Adirondack Balloon Festival

Tour Schedule

Adirondack Balloon Festival

Lake George, NY

September 17 - 20, 2026 | 4 Days

Single $2239.00 per person
Double $1803.00 per person
Triple $1677.00 per person

Join us and experience a breathtaking journey through Upstate New York and the Hudson Valley. Watch colorful hot air balloons take flight at the Adirondack Balloon Festival, savor the local flavors in Saratoga Springs and learn of the rich Hudson Valley history in this four-day exploration.

Whats Included:

3 Nights’ Accommodations
Motorcoach Transportation
3 Breakfasts
Tour Guide, Tour Director and Driver Gratuities
2 Lunches
All Listed Attractions & tours
2 Dinners (1 Saratoga Spring Food Tour)
All applicable taxes, fees, gratuities and luggage handling

Multi Day Registration Form

Itinerary

Departure Information:
8:00 AM – Elite Coach Parking Lot – 1685 W Main St, Ephrata
(please park in the spaces behind the office building)
8:45 AM – Lancaster Shopping Center – 1515 Lititz Pike, Lancaster
(please park in the lot that is along the Oregon Pike side of the old A.C. Moore building)

Loading will begin 15 minutes prior to departure time.

Return Information:
7:00 PM (Approx.) – Lancaster Shopping Center
7:45 PM (Approx.) – Elite Coach

Itinerary, inclusions, timing, and pricing subject to change without notice.

Activity Level: To fully participate in this tour, it may require extended amounts of walking. There may be steps, inclines, uneven surfaces or extended periods of standing. Participants with physical limitation should take this into consideration.

Day 1: Thursday, September 17

We travel to Saratoga Springs for a delightful culinary adventure that pairs delicious tastings with fascinating local history. This 2.5-hour walking tour takes guests through Saratoga’s charming streets, stopping at iconic eateries like Whitman Brewing, Saratoga Olive Oil Company, and Old Bryan Inn. Along the way, participants sample a variety of foods, from artisanal olive oils to freshly made gelato, while learning about the city’s rich culture and architecture.

After our time in Saratoga Springs, we will check into our hotel in Lake George, NY.

Day 2: Friday, September 18

Following breakfast at the hotel, we will meet our step-on guide for a full day of touring, passing by attractions and sites while listening to tales of the rich and famous who summer in the area. We will visit Cooper’s Cave, the site of the fictional hiding place made famous in James Fenimore Cooper’s novel “The Last of the Mohicans.” Traveling along Millionaire’s Row, where the Adirondacks aristocracy, wealthy captains of industry, famous artists, and writers flocked to the Lake George area in spring and summer. You’ll finish in the lovely hamlet of Bolton’s Landing.

In the village of Lake George, we will enjoy strolling through town and enjoying lunch on our own. After lunch we will enjoy a relaxing and scenic journey on the Lake George Horicon Sightseeing Cruise through the stunning bays of Lake George. Aboard the 85-foot, double-deck wooden yacht, we will enjoy a 1-hour narrated tour that highlights the lake’s rich history, including stories from the Revolutionary and French and Indian Wars.

Next, we will head to the Adirondack Balloon Festival. This afternoon, we will see a flight of up to 70 balloons against the back drop of the Adirondack Mountains.

This evening’s dinner is included and will be after the balloon flights, at about 7:00pm.

Day 3: Saturday, September 19

After enjoying your breakfast buffet this morning, we will meet our guide for another full day of sightseeing. We will experience a Rail Bike Ride. The North Bridge Run with Revolution Rail Co, is a 7-mile rail bike journey through the scenic Adirondack Forest, offering a gentle, enjoyable ride perfect for senior adults. The adventure begins with a shuttle ride to the launch point, followed by a leisurely pedal along reclaimed railway tracks lined with wildflowers and lush greenery. The highlight of the trip is crossing a spectacular trestle bridge over the Hudson River, where riders can see breathtaking views of the confluence of the Hudson and Boreas Rivers. A rest stop along the riverbank allows for relaxation before the return journey. This eco-friendly excursion combines mild physical activity with stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal outdoor experience for those looking to enjoy nature at a comfortable pace. Not everyone needs to pedal, and it is not strenuous.

We will enjoy an included lunch before heading the Gore Mountain Gondola ride through the Adirondacks. The enclosed gondola cabins comfortably transport guests to the summit of Bear Mountain, where we can enjoy the fresh mountain air and explore scenic hiking trails.

Next, we visit Oscar’s Smokehouse, specializing in smoked meats and cheeses since 1943. Known for its high-quality products, it has built a loyal customer base, including celebrity chef Rachael Ray.

We will end our day at the balloon field around 3:30pm for Balloon Night, with food vendors, live music and an evening flight from 5:00-6:15pm. There will also be a special Moonglow Balloon light show at 7:45pm. (Dinner will be on your own with food vendors this evening).

Day 4: Sunday, September 20

This morning after breakfast we will check out and make our way to West Point. We will stop for lunch, that is included, near West Point.
We will take a 90-minute tour of the United States Military Academy at West Point which offers a compelling blend of history, tradition, and scenic beauty. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour combines both bus and walking segments, taking visitors through iconic landmarks such as the Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point with its breathtaking view of the Hudson River, Battle Monument, the Plain (parade field), and the Monument to the Great Chain. Along the way, we will learn about West Point’s pivotal role in the American Revolution, its evolution as a premier military academy, and the lives of notable graduates who have shaped the nation.
After our tour, we will sit back and enjoy our ride back to Lancaster County reminiscing about all the wonderful adventures and beautiful balloons we have enjoyed.

Departure Times & Policy Information

Itinerary Day 1: Thursday, September 17

Itinerary Day 2: Friday, September 18

Itinerary Day 3: Saturday, September 19

Itinerary Day 4: Sunday, September 20