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:
Let’s travel to “The End”! Of Long Island that is, where a charming coastal hamlet known for fishing and its beautiful beaches awaits. The crowds are long gone, leaving behind a peaceful place in which to wander and refresh.
Emerge from your winter cocoon into a little slice of paradise where we can catch a good sunny day but enjoy the crisp spring air and fresh salty sea breezes.
With a century-old lighthouse at the easternmost point in New York State, poetic garden spaces, artistic sculptures, and whimsical windmills straight from the past, it’s the perfect place for exploration. Add a dash of quirky curiosities in a place well known for its glamour and sophistication and you have an eclectic mix of chic wonderful weirdness that you can’t find elsewhere.
The quiet, rural history of Long Island’s South Fork still pervades through all the swanky glitzy glamourous atmosphere. We’ll find these perfect places where the dusty simple hamlets that were once artist retreats drew creative minds to connect with the area’s purest untouched nature.
Become a butterfly leaving New Jersey behind for this special seaside place that has inspired artists, poets, and photographers and will certainly cast its magical spell on you.
Day One: Fire Island Lighthouse
It’s a long way to “The End’, so let’s get started!
Our first stop is where we’ll enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of Fire Island’s landscape and its iconic lighthouse.
Browse the museum to learn everything you wanted to know about Long Island’s rich nautical history, climb to the top of the tower for amazing sea views, and wander one of the many scenic boardwalk nature trails and see what surprises await.
Lunch at Atlantic Seafood:
An included lunch is next on the agenda, but it’s not just any ole lunch, it’s also our first Roadside Attraction.
Step inside the giant shark’s mouth for a bite at Atlantic Seafood, a quirky place with a great history.
Behind the Fence Gallery:
The wonderfully weird fun continues at Behind the Fence Gallery where you may just cross paths with Elvis, a T-Rex, or a pirate drinking grog.
The Big Duck:
Long Island’s famous Big Duck is right around the corner, so let’s step inside for some historical clippings and perhaps a duck-related souvenir.
Montauk Manor:
Sit back and relax for our scenic drive across the South Fork all the way to “The End” in Montauk where we’ll check into the exquisite Montauk Manor and get comfy for the night.
Enjoy dinner on your own right here at the hotel, take a walk to one of many downtown.
Day 2: Seal Haul Out Trail
If you love seals, then today’s walk is perfect for you!
We’ll start the day by heading out on the Seal Haul Out Trail that winds through the serene coastal woods of Montauk Point State Park before ending on a beach that’s a hot spot for seals.
If we’re lucky, we may catch a glimpse of seals along the shore or sunning themselves on rocks nearby.
Montauk Point Lighthouse:
It’s time to climb another lighthouse tower! This time it’s the Montauk Point Lighthouse sitting at the very tip of eastern Long Island.
The lightkeepers house museum will enlighten us with stories from the past from shipwrecks to the Amistad and the spectacular views will draw you in.
Lunchtime!:
After all that climbing, we’re sure to be hungry, so we’re really hoping that one of the most iconic lunch spots will be open for our included lunch.
LongHouse Reserve:
Now we’re in for a real treat! Step inside the wonderful spaces of LongHouse, where you can enjoy the beauty and serenity of the gardens, a quiet respite, a mind clearing space, a place for calm contemplation of nature and art.
Designed by artist Jack Lenor Larsen, this amazing sanctuary includes his modernist home and sculpture garden with over 60 outdoor works. Wander and take it all in.
Enjoy our last night among the Montauk Manor as you please.
Day Three: Walking Dunes Path
We start our last day with walking with the dunes!
At Hither Hills State Park, the dunes are on the move, although at a very slow place, and swallowing all the vegetation along its way. What you might think are plants are actually tree tops sticking out of the dunes!
The Walking Dunes path will take us on a loop around the dunes where we can see nature’s wonders at every step.
Home Sweet Home Museum:
We move onto the most distinguished salt box home in East Hampton where we’ll find the Home Sweet Home Museum.
Situated on the village green, this 18th century home radiates the romance of the past right down to its fine antique contents.
East Hampton Windmills:
Another picturesque remnant from the past still standing here is the Pantiago Mill, a perfect representation of superb woodworking craftsmanship. Nearby is Gardiner Mill and Hook Windmill can be found on the edge of town.
After our wanders here, take some time to explore East Hampton’s Main Street filled with charming shops and places to grab a bite for lunch.
Magnificent Madoo:
Magnificent Madoo just cannot be missed. A once bucolic private residence tucked away from the world for artist and writer Robert Dash, is now luckily open to the public.
Take a slow silent wander through the carefully curated and innately intimate outdoor spaces connected by small meandering footpaths dotted with a myriad of flora and lush vegetation. It’s a place to be mellow as you sit or stroll among its “modern day Monet vibes”.
After our wanders you’re sure to see the link between poetry and Madoo is ever present in both the garden and its history.
We return to our scenic drive back through Long Island’s South Fork with one last surprise roadside attraction along the way!
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Ave at 7:00 AM and returns at approximately 8:30 PM
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 7:45 AM and returns at approximately 7:45 PM
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool South lot (across Linwood Ave) at 8:30 AM and returns at approximately 7:00 PM
Price per person is $1,325 Twin & $1,525 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $150 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the included address. Final payment is due February 20, 2026. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before February 20, 2026. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after February 20, 2026. Travel protection/cancellation coverage is available and highly recommended (approximately 10% of the total cost of the tour) but not included. One piece of luggage per person and one carry-on are 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.
Upon submitting final payment you are agreeing to our new policy.
Wet Blanket Policy:
Wet blanket
– a person who makes it difficult for other people to enjoy themselves by complaining, acting negatively, creating drama, etc.
– one that quenches or dampens enthusiasm or pleasure
- Our philosophy of travel involves getting out of the ordinary to experience other cultures and places with an open minded attitude and flexibility. Since as in daily life, anything can and will happen, let’s embrace these situations with acceptance and understanding because they will either lead to an unexpected, amazing experience or positive learning experience.
- If anyone brings along excess baggage such as incessant complaining, under the breath rude comments, outward negativity or other such behaviors that infect the entire group or individuals, we have the exclusive right to remove them from the tour at their own cost with no refunds. (yes, this means you)
- If any major concerns arise during a tour, please just come talk to us and we’ll work it out!
The Educated Wanderer
PO Box 35 Henryville, PA 18332
973-513-9001
