Asheville, the quaint mountain city in North Carolina, beckons couples to uncover its enchanting history and architectural gems through the Unique Sites of Asheville Walking Tour. Led by a local expert, this 2-hour excursion immerses participants in the city’s captivating past, from the grand Basilica of Saint Lawrence to the lively Pack Square Park. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this personalized tour promises to reveal Asheville’s hidden wonders in a way that will leave you longing to discover more.
Key Points
- Explore the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, a stunning granite cathedral with intricate stained-glass windows and ornate marble altars, providing a unique architectural experience.
- Stroll through the Grove Arcade, a charming art deco-inspired shopping district featuring locally-owned shops, galleries, and eateries, creating a lively and romantic ambiance.
- Discover the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, a National Historic Landmark preserving the childhood boarding house of the renowned author, offering insights into his life and literary legacy.
- Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Pritchard Park, a peaceful urban oasis with lush green spaces, walking paths, and opportunities to appreciate street performers and public art.
- Immerse yourselves in the cultural richness of Pack Square Park, featuring monuments, seasonal events, and food trucks, providing a vibrant backdrop for your Asheville adventure.
Tour Duration and Pricing
The Asheville Walking Tour for Couples lasts for 2 hours and costs £369.45 per group of up to 4 people, with the option to reserve now and pay later. This flexible booking arrangement allows couples to plan their visit in advance without the need to commit to payment immediately.
The tour takes participants through some of Asheville’s most iconic landmarks, including the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Grove Arcade, Pritchard Park, Thomas Wolfe Memorial, Pack Square Park, and the YMI Cultural Center.
Throughout the journey, a professional local guide will provide insightful commentary, ensuring couples have a rich and engaging experience exploring the unique sights and history of this charming city.
Tour Highlights
Unique Sites of Asheville Walking Tour for Couples
Tour Highlights
Basilica of Saint Lawrence, a magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral, anchors the tour’s starting point, offering couples a 10-minute guided exploration of its stunning architecture and rich history. Grove Arcade, a captivating early 20th-century marketplace, follows, inviting visitors to discover its unique shops and architectural charm during a 10-minute guided segment. Pritchard Park, a tranquil urban oasis, provides a 15-minute guided respite, allowing couples to enjoy the city’s vibrant spirit. The tour then ventures to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, a poignant tribute to the renowned author, where a 15-minute guided tour delves into his life and literary legacy.
| Tour Highlight | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Basilica of Saint Lawrence | Magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral | 10 minutes |
| Grove Arcade | Captivating early 20th-century marketplace | 10 minutes |
| Pritchard Park | Tranquil urban oasis | 15 minutes |
Tour Itinerary
The walking tour commences at the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, where couples embark on a 10-minute guided exploration of the cathedral’s captivating architecture and rich history.
Following this, the tour proceeds to the Grove Arcade, a captivating early 20th-century marketplace, where visitors enjoy a 10-minute guided segment to discover its unique shops and architectural charms.
The journey then transitions to the tranquil urban oasis of Pritchard Park, where a 15-minute guided respite allows couples to enjoy the city’s vibrant spirit.
The tour continues with a 15-minute guided visit to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, offering insights into the renowned author’s life and legacy.
Couples then explore the picturesque Pack Square Park and the YMI Cultural Center, each with a dedicated 25-minute and 10-minute guided segment, respectively.
Tour Inclusions
Accompanying guests on this captivating walking tour is a professional local guide, who provides valuable insights and historical context throughout the journey. This knowledgeable guide ensures visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich heritage and unique charm.
The tour includes:
- Detailed commentary on the architectural significance and cultural relevance of each landmark
- Recommendations for the best photo spots to capture the essence of Asheville
- Insider tips on local eateries, shops, and hidden gems to explore after the tour
- Engaging storytelling that brings the city’s past to life
- Personalized assistance to address any questions or special requests from participants
The inclusions of this walking tour create an immersive and enriching experience for couples exploring the vibrant city of Asheville.
Cancellation Policy
Cancelling this Asheville walking tour is flexible, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
This means that if your plans change or you need to adjust the date, you can do so without penalty. The tour operator understands that life can be unpredictable, so they’ve made the cancellation process easy and hassle-free.
You can book your tour with confidence, knowing that you have the flexibility to cancel if needed. This policy ensures that you can enjoy your Asheville experience without worrying about unexpected changes.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the cancellation policy provides peace of mind for your walking tour.
Basilica of Saint Lawrence
Situated prominently in downtown Asheville, the Basilica of Saint Lawrence captivates visitors with its stunning neo-Romanesque architecture and rich history.
Built in the early 20th century, the basilica is renowned for its impressive granite exterior, ornate stained-glass windows, and intricate marble altars.
As part of the walking tour, guests are treated to a 10-minute guided exploration of this architectural gem, learning about its unique features and the significance of its religious symbolism.
The basilica’s towering spires and grand arches create an awe-inspiring atmosphere, transporting visitors to a bygone era.
Key highlights include:
- Impressive granite façade
- Ornate stained-glass windows
- Elaborate marble altars
- Towering spires and grand arches
- Detailed religious symbolism
Grove Arcade and Pritchard Park
After marveling at the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, the walking tour continues at the Grove Arcade, a renowned historic shopping destination in the heart of Asheville.
Designed in the 1920s, the Grove Arcade’s ornate, art deco-inspired architecture captivates visitors as they explore its array of locally-owned shops, galleries, and eateries.
Nearby, Pritchard Park serves as a lively community gathering space, where guests can appreciate the city’s vibrant street performers and public art displays. The park’s open-air setting provides a refreshing respite, allowing tour-goers to soak in the energy and charm of downtown Asheville before continuing on to the next stop, the Thomas Wolfe Memorial.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial and Pack Square Park
From the lively energy of Pritchard Park, the tour now moves to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, a site that honors the life and literary legacy of one of Asheville’s most celebrated native sons.
This National Historic Landmark preserves the boarding house where Wolfe spent his youth, providing visitors with a glimpse into the formative years that would inspire his acclaimed novels.
Nearby, the expansive Pack Square Park serves as the cultural heart of Asheville, showcasing the city’s commitment to public space and community gathering.
The park features:
- Monuments and public art
- Lush green spaces and walking paths
- Seasonal events and festivals
- Local vendors and food trucks
- A hub for outdoor recreation and relaxation
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Parking Options Near the Tour Starting Point?
The Basilica of Saint Lawrence, the tour’s starting point, has limited on-site parking. Nearby garages and street parking are available, though availability may vary. Guests are advised to plan their parking arrangements in advance to ensure a smooth start to the tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
Unfortunately, this walking tour does not offer any discounts for seniors or students. The price of $369.45 per group up to 4 people is a flat rate regardless of age or student status.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the walking tour. The tour guide does not provide any refreshments, but visitors can enjoy snacks and beverages as they explore the sights.
Is the Tour Accessible for Guests With Mobility Issues?
The tour is designed to accommodate guests with mobility issues. The route includes wheelchair-accessible paths, and the guide can adjust the pace and duration to ensure all participants can fully experience the tour highlights.
Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?
Certainly, guests are welcome to take photographs during the tour. The guides encourage capturing memorable moments and scenic views along the way to enhance the overall experience.
Recap
The Unique Sites of Asheville Walking Tour for Couples offers an immersive 2-hour exploration of the city’s renowned landmarks.
Guided by a local expert, couples can explore Asheville’s rich history, admire its architectural wonders, and capture stunning photographs.
With a flexible cancellation policy and the option to pay later, this personalized experience brings the city’s past to life in an engaging and hassle-free manner.
