Castles of New York

Duration: 4 Days | Meals Included:  3 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Wing's Castle

Wing's Castle stands as an American marvel just 75 miles north of New York City, conceived by artists Peter and Toni Ann Wing and still evolving after 40 years of construction. Their passion for castles is matched by a deep appreciation for antiques, showcased in a mesmerizing museum of military artifacts and primitive trinkets. Featured on HGTV's Extreme Homes, Wing's Castle has provided a dramatic backdrop for music albums, movies, and fashion shoots. Peter Wing's architectural style draws comparisons to Antoni Gaudi, and his life's work is likened to that of Michelangelo—a testament to his status as a true Renaissance Man.

 

 

Singer Castle

Singer Castle is the only castle on the river to be completed, fully furnished and resided in during the heyday of the 'great builders' and industrials in New York. Constructed in 1905, the castle remained in the possession of the original Bourne family until the mid-1960s. Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of Singer Castle on Dark Island, exploring its four floors which include the Great Hall, Library, dining room, breakfast room, terrace, drawing room, Loggia, Wicker Room, bedrooms, guest rooms, and 4th-floor dormitory.

 

Boldt Castle

Explore the magnificent Boldt Castle and its picturesque grounds on Heart Island with a self-guided tour. Commissioned in 1900 by George Boldt, owner of the Waldorf Astoria, as a summer retreat for his wife Louise, this turreted stone marvel was nearly finished but never occupied. Wander through the castle's storied halls and discover its rich history amidst the beauty of the Thousand Islands.

 

New York State Capitol

The New York State Capitol stands as a stunning example of 19th-century architecture, celebrated for its beauty and grandeur. Great care was devoted to the planning of this building, and today it remains widely recognized among state capitols.

 

St. Lawrence River Boat Cruise

Embark on a scenic St. Lawrence River boat cruise with an experienced tour guide narrating the journey. Enjoy insightful commentary on historical, environmental, and seaway facts as you travel downriver to the castle and back to Alexandria Bay.

• St. Lawrence Seaway

• Grenadier Island

• Sisters Island Light

• Oak Island

• Inglenuk, once owned by the famous artist, Frederic Remington

• Various shipwrecks

• Ironsides Island

• Whiskey Island

 

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery

Millbrook Vineyards & Winery has been lauded as "the Hudson Valley's flagship winery" by The New York Times and praised as "a great place to visit" by The Wall Street Journal. Their world-class wines have won acclaim from critics and consumers alike, and they compare favorably with top wines from California and France. As one of the premier wineries in the Hudson River Valley and across New York State, Millbrook sets a high standard on the eastern seaboard. Enjoy their tasting experience featuring three white and three red wines as well as their own olive oil.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day one is included at the Best Western Plus Kingston

The meal will be served buffet-style. Menu is TBD.

 

Dinner on day two is included at the Edgewood Resort

Dinner is a seafood buffet, including seafood chowder, seafood Newburg, peel-and-eat shrimp, baked and fried fish, ziti, meatballs, potatoes, vegetables, salad bar, assorted desserts, coffee, tea, and soda.

 

Lunch on day three is included aboard the Boat Tour. Boxed lunch choices are:

• Turkey Sandwich

• Ham Sandwich

• Roast Beef Sandwich

• Cheese Sandwich

All sandwiches are served with condiments, pickles, chips, fruit, cookies, soda or water.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• This tour requires travelers to have ease of mobility and is not suggested for those who need assistance walking or ascending/descending steps.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

 

Accessibility:

• Wing's Castle: Navigating the Castle will pose a challenge for individuals with disabilities due to its construction of brick and uneven stones in various areas.

• Edgewood Resort features a campus-style layout spread across six buildings. A golf cart is available for those needing assistance to the main building, housing registration and the restaurant/lounge. Please note, there are no elevators onsite. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available upon request, though availability is not guaranteed.

• Singer Castle: tours involve walking uphill to the castle and navigating multiple interior steps. Access to the castle is permitted only with a Singer Castle Docent. Due to the architectural layout, strollers and wheelchairs cannot be accommodated inside.

• Millbrook Winery: tastings are conducted in the loft area upstairs, accessible via approximately 14-16 steps.

• Although Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available, this tour is not recommended for anyone requiring a wheelchair.

Day 1: Best Western Plus Kingston Hotel & Conference Center (Kingston, NY)

 

The hotel has an indoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board. Note: The beds are high; a step stool can be requested (not guaranteed).

 

Days 2 & 3: Edgewood Resort & Conference Center (Alexandria Bay, NY)

 

The Edgewood Resort is located in the heart of the 1000 Islands resort area on the unspoiled shores of the St. Lawrence River. The hotel consists of 6 buildings and includes restaurants/lounge, seasonal outdoor pool, marina, and nature trails. Guest rooms include hair dryer and iron/board. Each Harbor View rooms feature exterior entrances with a balcony. NOTE: There are no elevators.