THIS
IS
VERMONT
Vermont Highlights
New England Charm
Farm to Table Cuisine
Nature in Four Seasons
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Active Adventures
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Vermont Craft
Brewers
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Burlington & Lake Champlain
Artisans & Traditional Crafts
Walking & Hiking Trails
VERMONT
The beautifully scenic Northeast Kingdom of Vermont— an area that National Geographic selected as part of their geo-tourism program for sustainable destinations — acts as the home base for our CTC Vermont Tour. With its natural beauty and quaint villages & townships, it offers a tranquil and interesting setting to reconnect with nature and each other.
We design this trip to delightfully highlight and support the arts, open-mindedness, and sustainable practices of Vermont local businesses, to get out in nature and move our bodies, to laugh, tell stories, connect, to encourage, and accept the wonderfully peculiar oddities of our unique selves.
So, grab your coziest flannels, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to forge connections with like-minded travelers on a socially-conscious tour at the height of Vermont’s most beautiful season!
About VERMONT
The Green Mountain State will be recognizable to every American, but only a seasoned locals will recognize our favorites!
We introduce travelers to Vermont through the lens of visiting a selection of our favorite locally owned businesses, these are the places that speak to the culture of this stunning, rural Northeastern state. From farms, to breweries, to cooking classes and hiking trails, the true character of Vermont comes through with each day.
Our design process allows space to curate a complete experience, chock full of those gems travelers all too easily miss; like a local trivia night at a pizza pub, the bliss of a lakeside picnic lunch surrounded by fall foliage, cycling through a cornfield, digging in to charcuterie boards (Vermont cheese obviously) as the sun sets sailing on Lake Champlain or a glass blowing demonstration hidden below a luxury boutique. Stay in cozy cabins overlooking Caspian Lake, and for quintessential New England charm, a historic bed and breakfast in Burlington. All while forging connection with your fellow travelers!
VERMONT DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Vermont is truly special.
At Conscious Travel Collective, every trip we design is completely personalized just for you! But we know it's nice to have a starting place for what to imagine - with that in mind we created a sample itinerary that blends perfect day trips, nature, relaxation, adventure, tons of amazing food, breweries, farms, a bit of hiking, incredible accommodations and our favorite ingredient - amazing locals who will share their perspective on what it’s like to call the Green State home and are delighted to welcome you there!
We’ve designed an 8-day, nearly all-inclusive package, chock full of those gems travelers all too easily miss; like a local trivia night at a pizza pub, the bliss of a lakeside picnic lunch surrounded by fall foliage, cycling through a cornfield, digging in to charcuterie boards (Vermont cheese obviously) as the sun sets sailing on Lake Champlain or a glass blowing demonstration hidden below a luxury boutique. Your home for the week is the coziest of cabins overlooking Caspian Lake, and for quintessential New England charm, a historic bed and breakfast in Burlington.
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Connect with a Conscious Travel Collective travel curator today and make your Vermont dreams reality!
As an example, the trip below is designed for a private group of 8 travelers and includes a private local trip leader, private transportation, entry fees, most meals, gratuity and luxury accommodations - 8 days/ 7 nights starting at $4300 per person.
Day One - Burlington
Burlington offers us a cozy lakeside place to rendezvous as we kick off our Vermont adventure. Check into your room and meet the group and your trip leader for our CTC Welcome Dinner, (and sip some frosty Vermont beers too!)
Meals Included: Dinner
Day Two - Greensboro
Fuel up with a group breakfast at the hotel before we head off to take on the Northeast Kingdom.
We’ll be drawing inspiration from “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” (minus the maintenance! 😉) with a motor-boosted bike tour through cornfields, quaint towns, and countryside along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. What better way to begin a Vermont tour, am I right?
Stop for lunch in any of the three towns along the way or join your guide at Lost Nation Brewery for some BBQ and beers.
We’ll hang up our helmets, then it’s off to meet up with our friends, Innkeepers Elsa and Chad at the Highland Lodge, our new home-for-now.
Settle into your room or cabin, find your favorite rocking chair or grab a frosty beverage at the bar. Gotta keep your competitive edge though because dinner tonight is earned.
We’re heading to Parker’s Pies to take on the locals (and lots of mouth-watering pizza pies) in a friendly game of trivia.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day Three - Woodstock
Bet you’re hungry after all that biking yesterday! The lodge has prepared a delicious breaky for you so dig in, and get stoked, because today you’re heading to the prettiest town in America, Woodstock!
But first— a tour of the completely mesmerizing river-powered Simon Pearce studio for a demonstration of the art of glassblowing.
And what Vermont tour would be complete without stopping at the farm to sample the cheddar cheeses and maple syrups the Green Mountain State is famous for?
Once in the village of Woodstock, the afternoon is yours to explore— trek up Mt. Tom for some photo ops of the village, check out the Billings Museum and Farm, or enjoy a light lunch as you meander the charming streets. The choice is yours.
We’ll link back up and stop for a group dinner on the way back to Greensboro.
Meals Included: Breakfast, *tastings, Dinner
Day Four - Stowe
We’ll start the day with breakfast. Then, we’ll take an easy nature walk from the many trails surrounding the Lodge grounds and enjoy the crisp fall air before we head to nearby Stowe!
Today bask in the warm welcome and down-earth-hospitality of Stowe where you’ll enjoy a round of “Choose your own adventure!”
Our favorites? Glad you asked!
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How about a 2-hour canoe trip?
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Walk along Stowe’s beautiful recreational path or whimsical corn maze
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Treat yourself to a spa day 💆 at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort?
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Ready for some indoor fun? Stowebowl is your answer! The possibilities are endless and Stowe has tons to offer.
We’ll hop (see what we did there?) over to the Alchemist Brewery for a tour and tasting of their edgy IPAs before returning to the comforts of Lake Caspian in Greensboro.
Meals Included: Breakfast, *Tasting, Dinner
Day Five - Norwich and Montpelier
Today is allll about the cuisine.
We leave behind our hiking boots and put on our aprons for a hands-on lesson in baking from the kings of comfort foods— the King Arthur Baking Company. We’re talkin’ cinnamon rolls, pies, cookies, dinner rolls— is your mouth watering yet?
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The lessons continue after a short trip to Montpelier for a tour (and cocktail making class!) of Caledonia Spirits, where you’ll get to learn about their delicious gins and vodkas and the sustainable methods of production, all paired nicely with another tasty meal.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, *Cocktail, Dinner
Day Six - Lake Wiloughby
Last night was about indulging in spirits, today we get grounded in nature with a relaxing day on the shores of gorgeous Lake Willoughby. Spend your morning on the Lake canoeing & paddleboarding, or hike up the Mount Pisgah Trail for some straight-from-a-painting vistas. There’s no shortage of tranquil spots to enjoy a picnic lunch and listen to the sounds of nature.
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Today was about local nature, tonight is a celebration of local favorite hangs!
First stop - Hill Farmstead Brewery for a tour and craft beer tasting in the golden hour light.
Round off the evening with dinner and drinks followed by storytelling and s’mores at the firepit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, *Tastings, Dinner
Day Seven - Burlington
Today we’ll say goodbye to Elsa, Chad, and the Highland Lodge and make our way to Burlington.
We’ll pop in to the Shelburne Museum to appreciate American culture through art (and maybe ignite your own creativity).
Next, we’ll spend the afternoon hours sailing over the expansive Lake Champlain and snacking on local favorites - could there be a nicer way to share our final afternoon in Vermont?
Then it’s back to the Inn to freshen up and re-group for our final dinner together.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Photo: Whistling Man Schooner Co
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Day Eight
Wake up in the lap of luxury, with fresh ground coffee and a wholesome breakfast served to you. We’ll swap emails and IG handles over coffee and breakfast before parting ways at the Burlington Airport.
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If you would like to add additional nights to your stay in Burlington please let us know, we would be happy to make these arrangements for you.
Meals included: Breakfast
What's Included
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8 days/ 7 nights
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Locally-owned boutique hotels
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100% Fully guided tour, with a licensed, English-speaking guide
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All transportation listed above
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All entrance fees
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Most meals
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All gratuities (guides, drivers, hotels, meals listed in itinerary
What's Not Included
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Train or Airfare to/from Burlington
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Meals not listed
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Personal expenses/purchases
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Airport/ Train station transfers
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Mandatory Travel insurance
WHERE YOU'LL BE SLEEPING
Highland Lodge & Hotel Vermont
You’ll be setting up camp at the Highland Lodge, a special place in the heart of the “real Vermont”. The cozy cabins and quaint rooms let you know you’re in New England! With over 100 acres of trail —a focus on environmental sustainability— all at the edge of Caspian Lake, you’ll see right away why we love it here!
Back in Burlington, you’ll rest your head at Hotel Vermont, locally owned and operated, with features like a gym, restaurant, and pet friendly guest rooms make this a perfect home-away-from home! Sustainability is one of their core values. As an independent, LEED-certified, that cares deeply for their community, you'll notice many local products from coffee, to hand creams throughout your stay.
Breakfast
Ideas
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
When should I arrive in Burlington?
We suggest arriving in the morning or afternoon to have a little time to rest and settle in after your travel day. But don't worry, we will design with your schedule in mind.
My flight gets in the day before the rest of my group, can I stay at the hotel an extra night?
Please send an email to hello@conscioustravelcollective.com and we will check on that for you!
What is the nearest airport?
The Burlington airport is a great place to arrive, you can also look into train travel if you will be coming from the Northeastern USA region.
How many travelers should be in our group?
We recommend private travel groups from 4 to 16 people to keep it cozy, in true Vermont style!