Upon reaching Lake Dunmore, the short option skirts the northern end of the lake and turns around at the entrance to Branbury State Park, returning to Middlebury via a slightly different route with similar terrain. The long option continues into Branbury State Park and circumnavigates Lake Dunmore in its entirety. For an additional 5 miles, you can take a short out-and-back detour to the picturesque village of Forestdale. Return to Middlebury on a slightly different route with similar terrain.
Miles & Elevation
- On this bucolic self-guided adventure, you’ll experience not only scenic cycling routes immersing you in French countryside and villages, but also the opulence of a historic château featuring its own on-site oenothèque.
- Farther south, waving palms and soft-sand beaches line historic Florida enclaves.
- Basin Harbor is ideally located for a choice of three successively longer loop rides.
- This final day of your Self-Guided Bicycling Vacation just may be one of the more memorable.
- If you’ve ever dreamed of cycling the Pordoi Pass, this is your chance to coast down the switchbacks that have thrilled Giro d’Italia fans for years.
Cold winters are offset by glorious summers and the famed midnight sun that provides long days perfect for exploring. From a beautifully preserved Baroque Old Town to pristine countryside and idyllic coastlines, Lithuania is a breath of fresh air. Majestic castles perch atop craggy peaks, chocolate-box villages nestle among the trees, and picturesque rivers wind through rolling farmland. World-class art and architecture, enchanting local markets, charming bistros, a stunningly diverse landscape, and romantic views around every corner—France is a traveler’s dream. From the baroque palaces of Vienna to the awe-inspiring peaks of the Alps, Austria is an architectural and natural wonder.
From the simple pleasure of a crusty baguette from the boulangerie to a gourmet meal in a Michelin-starred restaurant and champagne tastings at ancient vineyards, foodies will discover endless culinary delights. From independent meal discoveries to route distances at your own pace—your VBT vacation is all about choices that suit your style. Decide how much or how little you wish to ride, opt for social time or quiet, and explore what intrigues you most. The activity chart below will help you choose the perfect trip for you.
Enjoy all the freedom with none of the planning—the ideal vacation for independent travelers who want to experience a destination on their own timetable. The hills along Spain’s Costa Brava are a famous training ground for professional cyclists—and with this innovative self-guided cycling vacation, they’re also well within reach for riders at all levels of ability. Stay in authentic, boutique hotels and enjoy splendid Spanish wines, seaside sunsets—and dinner in a Michelin-recognized restaurant. While most walking tours of Normandy and Brittany miss out on the magic of Honfleur, this Country Walkers tour brings you its spectacular coastal scenery.
Travel Services
Travelers with an interest in military history can stand on these sands and visualize the dramatic events that came to pass on D-Day. Explore four countries by foot and by bike without having to unpack your bags more than once on this all-inclusive Rhine cycling river cruise. This road cycling tour of Sicily provides vbt chart scenery, history, hearty cuisine, and a robust welcome from the people who call it home. Soaring peaks, crystal clear lakes, and the endlessly beautiful landscapes in between make Switzerland the ideal setting for an active vacation. From the soaring Julian Alps to the small but stunning stretch of Adriatic coastline, this tiny nation has it all.
Take a boat ride down the Danube, explore the UNESCO-protected Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, and cycle dedicated bike paths as you cross the borders of Austria, Slovakia, and Czechia. He has traveled all over France and loves to introduce guests to the history, cultural differences, food, and customs of his country. Meals are lengthy and purposeful, with plenty of time for socializing and savouring. Explore a fascinating crossroads of history on this memorable Mosel bike tour, from Cochem to Metz. Explore three countries in one epic journey encompassing picturesque villages, vineyards, and canals along gentle bike routes through France, Germany, and Switzerland.
France: Normandy & Brittany
This tour offers the full range of easy terrain mixed with moderate hills and is ideal for both beginning and experienced cyclists. Please verify your bike selection for this tour, as it is not always possible to change bikes once you arrive on tour. Travel with your friends and family—we can accommodate multiple guests on this self-guided vacation. VBT is proud to support the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum with a donation on behalf of each guest on this tour.
Exploring the world on two wheels lets you experience your surroundings on a deeper level. With an astoundingly rich cultural legacy and stunning, varied landscapes, Italy truly has something for everyone. The Italian dedication to living well is evident is everything from an expertly pulled espresso to a couple strolling hand in hand on an evening passeggiata.
Your destination for the next two nights is the beautiful Basin Harbor, a historic resort set on 700 acres along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain. Family-owned since 1886, Basin Harbor blends classic New England charm with a full range of modern amenities. Whether you’re relaxing lakeside, exploring the grounds, or enjoying one of the many available activities, this peaceful property provides an ideal setting to unwind. For dinner, take your pick from several on-site dining options, each offering fresh, locally inspired fare in a scenic setting. Ride out of Middlebury on moderately hilly roads into Vermont’s bucolic farm country.
One Room, a Different Stunning View Every Day
In the evenings, relax in historic mountain lodges with spectacular mountain scenery and mouthwatering cuisine. For a ride to Addison, continue to the West Addison General Store at 12.3 miles. From there, turn north and enjoy lakeside scenery on your return to the resort. After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a full day to explore at your own pace on this Stay Put Day. Stroll along charming Main Street, home to shops, restaurants, and galleries. We designed this vacation to include the vibrant Slovakian capital of Bratislava—something most companies skip!
Bustling cities brimming with new sights, sounds, and flavors, secluded beaches and soaring glaciers—the distant lands of Asia & Oceania offer endless opportunities for adventure.
- On both rides you cross the Pulp Mill Covered Bridge before viewing the Otter Creek Falls.
- It’s no wonder quality of life is off the charts in this Scandinavian gem.
- A short spin gives you the opportunity to get used to your bike, shift the gears, and practice riding.
- While most walking tours of Sicily omit the island’s southern half, this unique Sicilian adventure brings you south of Syracuse to explore the ancient city of Ragusa and the stunning coastal Oasi Nature Reserve.
- This big, beautiful continent will enchant and delight you no matter which region you visit.
- Explore Camden’s charming art galleries and boutiques, then hike the spectacular coastal trails at Acadia National Park—returning each evening to your Bar Harbor oceanside hotel.
Farther south, waving palms and soft-sand beaches line historic Florida enclaves. To the west, Napa Valley vineyards provide stunning backdrops to breathtaking sunsets. VBT’s bicycle tours in the USA reveal remarkable natural beauty and rich history from coast to coast. If you’ve ever tried to book a hotel along the coast of Maine in summertime, you already know—it’s not easy. Fortunately, we’ve held rooms at charming hotels… and they’re waiting just for you!
Italy: Southern Tuscany & Giglio Island
The museum seeks to preserve and share the cultural and natural heritage of the Lake Champlain region. While many hiking tours of Istria focus on either the sea or the mountains, this splendid adventure brings you both! Explore the Julian Alps in Slovenia and take a pletna boat ride on Lake Bled. Enjoy three nights on the Croatian coast in a five-star hotel with a private beach. Linger over your breakfast or get an early start, the day’s schedule is up to you! Begin your ride in a charming Portguese village or take off along the coast of Vancouver Island; wherever your adventure takes you, you have the freedom to ride and explore at your own pace.
Enjoy a customized private experience.
Refreshed and renewed, follow more scenic roads back to Middlebury. Basin Harbor is ideally situated for a choice of three successively longer loop rides. Each route offers scenic cycling along Lake Champlain and through gently rolling farmland, with views of Vermont’s Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondacks always in sight. The most direct route to Basin Harbor departs Middlebury and winds through open farmland with views of the Green Mountains. You’ll pass charming Victorian farmhouses in Weybridge before arriving in Vergennes—Vermont’s smallest “city”—after 14 miles. Here, inviting shops and restaurants make it a pleasant place to pause.
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