytheville, VA)

The hotel features a fitness room, indoor pool, and whirlpool. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Days 2 and 3: Hampton Inn Asheville Biltmore Area (Asheville, NC)

The Hampton Inn is conveniently located near the Asheville Outlets. The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Day 4: Hyatt Place Harrisonburg (Harrisonburg, VA)

The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board