Print Full Itinerary
Itinerary: Subject to change due to local conditions, unforeseen events, or more interesting as yet unplanned awesome experiences that become available
Overview:
Throw your worries in a bucket and escape to the Berkshires where you can unwind and relax in the nature and serenity of this beautiful mountainous region. There’s no better time for a mountain getaway than fall foliage season, when Mother Nature splashes her forests, meadows, and fields with a rainbow of colors. As we travel the winding, scenic roads that twist through the rolling mountains, we’ll catch a glimpse of the natural beauty that has inspired so many poets, writers, and artists who were drawn here.
Our adventure will be filled with sculptures, Gilded Age Cottages, a natural marble arch and amazing falcons. Best of all, our home for two nights will be at the most charming Red Lion Inn whose character expresses timeless tradition and each unique room tells a delightful story.
Day One: Art Omi
As we make our way North through the lovely Hudson Valley, we’ll stop for a stretch at the intriguing Art Omi Sculpture Park. Situated on 120 acres are works of contemporary artists and architects spread throughout the fields and forest where you can see more than 60 pieces on view.
Walk among the sculptures at your leisure, spending as much time exploring as you like and don’t miss the 1500 square foot Newmark Gallery.
Day One: Red Lion Inn
Now it’s time for an included lunch at a wonderful, local restaurant before making our way to an iconic landmark in Stockbridge, the Red Lion Inn, filled with warmth and character where we will spend the next two enchanted nights. Relax and refresh and spend the evening as you wish for dinner on your own in the picturesque downtown or feel free to use your $50 dinner voucher at our wonderfully historic inn at your leisure.
Day Two: Naumkeag
Gilded Age grandeur awaits today at the spectacular Naumkeag, a 48-acre architectural masterpiece renowned for its elegant gardens. Our tour will take us through this spellbinding 44 room shingle style home built as a summer retreat for the Choate family with time to wander the magnificent gardens surrounding deep blue fountain pools. Extend your exploration to the stunning Afternoon Garden, Tree Peony Terrace, Rose Garden, Evergreen Garden and Chinese Garden, each with its own distinctive personality and beauty.
Day Two: Lenox Lunch
Off to the charming village of Lenox where there will be time to browse the local shops and enjoy a delicious, included lunch.
Day Two: Natural Bridge State Park
A geologic wonder is hidden in an abandoned marble quarry from the 1800s in North Adams, MA. Wandering through the quarry will bring you to this amazing sight; the only naturally formed white marble arch in North America. Estimated to be 550 million years old, this natural arch was slowly formed by the bubbling Hudson Brook that twists and tumbles through a steep 60-foot gorge.
The woodland walk will also take you past a man-made dam of white marble, another one of a kind in North America. As you wander, you can still see where former employees etched their names in the marble.
Once back in Stockbridge, enjoy a relaxing evening with a leisurely dinner of your choosing.
Day Three: Falconry
We travel to beautiful open meadows and forestland in lovely Western Massachusetts where we’ll experience the excitement and thrill of observing the graceful, majestic hawk soar through the air with wings spread and talons extended, swoop towards the handler while gently landing on his outstretched hand.
During our falconry experience, we will learn about the ancient art of falconry, the life history of raptors and their role in the environment while watching the amazing flight demonstration.
Day Three: Wethersfield, CT
As we make our way south towards New Jersey, we’ll make a stop in the quaint, historic Connecticut town of Wethersfield, “Ye Most Ancient Towne” founded in 1632. Stretch your legs while strolling past the distinctive Colonial homes lining the streets, find a tasty lunch on your own and browse the unique shops.
Now we head back to our home sweet home New Jersey refreshed with our Berkshires adventure.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Avenue at 7:00 AM and returns at approximately 7:00 PM
Departs Chatham area TBD at 7:45 AM and returns at approximately 6:15 PM
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool at the corner of Linwood Ave & Northern Parkway at 8:30 AM and returns at approximately 5:30 PM
Price per person is $1,075 Twin & $1,325 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $150 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the above address. Final payment is due August 19, 2022. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before August 19, 2022. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after August 19, 2022. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (cost is approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one small carry-on is permitted. 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
