ITINERAY & HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1: Monday, July 14, 2025 

Kick off an extraordinary journey as we whisk you away by motorcoach from various pickups in Vermont and New York.  Enjoy the changing landscapes through your window as the adventure begins. Upon arrival, settle into the Staybridge Inn & Suites, offering exceptional amenities like a hot buffet breakfast, Wi-Fi, gym, and fully equipped kitchens in every suite. Unwind and prepare for the exciting days ahead, as the Finger Lakes region awaits with its charm and breathtaking beauty. Dinner and cocktail hour are included!

Day 2: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 

After your included buffet breakfast at the hotel, dive into history with a guided tour of the Harriet Tubman House. Explore the legacy of one of America’s most remarkable heroes through this immersive 90-minute experience. 

Following the tour, drive south to Ithaca, NY, where accommodations are reserved at the La Tourelle Hotel & Spa. Upon arrival in Ithaca, you will be dropped off at the Ithaca Commons for lunch and shopping. This pedestrian-friendly area features a variety of restaurants, artisan shops, and even a Historical Center. Recommendations for dining and shopping will be provided to help everyone make the most of their time. The afternoon will feature a private tour at a unique Ithaca-based winery owned by a fourth- generation French winemaker. The experience includes a tour of the winemaking process, a wine tasting of their French-styled creations, and a visit to the winery’s museum gallery, where the winemaker will share the history of his family’s winery in Normandy, France. Later in the afternoon, enjoy the exclusive two-hour "Fabulous Falls Above Cayuga" driving tour. A step-on guide will lead the group to four picturesque waterfall stops along Fall Creek and Cascadilla Creek, which frame the beautiful Cornell University campus. Highlights include the Cornell Suspension Bridge, suspended 138 feet above the water, and Ithaca Falls, a 135-foot waterfall located in downtown Ithaca. The tour blends stunning natural sights with engaging stories of Ithaca’s history and Cornell University. Participants can choose the level of exploration at each stop, with opportunities for light walking. The day concludes with check-in at La Tourelle Hotel & Spa, allowing time to relax before dinner. Dinner will be a farm-to-table three -course paired wine meal at a local venue, featuring a sommelier-guided wine tasting with Finger Lakes wines. This delightful culinary experience is the perfect ending to a rich and diverse first day. 

Day 3: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 

Begin your day with another included breakfast at the hotel before departing for a dazzling visit to the famous Corning Museum of Glass. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the museum and witness the magic of glassblowing during a live hot glass demonstration, explore the stunning galleries, and unleash your creativity in a hands on glass etching class to craft a personalized sandblasted wine glass to take home with you. Time will be given to visit the gift shop. Afterward, travel north to Glenora Winery, where lunch will be served in their Verasions Restaurant. Enjoy a preselected entrée and dessert, paired with wines chosen by the Sommelier to perfectly complement your meal. 

The next stop will be the breathtaking Taughannock Falls Overlook, featuring the tallest waterfall drop east of the Mississippi at 220 feet. Take in the stunning views and capture memorable photos of this natural wonder.

For dinner, you will visit a local brewery in Ithaca. Start the evening with a guided tasting of a flight of four preselected beers. After the tasting, enjoy a mouthwatering buffet dinner featuring fried chicken, a variety of sides, and vegetarian options, at a Best of Ithaca award-winning eatery. This day offers a blend of art, wine, natural beauty, and local flavors, ensuring a memorable experience. 

Day 4: Thursday, July 17, 2025 

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, followed by check-out. We will travel north to Auburn, a historic city rich in cultural significance. Begin your morning at The Seward House, the historic home of William Henry Seward and his family. Seward was a prominent political figure, serving as a New York State Senator, Governor of New York, U.S. Senator, presidential candidate, and Secretary of State under Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. During a guided tour of this 1816 National Historic Landmark, you’ll explore the family’s legacy and the home’s rich history. 

Just down the road, visit Willard Chapel, a National Historic Landmark featuring the only complete Louis Comfort Tiffany-designed interior in the world. This gem of 19th-century architecture offers a unique opportunity to admire Tiffany’s stunning design elements. The visit includes a presentation on the chapel’s history and design, followed by a 20- minute organ concert in this magnificent setting. Next, travel south to charming lakeside town of Aurora, situated along the shimmering shores of Cayuga Lake. Enjoy lunch on your own in this picturesque village, which offers stunning views and a quaint atmosphere. Dining options include the 1833 Kitchen and Bar, Fargo Bar & Grill, or The Village Market, where you can grab a picnic-style meal to enjoy by the lake. The final stop of the day is MacKenzie-Childs, a renowned design company founded in Aurora in 1983. Known for their whimsical and distinctive ceramics, furniture, home accessories, and seasonal décor, the company’s signature “Courtly Check” pattern is iconic. During your visit, enjoy either a Farmhouse or Production Tour to learn more about their creative process, followed by time to shop their unique collections. 

Mid-afternoon we will drive to Syracuse for check-in at Staybridge Inn & Suites, allowing time to settle in and relax before we de- part for our farewell “Who Done it” Detective Dinner Experience! 

Day 5: Friday, July 18, 2025 

Enjoy one last hearty buffet breakfast at the hotel before checking out and boarding the motor coach for the return home. Relive your favorite moments as the scenery glides by, culminating in your return to your local pickup points. This week of unforgettable experiences, rich history, and stunning natural wonders will leave you longing for your next adventure. 

PRICING PER PERSON