Top Asheville Half-day Tours

Hike the best of the Blue Ridge Parkway on this guided day trip to three scenic waterfalls from Asheville. Take in views of the mountains as you tour the classic road in a comfortable van and hear stories about the area’s natural history and culture from your local guide. Watch for blooming laurels and rhododendron as you walk the easy to moderate trails through lush oak and hickory forests. Enjoy light refreshments along the way with plenty of time to relax by the falls before returning to Asheville.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the United States' most scenic roadways and this small-group tour takes you on the most iconic stretch. Climb aboard your Jeep and cruise through Pisgah National Forest, listening to stories from your guide and making stops at several scenic viewpoints. Get a close look at the dense forest, observe flora and fauna, and enjoy views of the rolling mountains on this 3- to 4-hour tour.

Discover Asheville’s noteworthy landmarks and architectural gems while covering plenty of ground. 3 Hours (Approximately) tour by electric bike lets you safely navigate Asheville’s hilly terrain. Follow your guide through city streets, greenways, and picturesque neighborhoods. At carefully chosen viewpoints, you’ll stop to hear the stories behind historical sites.

Check out the Blue Ridge Parkway without having to keep your eyes on the road with this chauffeur-driven tour. Your naturalist driver will do the driving, pointing out special sights and teaching you about the natural history of the area along the way. You'll also have the chance to stop for a hike and some photos before returning to Asheville.

Step back in time and explore the roots of the Blue Ridge Mountains! This is Perfect for all ages, this experience is equal parts education, exploration, and awe-inspiring mountain beauty.

Explore all of Asheville in 3 hours on a thrilling E-bike Guided Adventure! This ride takes you around beautiful sites, historic neighborhoods, the Omni Grove Inn and much more. You'll also see what happened to Asheville from hurricane devastation. Take this tour first to learn the lay of the land, the best spots to visit and all the history of the area. Having a guide is a game changer and E-bikes make it SO MUCH FUN!

Explore the enchanting Nantahala Mountains on a 4-hour UTV tour designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Guided by an expert, this scenic journey covers 65 miles of stunning landscapes, including breathtaking mountain overlooks, tranquil forest paths, and hidden gems. Discover two picturesque rivers, stroll across a suspension bridge, and marvel at captivating waterfalls while learning about the area's rich history. Ideal for small groups, this tour offers a unique chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the mountains, making unforgettable memories along the way. - 4-hour guided UTV tour through the Nantahala Mountains - Expert guide sharing stories and insights about the landscape - Enjoy scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and a suspension bridge walk - Includes bottled water and 4-seater UTV for your comfort

Maximize time in Downtown Asheville with a sightseeing tour led by a local guide. Learn about Asheville's history and culture during a city stroll that includes breweries, distilleries, cafes, and historic sites. See popular landmarks like the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Grove Arcade, and the Leaf Global Arts Center. Taste local beer and spirits during brewery and distillery visits. In lieu of a tour ticket, tip your guide whatever amount you find fair.

Journey through beautiful and stunning North Carolina on this half-day winery and vineyard tour from the Asheville metropolitan area. Your group will visit three amazing wineries and vineyards and explore North Carolina with an expert guide who handles all the driving leaving your group free to enjoy wineries, so sit back and relax, and enjoy the incredible scenery. This tour is unique because you will have a private chauffeur who will pickup and drop off your group up from your hotel or private residence. Great for couples, anniversaries, birthdays, and friends trip. This tour requires a minimum of 2 and most seating is limited to 6 participants.

Get onto the clam waters of Bent Creek near the Biltmore property in Asheville on this self-guided kayak tour. Your kayaks, paddles, and life jackets are all provided for you, so all you need to do is show up ready to have an adventure. When you’re finished kayaking, wind down at the Outpost with a beer.

• Guided safari-style Jeep tour through Great Smoky Mountains National Park • Scenic Blue Ridge Parkway adventure through 5 historic mountain tunnels • 20+ mile mountain views from elevations over a mile high • Panoramic overlooks across Cherokee and deep into the Smokies • 99% elk sighting success rate on PM Elk Tours • Explore prime elk and wildlife habitat • Possible sightings of elk, deer, wild turkey, black bears, and more • Visit 120-foot Mingo Falls on the Qualla Boundary • Explore historic Occonaluftee Baptist Church and local legends • Scenic drive across Soco Gap at 4,340 feet elevation • Guided by local Cherokee & Appalachian descendant guides • Authentic Smoky Mountain storytelling and history • Incredible scenic and wildlife photography opportunities • Small-group open-air safari Jeep experience

The lead guide and operations manager, Paddy has been leading tours for 12 years and has a close rapport with the restaurant owners and chefs. These relationships allow us to offer the best food tastings in town. Stu Helm, an Asheville star and food writer has been with AFT for 10 years. He had a choice where to lead tours and he chose Asheville Food Tours because he loves how we operate in his city. Sarah Ray has been with AFT for 3 years. She is an Asheville native as well as a trained baker and lover of all things culinary. We have low to no turnover and our guides love what they do. No other food tour in Asheville can boast that. You can choose to eat in Asheville but we suggest you do it with Asheville Food Tours! On vacation here? Coming on a tour with us can also help you choose where to eat for the rest of your trip! The guides know everyone!

Unlike a typical bar crawl or sightseeing tour, Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours combines rooftop culture, mountain scenery, local history, and handcrafted cocktails into one unforgettable experience. Guests enjoy reserved seating and a complimentary cocktail or mocktail at each carefully selected rooftop venue, with plenty of time to relax and take in the atmosphere. Along the way, knowledgeable local guides share fascinating stories about Asheville's history, architecture, and transformation while guests enjoy panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain and downtown skyline views. Perfect for couples, friends, solo travelers, and anyone looking to discover a side of Asheville most visitors never see.

Asheville’s reputation as one of the top cities for brews in the Southeast is well-deserved, but the huge number of breweries to choose from can be intimidating for visitors. Discover which breweries are worth the hype on this Asheville brewery tour, which takes you to craft breweries with behind-the-scene access and ample pours at each. Unlike other Asheville brewery tours, this one is led by a certified cicerone, a recognized expert when it comes to beer.

Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating insights into the region’s rich ecology, wildlife, and geology—bringing the forest to life through storytelling and local knowledge. Rain ponchos and hiking poles are provided for your comfort, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience no matter the weather. Whether you're chasing waterfalls or soaking in the natural beauty of the mountains, this tour is the perfect way to experience the wild heart of Western North Carolina.

Discover Asheville the easy way — pedal assist, fat-tire e-bikes, and a local guide who actually knows the good stuff. We're the most affordable e-bike tour in town and we ride on bikes built for comfort on any surface — pavement, gravel, grass, you name it. No rush, no pressure. Great views, great stories, and plenty of stops for photos. Best seat in town, guaranteed.

Your expert guide keeps the adrenaline flowing while sharing insights into forest management, Appalachian traditions, and the natural forces that shaped this wild landscape. It’s the perfect blend of bumps, beauty, and backcountry storytelling—only minutes from downtown Asheville.

With more than 150 miles of shoreline—and resting at the base of the spectacular Linville Gorge— Lake James is a kayaker’s delight. With a guide, it’s even better: On this half-day adventure, you’ll explore with a naturalist, learning all about this region’s flora, fauna, natural history, and more. One of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, you’ll get grade-A time with Mother Nature, guaranteed.

Experience Asheville's craft beer and live music scene like never before on LaZoom's Fender Bender, a one-of-a-kind Live Music Brewery Tour. Ride aboard our iconic purple bus as talented local musicians perform live while you travel to three of Asheville's favorite breweries. At each stop, you'll enjoy time to sample local craft beer, learn about the brewery's history and signature brews, and soak up the atmosphere that has made Asheville one of America's top beer destinations. Between breweries, your entertaining host shares fun stories about Asheville's brewing culture while the live band keeps the party going. It's the perfect experience for craft beer lovers, music fans, and anyone looking for a fun, unforgettable afternoon in Asheville. Ages 21+.

Buckle up and prepare for a thrilling off-road adventure in the Smoky Mountains backcountry, one of North America’s most biodiverse regions which boasts a plethora of flora and fauna. Put your driving skills to the test as you bounce along 15 miles of dirt/gravel trails, cross streams and ascend by 5,200 feet (1.6 kilometers), where spectacular views of the entire national park await.

Step into a different world above Asheville. Just an elevator ride away, Asheville's rooftops offer a perspective most visitors never experience. This guided rooftop tour combines handcrafted cocktails, reserved seating, panoramic mountain views, and fascinating local stories into one unforgettable evening. Along the way, guests discover stylish rooftop spaces hidden above downtown while learning about Asheville's history, architecture, and transformation from knowledgeable local guides. It's the perfect experience for travelers looking to go beyond the typical sightseeing tour and discover Asheville from above.

The only tour in Asheville that includes an easy, beautiful and interesting urban bird lake hike with a luxury private spa experience that is unique and completely relaxing. The spa has only 100% five-star reviews on Google, Viator and TripAdvisor.

Get out of town for a half-day hike up to scenic waterfalls with this small-group hiking experience for up to four people. Your certified naturalist guide will lead you and your group on a challenging hike up to beautiful waterfalls, teaching you how to identify local plant life along the way.