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 Hudson Valley holds many hidden gems yet to be discovered so we’ll spend the next two days exploring away! Many artistic souls over the centuries have brought their creative wisdom to places that hold great beauty, leaving behind feelings of sacredness and lucky for us, the Hudson Valley has been a space where such artistry flourished.
Hidden on a private island in Lake Mahopac lies two of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural treasures. It will be easy to experience Wright’s harmony of form and function in his organic style of design in these architectural delights that have been described as the most spectacular designs of his career, featuring vast panels of skylights and expanses of stone and mahogany as far as the eye can see.
As if this wasn’t enough in itself, our Hudson Valley journey will take us to an intimate oasis that provides access to peace and mindfulness in a beautiful green, flowering, artistic space, a winding, serene trail through stunning natural spaces, and a sacred space where things are at home being just what they are, in a place where spirit and nature can reconnect. So why not put all your worries and busy lives aside and join our two-day exploration into places where art, nature, and souls collide.
Day One: Japanese Stroll Garden
We start our exploration at Hammond Museum’s Japanese Stroll Gardens, an extra special place for wandering with the feel of summer in the air. Our senses will be delighted as we step along the paths that provide a place to feel the peace and wisdom of nature that take us on a voyage to a deeper understanding of the world around us.
We will teach you the Japanese practice of using your senses to enhance your experience of the garden by listening to the crunching of pebbles beneath your feet, hearing the wind blow through the bamboo, feeling pine needles brush your skin as you pass through the trees and smelling the aroma of the surrounding flowering trees and plants.
Your garden adventure can be enhanced by visiting the galleries showcasing Japanese art that reflect the intersection Eastern and Western culture, promoting global awareness and understanding.
Local Lunch:
After our wanders, we’ll enjoy each other’s company at an included local lunch nearby.
Petra Island:
Now it’s time to discover the beauty of Petra Island where we’ll have an exclusive tour of two of Frank Lloyd Wright’s works of art. The Chahroudi House, a mere ’cottage” was built first on the island as a guest house and then came the masterpiece, Massaro House, the only design of Wright’s that was built after his death on the exact location it was intended for.
The only words to describe these amazing creations come from Edgar Kaufman Jr., son of the owner of Fallingwater, “…this house turns a simple rugged face, but within it becomes a magic maze of caves, of unexpected corners, of rising and falling levels of light veiled in shafts of brilliance. A home for Aladdin.”
Curry Estate:
Now we check into our charming rooms at the Curry Estate, nestled on 10 acres of quiet, private, peaceful country property where you can relax then enjoy an included dinner at your leisure.
Day 2: Vernon Boardwalk
As we begin the scenic route back towards New Jersey, you’ll have the chance to step along a special small slice of the most famous trail in America, the Appalachian Trail.
On the Vernon Boardwalk, it will be an easy stroll across the top of a beautiful marshy area to the impressive Pochuck Suspension Bridge spanning the sparkling Pochuck Creek.
Downtown Warwick:
Walk as far as you like or instead enjoy downtown Warwick where we’ll meet you after our wanders to have lunch on your own and time to browse the quaint shops and side streets.
Pacem in Terris:
Last, but certainly not least, we take an extraordinary step into a sacred space created by Frederick Franck, Pacem in Terris – Peace on Earth. It is difficult to find words to describe the artistry here and the feelings it evokes but is best explained as“One man’s work of art that aspires to be an oasis of quiet, of sanity, where spirit and nature may reconnect. It is dedicated to what is Human in every human being”.
The only rules of visiting here are to leave your phones and cameras behind and experience Pacem in quiet contemplation or meditation.
Perhaps after a visit here the following quote by Zen Master Hui Neng may be a revelation “The meaning of life is to SEE”.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School at the end of Lane Ave at 7:30 AM and returns at approximately 7:30 PM
Departs Madison’s Kings Road Parking Lot, 62 Kings Rd. at 8:15 AM and returns at approximately 6:45 PM
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool South Lot, across Linwood Ave on the field side at 9:00 AM and returns at approximately 6:00 PM
Price per person is $875 Twin & $995 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 April 25, 2025. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before April 25, 2025. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after April 25, 2025. 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. Educated Wanderer 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
