Scenic New England: From the Berkshires to Vermont

Sunday, July 18

Travel to Massachusetts with meal (on own) and comfort stops en route.
A warm welcome awaits you at the Norman Rockwell Museum - the home for American illustration inspired by Norman Rockwell's legacy. Marvel at Rockwell's full-size original paintings, view all 323 of his 'The Saturday Evening Post' covers, and be enchanted by special exhibitions that highlight the artistry of leading illustrators, then and now. There's always something new to discover: 10 galleries, engaging programs, and a scenic 36-acre campus.
Element by Marriott Lenox Berkshires is a contemporary hotel located in the heart of the Berkshire region of Western Massachusetts, offering a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the area's scenic landscapes, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation. Surrounded by the natural beauty and charm of the Berkshires, it provides modern accommodations for travelers seeking both relaxation and easy access to the region's renowned arts, dining, and seasonal activities.
Dinner will be included tonight nearby.

Monday, July 19

Breakfast is included at your hotel.
Morning: Meet your local guide for a full day of Berkshire touring from iconic sites to amazing landscapes. A visit to The Mount, Edith Wharton's estate in Lenox, Massachusetts, offers a glimpse into the life and vision of one of America's greatest authors through its elegant mansion, beautifully designed gardens, and scenic Berkshire setting. Touring the estate reveals both the grandeur of the Gilded Age and Wharton's lasting influence on literature, architecture, and landscape design.
Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch surrounded by the vibrant beauty of the Berkshire Botanical Garden, where colorful blooms, lush greenery, and peaceful garden vistas create the perfect outdoor escape.
Afternoon: Experience the beauty of the Berkshire Botanical Garden on a vibrant tour through stunning seasonal blooms, enchanting garden landscapes, and hidden horticultural gems nestled in plant collections, colorful displays, and inspiring stories that bring the garden's rich natural beauty to life.
Step back in time on a fascinating 75-minute guided tour of Hancock Shaker Village, where beautifully preserved historic buildings, engaging exhibits, and knowledgeable interpreters bring the Shaker way of life to life. Explore the community's remarkable legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and simplicity as you stroll through the scenic village grounds, visit iconic round stone barns, and discover stories of the people who once lived and worked in this thriving Shaker settlement.
Dinner Enjoy a memorable dinner in the Main Dining Room of The Red Lion Inn, where classic New England charm, warm hospitality, and elegant surroundings create a timeless dining experience. Savor thoughtfully prepared cuisine amid the inn's historic ambiance for an evening that captures the character and tradition of Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

Tuesday, July 20

Breakfast is included at your hotel. Check out and depart for Vermont!
Morning Enjoy a self-guided visit to the Bennington Museum, where diverse exhibits showcase the art, history, and cultural heritage of Vermont, including the largest public collection of Grandma Moses and a fantastic collection of Bennington Pottery. Explore at your own pace, discovering everything from renowned folk art and historic artifacts to engaging collections that tell the story of Bennington's rich past and vibrant creative spirit. Meet your local step-on guide: Bennington, Vermont, is a charming New England town rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty. Highlights include the iconic Bennington Battle Monument, the picturesque downtown district, and notable landmarks connected to the region's Revolutionary War heritage, literary traditions, and vibrant arts community, offering an engaging introduction to one of Vermont's most historic destinations.
Lunch on your own in Bennington, then travel to Middlebury
Afternoon Walk through the doors of the Middlebury Inn and feel the warmth of New England hospitality that has been our tradition for generations. Look out over the beautiful Middlebury town green from our front porch and experience a place that's been a part of Vermont's history since 1827. As a full-service hotel with 71 guestrooms, the Inn offers unparalleled food, drink, and lodging with all of the comforts and modern conveniences travelers have come to expect from a grand hotel.
Dinner Enjoy dinner at the hotel at Morgan's Tavern at the hotel, where they acquire the freshest ingredients from Vermont producers and purveyors through the Vermont Fresh Network Partnership every day.

Wednesday, July 21

Breakfast is included at your hotel.
Morning A visit to the Shelburne Museum in Vermont is a rich and immersive journey through American art, history, and culture, set on a stunning 45-acre campus, with a shuttle should you need it. Unlike traditional museums, Shelburne is a village-like collection of 39 buildings, including a covered bridge, one-room schoolhouse, general store, and even a 220-foot steamboat, the Ticonderoga. From Impressionist paintings by Monet and Degas to Wyeth and Homer, folk art, quilts, carriages, and circus memorabilia like the whimsical Arnold Circus Parade, there is something for everyone.
Lunch Church Street Marketplace is a four-block pedestrian area in the center of Burlington, Vermont. Lined with quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants, it is a perfect destination to soak in local culture, all in a charming, walkable setting. Afternoon Enjoy a scenic afternoon sightseeing cruise aboard the Spirit of Ethan Allen as you glide across the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain, taking in breathtaking views of Vermont's Green Mountains and New York's Adirondack Peaks. Relax in comfort while learning about the region's history and natural beauty, making this memorable excursion one of the most picturesque experiences in northern Vermont.
Dinner Enjoy dinner at the historic Waybury Inn, a quintessential Vermont country inn best known as the inspiration and filming location for the Stratford Inn in the classic television series Newhart. Surrounded by charming New England décor and nostalgia from the beloved Bob Newhart show, guests can savor a delicious meal while experiencing the warmth, character, and small-town atmosphere that made the series a television favorite.

Thursday, July 22

Breakfast is included at your hotel.
Morning Visit the Morgan Horse Farm in Middlebury, Vermont, for a fascinating look at one of America's most celebrated horse breeds in the place where the Morgan legacy began. Meet these elegant and versatile horses, tour the picturesque farm grounds, and learn about the breed's history, training, and enduring importance to Vermont's agricultural heritage. Visit Palmer's Sugarhouse for an authentic taste of Vermont's maple sugaring tradition, where you'll learn how pure maple syrup is crafted from tree to table using time-honored methods and modern techniques. Tour the working sugarhouse, discover the maple-making process, and enjoy delicious samples while experiencing the warmth and hospitality that make Vermont's maple heritage so special. Soar effortlessly to near the summit of Vermont's highest peak on the iconic Gondola SkyRide, a must-do experience in Stowe offering unparalleled views of the Green Mountains and valley below.
Lunch on your own at the Cliff House restaurant atop Mt Mansfield, a very short walk from the Gondola terminal.
Afternoon: Trapp Family Lodge History Tour. This hour-and-a-half experience gives you insight into the truths and imagined storylines in The Sound of Music and gives you an indepth look at how the von Trapps escaped Austria and ended up here in beautiful Stowe, Vermont. Watch a 20-minute documentary about Maria's last trip to Salzburg, visit the family cemetery, and visit Maria, the Captain, and many of their children's gravesites.
Dinner A dinner at The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe feels like a blend of Austrian tradition and Vermont hospitality. The atmosphere is warm and refined without being formal, with wood beams, alpine décor, and panoramic windows creating the feeling of a classic mountain lodge.

Friday, July 23

Breakfast is included at your hotel.
Morning Check out and depart for home with magnificent, idyllic small-town New England memories.
Additional meal (on own) & comfort stops en route home.

FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner