New York State & Niagara Falls
New York State has a huge variety of things to see and do. This itinerary samples some of the highlights across the state through the Hudson Valley and Dutchess Craft Beverage Trail, Syracuse, Buffalo & monumental Niagara Falls, not forgetting some shopping at Woodbury Common. Up-State New York is full of excitement, outdoor activities, wineries and breweries galore, and full of fabulous history all ready for you to explore.
Day 1: NEW YORK STATE - ARRIVAL
Arrive at New York Stewart International, Newburgh and collect your hired car and transfer independently to Hilton Garden Inn Poughkeepsie/Fishkill, only 15 mins away from the airport and near fabulous dining and shopping in historic Beacon. Overnight – Hilton Garden Inn Poughkeepsie/Fishkill – 4 Nights - Room Only.
Day 2: HUDSON VALLEY
The Hudson Valley, designated as a National Heritage Area, is steeped in history, natural beauty, culture, a burgeoning food and farm market scene, a craft beverage trail, and great shopping. Begin your day with a stroll along the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. Standing 65 meters above water and 2Km in length, the Walkway Over the Hudson offers spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley. Treat yourself with a visit to the world's premier culinary college in the United States, The Culinary Institute of America. While here, join a student guided tour, do a little shopping, and be sure to enjoy their award-winning restaurants. Overnight - Hilton Garden Inn Poughkeepsie/Fishkill – Room Only basis.
Day 3: HUDSON VALLEY
Today is the perfect day to visit the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites which includes the home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and America’s first presidential library & museum, Eleanor Roosevelt’s private cottage; Val-Kill, the only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady; and the Gilded Age estate at Vanderbilt Mansion. For the ultimate scenic views, take to the skies in a bi plane ride and take in an airshow at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Their "living history” museum presents one of the largest collections of early aeroplanes, like the 1909 Bleriot, the oldest flying plane in America. Overnight - Hilton Garden Inn Poughkeepsie/Fishkill– Room Only basis.
Day 4: HUDSON VALLEY – DUTCHESS COUNTY CRAFT BEVERAGE TRAIL
This morning take a walk on the wild side at Trevor Zoo, the only nationally accredited zoo that is operated by high school students. The zoo’s intimate setting invites visitors to get close to over 180 exotic and indigenous animals, including eight on the endangered species list. Nearby you can stroll Innisfree Garden, a sublime composition of rock, water, wood, and sky achieved with remarkable grace, and recognized as one of the "world's ten best gardens". Afterward sample some wine and beautiful scenery at Millbrook Vineyards & Winery or savor the tastes of Plan Bee Farm Brewery where they produce artisanal craft beer using honey from their bee farm. This evening enjoy some farm fresh dining in historic Rhinebeck. Overnight - Hilton Garden Inn Poughkeepsie/Fishkill – Room Only basis
Day 5: HUDSON VALLEY - SYRACUSE
Today, make your way northeast from the Hudson Valley to the middle of the state and eastern gateway to the Finger Lakes region - Syracuse. This afternoon and evening explore downtown's Armory Square and its old neighbourhood with a new attitude boasting specialty restaurants, boutique shops and entertainment venues. Overnight 3 Nights – Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbour Hotel or Similar – 3 Nights – Room Only basis
Day 6: SYRACUSE
Today perhaps visit Destiny USA for premier shopping, dining and entertainment. This is the 6th largest shopping centre in the USA or spend the afternoon and evening in the close by village of Skaneateles. This quintessential Finger Lakes village offers fine boutique shopping, art galleries, placid scenery, wineries and a scenic boat tour on Mid-Lakes Navigation. Enjoy wandering this picture perfect area and enjoying dinner before heading back to your hotel to finish out the evening. Overnight - Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbour Hotel or Similar – Room Only basis.
Day 7: SYRACUSE
This morning visit the Ska-nonh - Great Law of Peace Center, a Heritage Center focused on telling the story of the native peoples of central New York. Here, history is told through the lens of the Onondaga Nation who remain among the last sovereign Indigenous peoples in the US. For your evening, plan for a feast at the original Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Home to bikers and businessmen alike, this Syracuse legend offers critically acclaimed barbeque and weekly line-ups of blues musicians. Overnight - Aloft Syracuse Inner Harbour Hotel or Similar – Room Only basis.
Day 8: SYRACUSE - BUFFALO
Today, make your way to Buffalo. Upon arrival discover the jewel in Buffalo's crown – ‘Canal side’ located on the shore of Lake Erie. Dine along the water, walk along the boardwalk, take a historical boat tour, rent kayaks or water bikes, or visit the Naval & Military Park museum, home to several decommissioned US Naval vessels. You won't want to miss the sunset - it's spectacular! And once dusk hits, see one of Buffalo's historic grain elevators transform into a spectacular light sculpture. Overnight – Adams Mark Buffalo Hotel or Similar – 3 Nights - Room Only basis.
Day 9: BUFFALO
Today, embark on Buffalo Bites Food Tours three-hour guided walking and dining tour of Elmwood Village, it is the perfect combo - eat delicious samples from local eateries, explore the neighbourhood and enjoy entertaining history. Enjoy beautiful buildings and splashes of public art within the city's neighbourhoods while building up an appetite for buffalo style wings at Anchor Bar - home of the original chicken wing. Mild, medium, hot or suicidal (if you dare. Continue to enjoy the outdoors this evening by visiting one or more of Buffalos craft breweries. In fact, pick up Buffalo's Brewcation Passport to guide you through the city's brewery landscape. Overnight – Adams Mark Buffalo Hotel or Similar – Room Only basis.
Day 10: BUFFALO – NIAGARA FALLS
Today be captivated by the sheer beauty and power of Niagara Falls. See this legendary force of nature from every angle at Niagara Falls State Park. Witness the intensity of the falls from inches away, cruise the churning waters near the base during a Maid of the Mist boat ride, or photograph both the American and Horseshoe Falls from the 230-foot Observation Tower. Every evening beginning at dusk watch the falls transform into a multi-coloured water and light masterpiece. Return to Buffalo.
Overnight – Adams Mark Buffalo Hotel or Similar – Room Only basis.
Day 11: BUFFALO – NEWBURGH
Today depart Buffalo and enjoy the scenic drive back (5hr) at your leisure to Monroe where you can do some shopping at Woodbury Common premium outlets. Overnight Sleep Inn & Suites, Monroe, 1 Night – Room Only basis.
Day 12: DEPARTURE
Return your rental car at New York Stewart International Airport prior to your departure flight back to Ireland.
*=local charge
