Stowe, Vermont, is a picturesque New England town that captivates visitors with its charming landscapes and rich history. A small group tour offers an intimate exploration of this captivating region, taking travelers on a journey through iconic destinations like the Ben & Jerry’s Factory and a local cider mill. Guided by a knowledgeable driver, the tour also includes scenic hikes in Smugglers’ Notch State Park, showcasing the area’s natural beauty. Comfortable transportation and a close-knit group size ensure an unforgettable experience, leaving guests eager to discover more about Stowe’s captivating allure.
Key Points
- This small-group tour offers an immersive Vermont experience, visiting iconic destinations like Ben & Jerry’s Factory, a cider mill, Smugglers’ Notch State Park, and Stowe village.
- The tour provides a comfortable, hassle-free journey in an air-conditioned minivan with a knowledgeable driver/guide, ensuring a seamless experience focused on Vermont’s natural beauty and local charm.
- The Ben & Jerry’s Factory tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at ice cream production, emphasizing sustainability and social responsibility, along with opportunities to sample flavors and browse the gift shop.
- The cider mill visit allows travelers to witness the cider-making process and taste freshly pressed cider, cider donuts, and other cider-based products, before exploring the scenic Smugglers’ Notch State Park.
- Stowe village offers a charming stroll through locally-owned shops, galleries, and restaurants, showcasing the area’s historic architecture and vibrant cultural heritage.
Overview of the Tour
For a personal and immersive Vermont experience, this small-group tour takes visitors on a full-day journey through the northern region.
Capped at six participants, the tour includes visits to iconic Vermont destinations like the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, a local cider mill, Smugglers’ Notch State Park, and the picturesque village of Stowe.
Traveling by air-conditioned minivan, you will enjoy comfortable transportation as they take in the classic Vermont scenery.
With a designated driver/guide leading the way, the tour offers a hassle-free experience that allows guests to fully enjoy the region’s natural beauty and local charm.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Vermont.
The Ben & Jerry’s Factory
The first stop on the tour is the iconic Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory. Guests enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the brand’s history and ice cream production process.
The guided factory tour provides insight into the company’s commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Visitors can sample the latest Ben & Jerry’s flavors, browse the gift shop, and snap photos with the famous Scoop Truck.
This stop offers a fun and informative experience for ice cream lovers of all ages. The knowledgeable guide shares interesting anecdotes, keeping the tour engaging and interactive throughout.
After the factory visit, the group continues its exploration of Vermont’s charming countryside.
Exploring the Cider Mill
After sampling the flavors at Ben & Jerry’s, the tour continues to a local cider mill. The group gets to witness the cider-making process firsthand, from pressing the apples to watching the liquid gold flow into bottles. The guide explains the history and traditions behind this quintessential Vermont treat. Guests then have the chance to taste the freshly pressed cider, along with other cider-based products like donuts and apple butter.
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Cider | Crisp, sweet, and refreshing | $5/quart |
| Cider Donuts | Lightly spiced and warm from the fryer | $1.50 each |
| Apple Butter | Thick, spreadable fruit spread | $8/jar |
Continuing the journey, the group departs the cider mill and heads toward Smugglers’ Notch State Park.
Hiking at Smugglers’ Notch
Winding through the scenic landscape, the group arrives at Smugglers’ Notch State Park, a renowned outdoor destination in Vermont.
This rugged mountain pass offers a wealth of hiking opportunities for the adventurous travelers. The tour guide highlights the top attractions:
- The Long Trail, a renowned hiking route through the Green Mountains with breathtaking vistas.
- Sterling Pond, a picturesque alpine lake accessible via a moderate hike.
- Smugglers’ Caves, historic hideouts used by illicit traders, now open for exploration.
With sturdy footwear and a sense of adventure, the group sets out to discover the natural wonders of this remarkable state park, seeing Vermont’s storied past and captivating outdoor splendor.
Discovering Stowe Village
Leaving the rugged splendor of Smugglers’ Notch behind, the group now turns its attention to the charming village of Stowe. Nestled at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, this quintessential New England town captivates with its picturesque Main Street lined with locally-owned shops, galleries, and restaurants.
The guide leads the small group on a leisurely stroll, highlighting historic architecture, bustling artisan studios, and the iconic Stowe Village Green. Visitors have ample time to explore at their own pace, discovering unique souvenirs and sampling the region’s renowned craft beverages and farm-fresh cuisine.
From the town’s old-world ambiance to its vibrant community spirit, Stowe offers a delightful glimpse into Vermont’s cultural heritage.
Transportation and Comfort
The small group tours are conducted in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a pleasant and stress-free journey through the picturesque Vermont countryside.
The designated driver/guide handles all transportation, allowing guests to sit back, relax, and take in the scenic views.
The tour includes:
- Air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation
- Pickup from hotels and return transportation
- Gratuities for the driver/guide included in the tour price
This hassle-free transportation allows the group to focus on the highlights of the tour, such as visits to the iconic Ben & Jerry’s Factory, a charming cider mill, and the stunning Smugglers’ Notch State Park, without the worry of driving.
Tour Inclusions and Pricing
The tour includes an admission ticket to the renowned Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour, where guests can explore the ice cream-making process and indulge in complimentary samples.
The air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation provide comfortable travel through Vermont’s scenic landscapes. A designated driver/guide accompanies the group throughout the day, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Hotel pick-up and gratuities are also included, while lunch can be purchased separately.
The starting price for this small-group tour is €290.91, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience. Guests can also take advantage of the Lowest Price Guarantee and flexible payment options.
Traveler Experiences and Feedback
According to the 66 reviews, travelers have consistently praised this small-group tour in Stowe, Vermont, awarding it an impressive 5.0 overall rating.
Guests appreciated the tour’s personal touch and small group size, which enhanced their overall enjoyment of Vermont’s natural beauty.
The reviews highlight three key positive experiences:
- Knowledgeable guide Natalia, who provided insightful commentary throughout the tour.
- Scenic drives through classic Vermont landscapes.
- Unique stops at covered bridges and local eateries.
Travelers recommended the tour, citing the perfect balance of planned activities and free time to explore Vermont’s charming villages and outdoor attractions.
Recap
A small group tour of Stowe, Vermont, offers an immersive experience, showcasing the region’s iconic attractions, natural beauty, and rich history. Travelers can indulge in the flavors of Ben & Jerry’s, discover the art of cider-making, and embark on scenic hikes, all while enjoying comfortable transportation and the expertise of a knowledgeable guide. This intimate exploration of Stowe’s captivating landscapes promises an unforgettable journey through Vermont’s charming landscapes.