DRESS FOR THE WEATHER AND WEAR COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES!

SPOUSE/COMPANION TOUR

Monday, March 23, 2020 Biltmore Estate & Downton Abbey

The day begins with a scenic drive, approximately 2½ hours through the Blue Ridge Mountains, to Asheville, North Carolina. Upon your arrival, enjoy a self-guided audio tour of the historic Biltmore House. The main residence is a Châteauesque-style mansion built for George Washington Vanderbilt between 1889 and 1895. It is the largest privately owned house in the United States at 178,926 sq. ft. and still owned by George Vanderbilt’s descendants. www.biltmore.com

Lunch will be at the Deerpark Restaurant, located on Biltmore Estate. Originally a historic barn designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the building has transformed into a courtyard restaurant with walls of windows and serves a buffet with an array of Southern style

dishes and Appalachian specialties. Chef Kirk Fiore has been part of the Biltmore since 2013 and everything is prepared from scratch.

Following lunch, visit portions of Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, based on the beloved television show. This exhibit transports you to post-Edwardian England, where the characters and iconic house come to life. You’ll be immersed in the fascinating social history, culture and some of the most memorable moments from the show’s six-season run. www.biltmore.com/downton

Itinerary (times are approximate) ~ Bottled water and snacks provided on bus ~ 6:30 am: Group breakfast at hotel before departure

(to-go boxes will be available) 7:00 am: Depart Sheraton/Le Méridien on coach bus

(bus pickup outside hotels’ main entrance) 9:30 am: Arrive at the Biltmore and begin audio tour of house

12:00 pm: Depart on bus for “Taste of the South” lunch buffet at Deerpark Restaurant

1:15 pm: Begin self-guided tour of Downton Abbey exhibit 3:00 pm: Depart on bus for Sheraton/Le Méridien 5:30 pm: Arrive back at hotel complex

Meeting hosted by

Please advise of any special dietary needs at registration.

Attendance is limited to one bus...

REGISTER EARLY!