Walking in Vermont
Picturesque Towns & Beautiful Scenery
Vermont is quintessential New England: picturesque villages still served by cluttered country stores, small farms nestled among the granite ridges of the Green Mountains, and needle-sharp white church spires rising above forests of autumn colors. Walking is the best way to observe Vermont's natural beauty up close. On this tour we will explore scenic trails near Burlington, Stowe, and Woodstock. Each day we'll stretch our legs with a walk in the countryside. We also get creative at a baking class, learn about the state's hard cider tradition, and see a few of the iconic covered bridges that still dot the landscape. What better way to leave everyday life behind - at least for a few days.
Walking in Vermont
September 17 - September 22, 2024Highlights
- Enjoy Walks in the Vermont Countryside
- Walk Quechee Gorge, Vermont's "Little Grand Canyon"
- Attend a Baking Class at King Arthur Flour Baking School
- Time to explore personal interests
- Suggestions for additional things to see
- And More... See itinerary for details
Itinerary
Tuesday, 17 September 2024: Arrive Burlington, VT; Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival no later than 4:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. The tour will begin at 6:00PM in the lobby of the hotel. Our Welcome Meeting will be followed by dinner together to get acquainted and discuss our upcoming adventure. Overnight Burlington, VT - 2 nights
Wednesday, 18 September 2024: Ethan Allen Homestead; Group Lunch; Mt Philo State Park Hike (B,L)
We will step back in time this morning at the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, a historic house built by the American Revolutionary War patriot and founding father of Vermont. There are walking trails around the homestead and through the adjacent wetlands along the Winooski River and Ethan Allen Park. After a casual lunch together, we head a bit south of Burlington to summit Mt Philo situated at 968-feet. It's not as difficult as it sounds, but it IS uphill! The reward however is breathtaking views of the Lake Champlain Valley and New York’s Adirondack Mountains.
Thursday, 19 September 2024: Quechee Gorge Walk; Forest Canopy Walk; Covered Bridge (B,L)
This morning we depart Burlington on our way to Quechee Gorge, known as "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon" and arguably the state's most spectacular natural wonder. While there are beautiful vistas in the gorge from 168 feet above the Ottaquechee River, it's just a 1-mile round-trip hike to the bottom and back. Afterward, we head to the nearby Vermont Institute of Natural Science to experience a walk of a different kind: the Forest Canopy Walk. The boardwalk is uniquely built to allow a level over ground elevation changes. At the highest points, we will be more than 100 feet above the forest floor! Before settling into our classic Vermont hotel in Woodstock, we'll stop at a covered bridge or two. With more than 100 covered bridges in Vermont––the highest concentration per square mile in the United States––these idyllic wood-lined structures are some of the last links to a simpler era. Overnight Woodstock - 2 nights
Friday, 20 September 2024: King Arthur Flour Baking Class; Free Time (B)
We put on our aprons today as we participate in a hands-on baking class at the famous King Arthur Baking Company, the first flour company in the young United States, established in 1790 and still a favored product of many home bakers. There will be free time later this afternoon to enjoy the many amenities of our hotel. Perhaps you'd like to stroll to the banks of the Ottaquechee River or take a dip in the indoor pool.
Saturday, 21 September 2024: Stowe; Hard Cider Tasting; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
We explore charming Stowe today, named as one of "11 Best Small Towns in America." Though Stowe is a world-renowned winter ski destination, it also offers a lot to those who visit in other seasons. We will explore one of the many scenic hiking trails and perhaps encounter a waterfall or two. After which, we'll enjoy a bit of free time downtown. While Vermonters have been fermenting and drinking alcoholic and non-alcoholic cider since the mid-1600s (hard cider was the drink of choice in Vermont before Prohibition), there has been a resurgence in the last decade, with more than a dozen cideries popping up around the state. We'll learn a bit more about the fermenting process during a tasting at a local cidery. We then make our way back to Burlington where there will be time to refresh and clean up a bit before our Farewell Dinner this evening. Overnight Burlington - 1 night
Sunday, 22 September 2024: Return Home from Burlington, VT (B)
Sadly, our time together has come to an end. Schedule your departure from Burlington at your convenience.
The actual activities and walks featured above may vary due to closures, weather, and other unforeseen circumstances that may mandate alterations. We thank you for your understanding in advance.
Walking in Vermont
September 17 - September 22, 2024Pricing
Room Share
$2,741.00Single Room
$3,905.00Non-Members
ADD $50.00Status of this Tour
Trip Full and Closed
Tour Pricing Includes
- All meals and activities expressly listed in the itinerary, PLUS...
- All tipping of local guides
- WTT Tour Leader to enhance the individual & group experience
- Arranged room sharing with another solo traveler
- Travel Dollar credits (a benefit of WTT membership) toward future travel with WTT
Not Included In The Price
- Airfare or other transportation to and from the tour
- Airport transfers
- Meals and activities not specified in the itinerary
- Beverages other than coffee, tea & still water unless otherwise noted
- Any personal expenses or expenditures
- Any pre- or post- tour arrangements
- Any gratuities for the WTT Tour Leader
- Travel Insurance
Payment Dates -and- Cancellation Terms for This Tour
You have 3 days to cancel and receive a refund. Thereafter, the amount required at time of reservation is non-refundable and the following cancellation penalties will be enforced.
Thursday, 21 Mar 2024: Last day $250 deposit can be converted to a credit for use on a new reservation; thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
Wednesday, 19 Jun 2024: Balance Due. Cancellation after this date but before Saturday, 3 Aug 2024 results in a cancellation penalty of 50% of your Total Tour Cost.
Saturday, 3 Aug 2024: Cancellation on or after this date results in a cancellation penalty of 100% of your Total Tour Cost.
Using Parked Credits: If traveler cancels during the 3-day cancel without penalty period, used credits will be re-parked with the original expiration date(s). Thereafter, cancellation will result in forfeiture of the total amount of parked credits used. If applicable, additional cancellation penalties will be assessed based on date of cancellation.
To Cancel: Should you need to cancel after your space on this tour is confirmed, you must use the Cancellation Form. Cancellation penalties are based on the date we receive your cancellation form. No other method of communicating a cancellation will be accepted.
Walking in Vermont
September 17 - September 22, 2024Flights, Transfers & Lodging
Arrival & Departure Information
Travelers will make their own air arrangements as follows:
Arrival Airport: BTV - Burlington, VT (Burlington Int'l Airport)
Arrival Date: Tuesday, September 17th. Arrive no later than 4:00pm.
Arrival Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. Details provided in Final Travel Instructions.
Departure Airport: BTV - Burlington, VT (Burlington Int'l Airport)
Departure Date: Sunday, September 22nd. Depart at your convenience.
Departure Transfer: Use local shuttle or taxi service. WTT Tour Leader can assist in coordinating ride sharing.
Lodging / Hotels
Burlington, VT: Courtyard Burlington Harbor
Woodstock, VT: 506 On The River Inn Woodstock
Burlington, VT: Delta Marriott Burlington
In the unlikely event WTT is unable to provide the hotel accommodation(s) listed, for whatever reason, WTT will substitute similar quality accommodation(s) at no additional cost to the traveler.
Want to Arrive a Day Early?
- The room (standard check-in times apply)
- Breakfast the following morning
- Lake Champlain Cruise prior to tour (weather permitting)
$312.00 Roomshare $539.00 Single
Additional Reminders About This Tour
When to Purchase your Air: It is up to you to decide how soon you want to make your travel arrangements, however WTT requests that you provide your travel details on or shortly after the Final Payment due date for your tour by completing the Travel Arrangements Form.
Covid-19: The US government and the World Health Organization have ended the Covid-19 Public Health Declaration/Emergency and now classify Covid-19 as "well-established and ongoing," however, Covid-19 restrictions can still exist and could impact your tour.
1) It is the traveler's responsibility to comply with any national, local or vendor Covid-19 requirements, including their position on vaccination/booster requirements at the time of travel and possible quarantine measures for travelers testing positive for Covid that could result in not being allowed to complete the tour.
2) It is up to each individual concerned about exposure to Covid, and/or any other infectious diseases, to wear a mask, wash her hands frequently, and take all other personal protection actions she deems appropriate, at her own expense, to protect her health while participating in this tour.
If you are unable or unwilling to meet any current and future Covid requirements that might be imposed and/or assume the risk of exposure to Covid while traveling with a WTT group, do not sign up for this tour.
Group Size: This tour takes a minimum of 10 travelers and a maximum of 14. The group will be escorted by a WTT Tour Leader and uses a 15-passenger Mini-Coach for transportation.
Travel Insurance is NOT included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Walking in Vermont
September 17 - September 22, 2024Destination Information
What do others say about this tour and traveling with WTT?
How Does Room Sharing Work?
On the Reservation Form there are 3 choices regarding room-sharing.
Note: Certain room-types may be unavailable at the time you make your reservation. If a room-type is unavailable the choice will be greyed out.
- Select "Yes, I want to share a room" and WTT will assign you a roommate when Final Travel Instructions are sent.
- You can specify a roommate by entering her name where indicated. If your named roommate is not on the tour, for any reason, WTT will assign you a roommate unless you pay to have your own room, if available.
- Select "No, I do not wish to share a room" if you want to have your own room. Additional costs apply.
- All shared rooms have 2 beds
- All shared rooms are non-smoking
- No special requests about your roommate can be accommodated
- See "Frequently Asked Questions" TAB for more details
How Active is this Tour?
Because of this requirement, WTT tours are not suitable for anyone who is physically challenged, walking impaired, or is a slow walker that cannot keep up with the pace of the group.
The activities on this tour are rated as follows:
- 30% Easy
- 70% Moderate (daily walking over natural terrain and several moderate hikes with shorter steep sections.)
If you are in doubt as to your ability to meet the physical activity requirements, you should not sign up for this trip.
Read more about Activity Levels
What meals are included and how are dietary restrictions accommodated?
- Breakfast daily
- 2 Lunches
- 2 Dinners
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dietary requests can be accommodated on this tour with limited selections.
What clothing and items should I pack for this trip?
The weather in Burlington and Woodstock in September will likely be mildly cool and humid with highs in the low 70s and lows in the 40s. Rain is common in the fall season. Plan to dress in layers as temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day and depending on elevation. We suggest you monitor weather apps leading up to the time you depart for the most current information.
For This Trip You May Want—
- Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes
- Smart-casual wear if you'd like to dress up a bit for dinners.
- Warm jacket, such as fleece and windbreaker, for cool mornings and time spent on the water
- Hat and gloves
- Inexpensive rain poncho or rain jacket
- Insect repellent, sunscreen, and sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Refillable water bottle
- Binoculars
What are the luggage restrictions for this tour?
We will use the WTT Coach. Luggage restrictions are driven by the physical space limitations of this vehicle and the requirement that all travelers be able to manage their own belongings without assistance.
- It is best to travel as lightly as possible. Most travelers regret when they have packed too much.
- You may bring one suitcase plus small shoulder bag/day pack/purse.
- Maximum suitcase size: 22-24 inches in height. This is the size of bag that fits into the overhead bins of aircraft. Suitcases larger than this will not fit properly in the WTT coach; don't bring them.
- The weight of your bag should not exceed 30 pounds as you will need to lift it into the coach luggage compartment.
- You are responsible for managing your own belongings. We expect you to take your belongings from the coach to your room and to bring it back to the coach and load it on days we change hotels. We do not provide luggage pulls; they are not safe and are inconvenient. The possibility of steps exist at most hotel entrances.
How much money should I bring on this tour?
What are the tipping guidelines for this tour?
All tips to local guides will be paid on your behalf.
- You are responsible for tipping waitstaff, porters, or other individuals who provide a service to you at the hotel, or other public locations.
- You may want to tip your WTT Tour Leader for an outstanding job. The amount is entirely a personal preference. If you'd like a guideline, consider $8-$10 per day.
What other Additional Information do I need to know?
When to Purchase your Air: It is up to you to decide how soon you want to make your travel arrangements, however WTT requests that you provide your travel details on or shortly after the Final Payment due date for your tour by completing the Travel Arrangements Form.
Covid-19: The US government and the World Health Organization have ended the Covid-19 Public Health Declaration/Emergency and now classify Covid-19 as "well-established and ongoing," however, Covid-19 restrictions can still exist and could impact your tour.
1) It is the traveler's responsibility to comply with any national, local or vendor Covid-19 requirements, including their position on vaccination/booster requirements at the time of travel and possible quarantine measures for travelers testing positive for Covid that could result in not being allowed to complete the tour.
2) It is up to each individual concerned about exposure to Covid, and/or any other infectious diseases, to wear a mask, wash her hands frequently, and take all other personal protection actions she deems appropriate, at her own expense, to protect her health while participating in this tour.
If you are unable or unwilling to meet any current and future Covid requirements that might be imposed and/or assume the risk of exposure to Covid while traveling with a WTT group, do not sign up for this tour.
Group Size: This tour takes a minimum of 10 travelers and a maximum of 14. The group will be escorted by a WTT Tour Leader and uses a 15-passenger Mini-Coach for transportation.
Travel Insurance is NOT included in the cost of the tour. It is your responsibility to determine the amount and type of coverage you require to recoup some or all of your travel investment, whether you cancel, are unable to complete the tour, or the tour cannot operate. Section 4.0 of WTT Terms & Conditions explains what will happen to your payments in the unlikely event that your tour cannot operate.
WTT is not licensed to sell travel insurance. You can purchase travel insurance from any provider you choose. To get an idea of rates, please go to NTA Travel Protection Plan (Enter 206063 for the "Tour Operator Location #") or TravelGuard.
Can I transfer my deposit to another tour?
To get off this tour and register for another tour, you must follow these steps - in the order shown:
2) WAIT before submitting your new reservation! You must receive the Cancellation Confirmation email before submitting your new reservation. This can take up to 2 business days. The Cancellation Confirmation email will list the amount of parked credits from this tour that are now available to use on a new reservation.
3) COMPLETE the new Reservation Form and USE the parked credits towards your deposit on the new tour.
Note: If you used Parked Credits to pay the deposit on this tour, these credits cannot be used a second time and are not eligible to be transferred.
What happens if I need to cancel this tour?
Our Promise to You
It doesn’t matter which tour you choose.
You’ll find your people and make memories that last a lifetime.