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Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Bannerman Castle:
A mysterious abandoned castle brittle with over a century of time sits on top of rocky and wild Pollepel Island outside of Beacon, New York. Despite its fairy tale façade, which is now mostly ruins, Bannerman Castle was built by a Scottish patriot as an arsenal for military surplus that still lies beneath the castle walls. You may spot the “Bannerman’s Island Arsenal” cast in concrete on one of the castle’s remaining walls.
Bannerman’s castle has everything expected from a proper castle including terraced gardens, a dry moat of thistle plants, a drawbridge, a heavy metal gate decorated with spikes, and a promenade around the island’s perimeter made from sunken barges. The Bannerman’s didn’t reside here however, they constructed a smaller, castle-like summer home nearby.
Cruise to Pollepel Island:
Today we cruise aboard the Estuary Steward down the Hudson River to visit Bannerman Castle where we’ll visit the ruins, gardens and summer residence while learning about all things Bannerman on an intriguing walking tour. Be on the lookout for Bannerman’s artistic details of his native Scotland like Shamrocks and thistles, along with military motifs, a personally designed crest, and special sayings handcrafted on each fireplace.
Native Americans along with Dutch Settlers created an aura of mystery about the island with stories of resident spirits and goblins, keeping visitors away, but today we visit anyway!
Dia: Beacon:
Before our island adventure, we’ll spend some time in the Hudson town of Beacon, where you can visit the amazing Dia. Housed in a former Nabisco box printing factory, Dia’s collection of art from the 1960s and ‘70s represented in individual galleries fashioned specifically for the creations can only make you say, Wow. Spend as much time as you wish at the gallery, grab some lunch downtown and browse the shops.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School, at the end of Lane Ave. at 7:30 AM and returns at approximately 7:00 PM.
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 8:15 AM and returns at approximately 6:15 PM.
Departs Ridgewood Graydon Pool lot at the corner of Linwood Ave & Northern Pkwy at 9:00 AM and returns at approximately 5:30 PM.
Cars may be parked at all locations at your own risk
No reservations accepted without a payment of $185 per person. Make checks payable to “Group Tours & Travel” and mail to the above address. A full refund will be granted if canceled prior August 31, 2022. No refund will be granted on a cancellation that occurs after August 31, 2022. Group Tours is not responsible for any delays, cancellations, injuries or circumstances beyond its control and reserves the right to change this itinerary. All trip components are subject to change in accordance with Government, State, and Local guidelines and/or mandates. This tour will run rain or shine.
The Educated Wanderer
Group Tours & Travel
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
