Biltmore Estate Tour

Visit America’s Largest Home – It’s said that the Blue Ridge Mountains have captured the hearts of simple men and captains of industry, and nothing proves that more than a tour of the Biltmore House, George Vanderbilt’s exquisite 250-acre estate and gardens.

According to local legend, Vanderbilt fell in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains in 1888 and decided to build his historic estate in Asheville, North Carolina so that he could gaze upon the beauty of the mountains.  More than a century later, Biltmore continues to welcome visitors who marvel at the estate’s incredible architecture, priceless works of art, and its gardens and winery.

Something for Everyone – Antler Hill, the local village, offers exhibits on the estate’s agricultural heritage, live entertainment the Village Green, and family fun at the Biltmore farm.  The four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate offers luxurious overnight accommodations on estate grounds, and the Biltmore’s Winery entices with complimentary wine tastings and a self-guided tour of the wine cellar.

If group tours make you nervous, the Biltmore House offers a number of audio-guided and live tours that allow visitors meander through the estate’s grand rooms while listening to information provided by museum curators on headsets.  The tours include:

Biltmore House Guide – Learn about the Vanderbilts, their guests, and their servants, in addition to the surrounding architecture, design, and artwork.  Tour: 90 minutes, Cost: $10.

Kids’ Guide to the Biltmore House – A great option for families!  This guided tour is made specifically for children and is narrated by Cedric, the Vanderbilts’ Saint Bernard!  Cedric guides young guests through the rooms with stories and fun-to-know facts.  Tour: 90 minutes, Cost: $10.

Guided Biltmore House Tour – This tour provides terrific details on the social life, parties, and celebrations that have taken place in the Biltmore, giving a glimpse into the past.  Tour: 90 minutes, Cost: $17, reservations required.

Architect’s Tour – Guests can take a closer look at the design and construction of Biltmore, visiting private areas, rooftops, and balconies that are not included on other tours.    Tour: 60 minutes, Cost: $17, reservations required.

Biltmore House Butler’s Tour – America’s version of Downton Abbey!  Learn how domestic servants made their living at Biltmore serving members of the Vanderbilt family.  The tour features unrestored rooms and mechanical areas not open to the public. Tour: 60 minutes, Cost: $17, reservations required.

Vanderbilt Family & Friends Tour – Imagine staying at Biltmore with the Vanderbilt family as your hosts!  This tour takes you to bedrooms and other rooms that feature clothing and accessories from the 1900’s. Hear stories about customs of the age and tales of the fascinating people who visited Biltmore. Tour: 60 minutes, Cost: $17, reservations required, may not be available in summer months.

Legacy of the Land Tour – Take a bus tour of the estate and learn about the history of the land, buildings, residents, guests, and staff. You’ll visit areas not usually open to guests. Tour: 60 minutes, Cost: $19, reservations required.

Vine to Wine Tour – Explore how Biltmore grapes become award-winning wines by visiting the Biltmore vineyards.  Guests can sample wine throughout the tour and conclude with a grand tasting.   Visitors must purchase tickets by 11:00 a.m. on the day of the tour. Available Saturdays and Sundays at 1:45 p.m., Cost: $85, must be 21 years of age to attend.