Overview
Uncover a blend of history, art, and stories as you walk Asheville’s streets. Observe the mastery of structures like the Basilica of St. Lawrence. Learn about the city’s post-Revolutionary War origins and how the raging Civil War impacted Asheville and its slaves.
Then see an array of unique sculptures as you continue, such as the Marketplace Sculpture. You’ll also get to meet figures such as famed author Thomas Wolfe and see the eclectic River Arts District.
After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.
New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!
This isn't an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Good to know
You’re not done yet! It’s time to set up the tour you purchased.
Follow these steps now, while in wifi/signal. Do NOT wait until your travel date or while onsite.
1. Find the tour setup instructions:
>> Email: search for the phrase "Your tour operator sent you a message” OR “Set up your Action Tour Guide self-guided tour now." If it’s not in Inbox, check All Mail.
>> Viator App Messages: open the app, check Bookings, select View Voucher, and click on Contact Tour Operator
>> TripAdvisor App Messages:
open the app, check Account, select Messages
>> Text: check for a text from 415-980-4997
>> Can’t find it? Ask us to resend: https://actiontourguide.com/redeem/
2. Follow the set up instructions NOW, not later:
>> MUST do this before traveling to site. Requires WiFi/signal.
>> Do NOT wait until your travel date to access the tour for the first time. The tour is not tied to your travel date.
>> If you've reserved the tour for multiple participants (e.g., four people), the same password can be redeemed multiple times (e.g., four times).
>> For the tour guide app to function as intended, iPhones must be iOS 13 or above and Androids must be version 9 or above.
3. Not familiar with our self-guided audio tours? Watch this quick tutorial: https://actiontourguide.com/tutorial
⚠️ Important Note:
Your purchase is for the audio tour ONLY. It does not include entrance tickets to parks or attractions.
Questions? https://actiontourguide.com/faq/
What to expect
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Basilica of Saint Lawrence
15 min
Pause here. To our left is the impressive Basilica of St. Lawrence. This basilica owes its existence to Spanish architect Rafael Guastavino. In the early 1890s, Guastavino was commissioned to work on a vaulted ceiling for the Biltmore house in Asheville. But while here, he decided he loved the place too much to leave! He bought property and set down roots.
Note:- This tour is 1.8 miles long and covers all its essentials in 2-3 hours. -
Shopping Daze Sculpture
15 min
See that statue depicting three well-dressed women with a dog in tow? That’s Shopping Daze! This sculpture commemorated Haywood Street’s history as a desirable and unique shopping destination. I think it can also represent Asheville’s ability to bounce back after its lively shopping district was hindered by debt and mall culture.
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Legacy of Design Sculpture
15 min
The ‘Legacy of Design’ sculpture stands up here, depicting a young boy on stilts. This piece was made to honor the inventive architect Richard Sharp Smith. I’ll dive deeper into Smith’s life in a moment, but first, you should know a thing or two about the sculptor of this piece, Dennis Smith.
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Civic Pride Sculpture
15 min
The bell up here is a replica of the one that used to stand at the east end of Pack square, which rang out during important moments in Asheville’s early history. What kinds of events? Well, how about when the colonies declared their independence from Great Britain!
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The Jackson Building
15 min
In 1924 architect Ronald Greene was commissioned to create the Jackson Building. It’s the one directly to our right! This was the tallest skyscraper in North Carolina at the time of its construction, and boasts some very unique features.
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O. Henry's Office
15 min
Do you see that bronze lock of hair, combs, and pocket watch set into the concrete around this plaque? If you’re a classic literature buff, you might recall what these all have in common. They’re from the famous O. Henry short story “Gift of the Magi”!
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Drhumor Building
15 min
To our left stands the amazingly intricate Drhumor Building! Humorously given the nickname of the ‘Dr. Humor building,’ this structure owes its beauty to sculptor Frederick Miles. What many people don’t know is that these carvings might actually be based on real Asheville residents!
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Grove Arcade
15 min
Coming up on our left is the Grove Arcade. Built by Edwin Grove, this bustling center of commerce stretches over a block and offers just about anything your heart desires.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/New York).
Additional Information
- Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about Highlights of Asheville Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour
Can I cancel Highlights of Asheville Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 1–2 hours.
Where does it start?
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data.
What's included?
- Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
- Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
- Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
- Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
- Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
- Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
- Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
- Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's not included?
- Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Which places does it visit?
It visits Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Shopping Daze Sculpture, Legacy of Design Sculpture, Civic Pride Sculpture, The Jackson Building, O. Henry's Office, Drhumor Building, Grove Arcade.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by Travel with Action
