4 Days / 3 Nights | Rating: Intermediate | Start / End: Burlington, VT
- E-bikes Available
Settle in for a long weekend featuring the very best of Vermont Fall Foliage. Your tour will take you from the pristine banks of Lake Champlain to the rolling Green Mountains, all on quiet country roads painted with a thousand shades of red, orange, and yellow. Ride through picturesque countryside and explore quaint villages in one of the most beautiful states in the country. Valley farmland offers miles of gently rolling terrain, and mountain foothills are close enough to provide challenging options for those who want them. Enjoy a stay at the renowned Basin Harbor Club, a traditional lakeside resort with iconic adirondack chairs that overlook the mountains of the same name. History buffs will enjoy important sites including those of famous maritime battles and the Underground Railroad. Visit a classic Vermont town— complete with a village green—and sample the delicious treats of a local chocolatier. Bike up into the Green Mountains with a quick stop at a local brewery. Indulge yourself at the Topnotch Resort and Spa, a luxurious oasis nestled on a hillside overlooking Vermont’s tallest mountain. Cap off your trip with a ride up the legendary switchbacks of Smuggler’s Notch which offer a swirling tunnel of color during Foliage season. We hope that you will join us for a quick adventure our own backyard and discover this wonderful state that we are proud to call home.
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
Arrival and the Lake Champlain Basin – your leaders will pick you up in Burlington and shuttle you down to the Basin Harbor Club. After a quick bike fitting and orientation, you will have the opportunity to do a short loop to introduce you to the area’s quiet country roads. Upon your return, stroll along the lakeside and relax on one of the resort’s iconic Adirondack chairs. Take in the views over Lake Champlain before joining your fellow travelers for a welcome reception. Enjoy your first dinner of the trip at the resort as you ease into your weekend adventure.
LODGING:
Basin Harbor Resort and Boat Club
Vergennes, VT
802-475-2311,
www.basinharbor.com
Day 2
Champlain 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
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!
off your bike in the town of Waterbury to relax and stroll the town green before being shuttled 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
CYCLING OPTIONS:
32 Miles
52 Miles
Day 3
Smuggler’s Notch Loop – Today’s ride offers the greatest challenge of the weekend 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. 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
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.
well worth the effort. Enjoy a section of the newly established 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
CYCLING OPTIONS:
25 Miles
45 Miles
Day 4
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. Continue along scenic back roads past one of Vermont’s historic – and reputedly haunted – covered bridges to the village of Stowe. Peruse the boutique shops in town which feature local artists, farm grown foods and exquisite coffee. 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. Just down the street, the Alchemist brewery is a renowned destination for exceptional and innovative craft beers that have garnered a loyal following among beer enthusiasts worldwide. It’s flagship brew, Heady Topper, has consistently been ranked in the top 10 beers in the world for over a decade. Utilize the Stowe community path to continue cycling a loop north through rustic farmland and return to Topnotch. Here we conclude the tour, and your leaders will shuttle back to Burlington where you can get dropped off downtown or at the airport.
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!
CYCLING OPTIONS:
25 Miles
33 Miles
46 Miles
Tour Accommodations
Basin Harbor Resort and Boat Club, Vergennes, VT
Historic hotel and classic lakeside resort in a stunning setting. Restaurant, pub, watersports, golf, and tennis. (1 Night)
4800 Basin Harbor Road
Vergennes, VT 05491
www.basinharbor.com | 800.622.4000
Topnotch Resort and Spa, Stowe, VT
Majestic boutique hotel and spa nestled on 120 acres. Pool, sauna, full-service spa facility, restaurant, bistro/bar, bocce. (1 Night)
4000 Mountain Resort
Stowe, VT 05672
www.topnotchresort.com | 800.451.8686
Travel & Tour Quick Facts
| TOUR START | Day 1 at 2:00pm at Hotel Vermont, those driving to the tour should meet at Sojourn HQ at 2:30 pm. |
| TOUR CONCLUSION | Sojourn will provide a group transfer to Burlington Airport or Hotel Vermont at 4:00pm or Sojourn HQ at 4:30pm. Departing flights should not be scheduled prior to 5:00pm. |
| TRAVEL TO/FROM TOUR | Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV). Parking available at the Sojourn Office (please let us know beforehand if you are driving) |
| PRE/POST TOUR LODGING OPTION | Reserve directly through Hotel Vermont or another hotel in the downtown Burlington area |
| DAYS/NIGHTS | 4 Days / 3 Nights |
| INCLUDED MEALS | All breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners. |
| ACTIVITIES | Cycling, options for non-motorized watercraft, swimming, tennis, hiking and golf. |
| RATING | Intermediate - This tour is perfect for cyclists who do not mind a few gently rolling hills with some longer grades. Routes average 25- 50 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 80° | 68° | 59° |
| Low °F | 67° | 59° | 49° |
| Precip. Inches | 3.1 | 3.2 | 3.6 |
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.
