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 escape to a place filled with history, charm and natural wonders this spring! Wrapped around the northern corner of Saratoga Lake and hugging the west bank of Fish Creek sits Saratoga Springs, right at the base of the Adirondack Mountains. Known for its naturally carbonated mineral springs, thoroughbred horse racing and vibrant downtown, Saratoga Springs is a place where health, history and horses come together.
Join us as we reside in Victorian splendor, taste from mineral springs, visit retired thoroughbreds, follow the local history trail and sip Saratoga wine this May. *We’ve booked the entire Batcheller Mansion Inn which contains nine rooms. First registrations have first pick of rooms in this spectacular mansion. The mansion has 3 floors and no elevator, we will take care of your luggage. Once rooms are booked at the mansion, we will book you in the nearby, historic Inn of Saratoga.
Day One: Wilderstein
Our first brush with Victorian charm begins at Wilderstein, a 19th century, Queen Anne style country house located on the Hudson River in Rhinebeck, NY. We’ll be delighted with a guided tour through this magnificent home of Margaret Suckley, cousin and confidante of Theodore Roosevelt.
After, we’ll enjoy an included lunch and have time to wander the beautifully landscaped grounds comprised of an intricate network of carriage drives, walks, and trails adorned with specimen trees and ornamental shrubs.
Day One: Saratoga Springs
Now we make our way to the heart of Saratoga Springs where we’ll find the American architectural masterpiece, the Batcheller Mansion Inn in which we have the pleasure to stay for the next two days. We’ve rented the entire inn, so it’s all ours to enjoy every nook and cranny!
Spend the night exploring this amazing space and venturing out downtown where there will be numerous unique places to enjoy dinner on your own.
Day Two: Saratoga Spa State Park
Have you ever wondered what a natural, mineral spring tastes like? Well today you’ll get the chance to find out! At the Saratoga Spa State Park, home to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, National Museum of Dance. and Roosevelt Baths & Spa, we’ll take a guided tour through the natural areas of the park where we’ll encounter these world-famous springs long believed to have healing properties along with the Geyser Island spouter.
Different from the type of geyser that forces water upwards related to heat and seismic activity, this spouter springs up due to the pressure of carbonic gas trapped between deep layers of shale, but still an exceptional natural wonder.
As we wander, we’ll taste from several springs, each with a unique history, flavor and healing benefit.
Day Two: Downtown Saratoga Springs
This afternoon we’ll spend time exploring the historic downtown which offers lovely boutiques and quaint shops tucked away among wonderful eateries and cafes in which to find lunch on your own.
Day Two: Saratoga Springs History Museum
This afternoon will take us to the historic Canfield Casino, a draw for wealthy and prominent visitors worldwide in 1870, which now houses the Saratoga Springs History Museum. Our visit here will allow us to experience the history of this famous city along with the people who made it so and maybe even a ghost!
Tonight we’ll enjoy each other’s company at out included dinner downtown.
Day Three: Old Friends at Cabin Creek
Today we get to run with the horses, so hope you got a good night’s sleep. Old Friends at Cabin Creek is a nearby beautiful farm that also serves as a natural, nurturing forever home for thoroughbreds that are no longer able to compete or breed.
Here we will have the chance to meet and interact with these former racehorses and get to know their distinct personalities. Among the many galloping athletes are Commentator, Roaring Lion, Red South Down and the lovable character Zippy Chippy.
Once you look into the faces of these magnificent creatures and hear their stories and achievements while watching them frolic in their spacious pastures, you’ll feel a sense of relief that they have this opportunity to live out their lives with such peace.
Day Three: Fossilized Sea Floor
A hidden gem awaits, hiding within nearby Lester Park: a 490-million-year-old tropical sea floor that you can walk on. Exhibit signs explain the existence of these ancient stromatolite fossils formed by blue green algae on a shallow sea floor that is now exposed for us to marvel over.
Day Three: Saratoga Winery
Time for lunch and some wine at the Saratoga Winery where we can sit back and relax and enjoy a tasting and some wood fired eats. What a perfect way to end our Saratoga Springs adventure.
Pricing & Departures:
Departs South Plainfield High School, at the end of Lane Avenue at 7:15 AM and returns at approximately 6:30 PM.
Departs Chatham Middle School at 480 Main Street (park in the non-numbered spots in the lot behind the Methodist Church) at 8:00 AM and returns at approximately 5:45 PM.
Departs Ridgewood’s Graydon Pool parking lot at the corner of Linwood Avenue & Northern Parkway at 8:45 AM and returns at approximately 5:00 PM.
Price per person is $850 Twin & $995 Single. No reservations accepted without a deposit of $350 per person. Make checks payable to Group Tours & Travel and mail to the above address. Final payment is due March 10, 2022. Deposits are fully refundable if cancellation occurs on or before March 10, 2022. There are no refunds if cancellation occurs after March 10, 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
Group Tours & Travel
1710 E. Lancaster Ave. #319 Paoli, PA 19301
973-513-9001
