Murder Mystery at the Biltmore Estate

Departure Points:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am
*Catskill, Exit 21 Park & Ride - 7:45am
*Kingston, Exit 19 Park & Ride - 8:05am

Sun., September 5:

With fall on the horizon, we head out on the road on this EXCLUSIVE tour to Asheville, NC and the Biltmore Estate. We’re off to our accommodations at the TBA enroute to our final destination. Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant.

Mon., September 6:

A full breakfast buffet is included this morning at the hotel. A short stroll from the shops, restaurants, and Winery of Antler Hill Village our accommodations for the next four nights are at the Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate (866-336-1245).

Tues., September 7

A full breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. This morning explore the beauty and history of Western North Carolina with your step-on guided tour through vibrant Asheville and along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. A knowledgeable local guide joins our group on board to share engaging stories about Asheville’s artsy downtown, historic architecture, and cultural highlights, then leads us onto the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking overlooks, lush forests, and panoramic mountain views. Throughout the journey, the guide provides insights into regional history, geology, and folklore, tailoring stops for photos, short walks, and group interests. Ideal for motorcoach and tour groups, this immersive experience combines natural beauty with local flavor, making it a memorable way to discover the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Explore Lexington Glassworks, located in the heart of downtown Asheville, NC, was born out of the desire to create timeless and innovative hand-blown glass and custom lighting. Each piece is skillfully crafted using century old techniques and locally sourced material with the singular goal of creating top-notch work.The Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Folk Art Center is one of the most celebrated cultural attractions on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It serves as the headquarters of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, dedicated to preserving and promoting Appalachian craft traditions since its founding in 1930. Tonight we will enjoy a Farm to Table Dinner (included) at Red Rocker Inn near Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Wed., September 8:

A full breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, is America’s largest privately owned home, built by George W. Vanderbilt in 1895. This magnificent 250-room French Renaissance château features grand architecture, fine art, and elegant furnishings. Visitors can tour the mansion, stroll through lush gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and enjoy wine tastings at the Biltmore Winery. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the estate offers breathtaking scenery, world-class dining, and timeless Southern hospitality. Lunch is included at the Stable Cafe at Biltmore with some interesting characters entertaining you and maybe even dropping some hints to the ultimate game of MURDER AT BILTMORE! Next we’ll visit the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site preserves the legacy of the Pulitzer Prize–winning poet and author. Located in Flat Rock, North Carolina we’ll explore his personal collections, enjoy tranquil gardens, and experience Sandburg’s inspiring literary heritage. Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant (TBA). Later we’ll enjoy a performance at the Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina’s state theater.

Thurs. September 9:

A full breakfast is included this morning at the hotel. Step aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad for a First-Class journey through breathtaking mountain landscapes if you dare. Relax in climate-controlled comfort with panoramic windows and plush seating as you enjoy a freshly prepared, chef-served meal featuring regional Southern cuisine and a full bar service. This elevated experience combines scenic beauty, fine dining, and nostalgic charm—offering an unforgettable way to explore the heart of the Smokies aboard one of America’s most picturesque train rides. But don't let your guard down! There's murder afoot. This afternoon you will have time on your own to relax and enjoy Antler Hill Village which surrounds your hotel. Fun for all ages to explore, the Village features unique shops and restaurants, live music, our award-winning Winery, The Biltmore Legacy and its exhibition, The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad, and more. Come shop, dine, savor wine, treat the kids (and yourself!) to ice cream—because a day well spent includes enjoying all the Village has to offer. A revealing dinner is included at Stable Cafe -- Be on the lookout for who, why and how someone may be aiming to do something rash. Who Dunnit? Keep your ears listening and your eyes wide open. We'll discuss the clues over a delicious meal. Then it will be time to reveal who committed Murder at Biltmore! The Luminere at Biltmore Estate is a groundbreaking new immersive outdoor evening experience debuting in March of 2026 — the first of its kind in the estate’s 130-year history. It transforms the iconic Biltmore House and its renowned gardens into a luminous, story-driven nightscape through artful light installations, animated projections, and a custom soundscape, offering visitors a fresh and magical way to experience one of America’s most beloved historic attractions after dark. As dusk falls, guests embark on a self-guided journey through a series of themed outdoor settings — including the façade of the mansion, the Italian Garden, Pergola, Shrub Garden, Walled Garden, and Conservatory — where dramatic lighting and imagery bring the estate’s architecture, landscapes, and rich legacy to life. The visual spectacle is synchronized with an original musical score composed by Julian Grefe and performed with the Asheville Symphony, creating a multisensory experience that evokes wonder, reflection, and storytelling.

Fri, September 10:

A full breakfast is included this morning at the hotel before we bid farewell to our time in the Blue Ridge Mountains and head to our accommodations at the TBA. Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant.

Sat., September 11:

A full breakfast is included this morning at the hotel.