Private and Luxury

Private and luxury tours make up 56% of Asheville’s offerings, with 88 different options ranging from tip-based walking tours to high-end scenic drives. These tours appeal to travelers who want a more personal experience, whether that means a small group hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains or a private guide exploring downtown’s history and food scene.

Most people book these tours for the flexibility and in-depth attention they provide. With a median starting price of $63, there are choices for nearly every budget, from families seeking hands-on activities like gem mining to couples wanting a guided brewery walk. Only 5% of tours in this category are rated below 4 stars, so most deliver a satisfying experience.

Asheville stands out for its large selection of private and luxury tours—88 out of 156 total, more than half the city’s catalog. This means you’ll find everything from exclusive walking tours and e-bike adventures to private mountain drives and unique farm visits.

Prices in this category start as low as $5 for tip-based walking tours and go well above $250 for more elaborate experiences. The median price is $63, which matches the city’s walking tour median and is lower than the overall Asheville median of $94. This wide range lets you choose based on both interest and budget, with many well-rated choices under $60.

Compared to other cities, Asheville’s private and luxury tours are accessible and varied. Whether you want a quick downtown orientation or a full-day guided hike, there’s a fit for most travelers.

For travelers seeking value, Asheville’s private and luxury category offers several well-rated tours under $30, including tip-based walking tours and family-friendly experiences like gem mining and goat farms. These are popular with visitors who want a relaxed introduction to the city or an activity that entertains kids while offering something for adults too. If you’re after a deeper dive, tours in the $60–$120 range include guided hikes, e-bike tours, and brewery walks, all with strong reviews and more time with a knowledgeable local.

The highest-rated tours in this category tend to feature guides who are both engaging and informative, like the electric bike tours and waterfall hikes, which consistently earn praise for their professionalism and local insight. Scenic drives and Jeep tours along the Blue Ridge Parkway are also favorites, especially for those wanting to see the mountains without planning their own route. Most of these tours include extras like snacks, drinks, or equipment, making the price easier to justify.

That said, not every tour delivers equally. Some walking tours receive lower ratings for offering information that’s available elsewhere, or for guides who lack enthusiasm. Ghost tours, while popular, have a small but vocal group of critics who found the stories repetitive or the delivery lacking. A few family-oriented experiences, like gem mining, have disappointed guests who expected a more authentic or interactive activity.

Overall, most private and luxury tours in Asheville are well-reviewed and offer good value, but it’s worth reading recent feedback for the specific guide or company. If you want a memorable experience, look for tours with consistently high ratings and detailed inclusions. For those with limited time, a 2-hour walking or comedy sightseeing tour is a safe bet; for outdoor enthusiasts, the guided hikes and Jeep tours are standouts.