Itinerary

Day 1 of BIKE TOUR Start from Bristol, Vermont OR Fly into Burlington/Transfer to North Hero

The tour begins and ends at VBT Headquarters in Bristol, Vermont. From Bristol, we will shuttle to our first inn, North Hero House. Please plan to arrive between 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on the first day of the tour and have lunch before departing from VBT. The shuttle to North Hero leaves promptly at 12:30 p.m. (travel time approximately 1¼ hour). If you arrive after this time, you will need to make your own arrangements to get to the inn.

If you are flying to Vermont, Morf Transit, Inc./Benway's Taxi will make one complimentary transfer for VBT guests from the Burlington International Airport departing at 1:15 pm. Look for the representative holding a VBT sign outside of the baggage claim area for your transfer. If your flight arrives after this time, you will need to arrange your own transportation to North Hero House at your expense. Please call one of the following taxi companies: Benway's Taxi (telephone 800-696-7433), Jessica's Vital Transit (telephone 802-349-8833), or Middlebury Transit (telephone 800-388-1002). Travel time from the Burlington airport is approximately 60 minutes.

Please contact VBT at least 10 days prior to your tour start during regular business hours (Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., ET) at 800-245-3868 to inform us if you will be taking the shuttle from VBT with the leaders or if you will be taking advantage of the complimentary shuttle.

At North Hero House, settle in and relax until 3:30 p.m., when your VBT Trip Leaders fit you to your bike and offer a brief cycling-skills clinic, followed by a short warm-up ride. Enjoy dinner at the inn at 7:00 p.m.

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Cycle Isle La Motte and North Hero Island

This morning we cycle northward along the lake, crossing over a bridge causeway to Isle La Motte, on of the Champlain Islands. Ride quiet back roads on Isle La Motte, stopping to visit the historic St. Anne's Shrine and Fisk Quarry. The Shrine has lovely views of Lake Champlain, information on local history, short walking trails and inherent serenity. Spend some time taking in the natural and historical sights, some of which date to Samuel de Champlain's 1666 discovery of the area. After a picnic lunch, join our guided kayaking excursion, or you may choose to continue cycling south along the beautiful shoreline or relax before dinner at the inn.

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR South Hero/Bike Path to Burlington

After cycling along the Grand Isle shore, reach South Hero, the largest of the Champlain Islands. Lake views with gentle terrain and some unpaved roads make for pleasant cycling. We will board a bicycle ferry operated by Local Motion and cross “the cut” to the Burlington Bike Path. After a picnic lunch, continue cycling to Burlington and our lodging for the night.

After settling in, explore Church Street Marketplace before enjoying dinner on your own in one of the excellent restaurants within walking distance of the inn.

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Explore Shelburne/Cycle along Lake Champlain/Shuttle to East Middlebury

After breakfast start cycling to the Shelburne Museum for an included visit. Shelburne Museum has a fine collection of more than 150,000 works in a remarkable setting of 39 exhibition buildings. Or continue to Shelburne Farms with its beautiful grounds and interesting architecture. If this mileage isn't enough, enjoy an additional ride along the shores of Lake Champlain. Scan the waves and try to catch a glimpse of “Champ,” the legendary lake creature that some say is related to the Loch Ness Monster! Meet back at the Shelburne Museum parking lot at 4 p.m. for the shuttle (approximately 45 minutes) to East Middlebury. Relax or take a stroll before dinner at the Waybury Inn.

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Explore Middlebury

During your ride this morning take time and stop to see the magnificent animals at the famous UVM Morgan Horse Farm, dedicated to the preservation of the Morgan breed with a long Vermont heritage. Then, ride into Middlebury, a charming college town that borders the Green Mountain National Forest. Settled around the time of the Revolutionary War, Middlebury is the home of prestigious Middlebury College, and the quintessential picture of a charming old New England town, with its white steeples, beautiful natural surroundings and vibrant downtown area. It was here that John Deere, inventor of the world's first steel moldboard plow, served as an apprentice in a blacksmith's shop from 1821 to 1825. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Visit Danforth Pewter, a workshop and store owned and operated by a fifth-generation pewtersmith; view the exhibits at the Middlebury College Art Museum, where you can discover thousands of objects ranging from antiquities to contemporary art; browse the many quaint shops downtown; or find your own adventure. Finish the day with a scenic ride back to East Middlebury to dine at the inn's fine restaurant.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Cycle north to Lincoln and Bristol/Depart for home

This morning, relax while you eat breakfast at the Inn. Your last day of cycling takes you through some classic farmland. Ride peaceful back roads along the Hogback Ridge, a major foothill of the Green Mountains, and north to Bristol. Visit the quaint shops in Bristol and Lincoln, and stop to swim in the New Haven River. After lunch on your own, cycle to VBT Active Vacations Worldwide Headquarters. VBT has made arrangements with Bristol Fitness for shower facilities to be available from 12 p.m.-2 p.m.

A shuttle will be provided from VBT Headquarters to the Burlington International Airport departing at 2 p.m. If you need to get to the airport prior to that time, your leaders can assist you with making reservations at your own expense with a local taxi service. Guests who drove to the start of the tour may depart at their leisure.

Vermont: Champlain Valley & Islands 2010

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

There are no extensions available for this tour.

Accommodations

North Hero House

Located directly on Lake Champlain, this 1891 inn features antique furnishings with modern conveniences, as well as elegant dining in its 3-diamond restaurant.

Lang House

Relax in this beautifully restored 1881 Victorian style mansion, complete with period furnishings, dramatic woodwork and impressive 19th century architectural detail.

Waybury Inn

Registered with the National Register of Historic Places, the Waybury Inn was used in the filming of The Newhart Show and was a favorite dinner spot for Robert Frost. For more than 180 years, the Waybury Inn has welcomed guests for dinner and overnight stay. The Inn’s restaurant serves fresh, innovative New England cuisine and Vermont-raised products.

Rating Level

Easy

This tour offers easy terrain throughout the trip and is ideal for beginning cyclists.