Postcards From Vermont

From winding roads in deep valleys and idyllic country homesteads, there's no better place to experience a slice of classic New England life than in Vermont. Overnight in Boston, one of America's oldest cities, before heading north to Vermont – a microcosm of New England at its finest.

Start your morning with a scenic drive to Vermont, making your way past rolling hills, verdant mountains, and flowing waterways. Quaint villages, old-fashioned steeples, local boutiques, and country farms with iconic red barns are the quintessential staples of the Green Mountain State. See the mile-long Quechee Gorge before heading to Woodstock. Admire the iconic covered bridge, a perfect pairing to the restored Georgian houses lining the central square. Spend some free time exploring on your own. Next, we head to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Explore the forest canopy walk and the numerous raptor enclosures and avian exhibits at this environmental nonprofit before continuing on to Montpelier, your home for the next two nights. Montpelier is the smallest state capitol in the United States with a population of just 8,000 people. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your travel companions. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Step into history at the Shelburne Museum* with a local guide, then discover its historic buildings, gardens, and galleries on your own. Spread out over 39 buildings, the inimitable museum not only pays homage to New England architecture but also houses a world-renowned collection of art and whimsical Americana including the steamboat Ticonderoga. After a short drive, arrive in artsy, eclectic Burlington for lunch and free time to explore Church Street Marketplace, an outdoor pedestrian mall featuring locally owned shops and eateries. Later, enjoy the mountain vistas during a scenic, narrated cruise on Lake Champlain. Today breakfast will be included.

*The Shelburne Museum closes for the season in mid-October and will not be included on dates that fall on or after October 15th.

This morning, visit an 8th generation, family-owned maple syrup farm and learn all about the maple sugaring process. Enjoy a sugarhouse tour and tasting, and perhaps even treat yourself to a uniquely Vermont treat—a maple creemee. Stop at the Lareau Farm Inn, home to the original American Flatbread Company; for lunch you'll enjoy a taste of their famous pizza featuring ingredients from nearby farms, and wash it down with a local Vermont brew. Then, head south on Route 100, where tree-lined mountains and gently rolling hills create one of the most scenic routes in New England. Settle in Ludlow and take in the striking landscape of your home for the next two nights. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner will be included.

Make your way to Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home and the former residence of Robert Todd Lincoln, past Chairman of the Pullman Company and son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. Discover the 412-acre estate on your own, taking in the impressive home, winding gardens, and the vintage Pullman car. Enjoy leisure time in Manchester and take advantage of the town's popular outlet stores and boutique shops. Get a taste of a Vermont icon when you stop in at the Vermont Country Store, a general store from yesteryear owned and operated by 7th and 8th generation Vermonters. Today breakfast will be included.

Today, travel from Ludlow back to Boston with a stop for lunch and free time to explore in Keene, NH. Nestled in the Connecticut River Valley, Keene is a charming little college town with many restaurants, breweries, and a thriving little downtown shopping district. Next, head to Concord, MA where it's your choice! Head out on a bus tour of Lexington and Concord and see the historic town centers and battlefields where the American Revolution began -OR- join a local guide on a walking tour of historic Concord and learn about the town's revolutionary and literary history (Concord was once home to Louisa May Alcott, Emerson, Hawthorne, and Thoreau) on historic Main Street and sites like the Wright Tavern, Monument Square, Old Hill Burial Ground, and more. Afterwards, wish the state of Vermont goodbye as you join your travel companions for a farewell dinner. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Your tour of the Green Mountain State draws to a close. Today breakfast will be included.