Erie Canal, NY Discovery: Cruise, Dine and Mine

Duration: 3 Days | Meals Included: 2 Lunches, (1) $15 dining credit at Rivers Casino

 

Trip Highlights:

 

New York State Capitol Guided Tour

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.

 

Herkimer Home

Visit the Georgian-style mansion that was the home to courageous Revolutionary War hero, General Nicholas Herkimer. He completed construction of his mansion around 1764 in the Mohawk Valley frontier. General Herkimer's place in history was assured in 1777. Herkimer was en route to help defend Fort Stanwix when he and his men were ambushed by British-allied Loyalists and Iroquois at Oriskany. Although seriously wounded in the leg, Herkimer kept command during the fierce combat. After the battle, Herkimer was carried home, and his leg was amputated 10 days later. Infection had already spread and hours later, when Herkimer died reading from his Bible, he was immediately regarded a martyr to the cause of American freedom, and his home became a shrine. The unspoiled landscape, including the Herkimer family burial ground, is remarkably unchanged from that of the 18th century.

 

Erie Canal Boat Cruise

Relax on a narrated 90-minute cruise aboard Lil’ Diamond along the historic Erie Canal as you glide through the scenic Mohawk Valley. Enjoy stories from your Coast Guard–licensed captain about how the canal was built, why it was once called “Clinton’s Ditch,” and how it helped shape America’s growth. Travel along the beautiful Mohawk River and into a man-made section known as a “land cut.” Drift past Fort Herkimer Church, one of New York’s oldest surviving churches, and watch for herons and eagles near the Plantation Island Wildlife Management Area. The highlight of the journey is passing through Lock 18, one of the last operating locks with its original century-old equipment, where your vessel is gently lowered 20 feet, a fascinating engineering marvel. It’s history, entertainment, education, humor, calm cruising, and pure fun!

 

Herkimer Diamond Mines

Try your hand at sluicing for Herkimer Diamonds, brilliant quartz crystals found only in this region, and keep every treasure you find! Enjoy a fascinating “Diamond Presentation” that explains how these unique gems formed, explore the on-site museum, and browse the impressive jewelry store featuring over 4,000 designs and gemstones from mines around the world.

 

Gems Along the Mohawk

Gems Along the Mohawk in Herkimer, New York, is a shopping destination home to over 70 unique gift shops, plus dining, local crafts, and regional treasures. Browse handcrafted jewelry, local artisanal goods, Herkimer diamond keepsakes, and more.

 

Catskill Mountains Train Excursion

Ride and dine with the Delaware & Ulster Railroad on the Rip Van Winkle Flyer amidst the Catskill Mountains. Passengers embarking on the Rip Van Winkle Flyer are transported on a journey back to the sophisticated atmosphere of the early days of railroading. A genuine "period piece," the Rip Van Winkle Flyer lets visitors experience an elegant portion of railroad history on what many experts consider to be the finest collection of train cars on the East Coast. The art deco railcars, with their trademark curves and attention to detail, pay testimony to the heyday of passenger train travel. Live narration along the way introduces you to the Catskill Mountains, offering a bit of history and a lot of fun in some of the country's most magnificent scenery.

 

Rivers Casino

Experience the excitement at Rivers Casino, offering a wide variety of gaming options including slot machines, table games, a dedicated poker room, and the BetRivers Sportsbook. When it’s time to take a break, enjoy a range of dining choices such as Dukes Chophouse, Villa Italia, Mian, FlipT, Johnny’s To Go, and Starbucks. Guests must be 21 years of age or older and present valid ID for all gaming and non-gaming transactions.

 

Casino Package: (1) $25 free slot play for new Rush Reward Members and (1) $15 dining credit.

Package is subject to change. Must be 21 years or older with photo ID to receive casino package

 

Meal Information:

 

Lunch on day two is included at the Waterfront Grille. Choices are:

Menu TBA

 

Lunch on day three is included aboard the Rip Van Winkle Flyer train excursion. Choices are:

Menu TBA

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Guests must be 21 years of age or older and present valid ID for all gaming and non-gaming transactions at Rivers Casino & Resort. Casino package is subject to change.

• 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.

• There is no baggage handling service available at the hotel; plan to manage your own luggage during your stay.

 

Accessibility:

• Erie Canal Cruise: Lil' Diamond features two decks, with wheelchair accessibility available on the lower deck only. Onboard restrooms are not wheelchair accessible

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

The Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, NY

 

The hotel offers a luxurious experience with panoramic views of the Mohawk Harbor and is directly connected to Rivers Casino. The hotel features a fitness room. Guest rooms include a mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

There is no baggage handling service available at the hotel; plan to manage your own luggage during your stay.