Burlington offers three very different ways to spend time: a small sailing cruise, a multi-day Vermont tour package, and a brewery-focused guided outing. Each one fits a different pace, group size, and level of structure.
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This comparison is designed for travelers researching things to do in Burlington. For related planning, see our TourPickGuide experience comparisons and USA tours and experiences.
Compare the 3 Tour Options
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Small sail outing | Travelers who want a short, low-key water experience with a very small group | ★ 5.0/5 | 14 reviews | Approx. 2 hr | Small-group sailing with a maximum of 10 guests | View on Viator |
 Multi-day Vermont tour | Travelers who want a guided Vermont vacation package with transportation and lodging arranged | ★ 5.0/5 | 11 reviews | Approx. 120 hr | Small group capped at 6 travelers | View on Viator |
 Brewery tasting tour | Travelers who want a guided beer-focused city experience with transportation included | ★ 4.8/5 | 133 reviews | Approx. 3 hr 30 min | Visits three local craft breweries | View on Viator |
Explore Each Tour in Detail
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Small-group cruise
Public Daytime Sailing Cruise
Best for: Travelers who want a short, low-key water experience with a very small group
This is a short sailing outing on Lake Champlain for travelers who want a relaxed way to get on the water without a long schedule. The experience uses classic Friendship Sloops and keeps the group small, which makes it feel personal rather than crowded. You can bring your own food and drinks, and the operator provides water plus basic serving items. The route is not fixed, since the sail follows the wind and conditions of the day. It suits visitors who want a scenic, conversation-friendly experience with a crew-led local perspective.
Public Daytime Sailing Cruise
- Small-group sailing with a maximum of 10 guests
- Bring your own food and drinks, with water and basic tableware provided
- Crew shares local stories during the cruise
Multi-day vacation package
Small Group 5-Day Tour Vacation Package in Vermont
Best for: Travelers who want a guided Vermont vacation package with transportation and lodging arranged
This option is for travelers who want Burlington to be the starting point for a longer guided trip through Vermont. It is organized as a multi-day vacation package rather than a single local activity, with a small group size that stays intimate. The listed inclusions cover lodging, breakfast on four days, attraction admissions, air-conditioned transportation, and customer pickup and drop-off. The itinerary notes point to several Vermont areas, but the product is best understood as a structured, all-in-one travel package. It works well for visitors who prefer logistics handled in advance instead of planning day by day.
Small Group 5-Day Tour Vacation Package in Vermont
- Small group capped at 6 travelers
- Hotel pickup in Burlington is included on the first day
- Lodging, breakfast, attraction admissions, and air-conditioned transport are included
Guided brewery outing
Burlington Signature Guided Brewery Tour
Best for: Travelers who want a guided beer-focused city experience with transportation included
This guided outing is built around Burlington’s brewery scene and is the most food-and-drink focused of the three options. It includes visits to three local craft breweries, a guided look at beer-making, and tastings of up to 12 beers. Snacks are also included, along with round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned van and a local beer guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so travelers should plan around the stated transportation rather than assuming door-to-door service. It fits visitors who want a social, relaxed activity with a clear tasting format and built-in logistics.
Burlington Signature Guided Brewery Tour
- Visits three local craft breweries
- Includes up to 12 beer tastings plus snacks
- Round-trip transportation and a local beer guide are included
Choosing the right Burlington itinerary style
If you want a short standalone activity, the sailing cruise and brewery tour both keep you in a single outing. If you want a more complete travel experience with lodging and transport arranged, the Vermont vacation package is the better format for an extended trip from Burlington.
Lake Champlain sailing route
A flexible daytime sail on Lake Champlain that changes with wind and conditions.
Vermont tour circuit
A guided multi-day itinerary that uses Burlington as the starting point for travel around Vermont.
Three-brewery tasting route
A guided visit to three local breweries with included round-trip transport.
Travel planning tip
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Booking notes
- Check what is explicitly included before booking, especially food, drinks, transportation, and lodging.
- Group size and trip length differ a lot across these options, so choose based on how much structure you want.
- If you need hotel pickup or drop-off, confirm that service is listed for the specific product rather than assuming it is part of the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which option is shortest and easiest to fit into a day in Burlington?
The daytime sailing cruise is the shortest of the three and is easiest to fit into a single day.
Which experience is best if I want transportation arranged for me?
The brewery tour includes round-trip transportation, while the multi-day Vermont package includes customer pickup and drop-off with broader trip logistics.
Which product is most suitable for travelers who want a longer, more organized trip?
The 5-day Vermont vacation package is the most structured option and is designed as a multi-day guided itinerary with lodging and several included services.