Top North Carolina Tours by Duration - page 3

Download GuideAlong’s self-guided audio tour bundle to make the most of your Eastern USA road trips. As you drive, hear stories play automatically as you explore scenic drives, national parks, lakeshores, and historic parks. This is the ultimate collection of 14 iconic destinations, including Acadia, Blue Ridge Parkway, Catskills, Florida Keys, Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Superior, Outer Banks, Shenandoah, and Vermont’s Route 100. A memorable adventure awaits on America's iconic roads. Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you and bypassing any that don’t. Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location Travel at your own pace Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates Like having a tour guide along for the drive Purchase one bundle per vehicle.

Discover Wilmington's history and architecture on a unique downtown tour starting and ending at local wine bars. Stroll through the National Historic Register District, exploring colonial, antebellum, and Gothic architecture. Enjoy pit stops at wine bars (drinks are at your own expense) and gain insights from the 1500s to the present from your guide.

Your guide will share the science and stories behind the spectacle—explaining how the region’s rich biodiversity, elevation range, and climate create such vivid and lasting colors. For those looking to fully immerse themselves in Appalachian autumn, this tour—especially in late October—is the perfect way to experience fall at its finest.

Horseback riding through the Blue Ridge Mountains is a beautiful way to explore the area’s natural attractions. Trot through fern groves, past rows of wild flame azaleas, and into a white pine forest on well-trained, gentle horses. This tour includes a safety training, too, making it a good choice for beginner horseback riders and children.

This private trip to Masonboro Island will be an unforgettable experience for you and the whole family. Come aboard our 31ft Chaparral Signature for a relaxing trip down the Intracoastal Waterway. Our vessel is equipped with a working restroom, sinks, stereo system, and plenty of places for passengers to enjoy any snacks and beverages they would like to bring. Parking is located at our private slip. We will send address to the slip once booking is completed.

North Carolina’s highlands have miles of quiet trails, scenic overlooks, and tranquil backdrops perfect for photo sessions. Join this tour to see everything from quaint towns to stunning cliffs surrounding the Asheville area. Your guide will zoom you through the highlands, passing by landmarks like the Cullasaja River Gorge and the town of Dillard. You’ll stop for photos at Looking Glass Falls and Whiteside Mountain, as well as walk the Cliffside Lake and Trail.

See Charlotte’s most historic and haunted places with a 1.5-hour walking tour through the Fourth Ward. Follow your experienced guide to the city’s most infamous landmarks, where locals have spotted ghosts for centuries. Hear about Charlotte’s ancient Indian trading path and revolutionary battles, and learn the secrets behind uptown’s spookiest mansions. Watch for theatrical ghosts, medical ghosts, famous ghosts and unknown ghosts as you explore Charlotte’s best preserved historical neighborhood.

Kuwohi is a sacred place for the Cherokee people and is the highest point within the traditional Cherokee homeland. Kuwohi is one of the most popular sites in Great Smoky Mountains National Park with more than 650,000 visitors per year. It is the tallest point in Tennessee and the third-highest summit east of the Mississippi River.

Maximize time in Asheville with a guided walking tour focused on the city’s history, architecture, and culture. Meet your guide for a sightseeing tour including top landmarks like the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, Grove Arcade, and the Basilica of Saint Lawrence. Get to know the unique city of Asheville from the perspective of a local.

Travel along the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway, with plenty of stops along the way to check out natural and cultural features, with this private guided tour. You'll check out the Folk Art Center, hike to the summit at Craggy Gardens, and see the cascades at Linville Falls and Roaring Fork Falls with your professional, local guide.

Round-trip transportation included (pickup & drop-off) Visit the world-renowned Billy Graham Library Explore the immersive “Journey of Faith” exhibits See the Graham family homeplace Reflect at the Memorial Prayer Garden Free time to explore grounds, bookstore & café Ideal for individuals, families & church groups

Get out into nature and experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains on this private full-day guided hike from Asheville. The experience will be tailored to your interests and preferences. Choose the distance you want to hike, and your guide will take care of the rest. Includes a picnic lunch and trekking poles, if requested.

Perfect for families, groups of friends, or individuals who want to experience the best flavors of North Wilkesboro with options for both alcoholic and non‑alcoholic beverages. This package includes food tastings and non-alcoholic beverages for all guests. For those 21 and older, this tour also includes alcoholic pairings such as beer, wine, or specialty cocktails at select stops. What’s Included: 2.5+ hours Up to 8 Stops (stops may vary) A variety of signature dishes from local restaurants Non-alcoholic drinks such as craft sodas, sweet tea, apple cider, or lemonade Stories and history about downtown North Wilkesboro during the guided tour Up to three alcoholic beverages for guests 21+ (one per designated stop; valid ID required)

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!

Escape the ordinary with a curated day trip to Grandfather Mountain—where winding scenic drives open up to mile-high views and unforgettable moments at every turn. From the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge to sweeping overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this experience blends light adventure with the peaceful beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Your day begins with a morning departure from Asheville Visitor Center at 8:00 AM, where you’ll settle in for a scenic drive into the mountains. At Grandfather Mountain State Park you'll walk across the iconic Mile High Swinging Bridge, and take in panoramic views that stretch for miles. You’ll also have time to explore the park’s nature center and wildlife habitats, offering an up-close look at the region’s native species. Midday, enjoy a relaxed lunch at Mildred’s Grill before departing the mountain no later than 2:30 PM.

Join the NC Wine Gals on a fun and delicious 2-vineyard wine tour of Western NC vineyards. Enjoy visits to two of our favorite vineyards, plus a charcuterie board and wine.

Hear the stories your history teacher skipped. Explore Wilmington's most infamous crimes, bizarre legends, forgotten scandals, and strange local history as you explore Historic Downtown, Greenfield Lake, the Cargo District, and other unforgettable stops. After check-in and a brief safety tutorial, we will do quick orientation rides so everyone feels comfortable on the bikes. From there, the group begins an easy ride on the Connector Bike Trail to Forest Hills, then toward Historic Downtown, Greenfield Lake, the Cargo District, and back to the starting point. Along the way, expect stories about a radical social experiment gone wrong, unsolved murder mysteries, a local Civil War spy, local unsung heroes, and a few weird and wild surprises. Google us, and check out our 5 star Google Reviews. Get ready for a fun time!

The 2-vineyard wine tour by NC Wine Gals offers a delightful 4.5-hour experience that combines local wines with a gourmet lunch in North Carolina's Yadkin Valley. The tour includes visits to two top-rated vineyards, a substantial charcuterie board with a glass of wine, and a guided tasting of 6–10 wines at the second vineyard. Transportation is provided in a 15-passenger Ford Transit van, accommodating 4–12 guests.

Just east of Asheville is the spectacular Catawba Falls, situated at the headwaters of the Catawba River. This hike starts on a wide, well-graded trail along the Catawba River to Lower Catawba Falls. You'll climb the observation tower (580 stairs in total!) to see a spectacular east-facing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then continue to Upper Catawba Falls, which was off limits to hikers until 2024. This hike is about 3.5 miles round trip, overall moderate (but not technical). It's a great way to see both sweeping mountain views and waterfalls... it's a beautiful hike year round! Our small group hike (limited to 6 participants) meets at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Asheville. You will meet your hiking guide and receive a rundown of the itinerary. Snacks and transportation are included. Hikers should arrive prepared for all weather conditions and pack a rain jacket, an extra warm layer, and water. Your guide can provide trekking poles, a daypack, and/or bottled water (upon request).

Journey through beautiful and stunning North Carolina on this half-day tour from the Asheville metropolitan area. Your private chauffeur will pick up your group from your hotel or private residence anywhere in the Asheville metropolitan area, as well as drop you off at the end of the tour. Your group will visit a couple amazing vineyards and explore the small town of Little Switzerland with an expert guide who handles all the driving as your private chauffeur, leaving your group free to enjoy wineries, and shop and dine in Little Switzerland. So sit back and relax, and enjoy the incredible scenery North Carolina has to offer. This tour requires a minimum of 2 and most seating is limited to 6 participants, so you can enjoy a more intimate experience of North Carolina's natural mountain landscapes. 7+ participants will be in multiple vehicles and/or a shuttle van.

This guided hike along the Shining Creek Trail from Big East Fork to Shining Rock Gap offers an immersive journey through one of the most lush and secluded areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Follow a stunning creek-side trail that winds through ancient hardwood forests, cascading waterfalls, and rugged terrain, all leading to the gleaming white quartz formations at Shining Rock Gap. Along the way, your experienced guide will share insider knowledge of the area's unique geology, diverse flora, and native wildlife, creating a rich and meaningful experience. Ideal for adventure seekers, hikers looking for solitude, and nature lovers, this hike offers a deeper connection to the land, far from the crowds, and filled with memorable sights and stories of this wild Appalachian landscape.

Ditch the shore and get out on the water. The Soundside Scenic Cruise is your ultimate summer escape! Cold drinks, warm sunshine, a good coastal breeze, and nothing but good vibes all cruise long. Bring your favorite beverages, cue up your playlist, and let the tiki take care of the rest.

Discover the unparalleled beauty of Wilmington with our enchanting botanical gardens tour! Airlie Gardens, one of Wilmington’s most beloved and iconic attractions, is a true feast for the senses. Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at our meeting point, where we’ll equip you with a state-of-the-art e-bike, helmet, recommended route, and cell phone holder. Following a brief safety and training session to ensure all riders are confident, you’ll set off on a journey that seamlessly blends exploration and tranquility. The scenic route takes you through downtown Wilmington and along the renowned River to Sea Bike way. This dedicated bike path offers a serene escape, with winding stretches framed by lush greenery and breathtaking natural vistas. Disclaimer: Our self-guided routes are intended for people who are able to strongly navigate on their own. These routes are not for beginners. All self-guided tours require a refundable security deposit of $100 per rider.

For food, culture, and nature enthusiasts it doesn’t get any better than Asheville. On this downtown walking tour, The Guide will show you the best of what Asheville has to offer a curious visitor. Check out the Asheville Art Museum with an art expert and take in the spectacular view from the rooftop café. See some of the city’s architectural gems and learn about the most intriguing personalities from Asheville’s history. Exploring at a relaxed pace, there will be plenty of time to sip and savor local cuisine while enjoying the company of others. No two tours are ever the same, as each small group experience is tailored to whatever is happening in Asheville that day or season.