FAQs

Our Walking Tours are typically offered most Sundays from mid-May through the end of October, with some dates excluded throughout the season. Tours begin on Sunday, with your first walk taking place Monday morning after breakfast.Because departure dates and availability vary from year to year, please visit our Book Now page to view the current calendar and available starting dates.

The walking route is a circle. You leave your car at the first inn and eventually, on your final walking day, you walk back to it. You start by checking in to your first inn (between 3 and 5:30pm) and enjoying dinner and overnight lodging. After breakfast, you begin your first walk. Repeat this three more times. So, your fourth night of lodging is followed by breakfast and then your fourth long walk (back to your starting point). With this, we encourage guests to plan their travels accordingly. Booking a 5th night is the perfect way to end the walking tour. It gives you a place to shower after your final walk (you’ll want one!) and you’ll have your car so you can drive to dinner and conclude with a great night’s rest (you’ll need one!), saving your travels home for the next day.

Please don't.We’ve seen this and it doesn’t work so well. Even if our Vermont Inn to Inn Walking Tour is fully booked and cannot take your reservation, we strongly discourage you from trying to cobble together a DIY version of this tour.Of course, each inn welcomes travelers whatever their vacation agenda. However, our Vermont Inn to Inn Walking Tour offers a ton of amenities such as trail support and maps, free extended parking, luggage services, snacks, dinners and so on. As a team, we innkeepers put a ton of work into this program and we deliver a robust and thorough product. Indeed we have grown both quite proud of our Walking Tour and quite protective of it too. We do not offer these Walking Tour services to our ‘regular’ inn guests. Each inn will surely offer you trail maps of nearby lakes and mountains, but we will not share our Walking Tour routes. We do not have the space for you to park your car for multiple days. Some of us do not have restaurants nearby or on-premises for your dinners. Really, it just won’t be the same experience – or even close – if you try to book this independently. Book a Vermont Inn to Inn Walking Tour, or visit our inns and let us help you plan some fun day trips.

Truly, each season has its own right to brag. Spring in Vermont is even less crowded than its typical uncrowdedness, and the trees are bursting with spring shades of green. Summer starts most days cool and then only rarely do we get super hot (mid-90s). And September and October? Oh, we could go on for paragraphs about the beauty of these months in Vermont. If you’re looking for the “best foliage,” typically the colors peak somewhere between the last week of September and the first two weeks of October.

Both Fall pricing tiers include the same walking tour package. Standard Fall dates offer a lower seasonal rate, while Peak Demand Fall dates coincide with the most popular weeks for autumn travel in Vermont. Higher rates reflect greater demand for lodging during those weeks.Fall foliage timing and color intensity vary from year to year and across the route. We cannot guarantee particular foliage conditions for any departure. “Peak Demand Fall” refers to travel demand, rather than a prediction of peak foliage.

One of the pleasures of the Walking Tour is experiencing four distinctly different Vermont inns. Some are located in village centers, others along quiet country roads; some have been extensively updated, while others retain more of their historic New England character. Each offers its own personality and a comfortable, welcoming place to rest after a full day of walking.Room styles and configurations vary from inn to inn. Most rooms have one queen bed, and requests for two beds or a king bed may be noted at the time of booking, but specific bed types cannot be guaranteed. Bathroom configurations may also vary by inn and room. Visit our Walking Tours page to learn more about each of the four inns.

The walks are peaceful, scenic, and rural. But they are also very hilly; they’re on roads, not trails; and they don’t have toilets along the route. Keep reading to learn the ‘pros and woes’ of what you’ll encounter throughout your 42.5 miles of terrain.The daily walks range from 7 to 13 miles, averaging just over 10 miles per day. Some of our walks are door to door, while some of the routes require that the innkeeper drives you to a starting location. The routes are not trail walking. You will be walking on a lot of packed dirt roads, but many paved roads too, virtually all of which are open to traffic. However, the routes are through rural areas, so “traffic,” as most people think of it, is not a significant factor in this walking tour. Rarely, there will be an unavoidable section of road that is noisy or busy, but it’s just a few short moments before you’re back in the bucolic quiet you’re seeking.Unlike the European walking tours many of our guests have enjoyed, our walks do not go through little villages. You will be walking on rural roads, with no bathrooms or picnic areas. (The wooded areas along the roadside will need to be your provider of both.) Shopping and pubs are reserved for the villages in which our inns reside. Instead, the walking routes are through “rural residential” areas, passing New England architecture, green pastures, winding rivers, and occasional mountain vistas. Miles and miles of wooded roads promise serenity and contemplation.We can’t fail to emphasize, the routes are hilly. We are often surprised at how often our guests are surprised by the hills, so this paragraph is here to stop that common cycle. We are IN the Green Mountains. The walks consist of long, sustained hills and some very steep hills. You’re virtually always walking up or down. But don’t let this info-byte alarm you. You can walk at your own pace and take breaks as often as you’d like. Yes, this is a challenging series of walks, and yes you should train in advance for your comfort and safety, but this tour is not reserved for athletes only.

Uber and Lyft are generally not reliable in rural Vermont, and cell service can be limited along portions of the routes. If you are concerned about completing a day’s walk, please speak with your innkeeper before you set out. Some of our routes have shorter options available, depending on the day and starting inn.If you decide you’re not up for walking that day, you may also be able to ride to the next inn when we transport the luggage. We are not able to provide on-demand pickups or transportation from arbitrary points along the route, so it’s important to discuss any concerns with your innkeeper ahead of time whenever possible.Of course, if you are injured, become ill, or find yourself in a situation where you genuinely need help, please contact your innkeeper. Your safety comes first, and we’ll do everything reasonably possible to help you and figure out the best next step.

If you decide that walking the tour isn’t right for you, you are welcome to drive from inn to inn instead. We have had guests choose to do this because of health concerns, injury, weather, or simply because they prefer to enjoy each inn and explore the surrounding towns and attractions at their own pace.It’s important to note that the walking routes themselves are not driving routes. Portions of the tour may include trails, suspension bridges, footpaths, unpaved sections, and other off-road connections that cannot be accessed by vehicle. Driving from one inn to the next therefore means using the regular road network rather than following the exact route your walking companions are taking.For logistical reasons, we generally do not recommend switching back and forth between driving and walking from day to day, as your vehicle may end up at a different inn than you are. If you are unsure about completing a particular day’s walk, please speak with your innkeeper beforehand. Some routes have shorter options, and if needed, you may also be able to ride to the next inn when luggage is transported.Our innkeepers are happy to help you understand your options so you can make the choice that works best for you.

This is an active walking vacation, and guests should arrive prepared for four consecutive days of substantial walking — more than 40 miles over the course of the tour, with individual days of approximately 6.7–13 miles.While this is not a technical hiking tour, the walks can be physically demanding. Vermont is hilly, and routes include a combination of paved roads, dirt and gravel roads, trails, and occasionally uneven or irregular footing. You should expect elevation changes, long stretches of walking, and several hours on your feet each day. Weather can also make a day feel more strenuous than the mileage alone might suggest.Participants should be in good physical condition and comfortable walking these distances on consecutive days before arriving. We strongly recommend training in advance rather than using the tour itself to build up your endurance. Your training should include longer walks, hills, and back-to-back walking days whenever possible.This is a self-guided tour, so there is not a guide accompanying you throughout the day or a support vehicle following the group. While some routes have limited shortening options and we will always help in the event of an injury or genuine emergency, guests should not book the tour with the expectation that the daily walks can routinely be shortened or that transportation will be available along the route.If you have concerns about whether you can comfortably complete the walks, we encourage you to speak with your physician and honestly assess your current fitness level before booking. If walking 9–13 miles in a day, including hills and uneven surfaces, feels beyond your current ability, this tour may not be the right fit.

This is a hard one to answer for someone else. Each of our innkeepers reports they would feel safe walking these routes alone. Many single female travelers complete this tour and none have reported that they ever felt unsafe. That said, it is an unaccompanied walking tour, and you will be walking alone in very remote areas without cell service. Many of our walkers choose to bring pepper spray for the “just in case” encounter with a bad dog, bear, or human. (No one has ever used it.)

Yes. Even if you are already active, we strongly recommend preparing for the Walking Tour in advance. The challenge is not simply walking 9–13 miles in one day — it’s doing substantial mileage for four consecutive days, often with hills and varied terrain.In the weeks leading up to your trip, work toward longer walks and include hills whenever possible. We also recommend practicing on back-to-back days so your body becomes accustomed to walking again the following morning.Wearing the shoes and socks you plan to bring on the tour will also help you identify any blister or comfort issues before you arrive.A little preparation goes a long way toward making the tour more comfortable and enjoyable.

We’re so glad you asked this! Some guests prefer the ankle support of their hiking boots while others prefer their sneakers and still others love their hiking sandals. Any of these should be fine. You will be walking on roads, not trails, so you have a lot of freedom in your choice. However, we have two pieces of advice for you. Bring at least two pairs. If you get blisters from one pair, it’s great to put on a different pair the next day, offering those sore spots some relief. Don’t buy new shoes for your trip. A forty-two mile walking vacation is NOT the time for breaking in a new pair of shoes. Break in your shoes over the course of time and your feet will thank you.

Yes. Please pack light. We limit luggage to two bags per guest, with a maximum weight of 30 pounds per bag. Our innkeepers are transporting luggage for the entire group each day, and space in our vehicles is limited.You should also be prepared to carry your own luggage to and from your room. These are historic Vermont inns, which means narrow staircases and, in most cases, no elevators. We cannot transport oversized or overweight luggage, and guests are responsible for lifting and carrying their own bags.The good news is that you really don’t need much! Dinner at the inns is casual, and there is no need to pack dressy outfits. Many guests simply wear the clothing they plan to walk in the following day to dinner the night before — an easy way to cut down on packing.If your trip extends beyond the Walking Tour, we strongly recommend leaving extra luggage in your vehicle or asking your starting inn about storage. There’s no need to bring your entire vacation’s worth of luggage from inn to inn.Thirty pounds per bag, two bags per guest — your innkeepers’ backs will thank you!

No, dogs are not invited. Although we love pooches, and a couple of our inns even have some furry friends for you to love, we cannot allow guest dogs as part of the Walking Tour. If you are allergic to dogs or cats, please note that some inns have pets that spend time in the public areas and interact with guests. However, these pets do not enter the guest room areas of the inns, so your room will be pet-free. Just let us know when you make your reservation that you have a pet allergy, and we’ll help keep our furry friends away from you during your stay.

No, bicycles are not invited. Some of the routes require a drop off by car, and we cannot transport bikes. (Nor can we transport bikes in the event of lightning storms or injury. Just leave them home.)

Based on when you travel, you could be the only party on the tour, or you could be a part of a group of up to 10 guests. At some inns, all guests dine together at one table, while at other inns, parties dine separately. As for walking, some parties choose to walk separately, while many enjoy the conversation and comradery of their group and choose to walk together. It’s entirely up to you.

At every inn, you will be served a 3-course home-cooked dinner and a full hearty breakfast. Most inns prepare one set meal, planned around the advanced-stated dietary needs and preferences of the group. (If you have allergies, special diets, or even strong preferences, please let us know when you make your reservation.) Then we’ll send you off for the day after breakfast with trail snacks and greet you at the next inn with some more snacks to hold you over until dinner. Although a traditional lunch is not included, most guests report not wanting a full lunch but feeling fully satisfied with the food offered. That said, if you want to pack a small cooler with added goodies or sandwich making treats, we’ll happily transport that from inn to inn with your luggage.

With advance notice, yes. We will happily accommodate allergies, special diets, even strong preferences, but you need to let us know in advance. Most inns offer only one set meal per group and we design that meal around such accommodations. Be upfront and clear about how strict your needs are so we can prepare accordingly. (Allergic to gluten or just trying to eat less carbs? We’d like to know.)

We get it! This is an important part of vacation for many! Three of our inns are BYOB. You are welcome to bring your own favorite beverage and enjoy it during your visit to the inn. We will move your alcohol from inn to inn along with your luggage so that it’s waiting for you at your next location. One of our inns, COHO, has a beer and wine license. This means that while at COHO, you are free to drink your own beverages in your guest rooms, but due to liquor licensing laws in Vermont, alcohol that is enjoyed in the common areas and at dinner must be purchased from COHO. Please be sure to read through our luggage limitations when planning your beverages, and keep in mind that there are beer and wine stores within walking distance of most inns. We don’t allow ice, but each inn can refrigerate your items, or if you feel the need, you can pack a freezable ice pack.

Each inn has only a very limited number of rooms with two beds, so availability sometimes runs out quickly. If having two beds is a requirement, be sure to state this upfront when booking. It may limit the dates that are available for your party, but this might be better than cuddling with your companion. If you’re traveling with a lifelong BFF and sharing a bed is worth getting the dates you want, just let us know that getting two beds is preferred, and each inn will accommodate as they are able, and you will more likely get your first choice of tour dates.Seeking triple occupancy? This is a great way to reduce the cost of the trip per person, but this will absolutely require bed sharing for two of you as each inn typically offers a room with one queen and one twin.Of course, renting separate “single occupancy” rooms is a great way to travel with a friend — without sharing a bathroom or a bed. We have slightly discounted rates for single occupancy rooms from May through August 21, but room rates from Labor Day Weekend through the end of October are the same whether single or double occupancy.

How much does the Walking Tour cost?Rates vary by season, room occupancy, and available departure date. Your package includes four nights of lodging, four breakfasts, four dinners, luggage transfers, route information and support, and walking snacks.Because pricing varies throughout the season, please visit our Book Now page to view current rates, available dates, and starting locations.

Reservations for the Walking Tour can be made directly through our website once booking opens for the season. You are also always welcome to call us at (833) INN-2-INN / (833) 466-2466 if you would prefer to book by phone or need help choosing the best option.We highly recommend joining our email list, as our subscribers will be the first to know when reservations open for the upcoming season. With a limited number of rooms available for each departure, some dates can fill quickly.If you are traveling with friends or family and need multiple rooms on the same departure, keep an eye out for our booking announcements. We generally open reservations to guests booking multiple rooms first so we have the best opportunity to keep everyone together on the same dates and starting location.Once general booking opens, you’ll be able to view current dates, seasonal pricing, starting locations, and availability directly on our Book Now page.Join our email list to be the first to know when booking opens.

Yes! Book your walking tour first, then arrange your fifth night by speaking directly with an innkeeper at the final inn on your itinerary. Reserve within 7 days of booking your tour to receive 10% off. Reservations and payment are handled separately by the inn.You’ll stay at the same inn as your fourth night. Leave your bags there while you finish your walk back to your car, then take a short drive back for another relaxing night.Our inns have set aside fifth-night rooms, but availability cannot be guaranteed if you wait to book.

Check-in begins at 3 p.m. Please don’t assume early check-in will be available. Call your starting inn in advance to discuss your arrival, and plan to arrive no earlier than 3 p.m. unless the inn has confirmed otherwise.If you have a long journey or extensive travel plans, we recommend arriving a day early and arranging an additional night with your starting inn so you can begin your tour feeling rested.

Fifty percent of the tour cost is due at the time of reservation with the remaining balance due one month prior to your departure date. You will receive an automated invoice for your final payment, or you may pay at any time via your online account.

No one books a trip planning to cancel, postpone, or otherwise change dates. We’ve seen all the very real and often tragic reasons that require guests to change plans unexpectedly – sudden illness, an extreme weather event, a death in the family. Cancelations never happen for a happy reason. With that in mind it may be wise to protect your vacation investment with trip insurance. Examples may include your credit card company, specialty insurance company’s such as Allianz Travel, and others.Vermont Inn to Inn Walking Tours does not absorb the cost of cancellations, postponements or date changes; indeed, the policy is strictly enforced.If a cancellation is made more than 30 days in advance of your tour start date, 50% of the deposit will be forfeited and 50% refunded. If a cancellation is made within 30 days of the tour start date, there are absolutely no refunds or credits of any portion of the tour payments.

You’ll only carry a daypack while walking — your luggage will be transported to the next inn for you. We recommend keeping your daypack light and practical.A few essentials we suggest bringing each day:Layers for Vermont’s changing weatherA lightweight rain jacket or ponchoWaterSunscreenBug sprayA small blister kit or moleskinAny medications you may need during the dayYour phone and route informationA small amount of toilet paper and a resealable bag, just in case Wear comfortable, broken-in walking shoes and avoid carrying more than you need. We provide walking snacks, and your innkeeper can answer any questions about the day’s route before you head out.

Vermont is wonderfully rural — but that also means public transportation, taxis, Uber and Lyft are limited or unavailable in many of the communities along our tour. Vermont Inn to Inn does not provide transportation to or from airports, train stations, bus stations, or your starting inn. Guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation.For most travelers, renting a car is the easiest and most flexible option. Your vehicle will remain at your starting inn while you complete the Walking Tour, and your final day's walk returns you to the inn where your car is parked.Guests flying from farther away may wish to rent a car at Boston Logan, Albany International, Manchester-Boston Regional, Lebanon Municipal, or Rutland–Southern Vermont Regional Airport, depending on flight availability and their assigned starting inn. Rental-car availability is more limited at our smaller regional airports, so advance reservations are strongly recommended.Travelers from New York City may also consider Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express to Rutland and arranging a rental car there. Because train, flight, and rental-car schedules change seasonally, please check current schedules carefully and allow plenty of time to reach your starting inn.We strongly encourage guests traveling by air or train to consider arriving in Vermont a day early. Your Walking Tour begins with dinner at your starting inn on Sunday, and late arrivals can be difficult to accommodate in rural Vermont.

Please be in touch with any remaining questions. We are four distinctly unique inns and we look forward to welcoming you to each of them.Golden Stage Inn 399 Depot Street Proctorsville, VT 05153 802-226-7744 www.goldenstageinn.com Inn Victoria 321 Main St. Chester, VT 05143 802-875-4288 www.innvictoria.comCOHO Inn and Motor Lodge 287 VT-100 Weston, VT 05161 802-824-6286 www.cohoinn.com The Governor’s Inn 86 Main St. Ludlow, VT 05149 802-228-8830 www.thegovernorsinn.com