Group Tour Operator FAQs

I need help finding hotel rooms for my Asheville tour.

Explore Asheville offers a free service to help you find overnight accommodations that fit your budget and needs. Send us the details of your tour and we’ll send a lead on your behalf to area lodging properties requesting rates. Within a few days, you should have several great options to choose from!

What can my group do in Asheville?

Asheville is a great destination for groups! America's Largest Home, Biltmore, offers an unforgettable experience for groups at any time of year. Discounts, specialty tours, and group meals may also be available, allowing you to spend an entire day or more enjoying the estate. Other major attractions, such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as America’s Favorite Drive, our bustling and beautiful Downtown, and the eclectic River Arts District are favorite stops on most itineraries. Asheville's unique geographic attributes and cultural heritage make specialty tours revolving around arts and crafts, food, beer, and outdoor recreation also very popular.

• A complete list of our group-friendly attractions can be found here.
• A few of our popular itineraries are located here.
• We can also help you create a custom itinerary. Please reach out to Khal Khoury at (828) 258-6139.
   

Can you recommend a restaurant for my group?

Asheville’s culinary scene is beyond impressive, but sometimes finding the right size space or price point for your group takes a little extra research. We’ve compiled a list here to help with your planning. These restaurants have a successful history of working with large groups traveling and eating together and can often accommodate special requests such as pre-selected group menus, private spaces, and bus parking.

Is there parking available in downtown Asheville for my bus?

Bus parking is available near the Wall Street parking garage and at the Asheville Visitors Center. Please download this map for reference.

Are any permits required to ride around Asheville or the Blue Ridge Parkway?

No special permits are required for traveling along Asheville area roads and Blue Ridge Parkway. However, it’s important to note that during certain times of the year, the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed to all vehicle types. We recommend you double check your scheduled parkway visit with the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center.

Do you have any recommendations of step on guides in Asheville?

Explore Asheville keeps a list of active step-on tour guides available for hire in the area. Please contact us for their contact information.

Where is the nearest bus service center?

Based on shop availability, the local bus company, Young Transportation, provides wash & dump and mechanical servicing to buses traveling into town. Please contact (828) 258-0084 if you are need of these services.

I’d like to schedule a site visit of Asheville.

We would love to have you check us out! Click here for some future opportunities for site visits and familiarization tours to Asheville.