From world-famous historical sites to views that you’ll never forget, the Hudson River Valley offers a unique look into America’s past, present, and future. The best and brightest of our military’s future hone their skills and potential at West Point, where the footprints of the American Revolution surround its prestigious walls. The ghastly hoofprints of the nation’s most famous ghost story lead the way into Sleepy Hollow and lake-side trails spotted with bountiful greenery guide guests to the gargantuan Mohonk Mountain House – a historical landmark and true love letter to New York’s natural beauty. The legacy of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt hangs thick in the air of their childhood homes, still standing in a world they helped to create. Explore this winding path into some of the most remarkable moments in American history, surrounded by the lush beauty of nature, and you yourself will become part of the story the Hudson River Valley tells.
Degree of Difficulty –
Fly to New York, where upon arrival, your Classic Escapes representative will greet you at the airport, and commence your drive up to the scenic Hudson Valley. En route, enjoy lunch on the riverfront in quaint Tarrytown and stop in the nearby village of Sleepy Hollow, known internationally through The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, an 1820 short story about the local area and its infamous specter, the Headless Horseman, written by Washington Irving, who lived in Tarrytown and is buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Tour the 400-year-old Old Dutch Church and Graveyard. Next, settle in for a scenic 90-minute cruise along the Hudson River. Your cruise will be aboard the Evening Star, a former US Coast Guard Buoy Tender converted to a passenger tour boat. Arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, a renovated abbey of the Episcopal Sisters of Saint Mary’s. Its gorgeous grounds offer sweeping Hudson River Valley views, hiking and biking trails. This evening, enjoy dinner at the Inn’s elegant farm-to-table restaurant, Apropos. ABBEY INN AND SPA.
(Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, depart for the world-famous United States Military Academy of West Point for a detailed tour and history lesson about this incredible institution, dating back to the American Revolution. See tributes to some of America’s greatest leaders – all once cadets who were trained at this inspiring institution. Enjoy lunch at the nearby historic Hotel Thayer before visiting the outdoor Storm King Art Center for a guided tour. Here you will experience large scale sculpture and site-specific commissions under open sky. Wine tasting is next at Brotherhood Winery, the oldest winery in America. Transfer to the quaint and historic town of Newburgh, where you may have dinner on your own along its scenic waterfront. ABBEY INN AND SPA.
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Transfer to Mohonk Mountain House, for a day to enjoy various activities and the beautiful grounds of this Victorian Castle and National Historic Resort, beginning with a guided house tour. Afterwards, as a Day Guest, you will have free time to embark on various activities, including hiking along gorgeous nature trails, carriage rides, and exploration of the beautiful gardens and greenhouse. Lunch and afternoon tea are included. You may also visit their spa and enjoy the outdoor whirlpool and a selection of wellness and pampering treatments (at additional expense). In the late afternoon depart to a local restaurant where you have dinner on your own before being transferred back to your hotel. ABBEY INN AND SPA.
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Head to the scenic area of Poughkeepsie, spotted with historic mansions. Embark on a self-guided visit to the Walkway Over the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Next, drive to Val-Kill, home of Eleanor Roosevelt, and the only National Historic Site dedicated to a First Lady, for a guided tour. Gain insight into the First Lady, diplomat, and activist who dedicated her life in the cause of civil liberties and human rights. Lunch will be on your own en route to Springwood, where a guided tour of the boyhood home of Franklyn D. Roosevelt will be given. FDR returned here often, drawing on his roots to renew his spirit during times of personal and political crisis. Continue to the FDR Museum/Library where you will take a self-guided tour and view his grave. Dinner tonight will be at the Culinary Institute of America, where a student will introduce you to the history and mission of this renowned school specializing in culinary, baking, and pastry arts education and treat you to a meal prepared by students. Transfer back to your hotel for the evening. ABBEY INN AND SPA.
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Start your day with a guided tour of Kykuit, a 40-room historic house museum, built for John D. Rockefeller with lunch at the visitor’s center. Next, drive to Pocantico Hills, where you visit Union Church to view and learn about its beautiful stained-glass windows, created by European masters, as commissioned by the Rockefeller family. Henri Matisse’s last work, the Rose Window, and nine windows by Marc Chagall create a dramatic combination of light and color, art and spirituality in this otherwise, unassuming country church. Enjoy a late afternoon guided tour of Lyndhurst, one of America’s finest Gothic Revival mansions, and wrap up the evening at a local restaurant for your farewell dinner. Designed in 1838 by Alexander Jackson Davis, its architectural brilliance is complemented by the park-like landscape of the estate and a comprehensive collection of original decorative arts. ABBEY INN AND SPA.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Check out and depart your hotel after breakfast for your drive to the airport. En route partake in a guided tour of Untermeyer Gardens. One of the most celebrated gardens in America, it sprawls over 150 acres overlooking the Hudson River. Afterwards, board your homeward flight taking with you all the wonderful memories of the historic and scenic Hudson River Valley.
(Breakfast)
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
Maximum group size: No restrictions, although we recommend a maximum of 35 travelers.
YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- All ground transfers and tours in air-conditioned vehicle including driver gratuities.
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Local guide on all tours.
- American breakfast daily, as well as welcome and farewell dinners. All other meals as specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
- Dinner at Culinary Institute of America.
- Tour and tasting at Brotherhood Winery.
- Day Guest Pass at Mohonk Mountain Lodge.
- All applicable hotel taxes and gratuities for baggage handling at hotel.
- Complimentary baggage tags.
New York City has a temperate climate with warm, humid summers and cold winters, but generally above freezing temperatures. Precipitation is fairly even throughout the year, with thunderstorms quite common in the summer months. The ‘Big Apple’ is a destination that can be visited year-round. Many festivals take place in the city, Thanksgiving and Christmas are some of the most festive holidays, July 4th offers some spectacular fireworks, and the theater is welcoming no matter when you visit. This applies to our NYC based programs. The Finger Lakes are best visited between May and September when outdoor pursuits can be accommodated, and the Summits program can only be offered during May and September because of the snows that can close down the various mountains.
