Castles of New York

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

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Wing's Castle

Step into a real-life fairy tale at Wing's Castle, an extraordinary handcrafted fortress nestled in the Hudson Valley, just 75 miles north of New York City. Created by artists Peter and Toni Ann Wing, Wing's Castle is 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

Experience the grandeur of the Gilded Age at Singer Castle, one of the most remarkable and authentic castles in the Thousand Islands region. Built in 1905 on the secluded Dark Island, Singer Castle is the only castle on the St. Lawrence River to be fully completed, furnished, and lived in during the era of New York’s great industrialists and builders. Originally the summer retreat of the Bourne family, the castle remained in their possession until the mid-1960s, preserving much of its original charm and elegance. We will explore four fascinating floors featuring the majestic Great Hall, elegant Library, dining room, breakfast room, terrace, drawing room, Loggia, Wicker Room, beautifully appointed bedrooms and guest rooms, as well as the fourth-floor dormitory—offering a captivating glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the early 20th century.

 

 

Boldt Castle

Discover the romance and grandeur of Boldt Castle, the crown jewel of the Thousand Islands. Commissioned in 1900 by hotel magnate George C. Boldt, owner of the famed Waldorf Astoria New York, this magnificent six-story castle was designed as an extravagant summer home for his beloved wife, Louise. Although nearly completed, construction abruptly halted and the castle remained unoccupied, adding an air of mystery and romance to its storied past. We will wander through the castle’s grand halls, elegant rooms, and beautifully restored interiors while exploring the scenic grounds of Heart Island. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the St. Lawrence River, Boldt Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Gilded Age luxury.

 

 

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 capitol buildings.

 

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

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day one is included at the Barnsider Restaurant

Dinner will be served buffet-style and features baked haddock, chicken marsala, vegetable medley, and herb roasted potatoes. Dinner is served with a garden salad, freshly baked rolls, an assorted cheese platter, and an assorted dessert tray. Coffee and hot tea are included.

 

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

Lunch is served with condiments, pickles, chips, fruit, & cookies. A soda or water is included.

 

Lunch on day four is included at the Little Venice Restaurant. Choices are:

Menu TBA

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• 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:

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

• 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.

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

Day 1: Fairfield Inn Albany East Greenbush (East Greenbush, NY)

The hotel features a fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

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 six buildings and features restaurants/lounge, seasonal outdoor pool, marina, and nature trails. Guest rooms include hair dryer and iron/board. Each Harbor View room features exterior entrances with a balcony. NOTE: There are no elevators.