New York City, Upstate & Niagara

Day 1 – Welcome to New York City!

Optional transfers from our departure points will have us at LAX this morning for a scheduled non-stop flight arriving in New York City this evening. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a flight arrival time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the hotel. We’ll board a deluxe motorcoach and continue to our upscale Manhattan hotel within walking distance of Times Square.

Day 2 – New York City

This morning we’ll join a local guide and tour inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, walk through Rockefeller Center and take a short walk in Central Park to see Strawberry Fields – the tribute to John Lennon. This afternoon we’ll continue past the Empire State Building, Flatiron Building and travel through various neighborhoods including Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Little Italy, Chinatown, and more! In Lower Manhattan we'll pay our respects at the National September 11 Memorial. This evening, take advantage of our hotel’s location within walking distance of the Theatre District. For your convenience, you may purchase your ticket(s) to the Broadway show of your choice through Good Times Travel when a listing will be provided approximately 60 days prior to departure.

Day 3 – New York City to Hudson River Valley

This morning we'll follow the Hudson River north to New York's picturesque Hudson River Valley. We'll stop in one of the charming Hudson Valley towns to enjoy time at leisure for browsing and lunch on your along Main Street. This afternoon we'll arrive in Hyde Park and Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site for a guided tour of Springwood, the home where FDR was born and later lived as a four-term President. Walk through the dining room, kitchen, and library which was the scene of several of FDR’s “fireside chats.” Enjoy time at leisure exploring the FDR Library and Museum, featuring the desk FDR used in the Oval Office and his 1936 Ford Phaeton (with original hand controls). Pay your respects at the graves of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in the rose garden. Enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite this evening before we begin a two-night stay at our downtown Poughkeepsie hotel. (Dinner)

Day 4 – Hudson River Valley

This morning we’ll be joined by a local guide for a full-day of touring in the Hudson River Valley. We’ll visit the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where we’ll journey through American military history amid spectacular landscapes while on a guided tour of the nation’s premier leadership institution and home to the largest public collection of military artifacts in the western hemisphere. These are truly hallowed grounds – where American heroes like Generals Patton, Eisenhower and MacArthur lived and graduated. We’ll take in the awe-inspiring view from Trophy Point, see Cadet Chapel and Michie Stadium – home of Army Football. We'll visit Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site to tour Val-Kill, the cottage where Eleanor Roosevelt lived and earned the nickname, “First Lady of the World.” This afternoon we’ll visit Walkway Over the Hudson and take a walk on the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, providing dramatic, panoramic views of the Hudson River Valley. This evening, enjoy an included dinner at a locals’ favorite. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 – Hudson River Valley to Cooperstown

This morning we'll tour Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, the Gilded Age mansion that features 54 rooms, a perfectly symmetrical Italian-inspired formal garden and a “Millionaire’s View” of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains! Enjoy time at leisure for browsing and lunch on your own in the charming village of Rhinebeck. Late this afternoon we'll arrive in the village of Cooperstown. Situated on the edge of Otsego Lake, this small town boasts an almost unfair amount of history for its size. Enjoy time at leisure for browsing and dinner on your own in this charming town with tree-lined streets and beautiful Victorian-era houses. (Breakfast)

Day 6 – Cooperstown, 1000 Islands

This morning we’ll visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum with ample time at leisure to explore this amazing museum that features entire exhibits devoted to Babe Ruth (complete with his bat and his locker), Hank Aaron, and the Hall of Fame Gallery where the bronze plaques for all the Hall of Famers are displayed. This afternoon we'll continue north to the 1000 Islands region. Situated at the southern end of the Saint Lawrence River and eastern shore of Lake Ontario, most people’s only knowledge of this area is the salad dressing that originated here. Enjoy an included dinner and an overnight stay at a waterfront resort in Alexandria Bay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 7 – 1000 Islands, Niagara Falls

This morning we'll enjoy a narrated, two-nation boat tour on the St. Lawrence River to discover this stunningly beautiful region known as the “Venice of the New World.” We’ll see Millionaire’s Row and explore Boldt Castle on Heart Island. We'll then travel west to the Canadian Side of Niagara Falls (a valid passport is required for this tour) and begin a two-night stay at an upscale hotel with views of Niagara Falls from your hotel room! (Breakfast)

Day 8 – Niagara Falls

This morning we’ll join a local guide for a driving tour of the Niagara Falls area including the picturesque Floral Clock and stops at several viewpoints to admire the Falls. Enjoy time at leisure for browsing and lunch on your own in Niagara-on-the-Lake – the charming town on the shores of Lake Ontario. This afternoon we'll experience the awe-inspiring Voyage to the Falls boat tour which takes us face-to-face with Niagara Falls. Enjoy a memorable farewell dinner this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 9 – Erie Canal, Journey Home

Late this morning enjoy an included lunch and narration while cruising on the Erie Canal including “locking through” a set of locks. This afternoon we'll arrive at the Buffalo Airport for an afternoon flight returning to LAX this evening. Those guests making their own flight arrangements can request the group’s flight schedule (subject to change) to coordinate a similar flight departure time that would allow them to be included on the complimentary transfer to the airport. Back in Los Angeles, those guests with pre-arranged transfers will be returned to their respective drop-offs. (Breakfast, Lunch)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.