New York City & the Hudson River Valley

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Day 1 – Home to New York City 

Our morning flight will take us to New York City where we will be shuttled to our hotel just blocks from Times Square for a 3 night stay. The evening is free for you to enjoy some shopping, people watching or maybe a carriage ride in Central Park. Rockefeller Center is not far from our hotel or maybe you wish to see two Broadway plays while in NYC. The opportunities are endless and your Tour Director will help you experience NYC in your own special way. 

Hotel: Sheraton NY Times Square (3 Nights) 

Day 2 – New York City 

We meet our New York City Guide right at our hotel and travel to the southern edge of Manhattan Island and board the shuttle boats that will take us to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Enjoy a walk around Liberty Island and view this magnificent symbol of freedom. On Ellis Island, we’ll have an opportunity to view special exhibits that detail the history of the 12 million people who passed through this Island on their way to making America their home. Of course NYC has many more sites to see and our guide will lead us on a special tour of many today. You’ll have a couple hours to enjoy the sights and sounds of Times Square and to grab a bite to eat at a classic NY sandwich shop before we attend a special Broadway Play and experience all of its wonder and glory! 

Day 3 – New York City 

This morning is free to attend church or explore NYC on your own. Our guide will meet us again for another half day of afternoon touring, seeing many more sights in New York City. Whether it’s a walk in Central Park today or a visit to the garment district, we know that you’ll enjoy the tour wherever it leads us in this magnificent city! We’ll continue with our guide and visit the 9/11 Memorial Site and Museum. If there is any place else you wish to explore, tonight’s the night! 

Day 4 – New York City to Hudson River Valley 

We depart New York City this morning and travel a few hours north along the Hudson River. The Valley was designated as a National Heritage Area and is steeped in history, natural beauty, and culture. Our first stop today will be at the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where a local guide brings history to life with fascinating stories during our walking tour. Here you will learn of the “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and experience some of the wonderful architecture displayed in the cemetery. Next we will tour the Lyndhurst Mansion, also known as the Jay Gould Estate. This magnificent Gothic Revival country house sits in its own 67-acre park beside the Hudson River. Then we will continue our drive north along the river, enjoying the little towns along the way and the beauty of the river valley. We’ll travel to Fishkill, NY where we will check into our hotel for another 3 night stay. 

Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn, Fishkill (3 Nights) 

Included Meals: Lunch 

Day 5 – Hudson River Valley 

Today we stop at the Culinary Institute of America for a unique tour and to learn how their students prepare for exciting careers in food and we’ll even be treated to a scrumptious, full course meal complete with an elegant place setting! For some of us, savoring the taste of their fabulous cuisine will very well be a trip highlight! This afternoon a stop at the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site awaits us. A tour of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, his home, the grounds, and a visit to the visitor center creates an afternoon to remember! 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Day 6 – Hudson River Valley 

Today we travel to the West Point Military Academy. What a great opportunity for the R&J Travelers this will be! A step-on guide will board our coach and we will learn the story of West Point, its role in the Revolution, its famous history, as well as stories about graduates who shaped our nation. The majestic Cadet Chapel was completed in 1910, is a classic example of gothic revival architecture, and hosts the world’s largest chapel pipe organ! We’ll have time to enjoy the West Point Museum following our tour and of course a stop in the West Point Gift Shop. Later we travel up river towards Newburgh where we will enjoy lunch on the banks of the Hudson. Then we head to the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. The site is not just a tribute to one of America’s wealthiest, but a glimpse into the life of all American Millionaires during the time we called the Gilded Age. We’ll enjoy a tour of the mansion and also a walk on the beautiful estate, which is located on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River. After dinner we will return to hotel. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 7 – Hudson River Valley to Home 

As we prepare to leave the Hudson River Valley, we will make one final stop at Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate. Built by the founder of Standard Oil, Kykuit is the pre-eminent domestic landmark in the Hudson Valley. We’ll enjoy the elegant rooms, the expansive, beautifully kept gardens and the collection of carriages and classic autos. Stories of the Rockefellers will entertain us as we enjoy this journey! Following our tour of Kykuit, we will travel towards the airport for our flight home. Enjoy your flight home as you remember your many experiences in NYC and the history and beauty of the Hudson River Valley! 

Included Meals: Breakfast