Burlington

Burlington’s catalog is dominated by water-based tours and small-group experiences: nearly half are sailing cruises, boat rides, or on-the-water activities. Brewery tours and trolley rides make up most of the rest, with a handful of scavenger hunts and one multi-day package. 62% of all tours are priced under $100, and a third fall below $60.

The best-reviewed tours are overwhelmingly in sailing and brewery categories, with all top-rated options scoring 4.8 stars or higher and no reviews below 4 stars. Poorly rated tours are rare—just 10% fall below 4 stars, and none of those have more than five reviews. Most tours confirm instantly, and free cancellation is the norm, not an exception.

There are 21 experiences in Burlington, with prices ranging from $7 to $2,029. 62% of tours cost under $100, and 33% are below $60. Only 19% go over $500, mostly private group or multi-day options. The overall median price is $63, but this is pulled up by private tours priced per vehicle, so most individual bookings will cost less. Category labels mix products: for example, 'Bus Tours' includes both sightseeing buses and private chauffeur-driven vehicles, which explains why medians can seem high. The most common categories are water tours and food & drink experiences, with a few historical and self-guided options. Quality is generally high: only 2 tours (10%) are rated below 4 stars, and none of those have more than five reviews. Free cancellation is available on 57% of tours, and 18 of 21 confirm instantly.

For travelers seeking value, a third of Burlington’s tours cost under $60, including scavenger hunts and the 1-hour trolley tour, which includes admission and covers the city’s highlights in a single loop. Scavenger hunts are the cheapest, but reviews mention technical issues with the app and no refunds if it fails—two reviewers were unable to finish after the app stalled. These are best for those willing to risk a low-cost, self-guided experience.

Sailing cruises dominate the $60–$75 range. Public daytime and sunset cruises ($64–$72) are consistently rated 5 stars, with reviewers praising knowledgeable captains, smooth sailing, and relaxed atmospheres. These tours do not include food, but you’re encouraged to bring your own. Private sailing or picnic cruises cost $414–$602 per group, and are best value for groups of 6 or more—per person, they can be cheaper than multiple public tickets. All private cruises earn perfect scores, with guests highlighting attentive crews and flexible itineraries.

The brewery tour ($79) is the most-reviewed in the city and includes up to 12 beer tastings, snacks, and transportation. It is well-reviewed overall, but some guests found the meal stop disappointing or felt the value was less than expected. One critical review cited a denied refund during the pandemic, but no operational complaints appear in recent feedback.

Multi-day and private group options ($1,016–$2,029) are priced for special occasions or large parties. The 5-day vacation package includes lodging, breakfast, and all admission fees, and is rated 5 stars by every reviewer. For large groups, private trolley or sailing cruises can bring the per-person cost down below the price of several public tours. Across all categories, tours that include admission or spend most of their time at the main sites offer better value than those with long travel segments or extra fees.

Most Burlington tours confirm instantly—18 of 21—so last-minute bookings are usually possible. However, several private sailing cruises and the small-group wine & cider tour are flagged as likely to sell out, so these should be booked further in advance, especially in peak periods.

Free cancellation is common, but some of the cheapest and most expensive options are non-refundable. Always check the cancellation terms before booking, especially for private or multi-day tours.

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