Best of Vermont Bike Tour
per person
Best of Vermont Bike Tour
Bike Touring with Vermont Experts
The Best of Vermont Bike Tour showcases the scenes that make the Green Mountain State such a tremendous draw for travelers. We’ve put four decades of Vermont bike touring experience to work to create an itinerary that is remarkable in its scenic diversity. Notably, the itinerary allows riders to experience it all from the seat of a bicycle – without requiring van shuttles. Great Freedom Adventures’ six-day Vermont bike tour encompasses Burlington, Vermont’s largest and liveliest city, the shores Lake Champlain, the fertile Champlain Valley, the pristine Green Mountain National Forest, remote wildlife refuges and rural farm landscapes.
Vibrant Vermont Towns, Top Inns and Superb Meals
Overnights are spent in four of Vermont’s most beautiful, historic and fun locales – Burlington, Waitsfield-Warren, Norwich and Woodstock. At each of these towns, guests enjoy fine inns that provide a true sense of place and top restaurants that feature locally sourced foods prepared by talented chefs. All along the tour, your guides will tempt you with more of these delicious Vermont foods.
A Vermont Extravaganza
Guests experience pastoral farmland with classic red barns, green or multi-colored forests, covered bridges, bustling towns, sleepy hamlets, panoramic mountain vistas, trickling streams, thundering waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, maple sugar shacks and much more. Wildlife abounds throughout and guests may see eagles, moose, fox, deer, turkeys and more.
Brilliant Fall Foliage and Deep Green Forests
Great Freedom Adventures’ Vermont expertise has allowed us to craft routes that showcase the state’s most beautiful scenery. Guests travel quiet country roads specifically selected to afford pedaling beneath radiant, multi-colored autumn canopies. Lush green forests provide shaded summer riding. The chosen routes provide the most spectacular mountain vistas in any season, and highlight favorite places like hidden swimming holes where the locals swim. Experience the tremendous beauty of Vermont on the Best of Vermont Bike Tour.
Tour Highlights:
- Bicycle quiet routes chosen for their beauty and scenic variety
- Explore Burlington, Waitsfield/Warren, Norwich and Woodstock with their wealth of fine shops, galleries and dining
- Visit the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
- See where Coolidge was sworn in as president at the Calvin Coolidge Homestead
- Explore Billings Farm, an operating dairy farm and museum of Vermont’s rural past
- Stop at classic country stores and taste Ben & Jerry’s ice cream
- Pedal through covered bridges
- View sugar bushes
- Taste excellent craft beers at local breweries
- View dramatic Quechee Gorge
- See master glassblowers at work at Simon Pearce and shop for hand-blown glassware
- Visit award-winning King Arthur Baking School and Store
- Sample cheeses at one of the oldest cheesemaking factories in the US
- Hike to panoramic hilltop views
Tour Reviews & Testimonials
“We are still talking about our wonderful trip! It really exceeded our expectations. We loved the ease of the trip. The accommodations were great. The guides were wonderful and very attentive. The bikes were fantastic, and I want to purchase the same model for myself to ride back home. The snacks and breaks were perfectly timed. We liked that there were options for different rides depending on the guests’ fitness and energy level. The environment was always friendly and fun. We never felt rushed or competitive with the other cyclists, and this made for a very pleasant experience for everyone. The staff were all very approachable and engaging and put all of the riders at ease and created a fun adventure for everyone.”
Joan T.
“I loved my Best of Vermont bike trip! What an awesome adventure! The food, drink, sights, views, and smells were wonderful. But I think the people made the trip! You did such a great job, so organized and such kind and fun guides. I’m so sad it’s over but glad to have found you, to have made new friends and I can’t wait for another adventure with Great Freedom Adventures! Thank you so much for a perfect bike trip!”
Beth R.
“The care and attention we received from our tour leaders exceeded all expectations. We felt safe and the positive mood created by all of you will be long remembered. Your team made this one of the most memorable trips we have ever taken.”
Ann & Bruce S.
What a wonderful trip! Everything was truly great – accommodations, bike routes, food, hike and especially our guides! Best trip ever!!
Margaret B.
“We loved riding through the back roads and really enjoyed the snack stops with the fresh local breads and other products like maple cream. The hotels were excellent. Our guides were excellent! We couldn’t have asked for more! They looked out for everyone, and allowed us to ride at our own pace when we wanted to.”
Ann S.
“Of all the tours we have ever been on, this is the best fed and most pampered we have experienced!”
Gil & Sandra P.
“I’ve never had this level of service from the guides on a tour before and we have taken dozens of bike tours. We’ve never had such attentiveness from the guides.”
Jackie W.
“The foliage in Vermont is spectacular! I enjoy the cycling tour because I can view more scenery in a short period of time. The service and tour guides are wonderful and capable of providing excellent customer’s needs and expectations. Dinner at Norwich Inn was delicious and served in a very warm atmosphere. It feels like I dined with my friends and family. I have been touched by the kindness and care that Jeanne and the guides provided us. It has been for more than a week since I got back to Vegas. I wake up every morning and wish that I am still in VT cycling. Thank you so much for creating the most memorable trip.”
Duyen T.
From Our Gallery
Day 1
Welcome to Burlington – Vermont’s largest town and mecca for outdoor fun! Meet in the early afternoon at the Hotel Vermont for welcome refreshments and bike fitting. Then, set out on an easy ride along the Lake Champlain waterfront and follow the scenic bike path on the shoreline. The 107-mile-long lake lies in a broad valley between the Adirondack and Green Mountains, separating the states of New York and Vermont. The lake extends into Canada where it flows north into Canada’s Richelieu River and eventually into the Saint Lawrence Seaway. Today’s bike ride offers views of the lake, distant mountains and the vibrant streets of Burlington. Return to the inn to relax before dinner at one of Burlington’s top restaurants. Biking Mileage: ~ 11 or 20Day 2
Pedal south, traveling through small hamlets and pastoral farmland in the fertile Champlain Valley. Enjoy spectacular ridgeline views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains in the distance. Eat lunch in a charming café or quaint gastropub. Pedal to a small gorge with a wide waterfall that tumbles down to a sparkling pool below – the perfect Vermont swimming hole. Riders choosing the long distance option will tackle one of the Green Mountain’s infamous gaps – the Appalachian Gap. Your cycling efforts will be rewarded with waterfall displays, sparkling ponds - and major bragging rights. Finish the day in the Mad River Valley, a destination for skiing in winter and biking and hiking in summer. Enjoy a delicious, well-earned dinner. Biking Mileage: ~ 42, 45 or 55Day 3
Travel past dairy farms and hay fields, enjoying the smell of freshly cut hay. Bike through lush, colorful forests, past tumbling streams and watch for moose along the way. Enjoy lunch at a country café to fuel you for the day’s last climb. Then, spin easily on a long, gentle downhill along a quiet river. Riders choosing the long option will love the fast cruise along a wide river. A climb away from the river valley brings you to the historic town of Norwich and the Norwich Inn. Quench your thirst with a beer brewed on-site, then enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by the inn’s excellent chef. Biking Mileage: ~ 36, 46, 48 or 65Day 4
Depart Norwich and stop at King Arthur Flour School and Store. Enjoy the delicious smells of freshly baked breads and pastries while watching the bakers at work. Peruse the award-winning building and store, then continue to the lovely town of Quechee. View the impressive Quechee Gorge where the Ottaquechee River has cut a narrow gorge 165’ deep. Visit Simon Pearce glassblowing workshop and store to watch master artisans create fine glassware sold in shops around the world. Continue along quiet country roads, past handsome estates and covered bridges to finish the day in Woodstock, dubbed “the prettiest small town in America.” Head to the luxurious Woodstock Inn and Resort, a Conde Nast Traveler Gold Club member. Enjoy a swim in the pool, a massage in the spa or cocktails in the tavern. Today’s itinerary leaves time in the afternoon to explore Woodstock. Visit Billings Farm and Museum, the Rockefeller Mansion or the many fine shops and galleries in town. Tonight, walk to one of Woodstock’s excellent restaurants to enjoy dinner on your own. Biking Mileage: ~ 24 Day 5
Bike a remarkably diverse route encompassing historic towns, vibrant country stores, manicured horse farms, handsome brick mansions and pristine lakes. Pedal beneath a colorful foliage canopy alongside gurgling streams and tranquil bogs. Watch for moose prints and maybe spot one of these big creatures that manage to hide surprisingly well by standing stock-still. Enjoy long-range views on fun downhills then climb to the village of Plymouth Notch, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch under the maples, then explore the village and the Calvin Coolidge Homestead, a place largely unchanged from Coolidge's boyhood days. View the place where Coolidge was sworn in by his father as the 30th US president. Sample the artisan cheese at the Plymouth Cheese Factory, one of the country's oldest cheesemaking operations. After, coast down the hill to the Long Trail Brewery to sample some of the award-winning beers at this Vermont craft brewer. Return to the inn and relax before a superb dinner at the Woodstock Inn. Biking Mileage: ~ 36 or 45Day 6
After breakfast, take a hike on scenic trails to a hilltop with panoramic views of Woodstock, the meandering Ottaquechee River and a patchwork of green or golden fields. The summit views are quite spectacular. Walk down, through the covered bridge, and back to town to complete a remarkable six-day journey discovering some of the very best that Vermont has to offer. For the full tour details including and arrival and departure information, please contact us. Our Gallery
Hotel Vermont, Burlington, VT - 1 Night This luxury boutique hotel is located in the heart of Burlington, steps to shops, restaurants and to the waterfront. Walk to the pedestrian only Church Street Marketplace and to ECHO, an innovative science and nature center on the lake. The hotel’s spaces are an elegant combination of rustic and modern and feature the fine craftsmanship and artistry of talented Vermonters. Condé Nast Traveler ranked the hotel 4th “Top Hotel in New England” in 2017 and 4th “Best New Hotel in the World’ in 2014.
The Pitcher Inn, Warren, VT - 1 Night (Summer Departures) The Pitcher Inn, a Relais & Chateaux property, offers hotel luxury in an intimate setting. Beautifully appointed rooms are uniquely themed and feature jetted soaking tubs, French linens and natural bath products. You may wish to indulge in an in-room massage. Fine dining in warm and gracious rooms feature inspired and sophistical farm-to-table menus by a talented chef. Wine Spectator honored The Pitcher Inn with its "Best Award of Excellence" for their excellent wine cellar. After dinner, retire to the game room for a bit of pool or shuffleboard.
Mad River Barn, Waitsfield, VT - 1 Night (Fall Departure) In the heart of the beautiful Mad River Valley, this farmhouse chic inn provides a welcoming respite with delightfully decorated rooms that say “Vermont!” Two dining areas offer expertly prepared farm-fresh foods. Additional amenities include a pub with a floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace, comfortable sitting areas, a large game room and an outdoor firepit. The inn is set amidst lush gardens, wide lawns and woodland paths. Enjoy cocktails on the deck overlooking the gardens and the beautiful post and beam barn.
Norwich Inn, Norwich, VT - 1 Night This Vermont country inn has been welcoming weary travelers since 1797. Great Freedom Adventures guests stay in spacious and beautifully appointed new rooms featuring gas fireplaces. Inn amenities include an alehouse, dining room, a wine cellar housing one of Vermont's largest selections of wines, a microbrewery and a fitness center.
Woodstock Inn & Resort, Woodstock, VT - 2 Nights The Woodstock Inn epitomizes New England country elegance. A Conde Nast Traveler Gold Club member, the stately inn and beautiful grounds are ideally located adjacent to the town green, in the heart of Woodstock village. Beautiful sitting spaces and fine dining rooms are enhanced by excellent service. Luxurious rooms feature furnishings handmade by talented local artisans. Additional resort amenities include a tavern, game room, pool, spa, gift shop and afternoon tea & cookies. In addition, GFA guests may use the Athletic Club (indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, racquet sports, etc.) and participate in classes.2020 Dates
July 12-17 | October 4-9
2020 Prices
July: $2,745, per person based on double occupancy. Single Supplement: $795 October: $2,975 per person, based on double occupancy. Single Supplement: $890.
Trip Length
6 days, 5 nights
Start/Finish
Burlington, VT/Woodstock, VT
Cycling Level
Moderate (Moderate-Challenging with longer mileage options)
Daily Mileage
17-39 (Longer Options: 17-62)
Terrain
Some short and long hills each day. Flatter stretches along the rivers and in the valleys. Predominately paved roads with some sections of dirt road and bike paths.
Bikes: You may bring your own bike or use one of ours. GFA bikes are high quality, lightweight, available with either drop or straight handlebars and are equipped with computer, mirror, waterbottle, handlebar bag, map case and seat pack with essentials. Electric Assist Bikes (E-Bikes) are available at an additional charge. What's Included:
- 6 days of bicycling and hiking
- Free bicycle and helmet rental (Additional charge for E-Bike)
- 5 nights lodging
- 5 breakfasts
- 4 dinners
- 2 lunches
- Admission to
- Billings Farm and Museum
- Calvin Coolidge State Park and Coolidge Homestead
- Brewery visit
- Cheese factory visit
- 2 dedicated guides
- Van support
- Luggage transport
- Daily maps and cue sheets
- Daily snacks and cold drinks
- Tax and gratuities for meals and side excursions
- High-quality bike jersey
- Use of featherweight, high visibility, reflective mesh vest
- Waterbottle
