6 Days / 5 Nights | Rating: Intermediate | Start / End: Burlington, VT
- E-bikes Available
Colorful fall foliage season is a favorite for our award-winning Vermont tours. The pristine Vermont air takes on an especially crisp feel on sunshine-filled fall days. This unique trip begins with three days of riding through the small towns and covered bridges of the Lake Champlain Valley’s gently rolling terrain. Here, charming country inns make you feel like family while serving hearty country breakfasts each morning. An exclusive stay at The Inn at Shelburne Farms, a magnificent lakeside estate and working farm, highlights the midpoint of the trip. Visit the Old Round Church, sample cider and donuts at a local orchard, and enjoy a taste of IPA from a small craft brewery. As you make your way east to the storybook village of Stowe, Vermont’s Green Mountains rise from valley floors. Ride the narrow switchbacks through the cliffs of Smuggler’s Notch, named for the smuggling of alcohol from Canada during Prohibition. Visit a family-run woolen mill that has been outfitting Vermonters for over a century. Indulge yourself at Topnotch Resort and Spa, a luxurious oasis nestled on a hillside overlooking Vermont’s tallest mountain. The resort features an outdoor heated pool, full spa, and highly regarded restaurant. Experience the fall colors of Vermont in fine style.
Travel the Sojourn Style
EXPERIENCES, NOT BIKE TOURS
While we love our cycling, it makes up only one facet of what a true Sojourn trip entails. We believe in immersing ourselves in local cultures and discovering the hidden gems of the world.
REGIONAL PLANNING SPECIALISTS
From Vietnam to France to Glacier National Park, we are committed to offering exceptional trips in regions with which we are deeply familiar. We personally design and operate each of our trips.
PREMIER ACCOMMODATIONS
We carefully select from some of World’s renowned hotels. From highly reviewed and acclaimed Hotel de Londres in San Sebastian, Spain or the Reverie Saigon, Vietnam, one of the leading hotels in the World.
UNWAVERING ATTENTION TO SERVICE
Our commitment to provide you with unwavering service starts from the moment you first interact with the Sojourn team. We believe the little details matter and make the Sojourn vacation a life-list worthy experience for our guests.
PROFESSIONAL TRIP LEADERS
Gracious, engaging, and intelligent, our expert team of tour leaders consist of professionals from all walks of life and make exceptional travel companions. Always a step ahead, they are adept at everything from spinning wrenches to whipping up fabulous picnic lunches.
YOUR VACATION, YOUR PACE
We believe that at the end of the day, you are at the helm of your own vacation. We offer an array of day-to-day options to enable you to approach each day at your own pace.
Day 1
Meet your tour leaders at Burlington’s sister properties of Hotel Vermont and the Courtyard Burlington Harbor for the twenty-minute transfer to the tour start at the Sojourn office. Following a bike fitting and route review,n ride south along a lightly traveled route to Vergennes where you can view the waterfalls and enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the town green. Continue through rolling farmland offering beautiful views extending west to the Adirondack Mountains in New York and east to Vermont’s Green Mountains.
GOOD TO KNOW
Every Sojourn trip is different in their own unique ways. We want you to be aware of them so that you can only have the best experiences possible. Please know, whichever trip you choose we are committed to make it the trip of a lifetime!
As you enter the town of Middlebury, pass through a two-lane covered bridge—one of only six remaining in the entire US. Continue east to the Waybury Inn, a classic Vermont country inn, surrounded by huge maple trees. Relax on the patio, in the gardens, or – in cooler weather – enjoy a hot drink in the inn’s cozy pub. The Waybury Inn holds the distinction of being featured for years in the opening scene of the 1980s TV sitcom Newhart. Enjoy a delicious dinner this evening in the inn’s dining room.
LODGING:
The Waybury Inn, East
Middlebury, VT
802-338-4015
www.wayburyinn.com
Casual Hotel
CYCLING OPTIONS:
16 Miles
36 Miles
SHUTTLES:
30 mins from Burlington to
Shelburne
Day 2
Justin Morgan Had a Horse – Begin the day with a visit to the University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm. This architecturally stunning property was created in the late 1800s by Colonel Joseph Battell who began breeding Morgans on this very farm in an effort to preserve the pedigree of America’s first – and arguably finest – breed of horse. Meet some of the breed’s finest lineage during a private guided tour of the property. Cycle across a bridge over a lovely section of Vermont’s longest river—the Otter Creek—and continue past orchards and picturesque farms. Pop in for a stop in the kitchen shop of a fabulous local chocolatier and sample delicious
KEEPING YOU POSTED
We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance our trips. We’ll do our best to notify you of any changes in this itinerary. Other changes may be communicated to you on the trip by your leaders.
gourmet chocolate then visit a local orchard for the seasonal specialty of apple cider and donuts. Your destination is Shelburne Farms, a magnificent 1,400-acre estate farm designed by Frederick Law Olmstead during the late 19th century. The inn’s restaurant features fresh products harvested from the farm and other nearby specialty farms who focus on sustainability. The Inn’s location, on a hillside point facing west with views over Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains, features sunsets that are known to be stunning.
LODGING:
The Inn at Shelburne Farms,
Shelburne, VT
802-985-8498
www.shelburnefarms.org
Luxury Hotel
CYCLING OPTIONS:
30 Miles
36 Miles
53 Miles
Day 3
Following a delightful Vermont country breakfast, wind your way south through open farmland to Bristol and its classic town green. Bristol retains its small town charm and features a variety of unique shops, including that of a family run beeswax candle maker. Follow the New Haven River toward its headwaters near the tiny hamlet of Lincoln, a picturesque village nestled along the river below imposing Mount Abraham.
The route provides numerous photo opportunities of the river, its waterfalls, and boulder-strewn riverbed. For strong cyclists, an option to climb Lincoln Gap will burn the quads of the best of them. Following lunch on your own in Bristol, turn north to make your way back to Shelburne.
LODGING:
The Inn at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, VT
802-985-8498
www.shelburnefarms.org
Luxury Hotel
CYCLING OPTIONS:
30 Miles
36 Miles
53 Miles
Day 4
Shelburne to Stowe – Today’s ride winds its way through farmland and small villages to the town of Stowe, also known as the ski capital of the East. Visit the Old Round Church, a sixteen-sided round structure built in 1813 and considered to be one of the first community churches in the country. Continue east along the Winooski River—the largest tributary watershed flowing into Lake Champlain. 10,000 years ago, the land along the banks of the river was like Arctic tundra and hunters tracked caribou, wooly mammoths, and mastodons. Following the Revolutionary War, saw mills built here led to the region’s emergence as the third most important lumber market in the country. As the timber business declined hundreds of sheep farms lined the valley. Hop off your bike in the town of Waterbury to relax and stroll the town green before heading to Stowe. Topnotch Resort and Spa, one of Stowe’s and New England’s finest luxury resorts, will be your home for the next two evenings. Topnotch is a small, upscale resort nestled on a hillside overlooking Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest mountain. Relax and enjoy the heated outdoor pool, sauna and beautiful views of the mountains. Massage and spa treatments should be arranged in advance of your arrival. Lunch and dinner are on your own today.
LODGING:
Topnotch Resort and Spa,
Stowe, VT
800-451-8686
www.topnotchresort.com
Luxury Hotel
CYCLING OPTIONS:
35 Miles
50 Miles
64 Miles
SHUTTLES:
30 mins from Waterbury
to Stowe
Day 5
Smuggler’s Notch Loop – Today’s ride offers the greatest challenge of the week or you can opt for a more leisurely day at Topnotch where you might enjoy a walk along the river or indulge in world-class spa services. The notch through the Green Mountains was named for smugglers who, more than two centuries ago, used its caves and heavily forested slopes to hide illicit goods destined for Canada.
MULTIPLE ROUTE OPTIONS
Itching for that EPIC (Extra Pedal if Crazy) ride? No problem, we’ll show you our favorite hills. Looking for more downtime? Your trip leaders will tell you the best days to take a break. All Sojourn tours have multiple route options to accommodate your riding skill or desires!
These same caves were used in the reverse direction during the 1920s Prohibition era. Today, the narrow winding road that traverses Smuggler’s Notch is passable only between April and November. It’s a tough climb but the foliage lining the route is spectacular against the granite cliffs, and the nearly seven-mile downhill run on the opposite side is well worth the effort. In the village of Jeffersonville, you can visit award-winning Smuggler’s Notch Distillery or continue to Johnson for an array of woolens made at a family run mill operating since 1842. Enjoy a section of the newlyestablished Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and stop for a sample of local craft beer at Lost Nation Brewing before finishing the grand loop back to Topnotch. This evening, a final dinner with fellow travelers overlooks the mountains from the resort’s signature restaurant, a local favorite gathering spot.
LODGING:
Topnotch Resort and Spa,
Stowe, VT
800-451-8686
www.topnotchresort.com
Luxury Hotel
CYCLING OPTIONS:
35 Miles
50 Miles
64 Miles
Day 6
Stowe Loop – Follow the bike path along the Little River from Topnotch to the tiny hamlet of Moscow where you can visit a local glassblowing studio. Watch as fiery hot molten glass is shaped into uniquely beautiful works of art. Michael Trimpol is an internationally renowned artist who began his career with a focus in stained glass before developing a love for blowing glass. Continue along scenic back roads past one of Vermont’s historic – and reputedly haunted – covered bridges to the village of Stowe. Peruse the shops in town or continue cycling a loop north through farmland before returning to the village for lunch. The Vermont Ski Museum, located in the Old Town Hall built in 1818, is full of historic skis, photographs, and artwork chronicling the evolution of winter sports in Vermont. Old replica ski posters and home decor are available for sale.
The Stowe Craft Gallery is just across the road from the museum and features a wide variety of works from local artists. Wind your way along the bike path that follows the river as you make your way back to Topnotch where showers will be available prior to transfer to Burlington or to Sojourn for those who parked at the Sojourn Office.
CYCLING OPTIONS:
17 Miles
SHUTTLES:
1 Hour from Stowe
to Burlington
Tour Accommodations
Waybury Inn, East Middlebury - Casual Hotel
This quintessential Vermont country inn sits at the base of the Green Mountains across from a beautiful stream. For years, the Bob Newhart show featured the inn. Restaurant and cozy pub on site. (1 night)
457 East Main Street
East Middlebury, VT 05740
www.wayburyinn.com | 802.388.4015
The Inn at Shelburne Farms, Shelburne - Luxury Hotel
This majestic property has been maintained and restored since the 19th century. The Inn’s restaurant features fresh products harvested from the Farm and other nearby specialty farms. (2 nights)
99 Inn Road
Shelburne, VT 05842
Topnotch Resort, Stowe - Luxury Hotel
Majestic boutique hotel and spa nestled on 120 acres. Pool, sauna, full-service spa facility, restaurant, bistro/bar, bocce. (2 nights)
4000 Mountain Resort
Stowe, VT 05672
www.topnotchresort.com | 800.451.8686
WHERE TO STAY BEFORE, OR AFTER YOUR TRIP
Hilton, Burlington
60 Battery St
Burlington, VT 05401
$150 - $250 Per Night
www.hitlon.com
802.658.6500
Hotel Vermont
41 Cherry St
Burlington, VT 05401t
$220 - $300 Per Nightt
www.hotelvt.comt
802.658.6500
Doubletree Hotel Burlington
870 Williston Rd
Burlington, VT 05401
$200 - $300 Per Night
www.doubletreehotelburlington.com
802-865-6600
Travel & Tour Quick Facts
| TOUR START | 9:30am – Group pick-up at Hotel Vermont in Burlington for transfer to Sojourn. Those driving to tour should meet at Sojourn at 10:00am. |
| TOUR CONCLUSION | 4:00pm – Group return to Burlington airport or Hotel Vermont. Departure flights should not be scheduled prior to 5:30pm. |
| TRAVEL TO/FROM TOUR | Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV). Parking available at BTV (fee), Hotel Vermont (fee), or the Sojourn office. |
| DAYS/NIGHTS | 6 Days/5 Nights |
| INCLUDED MEALS | All meals included except for three lunches and one dinner. |
| ACTIVITIES | Cycling, hiking, golf nearby. |
| RATING | Intermediate - This tour is perfect for cyclists who do not mind a few gently rolling hills with some longer grades. Routes average 20-65 miles a day over rolling terrain with longer options available. |
What’s Included?
| EQUIPMENT | Road or hybrid bike, helmet, rear light, seat bag for road bike or rack bag for hybrid, map case, water bottle, and jersey. Bring clipless pedals, seat, or helmet for a more personalized fit. |
| VAN SUPPORT | Rides supported by a Sojourn van as well as a tour leader on a bicycle. |
| TOUR LEADERS | Two experienced tour leaders guide each trip from start to finish. |
| RIDE NOURISHMENT | A selection of snacks and refreshments are supplied throughout all rides. |
| RIDE INFORMATION | Detailed route directions, maps, downloadable GPS routes, and a daily briefing are provided. |
| OFFICE SUPPORT | At your service 9:00am – 6:00pm EST, Monday – Friday. 802-425-4771 |
| DETAILED INFORMATION | A full complement of detailed trip and travel information will be provided upon confirmation of reservation. |
| E-BIKES & TANDEMS | Limited Electric Assist Bikes are available on all tours. Tandems are also available on on our US and Canada tours for an additional fee. Call us at 1-802-425-4771 for details |
Weather
| Burlington, VT | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 78° | 71° | 60° | 45° | 32° | 28° |
| Low °F | 56° | 48° | 42° | 28° | 15° | 8° |
| Precip. Inches | 3.2 | 3.3 | 2.9 | 3.3 | 3.7 | 4.0 |
WE’RE HAPPY TO CHAT!
Call: 802.425.4771
Write: info@gosojourn.com
Visit: GoSojourn.com
PRICES & SCHEDULE
All prices and schedules are subject to change at any time.
Click HERE to view the latest departure dates & prices.
