Asheville, North Carolina has long been renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich architectural heritage. Now, visitors can explore the city’s captivating landmarks and breathtaking vistas on an exhilarating 3-hour electric bike tour. Coasting through historic neighborhoods, riders will discover the city’s unique blend of past and present, from the majestic Basilica of St. Lawrence to the panoramic views from the Omni Grove Park Inn. With electric bikes, helmets, and optional child seats provided, this immersive tour offers a comfortable and safe way to uncover Asheville’s enchanting charm. But the real question is, what hidden gems will you stumble upon along the way?
This experience made our list of the 10 Best Bike Tours In Asheville.
Key Points
- A 3-hour electric bike tour that allows visitors to explore Asheville’s architectural gems, stunning scenery, and captivating history with the ease of electric-powered assistance.
- Highlights include coasting up the city’s hills, visiting the majestic Basilica of St. Lawrence, and taking in panoramic views from the historic Omni Grove Park Inn.
- Participants will discover the eclectic South Slope and Montford neighborhoods, learning about Asheville’s evolution as a premier destination through engaging historical narratives.
- The tour provides electric bikes, helmets, and optional child seats for a comfortable and safe experience, suitable for participants 16 years and older.
- The electric bike adventure offers a unique way to immerse in Asheville’s architectural and natural beauty, as well as its rich cultural heritage.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview
This 3-hour electric bike tour through Asheville allows visitors to coast up the city’s hills and see architectural gems, stunning scenery, and learn about the area’s history.
The tour highlights include riding through the South Slope and Montford neighborhoods, seeing the majestic Basilica of St. Lawrence, exploring the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, and stopping in Pack Square where Asheville was originally founded.
Guests will receive personalized recommendations for the rest of their trip after the tour. The tour includes the use of an electric bike, helmet, and optional front basket, as well as spring water and a rain poncho.
Participants must be at least 16 years old to operate the e-bikes, but children 1-15 can ride for free as passengers.
Architectural Gems and Scenery
The tour explores Asheville’s architectural marvels, including the majestic Basilica of St. Lawrence, whose towering spires and intricate European-inspired design captivate visitors.
Along the way, riders will also take in the city’s stunning natural scenery, from the rolling hills to the panoramic views atop the historic Omni Grove Park Inn.
Riders will coast up Asheville’s hills with the boost of their electric bikes, allowing them to effortlessly explore the South Slope and Montford neighborhoods.
Whether it’s admiring the grandeur of historic buildings or taking in the breathtaking vistas, this tour offers a unique opportunity to take in Asheville’s architectural gems and natural beauty.
Asheville’s Captivating History
As you explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, you’ll uncover the captivating tales that have shaped Asheville’s rich past. From the city’s founding in the late 18th century to its role as a thriving hub for industrial innovation, the tour regales visitors with engaging stories that bring the area’s vibrant history to life.
You’ll learn about the visionary entrepreneurs who transformed Asheville into a premier destination, like the Vanderbilts and their magnificent Biltmore Estate.
The tour also highlights the city’s pivotal role in the Civil War and its emergence as a center for arts and culture in the early 20th century.
Electric Bike Experience
Travelers embark on an exhilarating electric bike adventure through Asheville’s picturesque neighborhoods, effortlessly coasting up the city’s hills while taking in breathtaking views.
The 3-hour guided tour provides electric bikes, helmets, and optional child seats, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience for the whole family.
Riders can explore the historic South Slope and Montford areas, marvel at the majestic Basilica of St. Lawrence, and capture panoramic vistas from the Omni Grove Park Inn.
Along the way, the tour guide shares captivating stories about Asheville’s past, complementing the visually stunning journey.
With personalized recommendations for the rest of the trip, this electric bike tour offers an engaging and memorable way to discover the city.
Neighborhoods Explored
Riders wind through the historic South Slope and Montford neighborhoods, marveling at the area’s architectural gems and vibrant community spirit.
The tour showcases:
- The eclectic South Slope district, home to local breweries, artist studios, and trendy restaurants housed in revitalized industrial buildings.
The Montford neighborhood, known for its beautifully preserved late 19th and early 20th-century homes and the majestic Basilica of St. Lawrence.
The Omni Grove Park Inn, an iconic resort boasting panoramic mountain views and a rich history as a favorite haunt of famous authors and presidents.
Pedaling through these unique enclaves provides an insider’s look at Asheville’s distinctive neighborhoods and the stories that make this city so captivating.
Basilica of St. Lawrence
Along the tour, riders marvel at the majestic Basilica of St. Lawrence, a stunning example of Spanish Renaissance architecture that stands as a centerpiece of the Montford neighborhood. Completed in 1905, the basilica’s copper dome and ornate interior captivate visitors. Its mix of architectural styles, including Baroque and Romanesque elements, create a visually stunning experience.
| Basilica Highlights | ||
|---|---|---|
| Copper Dome | Ornate Interior | Eclectic Styles |
| Soaring 123 feet | Intricate Murals | Spanish Renaissance, Baroque, Romanesque |
| Landmark of Asheville | Stained Glass Windows | Unique Architectural Blend |
The basilica’s impressive design and historical significance make it a must-see stop on the electric bike tour, providing riders with a glimpse into Asheville’s rich cultural heritage.
Omni Grove Park Inn
After traversing the hills of Asheville, the electric bike tour brings riders to the historic Omni Grove Park Inn, a grand mountain resort offering panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Omni Grove Park Inn is a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to:
- Explore the resort’s impressive stone architecture, with its massive fireplaces and grand public spaces
- Step out onto the outdoor terrace to take in sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains
- Learn about the inn’s rich history, which includes hosting 10 U.S. presidents and serving as a retreat for notable figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald
This stop provides a chance to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of one of Asheville’s most iconic landmarks.
Pack Square and Founding
The electric bike tour concludes with a stop in Pack Square, where Asheville was originally founded in the late 18th century.
This historic plaza serves as the heart of the city, featuring monuments, government buildings, and bustling shops and restaurants.
Participants will learn about the city’s origins and how it has evolved over the centuries.
They’ll see the Vance Monument, a 75-foot obelisk that honors Zebulon Baird Vance, a former North Carolina governor.
Nearby, the Buncombe County Courthouse stands as a testament to Asheville’s role as the county seat.
With its vibrant energy and rich history, Pack Square provides a fitting finale to the electric bike adventure through Asheville’s most iconic sights.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls Hiking Tour From Asheville
- From Grove Arcade to Pack Square Asheville Walking Tour
- Elevate Asheville: Private E-Bike Tour of Essential Gems
- Downtown Asheville Guided Brewery Walking Tour
- Smoky Mountains National Park: Private Full-Day Tour
- Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfalls: Hiking Tour From Asheville
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gratuity for the Tour Guide Included in the Price?
No, gratuity is not included in the tour price. The tour guide’s services are provided separately from the tour package, so tipping the guide is at the discretion of the participants based on their satisfaction with the tour experience.
Can I Bring My Own Electric Bike Instead of Renting One?
No, participants must use the tour operator’s electric bikes. Bringing one’s own electric bike is not permitted. The tour provides the necessary equipment, including helmets and a rear cargo bag, as part of the package.
Is There a Refund for Cancellations Less Than 24 Hours in Advance?
Unfortunately, there is no refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance. The tour company’s cancellation policy states that free cancellations are only allowed up to 24 hours prior to the tour for a full refund.
Are There Any Restrictions on Bringing My Own Food and Drinks?
The tour does not allow participants to bring their own food and drinks. The tour provides bottled spring water, but no other food or beverage is included. Participants should plan to purchase any additional refreshments they desire before or after the tour.
How Much Additional Gear Can I Bring on the Tour?
You’re allowed to bring some additional gear on the tour. The electric bikes come with a rear cargo bag that can hold a rain poncho, and there’s an optional front basket for extra storage. Just pack light and responsibly.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Hendersonville Hustle Scavenger Hunt
- Private Child-Focused Blue Ridge Mountains Tour
- Smoke Bundle Making Workshop Near Asheville
- From Grove Arcade to Pack Square: Asheville Walking Tour
- Downtown Asheville Walking Team Scavenger Hunt
- Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Audio Driving Tour
- Blue Ridge Parkway South Audio Driving Tour
- Elevate Asheville: Private E-Bike Tour of Essential Gems
- Private Wine Tour With Dine in Black Mountain From Asheville
- Designing and Sewing Workshop of Custom Applique in Asheville
- Kayak Fishing Guides and Scenic Paddle Tours
- Kayak Tour of Lake James
- Asheville River Tubing on the French Broad Review
- Asheville Private Waterfall Yoga Hike: Find Your Zen in Nature
- Asheville Coffee Tours
Recap
This electric bike tour offers a thrilling way to explore Asheville’s architectural wonders and breathtaking scenery.
Riders will coast through historic neighborhoods, marvel at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, and capture panoramic views from the Omni Grove Park Inn.
The electric bikes provide a comfortable and safe experience, allowing visitors to explore Asheville’s rich history and cultural highlights.