Autumn in the Adirondacks

Depart Michigan for Utica, NY with an overnight stay at the Hampton Inn. Dinner is included at a local restaurant. (D)

Start your day with an included breakfast before embarking on a scenic journey aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. As the train winds through vibrant autumn forests, crossing over picturesque rivers and streams, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the Adirondacks. This journey not only transports you to the charming town of Old Forge but also offers an unforgettable experience of nature's splendor in its full fall glory. Lunch is included at a local restaurant followed by a tour of Great Camp Sagamore (this tour is subject to availability). The Adirondack Forest Preserve surrounds the entire 27-building Great Camp Sagamore estate owned by the Alfred Vanderbilt family from 1901-1954. This masterpiece of Adirondack architecture, was a place where America’s most influential people came to take a break from the clamor of modern life. Its wood and stone buildings are the vernacular rustic architecture on which our National Park lodges were modeled. End your evening with a four-course dinner cruise on the beautiful Raquette Lake. (B,L,D)

After breakfast this morning, you'll visit Fort Ticonderoga, exploring 2,000 acres of America’s historic landscape on the shores of Lake Champlain, nestled between New York’s Adirondack and Vermont’s Green Mountains. Enjoy a private tour led by a historic interpreter, followed by an included lunch. Later, embark on a 75-minute narrated boat tour on Lake Champlain, featuring sonar views of shipwrecks, captivating stories, and breathtaking scenery. Continue on to Lake Placid, NY and Check into the Grand Adirondack Hotel for a two-night stay, where richly furnished rooms blend modern touches with the charm of historic Adirondack Great Camps. Dinner at a local restaurant is included tonight. (B,L,D)

Start your day with a hotel breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of the iconic Olympic Legacy Sites. Lake Placid, renowned for hosting the Olympic Winter Games in both 1932 and 1980, offers a fascinating journey through its storied past. Explore the Olympic Center, where the 'Miracle on Ice' took place, and visit the Olympic Jumping Complex, home to the towering ski jumps that still inspire awe. At Mt. Van Hoevenberg, discover the adrenaline-filled history of bobsledding, while Whiteface Mountain offers a glimpse into the alpine challenges faced by the world's best athletes. These historic venues, collectively known as the Lake Placid Legacy Sites, are a testament to the region's rich Olympic heritage. Enjoy a group dinner this evening after our tour. (B,L,D)

Breakfast is included at the hotel before departing this morning for Rochester, NY where you’ll visit The George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, housed in the historic mansion of Kodak founder George Eastman. It features an unparalleled collection of photography, film, and related technology, offering a unique glimpse into the evolution of visual media. Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant and an overnight stay in Rochester. (B,D)

Breakfast is included at the hotel followed by a visit to the Lucille Ball & Desi Arnaz Museum. Celebrate the legacy of the "First Couple of Comedy" in Lucy’s hometown, where you can explore original awards, photographs, and personal memorabilia, including Lucy’s 1972 gold Mercedes Benz. Enjoy an exciting lunch at the Tropicana, a vibrant recreation of Ricky Ricardo’s iconic Manhattan nightclub. Afterward, visit the National Comedy Center, where over 50 immersive exhibits offer a laugh-filled journey through the history of comedy, honoring the legends and innovations that have shaped this beloved art form. Return home to Michigan this evening. (B,L)