VERMONT 2014 Explorer Family | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS The rolling countryside, small town charm, wide range of outdoor activities and friendly people make the Green Mountain State a fantastic location for your next family getaway. Enjoy a week-long adventure that includes great riding from the Champlain Valley to the Green Mountains, hiking that the kids will love, hearty traditional food, and a host of other fun activites sure to engage both the young and the young at heart! Summer is a special time in New England, made for swimming holes, sweet treats, and long relaxing family days under a wide blue sky. Join us for an adventure to discover the magic of this wonderful place and time. C A N A D A VERMONT New York Burlington Burlington Stowe New Hampshire Middlebury • Kids will love everything about this trip: touring a horse Massachusettes farm; visiting lakes and swimming holes; enjoying a kidsonly night out with the guides; and touring the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory. • Ride through the Champlain Valley around Middlebury with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. • Splash your way through a float trip down the scenic Lamoille River. • Explore the historic villages of Middlebury and Stowe, famous for skiing and filled with wonderful galleries and shops. • Quiet villages and a slower pace of life will leave you with the sense that time really can stand still. Welcome to Vermont! Rebecca Falls Ver mont Tr ip Expert T REK TR AVEL C YCLING VACAT ION S OF A L I F E T I M E 613 Williamson St., Ste. 207 Madison, WI 53703 USA 866.464.8735 | trektravel.com | sales@trektravel.com TABLE OF CONTENTS: Welcome & Map Itinerary Trip Accommodations Arriving & Departing Before & After Recommendations What’s Included Essential Travel Guide Page 1 v v v v v v v ITINERARY Vermont 2014 | Explorer Family | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS DAY 1: Basic Option: Weybridge Loop Approximately 24 miles with 1,400 feet of climbing Short Option: UVM Morgan Horse Farm to Route 66 Approximately 7 miles with 400 feet of climbing Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Hotel Vermont (41 Cherry Street, Burlington,Vermont 05401) at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip.Your Vermont family adventure begins after a scenic onehour private shuttle to the town of Middlebury, nestled between the foothills of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. Here you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch from a local deli on the banks of Otter Creek and maybe some frisbee with the kids. After lunch your guides will familiarize you with your Trek bikes and ensure you a comfortable fit before today’s ride. A short 3-mile ride (or shuttle, for the kids) takes you to today’s main event pit stop: the scenic University of Vermont Morgan Horse Farm. Take the informative tour through the stables and witness these amazing creatures up close, including the many foals typically born in May. The younger set will join the group on their bikes here. Back at the hotel settle in and freshen up before an entertaining round of introductions hosted by your guides and dinner at a local restaurant where you’ll learn about all the fun in store for your family in the days ahead. Hotel | Middlebury Inn | www.MiddleburyInn.com Personal Cycling Gear: On your trip Trek Travel provides a helmet, flat or caged pedals & a Bontrager saddle. Beyond what is provided on your trip, you are welcome to bring your own gear: a helmet, seat, pedals, shoes, etc. Just label and pack it in a separate, easily accessible bag. DAY 2: Basic Option: Salisbury Loop Approximately 36 miles with 1,100 feet of climbing Short Option: Leicester to Lake Dunmore Approximately 7 miles with 300 feet of climbing Avid Option: Salisbury Loop with Middlebury Gap Approximately 54 miles with 2,700 feet of climbing Today is a real summer dream—biking, swimming and hiking, with a waterfall thrown in for good measure. Spend your morning pedaling with the kids through quiet rolling farmland and the rural communities of Farmingdale and Salisbury, which date to the late 1700s. Family photo ops abound with sweeping mountain views to the east and mighty Lake Champlain to the west. Take a refreshing dip in Lake Dunmore before a delicious family picnic lunch right on its shores. After lunch, shift gears with a hike to the thundering Falls of Lana and Silver Lake, complete with genuine Vermont swimming holes! Alternatively shuttle back to the hotel and discover the art galleries, antique shops and Marble Works district of Middlebury. For those up for the challenge, there’s also the opportunity to ride to Middlebury Gap—a tough but rewarding climb with an equally rewarding descent. Tonight adults enjoy dinner on their own in town while the guides treat the kids to classic burgers at the A & W where the servers still wear roller skates! Remember also to bring spare cleats for your clipless pedals, as replacements are difficult to find during your trip. Hotel | Middlebury Inn | www.MiddleburyInn.com Social i ze w i t h u s : BOOK TODAY! To Book this Trek Travel biking trip Today, Call our trip consultants at 866.464.8735. To see more amazing trips, visit trektravel.com or contact us at sales@trektravel.com NEED MORE INFO? Page 2 ITINERARY Vermont 2014 | Explorer Family | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS DAY 3: Basic Option: Richmond to Stowe Approximately 26 miles with 1,450 feet of climbing Short Option: Richmond to North Duxbury Approximately 10 miles with 190 feet of climbing Avid Option: Richmond to Stowe with Stowe Recreation Path Approximately 36 miles with 1,800 feet of climbing A one-hour shuttle brings you to Richmond, where you will begin today’s ride. Take time to visit the Old Round Church, a well-preserved example of a traditional New England meeting house, built in 1812 for 5 local congregations. Ride quiet roads along the Winooski River until you arrive in the charming town of Waterbury, where you’ll stop for a lunch of your choice and the kids can explore the water markers from the great flood of 1927. Dessert follows in style at the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, where the motto is “Life is short. Eat dessert first!” Take the tour and sample the Flavor of the Day before climbing back into the saddle to continue north to Stowe along roads commanding sweeping views of the local countryside. Keen riders can also opt for more miles and take a spin along the Stowe Recreation Path, which winds along the beautiful West Branch River. Tonight you’ll gather for dinner at a local, family-friendly establishment that’s sure to hit the spot after a full day of fun! Rider Level Rider Type: 2 Terrain: hilly Average Daily Distance: 25 miles Hotel | Green Mountain Inn | www.GreenMountainInn.com DAY 4: Average Daily Climbing: 1,100 feet Canoe or Kayaking Trip: Lamoille River Explore Stowe This morning you’ll trade bikes for boats on a gentle 2-hour scenic trip down the Lamoille River, surrounded by awe-inspiring views of the Green Mountains. Friendly local guides lead the way, sharing history and folklore of this lush region as you wind your way downriver by canoe or kayak. Take in sights like Mount Mansfield (the highest peak in Vermont), Prospect Rock, and a historic covered bridge. Later you will shuttle back to Stowe, stopping along the way for lunch near Smuggler’s Notch. This pass separates Mount Mansfield from Spruce Peak and derives its name from the illegal trading that took place through it between the U.S. and Canada after the Embargo Act of 1807, and again during Prohibition. Once back in Stowe, the afternoon is yours to spend as you like—hang out with the kids at the Green Mountain Inn’s pool or game room, browse the local shops, take a yoga class, visit a spa, or maybe just take a slow stroll on the recreation path. Explore Stowe tonight with the kids for dinner, equipped with great recommendations from your guides. Minimum age to join this trip is 6 years of age. Kids under 9 years old and up to 80lbs must ride a pedal trailer with their parents on a hybrid. Kids over 9 years old or over 80lbs can ride their own bike if they are able to do so safely. Hotel | Green Mountain Inn | www.GreenMountainInn.com Social i ze w i t h u s : BOOK TODAY! To Book this Trek Travel biking trip Today, Call our trip consultants at 866.464.8735. To see more amazing trips, visit trektravel.com or contact us at sales@trektravel.com NEED MORE INFO? Page 3 ITINERARY Vermont 2014 | Explorer Family | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS DAY 5: Basic Option: Stagecoach Loop Approximately 20 miles with 860 feet of climbing Short Option: Stagecoach Hilltop to Morrisville Approximately 6 miles with 300 feet of climbing Avid Option: Lake Elmore Loop Approximately 29 miles with 1,450 feet of climbing Hike: Elmore Mountain Fire Tower Approximately 4 miles with 1400 feet of climbing Immerse yourself in the charm of Vermont’s quaint New England towns today. Adults start out on bikes by riding past the site of the original settlement of Stowe, which dates back to the late 1700s. Kids join the ride on Stagecoach Road to pedal through rolling farmland to the village of Morrisville. Clock a few extra miles up to crystal clear Lake Elmore where you’ll enjoy a packed lunch on its shores. Later take a dip in the lake, ride back to town, or tackle the hike to the fire tower lookout on Elmore Mountain. Until 1974 the tower was home to a ranger, whose job was to scan the surrounding area for forest fires. As you would expect, from the tower you’ll enjoy spectacular views of mountains and countryside—which definitely makes it well worth the hike! Tonight gather for cocktails and a final delicious dinner at The Whip Bar and Grill at the Green Mountain Inn to share your stories and celebrate the many fond memories of your funfilled Vermont family adventure. Hotel | Green Mountain Inn | www.GreenMountainInn.com DAY 6: Thank Your Guides, By Tipping: Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. Industry standard is 5-10% of the trip price which will be divided by your guide team. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service. Basic Option: Von Trapp Loop Approximately 14 miles with 1,350 feet of climbing Short Option: Gold Brook Bridge Loop Approximately 11 miles with 650 feet of climbing This morning’s loop offers the perfect final farewell ride to Vermont with a route through the quiet roads surrounding Stowe.You’ll ride past the Gold Brook Bridge which is one of the oldest and most storied (and allegedly haunted) covered bridges in Vermont as you soak in the New England countryside one last time. If you are up for one last challenge, ride up to the Trapp Family Lodge, a reconstructed version of the grand lodge once home to the family whose story inspired “The Sound of Music.” If you’d rather skip the ride, take the morning to sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast and enjoy a final stroll through the streets of Stowe for those last-minute souvenirs and gifts. A private Trek Travel shuttle will depart from the inn at 11:00 AM. You’ll say farewell to your guides at 12:00 PM at the Hotel Vermont and Burlington International Airport (BTV). Please do not schedule a flight out of Burlington International Airport before 2:00 PM on the last day of the trip to allow plenty of time for any unforeseen delays. Social i ze w i t h u s : BOOK TODAY! To Book this Trek Travel biking trip Today, Call our trip consultants at 866.464.8735. To see more amazing trips, visit trektravel.com or contact us at sales@trektravel.com NEED MORE INFO? Page 4 ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS Vermont 2014 | Explorer Family | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS LODGING In every region we travel, we uncover the area’s best, and most delightful accommodations. On our Vermont trip, you will stay in two beautiful inns.The first is a historic inn located on Court Square in the vibrant and interesting downtown of Middlebury and the second is a classic New England inn featured on the National Register of Historic Places and ideally located on Stowe’s Main Street. Middlebury Inn | Middlebury,VT The Middlebury Inn has been welcoming visitors since 1827 and exudes a wonderful blend of historic charm combined with the comfort of a modern hotel. An official “Green Hotel in the Green Mountain State” and a Historic Hotel of America, the Middlebury Inn takes special care to provide an experience that is true to its New England roots and its commitment to the community.You will stay in the historic Main Inn during your visit, which also features a day spa and is located within walking distance of the shops, restaurants, and all the attractions of downtown Middlebury. 12 Court Square | 802 388 4961 | www.MiddleburyInn.com Green Mountain Inn | Stowe,VT Situated in the center of the village of Stowe, the Green Mountain Inn has a rich and interesting history.The property, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been welcoming guests (including former U.S. Presidents) since the mid-1800s, when it served as a stagecoach stop, and has operated under its current name for 117 years. Over the generations, the Inn has been transformed into the beautiful property that it is today through upgrades designed to retain and blend the Inn’s historic charm and traditional feel with the very best amenities and comfortable accommodations. Trip Changes: Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience. 18 Main Street | 802 253 7302 | www.GreenMountainInn.com DINING Trek Travel scopes out unique and delicious dining locations, and we usually leave at least one meal for you to explore on your own. If you have any special dietary preferences, be sure that you have informed your Trek Travel Trip Consultant before you leave for your trip. We will do our best to accommodate your dietary requests. On our Vermont trip, meals embody the best of the region—casual and wonderful, and we make sure the younger set will have a range of familiar options to choose from. In a state that has embraced the local foods movement, menus feature fresh ingredients, locally grown vegetables,Vermont white cheddar, and pure maple syrup. Social i ze w i t h u s : BOOK TODAY! To Book this Trek Travel biking trip Today, Call our trip consultants at 866.464.8735. To see more amazing trips, visit trektravel.com or contact us at sales@trektravel.com NEED MORE INFO? Page 5 ARRIVING & DEPARTING Vermont 2014 | Explorer Family | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS HOW TO GET THERE Flights | We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays. We recommend that you fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV). From the airport, you can call or hail a taxi to take you downtown. It is approximately 4 miles from the airport to the meeting day hotel in downtown Burlington and a taxi ride should take about 10-15 minutes and cost around $15-$20. Enjoy our Travel Agent Services! MEETING TIME AND LOCATION Hotel Vermont | Burlington,Vermont Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Hotel Vermont (41 Cherry Street, Burlington,Vermont 05401) at 11:00 AM on the first day of the trip. After a scenic private shuttle of approximately one hour, your family and new traveling companions will arrive in Middlebury for lunch at a delightful local deli before embarking on the first ride of the week. Please have your first day’s cycling clothes and riding gear easily accessible and separate from your luggage. If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, Middlebury Inn (802 388 4961), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details. A taxi from Burlington to the first night’s hotel is available from Everywhere Taxi (802 238 4121) for approximately $70 plus gratuity. Call to make arrangements. For a nominal fee, our dedicated Travel Agent can reserve air travel, hotels, rental cars, train tickets and additional tours and sightseeing before or after your trip. Call Trek Travel at 866 464 8735 and choose option #2 to speak with our in house Travel Agent. DEPARTING TIME AND LOCATION Hotel Vermont and Burlington International Airport (BTV) | Burlington,Vermont You will say farewell to your guides at 12:00 PM at the Hotel Vermont and Burlington International Airport (BTV). Please do not schedule a flight out of Burlington International Airport before 2:00 PM on the last day of the trip to allow plenty of time for any unforeseen delays. Social i ze w i t h u s : BOOK TODAY! To Book this Trek Travel biking trip Today, Call our trip consultants at 866.464.8735. To see more amazing trips, visit trektravel.com or contact us at sales@trektravel.com NEED MORE INFO? Page 6 BEFORE & AFTER Vermont 2014 | Explorer Family | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS BURLINGTON Burlington is a vibrant and beautiful college town on Lake Champlain, with a great variety of leisure and outdoor adventure activities at your fingertips. Not to be missed are the shopping and dining along Church Street, Burlington’s pedestrian mall. Rent a kayak or sailboat and set out on Lake Champlain from Burlington Harbor.Visit the Shelburne Museum, one of the finest museums in New England, highlighting the history and the culture of the region, or maybe stop by the Magic Hat Brewery and sample one of their many outstanding seasonal ales. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre and post-trip hotel: Hotel Vermont | 41 Cherry Street | 802 651 0080 | www.HotelVT.com | ~$220 Hotel Vermont is a distinctive, stylish, and ideally located property which prides itself on offering “space to yourself and room to gather.” Drawing inspiration from the culture and natural beauty of Vermont, the hotel is an excellent place to refresh and relax! With free yoga classes and 2-hour bike rentals whether you want to stay in or venture forth—Hotel Vermont has it all! Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor | 25 Cherry Street | 802 864 4700 | www.Marriot. com | ~$300 The Courtyard by Marriott Burlington Harbor is conveniently located just a few short steps away from Lake Champlain, Burlington Town Center and the Church Street Marketplace. It has spacious, well-designed guest rooms, hot buffet breakfast, indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness facility, high-speed internet, flat screen HD TVs, and a business center. Last minute question? Your guides will be available 24 hours before the start of your trip.You’ll receive their mobile numbers in an e-mail one week before the trip start date. In the event you don’t receive this email, please contact our sales team: sales@trektravel.com or 866.464.8735. Hilton Burlington | 60 Battery Street | 802 658 6500 | www.Hilton.com | ~$300 The largest hotel in downtown Burlington, this elegant property is located right on the lakefront and pedestrian path. Amenities are extensive and include a workout room, swimming pool, and business facilities. Sociali ze w i t h u s : BOOK TODAY! To Book this Trek Travel biking trip Today, Call our trip consultants at 866.464.8735. To see more amazing trips, visit trektravel.com or contact us at sales@trektravel.com NEED MORE INFO? Page 7 WHAT’S INCLUDED Vermont 2014 | Explorer Family | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE Dining & Lodging • Unique accommodations during the Vermont trip • Daily breakfast, 4 lunches, social hour on some evenings, 3 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for each day’s ride Support • Dedicated Trip Consultants to answer all of your questions and aid you in choosing a vacation that suits you • Email sent to you one week prior to your trip with guide contact details, meet time & location and any final information • The knowledge, support and camaraderie of experienced guides • Daily route support, detailed route guide, highlighted map, van support • All transportation and luggage transfers during the trip Gear • The use of a Trek Domane™ 5.9 carbon road bike, or Trek Domane™ 5.9 Women’s Specific Design carbon road bike (limited selection), or Trek 7.6 FX™ hybrid bike—for the kids, the use of a FX - KDR 1000 Road Bike, MT220 Mountain Bike or MT60 Mountain Bike (visit www. trektravel.com/ridethebest.php for more details) • The use of a Garmin while on your trip • Complimentary Trek Travel merchandise • Bike computer, a map case, and stocked seat pack for use during your trip • Two Trek Travel water bottles for you to keep • Choice of multiple stem lengths, seat posts and saddles for a custom fit The Best Bikes, Period: Bike vacations are more fun when bikes ride and fit well. With the best in the industry and our knowledgeable and well trained guides our bikes always fit and ride smoothly. Enjoy $300 off a select Trek bike after you travel with us. Activities • Gratuities for all scheduled restaurants, hotels, local guides and transportation during your trip • Guided canoe or kayak trip on the Lamoille River • Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory Tour NOT INCLUDED • • • • • Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations Lodging before and after the trip Personal items purchased during the trip Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore the local cuisine at your leisure. • Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their professionalism and leadership.Industry standard is for each individual guest to tip the guide team 5-10% of the trip price. Social i ze w i t h u s : BOOK TODAY! To Book this Trek Travel biking trip Today, Call our trip consultants at 866.464.8735. To see more amazing trips, visit trektravel.com or contact us at sales@trektravel.com NEED MORE INFO? Page 8 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL GUIDE Vermont 2014 | Explorer Family | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS WHAT’S NEXT? If you are ready to book call at 866-464-8735 or fill out on our online booking form. If you already booked, there is a lot of great information below regarding getting ready for your trip and things like upgrade bikes, trip insurance and housekeeping items that you’ll want to ensure are completed on time. THE ESSENTIAL LINKS UPGRADES RIDER LEVEL Upgrade to the Trek Madone 6.5 road bike, electric assist bikes, and carbon wheels. TRIP INSURANCE Protecting your trip investment from unforeseen circumstances that might affect your trip. We have trips for every type of rider. Find the best fit with our “rider type explained” section. TT CLUB Our TT Club rewards repeat guests with trip discounts, complimentary upgrades and more! FAQS Read a lot of great information about your bike tour in our easy to navigate FAQ section. REFERRAL REWARDS Bring a friend on your Trek Travel cycling vacation and earn a $200 referral bonus each time! IN HOUSE TRAVEL AGENT CYCLING GEAR TO PACK CANCELLATION POLICY Allow us to arrange your pre and post trip hotels, air travel, trains and other activities for a nominal fee. Use this comprehensive packing list to make sure you bring just what you need for on and off the bike. Be informed rather than surprised. Trip cancellation policies differ so take a moment to look yours over. TRAINING OFF THE BIKE APPAREL Our partner,Vision Quest Training, offers custom training programs to prepare any rider for their trip. With your bike fashion covered, here are suggestions for off the bike apparel for your trip. Cancellation Policy: If you must cancel your trip more than 90 days prior to departure, there is a cancellation fee of $100; between 61 – 90 days prior to departure there is a cancellation fee of 25% of the original trip price; between 31 – 60 days prior to departure there is a cancellation fee of 50% of the original trip price; there is no refund for cancelling a trip less than 30 days prior to departure. If you choose to change your trip more than 90 days prior to departure, you may do so with no fee. From 61 – 90 days, there will be a $1,000 administrative fee. If you choose to change your trip within 60 days of the original trip start, the cancellation policy outlined above will apply. Please be aware that it is only possible to move to another trip within one year of the original trip departure date. Social i ze w i t h u s : BOOK TODAY! To Book this Trek Travel biking trip Today, Call our trip consultants at 866.464.8735. To see more amazing trips, visit trektravel.com or contact us at sales@trektravel.com NEED MORE INFO? Page 9