Upstate New York Montage

15 Days/14 Nights

“Something for Everyone” and some of the most dramatic places in the United States!  Start your trip in New York City, the greatest city on earth with Broadway, museums and wonderful sight-seeing!  The Statute of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the view from the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center that is) are not to be missed.  Meander along the majestic cliffs along the Hudson River before moving north to the refreshing waters of upstate.  Visit at least one of the opulent mansions perched on the palisades of the Hudson River before “taking the waters” at Saratoga Springs and relaxing in this great historic town. 

Then it’s on to Adirondack Park, 3 million acres strong and the largest “forever wild” park in the world.  Enjoy mountains full of character, lush woods and rivers, fresh water shorelines, the scent of balsam on a forest trail and serene quiet.  Watch the sun set from a cruise ship or hike deep into the forest for another view.  Farther west, you find great wineries in the Finger Lakes region which produce the famous upstate New York wines.  Be sure to enjoy the view of 1000 Islands, sparkling in the waters of the St. Lawrence River when you reach Alexandria Bay.  And of course, thrill to the thunder of six million cubic feet of water falling over Niagara Falls every minute—one of the natural wonders of the world  

Yes, New York has it all, treasures and highlights and great places in between.  Enough to fill your whole vacation!  Enjoy your Upstate experience, unique in the United States.   

Day 1: Arrive New York City

Welcome to the Big Apple!  New York is the largest and most fascinating city in America.  There’s Broadway, Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Empire State Building.  The Statute of Liberty, Macy’s and more.  The city boasts more than 50 museums, hundreds of art galleries, and incredible shopping.  If it’s available, you can find it in New York. To make it even more interesting, the city has been a melting pot since it was New Amsterdam. You can find foods, music and culture from every country.  Try some people watching while you’re touring.

Overnight: New York City

Day 2:  Explore New York City      

Few people remember that New York City served as the first capital of the United States and witnessed the inauguration of President George Washington.  This is only one of the remarkable firsts for this city which also includes Ellis Island, the immigration point for millions of new Americans, Ground Zero, which in September 2001 forever changed the country, the Empire State Building, which represented a new thrust in big city building and the Statute of Liberty.  The American Museum of Natural History features the geologic and geographic events that changed the nation. 

Overnight: New York City

Day 3: New York City to New York’s Hudson Valley  85 miles     

Ever since Henry Hudson came to call in 1609, the Hudson Valley has been welcoming visitors to its spectacular palisades, lush forests and soothing countenance.  Marvel at the Hudson Highlands rising nearly 1,000 feet above the river.  Stand in awe of the magnificent mansions perched above the cliffs. Learn about the Roosevelts and the Vanderbilts while surrounded by landscapes so beautiful they inspired the Hudson River School of Painting.  Meander through historic Hudson River towns.  

Overnight: Poughkeepsie, New York

Day 4: Hudson Valley to Albany  80 miles

It’s a little known fact that Albany ranks only behind Santa Fe, St. Augustine and Hampton, as the fourth oldest city in the United States.  In addition to being New York’s state capitol, the city’s impressive collection of architecture is one of its main draws.  You can admire the grand state capital building, perched atop one of the seven hills in the city, from Empire State Plaza, built on the monumental scale of Paris or Montreal.  Watch the Heritage Area’s orientation Albany: A Cultural Crossroads and take a trolley tour from there.    

Overnight: Albany, New York

Day 5: Albany to Saratoga Springs    35 miles

Horse racing now carries the day in Saratoga Springs.  It has grown from a quiet little village with beautiful scenery and magnificent natural springs into a luxury resort city.  You can place your bets, take the waters and generally enjoy yourself in the traditions handed down from the Victorian era of the 1860s. 

Overnight: Saratoga Springs, New York

Day 6: Saratoga Springs to Lake George/Adirondack National Park   25 miles

Wild and civilized by turns, tourism began in the Adirondack Park when doctors from the large cities sent their patients to recover in the fresh air at Saranac Lake. World awareness of the Adirondacks increased dramatically when the 1980 Winter Olympics were held at Lake Placid. You can hike, paddle or drive from location to location in the great outdoors and still be back in time for dinner.  Start your Adirondack experience enjoying the crystal clear blue waters of Lake George. 

Overnight: Lake George, New York

Day 7: Lake George to Lake Placid   90 miles

Spend one more day meandering the great scenic roads in Adirondack National Park.  It is larger than Yellowstone, the Everglades, Glacier and Grand Canyon National Parks combined.  The Adirondack Museum, located in Blue Mountain Lake is comprised of the original 1876 Blue Mountain House  surrounded by more than 30 authentic buildings each featuring a different aspect of Adirondack culture and art.  It is a must see.

Overnight: Lake Placid, New York

Day 8:  Saranac Lake to 1000 Islands   125 miles     

A whole network of Scenic Byways crisscrosses Adirondack National Park on your way to the 1000 Islands region, a chain of islands that straddles the US Canadian border in the St. Lawrence River. Once there, you can delight in the river landscape of sparkling water and lush forested islands.  Stay over on the Ontario side for a change of pace. 

Overnight: Alexandria Bay, New York

Day 9:  1000 Islands to Syracuse   100 miles

Syracuse has been at the center of commerce and trade since great quantities of salt were discovered and the Erie Canal was dug to ship it.  It was a hotbed of activity during the fight for a woman’s right to vote in the 1920s.  Today, it’s the gateway to New York’s very lovely Finger Lake region, waiting to delight you. 

Overnight: Syracuse, New York

Day 10:  Syracuse to Niagara Falls   165 miles

If you didn’t have the opportunity to tour Finger Lakes yesterday, you can meander through this delightful area on your way to Niagara Falls.  Be sure to stop in Rochester and Buffalo along the way.  Both cities represent the best in New York traditions.  Check out the world-renowned Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in Buffalo while traveling through.       

Overnight: Niagara Falls, New York

Day 11:  Niagara Falls  

The thunder and roar of six million cubic feet of water falling over Niagara Falls every minute has thrilled visitors since 1820.  Sam Patch, The Yankee Leaper, began the long tradition of daredevils trying to go over the Falls in 1829.  Visitors have enjoyed the view in the whirlpools beneath the Falls on the Maid of the Mist since 1846.  Join the millions of travelers who every year are awed by the sights and sounds of magnificent Niagara Falls.  Don’t miss the illumination at night!

Overnight: Niagara Falls, New York

Day 12:  Niagara Falls to Corning   175 miles  

You’ll be able to see more of Upstate New York on the drive from Niagara Falls south through the Finger Lakes Region and the Foothills of the Adirondacks on your way to Corning.  The Corning Museum of Glass is not to be missed.  Farther up the hill, meticulously preserved mansions stand proudly in one of the best historic districts in the state.    

Overnight: Corning, New York

Day 13: Corning to the Catskill Mountains   165 miles

Early in American history, the Catskills were a famous wilderness. Now incredibly civilized, you can enjoy the Schwangunk Wine Trail, great food and historic architecture as you meander through the natural beauty. 

Overnight: Kingston, New York

Day 14:  Catskills to New York City   100 miles

Spend another day exploring the sights and sounds of America’s most fascinating city.  If you have visited New York before, we’ll provide you with information on new and interesting things to see and do, especially about events and places in New York that changed American history.    

Overnight: New York City

Day 15: Depart New York City