Classic Walks in Vermont

Classic Walks in Vermont

7 Days Starting and ending in Burlington

Visiting: Burlington, Mad Mouse, Waitsfield, Lincoln Gap

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

W06VM

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Leisurely

Age range:

to 99

Interests:

Cultural, Photography

Activities:

Fishing, Hiking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

True to its namesake, Vermont is proudly known as the Green Mountain State. With a passion for nature and its great heritage, Vermont is famous for its spectacular fall foliage, renowned maple syrup, acclaimed breweries, and exceptional hiking trails. Vermonters have a long tradition of respect for their land amid a backdrop of mountains whose ridgeline follows the 'Long Trail', the nation's first through-hiking long-distance trail. Your walking trip takes you through the famed Green Mountains, which are primarily forested though offer breath-taking scenery from the well-maintained trails. Take a riverside stroll through historic villages, walk through forest and open hillsides past maple-sugaring areas, and to classic Vermont covered bridges. You'll spot a variety of birds and other wildlife as you hike a section of the famous 'Long Trail' which stretches nearly 300 miles from Massachusetts to Canada. Please note: some sections of this walk require scrambling over exposed granite to reach the summit of Mt. Abraham. This is a challenging walk which isn't possible to complete in bad weather; in this case, take a day to relax at your inn or explore the local village along shorter paths. You'll stay in fantastic, traditional inns, full of New England charm and warm hospitality. Many are historical houses, surrounded by farmland or gardens and tranquil ponds, serving hearty country breakfasts. Add extra nights in Burlington, a small yet diverse lakefront city surrounded by scenic beauty, arts, and culture. Lake Champlain acts as the city's centrepiece where you can hop on a boat tour, go fishing, cycle along the shore's bike path, or simply enjoy the views from the marina. Don't forget to sample the famous Ben & Jerry's ice cream which originated in Burlington in 1978!

Highlights

  • — Immerse yourself in the quintessential New England charm of small-town America — Journey through the famous Green Mountains and along the renowned 'Long Trail' — A unique adventure to idyllic farms, historic villages, and classic Vermont covered bridges — Explore the vibrant and artistic city of Burlington, perched on the shores of Lake Champlain

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Burlington

Location: Burlington

Meals Included: breakfast

After arriving in Burlington, take a local taxi to the beautiful Essex Culinary Resort & Spa (approx. 20mins). Once you’ve settled in, take advantage of the in-house spa or even one of their popular cooking classes. Enjoy your evening meal at one of the hotels two restaurants – The Tavern, a local take on pub fare or The Junction, a luxurious yet laid-back restaurant.
Overnight The Essex Culinary Resort & Spa, Burlington.

Day 2 : Transfer From Burlington To Waterbury & Short Riverside Walk

Location: Burlington

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch

Enjoy a leisurely morning or explore some of Burlington before transferring to your next accommodation in Waterbury (approx. 30mins).
Take a gentle riverside walk which loops through the historic village of Waterbury, enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. There are several restaurants and taverns just a short walk from your accommodation to choose from for your evening meal.
Overnight Old Stagecoach Inn, Waterbury.

Day 3 : Entering The Mad Valley

Location: Mad Mouse

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch

Begin with a short transfer to the starting point of your walk where you’ll walk from the lovely hills of South Duxbury, along farm roads and seldom-used trails. Descend into Fayston through forest and open hillsides where you’ll see evidence of maple-sugaring and pass a swimming pond – a great place to stop for lunch. Continue along hilly country roads before reaching the peaceful Yellow Farmhouse Inn on the outskirts of Waitsfield.
Overnight Yellow Farmhouse Inn, Waitsfield.

Day 4 : Valley Views & Green Mountains

Location: Mad Mouse

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch

Leave your inn and head directly for the historic village of Waitsfield where you’ll find an abundance of shops, a local food tasting store, a classic Vermont covered bridge, a brewery, and riverside park if you want to stop for a swim. As you leave the village walking up the side of the valley, you’ll be rewarded with excellent views of the Green Mountains. Make your way back down to the valley floor and proceed to Hyde Away Inn.
Overnight Hyde Away Inn, Mad River Valley.

Day 5 : Over The Brook & Through The Woods

Location: Waitsfield

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch

Start your walk with a gradual ascent into the wooded hills separating the towns of Waitsfield and Warren after crossing a wooden footbridge over the Mill Brook. You’ll journey along quiet, shaded paths that are home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. After emerging from the forest, it’s a short road walk in the shadow of the mountains before arriving at your next inn where you’ll spend two nights.
Overnight West Hill House, Warren.

Day 6 : Lincoln Gap To Warren Via Mt. Abraham

Location: Lincoln Gap

Meals Included: breakfast, lunch

A short transfer will take you up the Lincoln Gap where you’ll hike a section of Vermont’s famous long trail which stretches nearly 300 miles from Massachusetts to Canada. Pre-dating the Appalachian Trail, this is one of the oldest long-distance hiking trails in the US, and one of the most challenging. Some sections require scrambling over exposed granite where you’ll emerge above the treeline and reach the summit of Mt. Abraham, offering 360 views as far as New Hampshire’s White Mountains and the expansive Lake Champlain. Descend via Mt. Lincoln and the top of Sugarbush ski resort before returning to your accommodation.
Please note, this walk is challenging, and therefore optional – it may also be difficult to complete in bad weather. You may choose to relax in the comfort of your accommodation or enjoy exploring the village.
Overnight West Hill House, Warren.

Day 7 : Depart For Home

Location: Burlington

Meals Included: breakfast

After a lovely breakfast at your inn, you’ll be transferred back to Burlington airport for your flight home or to enjoy extra nights in this lovely city.

What's Included

What's Not Included

Food

Accommodation

Situated on 18 acres of Vermont countryside, this culinary centred resort offers each guest an exceptional stay in comfortable rooms. Dine at one of their two onsite restaurants - The Tavern, a local take on pub fare or The Junction, a luxurious yet laid-back restaurant. You can even book a cooking class, taught by culinary experts behind their Junction Restaurant. When you’re not enjoying the food, relax at the spa with an outdoor and indoor pool, hot tub and gym.

Check out our Q&As

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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