Country Christmas in Vermont | December 6-11

December 6

Welcome to Christmas in Vermont! This afternoon your coach will be waiting for you at the Albany, NY International Airport to whisk you off to the charming village of Manchester Vermont. The holiday season is such a special time in Vermont with its snowcapped mountains, the aroma of crackling fires across the Valley and the countryside adorned with beautiful Holiday decorations. – it’s truly a unique New England experience unlike any other! Arrive to the beautiful Taconic Hotel where you’ll receive a warm greeting by the staff. Take time to settle in and freshen up before enjoying a festive and lovely welcome to Vermont dinner. Following dinner, relax and enjoy the Inn’s amenities along with the decorative surroundings.

Overnight: Manchester, Taconic Hotel or similar                 (D)

December 7 | Weston Village Christmas Shopping, Woodstock Village, Billings Farm with Sleigh Ride

After a hearty breakfast, depart for a festive day in Vermont. Visit the village of Weston, home to the Vermont Country Store. From the cheery ring of the Storekeeper’s bell to the friendly creak of its well-worn hardwood floors, you’ll step back to a simpler time and place. Founded in 1946, this authentic country store is stocked with 1000’s of practical and hard to find goods and wares that will surely delight. Then it’s off to the quintessential New England Village of Woodstock, where you’ll have time to stroll through the village and have lunch on your own. This afternoon, visit historic Billings Farm for Christmas at the Farm and partake in their fun holiday activities, a private old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride through the beautiful farmstead (weather permitting), and a fun, hands-on activity! Return to Manchester, where the balance of the day and evening is yours to explore at leisure.

Overnight: Manchester, Taconic Hotel or similar                    (B,L)

December 8 | Hildene, Vermont Christmas Tree Farm & Village Peddler Private Chocolate Making Activity

After breakfast, depart with your local guide to explore and tour along Vermont’s beautiful countryside and charming villages. Visit the magnificent Hildene, former summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, son of Abraham Lincoln and his wife Mary Harlan Lincoln. Tour the restored 24-room Georgian Revival mansion adorned beautifully for Christmas, you will experience the time, traditions, and nostalgia of holidays past. This afternoon, visit one of Vermont’s family-owned Christmas Tree Farms for a private talk to learn how Christmas trees are grown and harvested. Finish the afternoon off with a fun-filled activity this afternoon at the Village Peddler and Chocolatorium, where the friendly staff will work with you to create a delicious Christmas treat! This evening an included dinner will be served at one of Vermont’s great restaurants.

Overnight: Taconic Hotel, Manchester                   (B,D)

December 9 | Middlebury Village, Danforth Pewter, Luncheon & Vermont Teddy Bear Factory

This morning you bid farewell to Manchester and travel north to Middlebury, Vermont’s Exchange Street District, for a visit to Danforth Pewter for craftsmen demonstrations and an opportunity to visit other galleries and shops. Enjoy a planned holiday lunch at one of Vermont’s historic inns. Continue north for a visit to the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory for a tour with one of their Bear Ambassadors, who will guide you through a fun, informative tour, viewing a small group of craftspeople creating Bears by hand, seeing their Bear Hospital, and meeting their Bear Doctor. Later you’ll check in at the Essex Resort & Spa, Essex Junction, for a festive two-night stay. Enjoy time to freshen up before gathering for a festive dinner, holiday music, and caroling

Overnight: Essex Resort & Spa, Essex Junction       (B,L,D)

December 10 | Stowe Village Shopping & A Magical Day at the famous Trapp Family Lodge!

Enjoy breakfast at the resort and set out for a fun-filled day with many surprises in store! Venture to the beautiful village of Stowe for some shopping time at Stowe Mercantile General Store and others! Then, it’s off to the historic Trapp Family Lodge for a wonderful afternoon and evening! Begin with a delicious Austrian-inspired lunch in the main lodge. After lunch, enjoy a 90-minute History Talk experience that gives insight into the truth and imagined storylines in the Sound of Music and an in-depth look at how the von Trapps escaped Austria and ended up in beautiful Stowe, Vermont. Watch a 20-minute documentary about Maria’s last trip to Salzburg. If you are lucky, you will even meet a family member and hear about their experience growing up with Maria! Later, gather for a private Christmas ornament-making activity and a private Maple Tour and tasting! This evening, enjoy an early farewell dinner at famous Trapp Bierhall!

Overnight: Essex Resort & Spa, Essex Junction           (B,L,D)

December 11 | Depart for home

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and head to Burlington Airport for your departure home filled with magical holiday memories of your Vermont Country Christmas vacation!                   (B)

      INCLUSIONS:

• Roundtrip airfare to Albany or Burlington airport
• Four days luxury motor coach transportation
• Five night’s hotel accommodations
• Five full American breakfasts, One Luncheon, Four dinners
• Chocolatorium – Chocolate Christmas Ornament making
• Christmas Ornament making at the von Trapp Family Lodge
• Von Trap Family history tour, the “real Maria” film & a private visit with one of the von Trapp family members
• Sleigh Ride/Wagon Ride with hot Cocoa
• Maple Farm visit with tasting
• Cabot Creamery Annex visiting with sampling
• Visits to Hildene, Vermont Country Store, a Christmas Tree
• Farm, Woodstock Village, Middlebury Village, Stowe Village for shopping, Danforth Pewter, Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
• Hotel taxes; meal taxes and gratuities
• Porterage of one bag per peron (excludes airline baggage fees)
• All resort, service, and government fees

• All gratuities for drivers & step-on guides