Start your morning with a scenic drive to Vermont, making your way past rolling hills, verdant mountains, and flowing waterways. Quaint villages, old-fashioned steeples, local boutiques, and country farms with iconic red barns are the quintessential staples of the Green Mountain State. See the mile-long Quechee Gorge before heading to Woodstock. Admire the iconic covered bridge, a perfect pairing to the restored Georgian houses lining the central square. Spend some free time exploring on your own.
Next, we head to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Explore the forest canopy walk and the numerous raptor enclosures and avian exhibits at this environmental nonprofit before continuing on to Montpelier, your home for the next two nights. Montpelier is the smallest state capitol in the United States with a population of just 8,000 people. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your travel companions. (B/D) Stay: Capitol Plaza (2 Nights)
Step into history at the Shelburne Museum* with a local guide, then discover its historic buildings, gardens, and galleries on your own. Spread out over 39 buildings, the inimitable museum not only pays homage to New England architecture but also houses a world-renowned collection of art and whimsical Americana including the steamboat Ticonderoga.
After a short drive, arrive in artsy, eclectic Burlington for lunch and free time to explore Church Street Marketplace, an outdoor pedestrian mall featuring locally owned shops and eateries. Later, enjoy the mountain vistas during a scenic, narrated cruise on Lake Champlain. (B)
This morning, visit an 8th generation, family-owned maple syrup farm and learn all about the maple sugaring process. Enjoy a sugarhouse tour and tasting, and perhaps even treat yourself to a uniquely Vermont treat—a maple creemee. Stop at the Lareau Farm Inn, home to the original American Flatbread Company; for lunch you'll enjoy a taste of their famous pizza featuring ingredients from nearby farms, and wash it down with a local Vermont brew.
Then, head south on Route 100, where tree-lined mountains and gently rolling hills create one of the most scenic routes in New England. Settle in Ludlow and take in the striking landscape of your home for the next two nights. (B/L/D) Stay: Jackson Gore Inn - Okemo Mountain Resort (2 Nights)
Today, travel from Ludlow back to Boston with a stop for lunch and free time to explore in Keene, NH. Nestled in the Connecticut River Valley, Keene is a charming little college town with many restaurants, breweries, and a thriving little downtown shopping district.
Next, head to Concord, MA where it's your choice! Head out on a bus tour of Lexington and Concord and see the historic town centers and battlefields where the American Revolution began -OR- join a local guide on a walking tour of historic Concord and learn about the town's revolutionary and literary history (Concord was once home to Louisa May Alcott, Emerson, Hawthorne, and Thoreau) on historic Main Street and sites like the Wright Tavern, Monument Square, Old Hill Burial Ground, and more.
Afterwards, wish the state of Vermont goodbye as you join your travel companions for a farewell dinner. (B/D) Stay: Boston Marriott Newton Hotel
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
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