Lighthouses, castles, boat cruises, million-dollar summer homes, and more – come with us to Alexandria Bay and the 1000 Islands! Some of the unique sites we’ll see and visit are The Tibbetts Lighthouse that has stood vigil since 1827; Boldt Castle, where we learn the heart-wrenching love story of this famous man with 360-degree breathtaking views; the Antique Boat Museum, whose collection holds over 320 unique boats and much more! Take an intimate boat tour over 22 miles among many of the 1000 Islands along the St. Lawrence River. There’s so much more to be seen and experience on this lovely tour on the river.
Departure Information:
5:45 AM – Elite Coach Parking Lot – 1685 W Main St, Ephrata
(please park in the spaces behind the office building)
6:30 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)
Itinerary, inclusions, timing, and pricing subject to change without notice.
Day 1: Monday, May 13
Today we travel to the beautiful Alexandria Bay, New York. Lunch will be on your own at Salt City Market – a food hall and public market to show off hidden culinary gems of Syracuse, offering regional and international cuisines from talented and driven entrepreneurs.
This afternoon we visit Tibbets Lighthouse and Museum. Standing guard at confluence of St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, this lighthouse has stood vigil since 1827. It features the only original working Fresnel lens in Lake Ontario. Listen to the forlorn cry of the last operating foghorn on the river and gaze at the beautiful scenery.
Upon arrival to Alexandria Bay, we will check into Riveredge Resort and have dinner next door at Riley’s by the River – the upbeat casual atmosphere and delicious menu mirror the personality of this town!
Day 2: Tuesday, May 14
We begin the day with breakfast at the hotel, then depart for a Two Nations Tour. The cruise takes a 22-mile journey through the international waters of America and Canada, giving you the best view of this truly unique geographical area shared by two nations, and you don’t even need a passport! This international tour offers close-up enjoyment of historic and scenic wonders in both the American and Canadian sections of the 1000 Islands.
During the cruise, we will stop to visit Boldt Castle. This 120-room Rhineland-style castle and yacht house was built at the turn of the 20th century. The millionaire proprietor of the famous Waldorf Astoria in NYC, George Boldt, built the castle as a display of love for his wife. Wander the halls and imagine what could have been if tragedy had not struck.
We will enjoy a boxed lunch on the cruise. Professional guides will share the colorful history of the magnificent homes built during the gilded age as well as biographical information about their owners, point out landmarks such as Devils Oven, Sunken Rock Lighthouse, the Canadian Span of the 1000 Islands Bridge System, and Tom Thumb Island, detail historic events that took place during the War of 1812 and much more.
Next, we will visit the Antique Boat Museum. The museum is the premiere freshwater boating museum in America. A tour here illuminates the exciting history of the region as their docents tell personal stories. Here, we will also enjoy a tour on La Duchesse – Built in 1903 for hotelier George Boldt, manager of New York City’s famed Waldorf-Astoria hotel, the houseboat has been in continuous use as an elegant summer residence ever since.
Dinner will be on your own this evening with plenty of options just steps from the water.
Day 3: Wednesday, May 15
Breakfast this morning will be at Riley’s by the River. After a scenic drive along the seaway, we arrive at Eisenhower Locks. Hundreds of ships from all over the world make thousands of transits through the St. Lawrence Seaway annually – there’s a chance we may see one! The observation deck at Seaways Visitors’ Center gives the perfect view to see a commercial vessel or cruise ship transit the lock. Guides will be available to answer questions and provide additional information.
Lunch will be on your own at Busters in Ogsdenburg, NY.
This afternoon we visit Frederick Remington Art Museum – This was the home of Frederic Remington, an American painted, illustrator, sculptor, and writer who specialized in depictions of the Old American West. This museum houses a comprehensive collection of original Remington paintings, sketches, and sculptures, as well as a broad array of personal effects and correspondence that serve to bring the artist and his vision to life.
Afterwards, we will stop at a local winery to enjoy the delicious wines this region creates.
Dinner tonight will be at Cavallario’s Steak and Seafood – a local favorite! It features American cuisine with an Italian flair behind a castle-style exterior.
Day 4: Thursday, May 16
Breakfast will be at Riley’s by the River before we depart for home.
On the way home we will stop at The National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. The Museum tells visitors the story of baseball through its three-story timeline, with the majestic Plaque Gallery serving as a centerpiece. You can’t drive through Cooperstown without visiting!
Lunch will be on your own in Cooperstown.
Departure Times & Policy Information
Itinerary Day 1: Monday, May 13
Itinerary Day 2: Tuesday, May 14
Itinerary Day 3: Wednesday, May 15
Itinerary Day 4: Thursday, May 16
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