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:
The vibrant colors of fall are popping up across the landscape surrounding the Finger Lakes region, so let’s head north to immerse into the oranges, reds, and yellows of the season. This natural area resembling fingers from a hand is filled with gorgeous gorges, lakes, and waterfalls galore just waiting to be explored. We’ll get in touch with nature on walking trails with awe inspiring scenery set among the sound of rushing, cascading water and glide through picturesque lakes in search of peaceful serenity.
Small historic towns and quaint villages are perfect for wandering and learning their community and culture with reminders of past achievements discovered throughout the region. Famous for rolling vineyards and the flavors that come out of them, this is a paradise for all wine lovers! We’ll cruise along Cayuga Lake to sip our tastings from local wineries in hope to find a favorite. Artistic creations, Victorian mansions, and local wildlife are also part of the adventure, so why not take a break on a trip to the Finger Lakes.
This will be one of our intimate Van Adventures!
Day One: Binghamton Lunch
As we make our way along the scenic drive to the Eastern Finger Lakes, we’ll stop in Binghamton for an included lunch at Craft Bar & Kitchen.
Snack on sliders and craft milkshakes to fuel our way further north…
Filmore Glen State Park:
…To Fillmore Glen State Park, home to a deep gorge with stunning waterfalls. We’ll walk through the deep gorge among the fall colors past unique geology and amazing scenery to 4 waterfalls with spectacular drops.
You may not even notice the first somewhat steep incline among all the beauty, but don’t worry, the trail will soon flatten out so you can enjoy further exploration at your own pace.
Seneca Falls:
After walking off those sliders from lunch, we can make our way to our home in Seneca Falls where we’ll check into the Gould Hotel, a boutique hotel filled with vivid history.
Located right in downtown, we’re within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the Women’s Rights National Historical Park.
Day Two: Water to Wine Boat Tour
Sit back and relax because today we’ll cruise our way along the picture-perfect Cayuga Lake on a leisurely boat ride to two local wineries along the shoreline. Enjoy included tastings at Long Point Winery overlooking the lake and more sips at Thirsty Owl Wine Company along with an included lunch.
Find a bottle or two to enjoy back on board our boat as you soak in the lakefront views.
Seneca Falls Historical Society:
A beautiful Victorian mansion sitting quietly along a charming street in historic downtown Seneca Falls is now home to the Seneca Falls Historical Society.
We’ll visit this evening for a haunted ghost tour where we’ll hear the eerie stories of the 3 ghosts thought to inhabit this 1855 mansion while being entranced by the loveliness of this unchanged architectural beauty.
Day Three: MacKenzie Childs Farm
On a tranquil Victorian farm overlooking Cayuga Lake, sits the home for MacKenzie-Childs artistic pottery creations. Their designers and artisans have created colorful handmade products that add joy and grace to homes throughout the world. We’ll explore the Visitor Center offering an informative, behind the scenes movie and tour the 1800s farmhouse restored with warmth and charm showcasing art and antiques playfully combined with MacKenzie-Childs products.
Take some time to wander the grounds and sprawling gardens, dairy barn housing their production studio, and farmland with Scottish Highland cattle, Gothic Revival Chicken Palace, duck pond, and hay fields.
After we’ll enjoy each other’s company on an included lunch nearby.
Shequaga Falls:
Now it’s time for waterfalls galore! On our way to the amazing Watkins Glen gorge, we’ll pass by Shequaga Falls, a large frothy cascade and the free-falling Aunt Sarah’s Falls where we can make a quick stop.
Watkins Glen:
Now the waterfall highlight, Watkins Glen Gorge Trail passing through a spectacular amount of gorgeous scenery made up of 19 waterfalls and 200-foot cliffs.
Take your time to wander through as much as you like and savor every spectacular moment.
Belhurst Castle Dinner:
After working up a huge appetite, we’ll head to the legendary Belhurst Castle, a place filled with interesting and tragic history for an included dinner.
Day Four: Cascadilla Gorge Trail
One more day of waterfalls! As we make our way south, we’ll stop in Ithaca for the town’s surprisingly hidden Cascadilla Gorge Trail. The trail may be short but is loaded with stunningly amazing waterscapes.
We’ll stroll along the Cascadilla Creek as if no city surrounds us to part of Cornell’s campus where we’ll take a break for an included lunch.
Now that you’re re-energized, let’s walk back on the gorge trail with a view from the opposite perspective, allowing for previously unseen things to appear.
Ithaca Falls:
If time allows, there’s one more easily accessible cascading beauty right nearby, Ithaca Falls on Fall Creek. Take in all the peacefulness of its natural beauty before making our way home to New Jersey.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Avenue at 7:30 AM and returns at approximately 8:00 PM
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 8:15 AM and returns at approximately 7:15 PM
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool (on the pool side) at 9:00 AM and returns at approximately 6:30 PM
Price per person is $ Twin & $ 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 8, 2023. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before August 8, 2023. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after August 8, 2023. 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
PO Box 632 Berwyn, PA 19312
973-513-9001
