North Carolina & South Carolina Bike Tour

Greenville to Asheville in the Sweet Carolinas

From $2,898 - $3,198 pp dbl. occ. | 5 days / 4 nights

(+$1,110 for sgl. occ.)

This trip is all about natural splendor, Southern Appalachian culture and some of the most glorious riding on the Eastern Seaboard! From outdoorsy Greenville to artsy Asheville. From George Hincapie's cycle-centric hotel to George Vanderbilt's opulent estate, experience one of our most pedal-perfect offerings yet.

Highlights

Feed your soul on Asheville's distinctive bohemian culture—from its eclectic art to its thriving brew scene
Marvel at sweeping vistas and stunning colors in the storied Blue Ridge Mountains
Tap your feet to the sound of bluegrass—music born and nourished in North Carolina's mountains
Bike on the Blue Ridge Parkway, famous among cycling enthusiasts for its picturesque views and thrilling elevations

South & North Carolina

Start Greenville / End Asheville

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Ride the Swamp Rabbit Trail, one of Greenville's famed Rails-to-Trails pathways, along the Reedy River | Enjoy bluegrass music while watching the sun set behind the mountains | Set out on a peaceful ride through the Greenville Watershed Area and visit the historic Victorian village of Saluda | Relax at our Mediterranean-style hotel and fuel up with a wonderful dinner at Restaurant 17 | Embark upon Hincapie's Gran Fondo route or choose a leisurely spin past the North Saluda Reservoir.

Day 3 Bike north at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina | Tackle the ascent of Caesars Head—a picnic lunch and spectacular vistas await at the summit | If you enjoy rolling terrain, you'll love pedaling through the afternoon stretch of Southern Appalachia and classic Carolina farmland | Enjoy a drink on the hotel's patio at sunset.

Days 4-5 Explore George Vanderbilt's magnificent Loire Valley-inspired château and gardens, set on the 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate | Cycle a challenging and exhilarating portion of the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway | Pedal past scenic overlooks and lush forests | Learn about Southern Appalachian culture and shop for unique local crafts at the Blue Ridge Parkway Folk Arts Center | Enjoy a leisurely spin through the Biltmore Forest before a farewell lunch.

Next: Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.

Cancellation fees may vary based upon departure date. Please review the grid below:

Number of Days Prior to Trip Start	Cancellation Fees (per person)	Departure Dates
96+ days	$200	2018 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8 2019 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/24, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7
61-95 days	30%
31-60 days	60%
0-30 days	100%

For information on our trip transfers see here.

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Available
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Going
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Private Trip
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C Classic Dates

2018 May

5/14–5/18

5/21–5/25

5/28–6/1

2018 June

6/4–6/8

2018 September

9/3–9/7

9/10–9/14

9/24–9/28

2018 October

10/1–10/5

10/8–10/12

2019 May

5/6–5/10

5/13–5/17

5/20–5/24

5/27–5/31

2019 June

6/3–6/7

6/10–6/14

6/24–6/28

2019 September

9/2–9/6

9/9–9/13

9/16–9/20

9/23–9/27

9/30–10/4

2019 October

10/7–10/11

View Private Dates

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities. You can pick from the selection of dates below for your group; some dates are only available for 16 or more guests while other dates are available for 8 or more guests. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.

2018 Private Trip Pricing

10 or more guests: from $2,898 pp dbl occ
8 - 9 guests: from $3,398 pp dbl occ
6 - 7 guests: from $4,698 pp dbl occ
4 - 5 guests: from $5,098 pp dbl occ
2 - 3 guests: from $5,898 pp dbl occ

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date

8 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests
16 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests
Reserved

C Classic Tours

The sky’s the limit! Tell us what your dream trip would be and we'll make it happen! Whether you're looking for a honeymoon trip for 2, a 30-person family reunion or a 100-person corporate trip, we can do it all. A dedicated Custom Trip Consultant will work closely with you to bring your dreams to reality. Call us at 800-462-2848 to speak with your Custom Trip Consultant or click on the button below.

REQUEST YOUR CUSTOM TRIP NOW

Previous: Overview

Dates

C Classic Tours

2018
May
Jun
Sep
Oct

2019
May
Jun
Sep
Oct

View Scheduled Dates
Go Private
Go Custom

Prices

From $2,898 - $3,198 pp dbl. occ.
5 days / 4 nights

(+$1,110 for sgl. occ.)

Reviews

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Premiere Hotels

Hotel Domestique

Travelers Rest (2 nights)

Inn on Biltmore Estate

Asheville (2 nights)

See Lodging Details

Activity Level

This trip is rated Levels 2-5

See Daily Route Options

What's Included

Services and equipment are included.

See how we include more

Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in North and South Carolina

Find out What sets us apart

More On This Trip

Backroads Asheville to Greenville Bike Tour

View more photos

Watch videos

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Reviews by Power Reviews ®

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Next: Lodging

Premiere Hotels

Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the View Scheduled Dates or Private Dates tabs.

Hotel Domestique

Travelers Rest (2 nights)

Set amid the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, this stylish boutique hotel is the brainchild of 17-time Tour de France competitor George Hincapie and his brother Rich. (pool)

Inn on Biltmore Estate

Asheville (2 nights)

Savor turn-of-the-century elegance and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at this gracious inn, nestled on Biltmore's majestic estate. (pool, spa)

Previous: Reviews

Next: Activity Level

This Trip Is Rated Levels 2-5

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Daily Route Options (drag to see full )

Day	EASYGOING				ACTIVE				AVID
Daily Route Options
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 4		Level 5
	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain	miles	feet gain
1			10	500	27	1900
2			22*	1200	33*	2600	38	3400	57	4700
3			26*	1200	36*	2200	43*	2900	63	5300
3							53*	4300
4			17*	1400	23	1700			53	4400
4					27	1700
5	9	600	21	1400

Note:

* Includes shuttle.

Learn more about how we determine our activity level and fully support a range of abilities and interests.

Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources (such as Map My Ride and Garmin devices) may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies. Readings from a Garmin or a smart phone are influenced by other factors such as air pressure.

Previous: Lodging

Next: What's Included

Meals

All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day’s ride is a bike that’s perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip.

Backroads Titanium Bikes (Included in your trip price)

Our custom-built titanium bikes are specially designed for you—and we offer different models for varied terrain so your bike is ideally suited to the region. Our custom-made bikes are included in your trip price.

Touring Bike (Included)

Performance Road Bike (Included)

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included in your trip price)

Wishing for a little extra assistance up those hills? Our custom Backroads Electric-Assist Bike lets you experience the thrill of exploring on two wheels while providing a boost when you want it. We've modified a selection of our great Titanium Bikes with the intuitive BionX "pedal-assist" system.

Backroads Custom Electric-Assist Bike (Included)

Specialized S-Works Roubaix & Ruby ($400 rental fee)

Ride like a pro with the new top-of-the-line S-Works bike featuring ultrasmooth Shimano Di2 electronic shifting. Faster and smoother than any other bike out there, this race-ready carbon machine delivers phenomenal acceleration and handling in an ultralight, ultrapowerful package—perfect for experienced riders. The Specialized S-Works Ruby is a light, agile speed machine precisely designed for women. You can upgrade to a Specialized S-Works Roubaix or Ruby on your trip.

Specialized S-Works Roubaix (Upgrade)

Specialized S-Works Ruby (Upgrade)

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem ($400 rental fee)

Do you prefer to spin in tandem with your partner? You'll love the Co-Motion Periscope Torpedo tandem on your Backroads trip. You can upgrade to a Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem on your trip.

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem (Upgrade)

Also Included

Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
Snacks and beverages between meals
Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
Park and other entry fees
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
Select coach transfers
Baggage transfers and porterage

Previous: Activity Level

Next: Why Backroads

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Previous: What's Included

Next: Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in North and South Carolina

Ride Up to the Vanderbilts' Place

Normally bikes aren't allowed on the Biltmore Estate, the 7,000-acre park with a château-like mansion that's the largest private home in the U.S. But we've managed to gain access for Backroads guests. Riding up to this monument of the Gilded Age is just one of many highlights on a biking journey that uniquely combines rides through undulating countryside around the cultural center of Asheville with the scenic, bike-friendly roads outside historic Greenville, SC.

Great Bikes Included (or Upgrade)

Choose a Backroads Custom Titanium or Custom Electric Assist bike—included in your trip price. Maybe a Specialized carbon-fiber pro model is more your speed or go for double fun on a tandem. Our fleet is the best in active travel, so you don't have to roll the dice on this vital trip component. Learn more about our bike fleet.

Navigate Your Way in North and South Carolina

Your ride comes equipped with a Garmin Edge Explore 1000, the best bike-touring GPS device on the market. This is a Backroads exclusive, and it's included with your bike in North and South Carolina. If you prefer to bring your own device, we also have downloadable GPS files and of course, our good old paper directions are always available. Read more on why our navigation options are the best.

A Variety of Routes Each Day

In North and South Carolina you head off each morning after choosing among several expertly designed routes—all with detailed directions, mileage and shuttle options. Unlike trips with one fixed daily route (or worse, one guide that everyone's obliged to follow), you're free to enjoy the best of the region at your pace, stopping wherever you want to explore further.

A Second Van When You Need It

Backroads is the only active travel company providing two support vans in North and South Carolina—because we know it's essential to ensure a truly great travel experience. It doubles our ability to be there when you need us to offer hydration, lighten your load or give you a lift if it's time to take a break. Read more on why two vans make all the difference.

Everyone at Their Own Pace

We design and support our North and South Carolina trips to suit mixed abilities and varied interests—so you can set your own pace, then change things up as the day unfolds. And all guests are free to do the same, traveling together or apart, with no one cramping anyone else's style. Which sounds easy in theory, but it's hard to pull off. Here's more on how we do it.

The Best Leaders in North and South Carolina

Backroads has the best-qualified people to lead your trip in North and South Carolina, and our guests back that up, rating our Trip Leaders an average of 9.75 out of 10 for all-around quality of performance. Get the facts (and no fluff) on how we recruit and develop the very best people for your trip.

Only the Best Hotels

On this trip featuring Premiere Hotels, you can count on the best lodgings North and South Carolina has to offer. In fact, the hotels we've chosen in this region have higher retail room rates than those offered by any other active travel company—even when their trips cost more.

We Live in the Neighborhood

Our Trip Leaders in North and South Carolina live in the area and are deeply engaged in their communities, giving them unique inside knowledge they're happy to share in making your experience that much richer. They'll introduce you to people, customs and parts of town you'd likely never encounter on your own—and teach you a few local phrases to help break the ice.

Your Trip Will Run. Period.

Under our Book with Confidence policy, your Backroads trip will run even for one or two people (or a family of three or four), subject to a nominal extra fee. Or transfer to another trip, and we'll give you a credit. It's all part of our trademark commitment to treating guests with integrity, transparency and total accountability. Read all the details.

Quality You Can Measure

Since 1979, Backroads Founder and President Tom Hale has shown that staying #1 means constantly evaluating our performance using the best possible source of information: our guests. As we systematically analyze your feedback on our trip consultants, leaders, hotels, meals and on-trip activities, we never stop working to make a great company even better.

Previous: What's Included

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip