Rochester & Ithaca, NY Fingerlakes Area
Travel with R&J Tours by luxury Motorcoach to the Fingerlakes Area of Rochester & Ithaca, New York! We are excited to explore this beautiful area and discover all that makes the Fingerlakes Area like no other region with its abundance of natural beauty and amazing attractions. “From the pristine lakes, gorgeous waterfalls, and magnificent parks to the charming villages, one-of-a-kind museums, and unique shopping opportunities, the Fingerlakes has something for everyone to enjoy!”
Day 1 – Home to Lansing, IL
Get to know your fellow travel companions as we travel through Wisconsin on our way to the Fingerlakes of New York. Lunch is served at the Norske Nook in Osseo – be sure to try one of their famous pies! We will overnight in Lansing, IL.
Included Meals: Lunch
Hotel: Holiday Inn
Day 2 – Lansing to Cleveland, OH
Enjoy an included breakfast at the hotel before we make our way through Indiana countryside. A delightful lunch featuring generations-old family recipes is planned at the Das Dutchman Essenhaus in Amish country. Our next stop is Shipshewana where nearly 900 Flea Market vendors wait to try and satisfy your treasure hunting desires. Bidding the friendly faces goodbye, we will make our way towards Cleveland with an included dinner along the way. Tonight our hotel is only a block from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which you may choose to tour on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Doubletree Downtown Cleveland
Day 3 – Cleveland to Rochester, NY
After breakfast we depart on a guided city tour of Cleveland, learning and taking in much of “The North Coast,” which is what locals often refer to Cleveland due to Lake Erie’s close proximity. Take in the passing scenery around you as we work our way to downtown Rochester, NY for a 3 night stay.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hyatt Downtown
Day 4 – Rochester
Today we will be treated to a guided city tour of Rochester, seeing the Corn Hill Historic neighborhood, Lamberton Conservatory, and the Vietnam Memorial. Next you will thoroughly enjoy a house & garden tour of the George Eastman House, the world’s oldest photography & film archives museum. After lunch we’ll tour the home of the legendary American civil rights leader, Susan B. Anthony, who inspired her followers with the now famous words, “Failure is Impossible.” Our afternoon could not be complete without stopping at Abbott’s for some of their frozen custard! At the Port of Rochester we will visit the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, the oldest American lighthouse on Lake Ontario. Built in 1822, the tower stands 40’ high plus another 12’ for the lantern room. A delightful dinner is planned outdoors at the Lake Ontario Winery.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Rochester
Our first stop this morning after a leisurely breakfast is the Genesee Country Village & Museum. As we step back into the 19th century, you will thoroughly enjoy meeting costumed historic interpreters, watching live demonstrations, and exploring over 40 restored buildings. As you stroll through the village, take note of how lifestyles progressed through three times periods: The Pioneer Settlement (1795-1830), The Village Center (1830-1870), and the Turn-of-the-Century Main Street (1880-1920). As we depart the village, we will continue to step back in time for a delightful, homemade lunch served at the D & R Depot Restaurant, housed in a former B & O train depot. At our next stop, you will learn about America’s most famous dessert, JELL-O! Do you know how much the inventor sold his rights to JELL-O for? What is the most popular flavor? Then we are off to the New York Wine & Culinary Center to enjoy wine tasting and appetizers. We will end our fun-filled day of history aboard the Colonial Belle for a 3-hour dinner cruise along the scenic Erie Canal, including lock passage at Canal Park in Pittsford.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Rochester to Ithaca
Happy Father’s Day – a special Sunday brunch at the Belhurst Castle is planned! The Bulhurst Castle combines the romance of the past with the comforts of the present in an elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere, setting the stage for a truly unique dining experience. You will have the opportunity to browse the estate at your leisure. Next we will visit the Willard Memorial Chapel, which was built from 1892-1894 and is the only complete and unaltered Tiffany chapel known to exist. The windows are amazing! This afternoon we’ll shop at MacKenzie-Childs, where each plate, table, picture frame, and more all have their own hand-crafted personality – perhaps you can get some early Christmas shopping done! Our home for the next three nights will be the Country Inn & Suites in Ithaca.
Included Meals: Lt Breakfast, Sunday Brunch at Belhurst Castle
Hotel: Country Inn & Suites
Day 7 – Ithaca
Today we will be treated to a full day with a local step-on guide who will show us the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Stewart Park & Wharton’s silent motion picture site. For lunch we’ll be aboard Captain Bill’s cruise boat taking in the beautiful scenery on Seneca Lake as we enjoy a delightful lunch. Then we board our motorcoach and drive along Cayuga Lake, the longest of central New York’s glacial Finger Lakes. Stopping at Taughannock Falls, with its breathtaking 215 feet drop. Back at the hotel we’ll take time to freshen up before departing for a premier waterfront dining experience at The BoatYard Grill.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Ithaca
A local step-on guide will accompany us again today as we explore Ithaca College, Cornell University, Cornell Arboretum, Ithaca Falls, Ithaca Commons (shopping & eating), Cornell Plantations, Buttermilk Falls, and more! The beauty and history of the area will leave you fascinated!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – Ithaca to Erie, PA
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll begin to make our way westward. This morning you’ll enjoy a stop at The Corning Museum of Glass where you’ll see more than 35 centuries of glass artistry in the galleries, explore glass innovations in our hands-on science and technology area, and watch live glass demonstrations. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening after checking into our hotel in Erie.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn
Day 10 – Erie to Elgin, IL
Breakfast is served at the hotel, then we’ll continue our trek west, taking in the passing scenery and reminiscing with our fellow travel friends. We’ll stop in Elgin, IL for a restful overnight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Hampton Inn
Day 11 – Elgin to Home
We’ll cover the last miles separating us from home today. Return home enriched, having discovered a memorable R&J Tours experience to the New York Fingerlakes!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Motorcoach Per Person Pricing Information
Motorcoach Travel Protection Per Person
Travel Bucks
Deposit Due
Passport Needed
Tour Pace
Price Includes
19 Meals, Hotels & Activities as stated, Luxury motorcoach
Tour Highlights
Shipshewana & Flea Market Shopping
Guided City Tours of Cleveland, Ohio; Rochester, NY;
and Ithaca, NY
Genesee Country Village & Museum
The Jell-O Museum
New York Wine & Culinary Center for Tour & Tastes
Dinner Cruise on the scenic Erie Canal
Belhurst Castle Sunday Brunch
The Willard Chapel
Corning Museum of Glass