Hudson Valley, NY Highlights

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

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Hudson River Boat Cruise

Cruise through the majestic Hudson Highlands aboard the luxurious Pride of the Hudson! Your adventure begins at Pride's Landing in Newburgh, NY, taking you back to a special time and place where the "lordly Hudson" meets the noble heights of the Hudson Highlands. Enjoy views of Bannerman's Island, Storm King Mountain, Breakneck Mountain, and West Point.The Main Deck is partially enclosed with restroom facilities, while the Open Upper Deck features a roof covering.

 

Olana

Walk the historic formal approach to Olana's Main House and learn about the ideas that influenced Frederic Church and architect Calvert Vaux design of this Middle Eastern-inspired villa in the Hudson Valley. Explore the intact, beautifully decorated historic interiors of the main floor, including the breathtaking central Court Hall, Isabel Church's Sitting Room inspired by her husband's masterpiece "El Khasne, Petra" (1874), and Frederic Church's meticulously furnished painting studio. 

 

Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site

Step into the world of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd and longest-serving president of the United States, at his cherished Hyde Park retreat. Discover how Roosevelt drew inspiration from this place, returning often to rejuvenate his spirit amidst personal and political challenges. Explore the homes of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, delve into exhibits at the nation's first Presidential Library & Museum, embark on a Guided Tour of Springwood (FDR's boyhood home), and enjoy a self-guided visit of the expansive Springwood Grounds with over a thousand acres of gardens and trails.

 

Walkway Over The Hudson

Walkway Over the Hudson is a linear walkway that spans the Hudson River. Standing at 212 feet tall and stretching 1.28 miles in length, it holds the distinction of being the world's longest elevated pedestrian bridge. Managed and maintained by NYS Parks - Taconic Region, the park offers restroom facilities at both ends of the bridge for your convenience.

 

Culinary Institute of America

You'll love the dining experience and relaxed elegance of the Hudson Valley's foodie flagship - the Culinary Institute of America. Dine at one of the wonderful restaurants: Bocuse Restaurant, Ristorante Caterina de'Medici, or savor a dish crafted from local, seasonal ingredients at American Bounty Restaurant. Your dining experience promises to be nothing short of exceptional.

 

West Point Visitor's Center

The West Point Visitors Center serves as the gateway to West Point, offering a panoramic view of the Hudson River. It features an array of exhibits, notably 'The West Point Experience,' which walks visitors through the 47-month journey of cadets. This interactive, multimedia exhibit spans seven areas, complete with two movie theaters and 20 exhibitions. Every 20 minutes, guests can enjoy a nine-minute film titled 'West Point - The National Treasure.' The exhibition includes a model cadet barracks room, videos, and over 50 panels.

 

West Point Academy

Embark on a 1.5-hour guided tour of West Point Academy, featuring a blend of riding and walking to iconic sites such as the Cadet Chapel and Trophy Point. Explore the central area where cadets live and attend classes, steeped in rich history and stunning architecture. Visit the Parade Grounds, where George Washington once drilled and organized the Continental Army, and admire Trophy Point's Battle Monument and artifacts dating back to the Revolutionary War. The Cadet Chapel is a Gothic cathedral, renowned for its towering vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and impressive buttresses, is hailed as an exceptional example of Christian artistry.

 

Lunch at Thayer Hotel

Enjoy a memorable dining experience at MacArthur's Riverview Restaurant, nestled within the historic Thayer Hotel, overlooking the Hudson River. Renowned as one of the top restaurants in the Hudson Valley, its Gothic windows and old-world charm provide an elegant backdrop for your meal.

 

Brotherhood Winery

Step into history at Brotherhood Winery, where you can explore their vast network of underground cellars, hand-excavated in the late 19th century. These dimly lit vaults house over two hundred oak barrels, including some of America's oldest vintages, nestled within a crested vault. Led by knowledgeable guides, you'll uncover the mysteries of these cellars and enjoy entertaining tales of folly and tragedy. Gain insights into the complete winemaking process, feeling like an oenology expert by the end of your tour. Cap off your visit in the modern showroom, where you can test your tasting skills and savor the diverse flavors and textures that Brotherhood offers, perfect for both budding enthusiasts and discerning wine lovers alike.

 

Meal Information:

 

Lunch on day one is included at Alexis Diner, Newburgh, NY

When seated, travelers will order off the menu and can choose from a variety of salads, soups, wraps, sandwiches, or burgers. Also included are soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

 

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

Dinner will be served buffet-style and features salad, vegetables, potatoes, herb stuffed chicken breast, and stuffed shells. Also included are dessert, coffee, tea, and soda.

 

Dinner on day two is included at the Culinary Institute of America

Menu is TBA

 

Lunch on day three is included at Thayer Hotel

Lunch will be served buffet-style and features soup du jour, a mixed greens salad bar, deli sandwich station, fish, pasta, chicken, pork or beef, and a chef selection of starch and vegetables. Also included is a dessert buffet, coffee, tea, and iced tea.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• At West Point Academy, a fedearl or state-issured Photo ID is required for entry. The following information is needed for the security manifest:

       Name:  First, last and middle initial

       DOB: Month, day and year

       Male or Female

       State or Country you are from

       Type of Photo ID you will be bringing on tour

       Note: Children will not need an ID, however all of the above information will be needed.

• Hudson River Boat Cruise: A snack bar offers light snacks and drinks (cash only, no credit cards accepted).

• 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:

• Best Western Plus Hotel: The beds are high; step stools are available upon request (though not guaranteed).

• Hudson River Boat Cruise aboard Pride of the Hudson: The boat is not wheelchair accessible; a few steps are required to board.

• Olana: The second floor is not wheelchair accessible.

• FDR Home and Museum: the second floor of the Home is not wheelchair accessible. The Museum is wheelchair accessible.

• American Bounty restaurant at the CIA: is wheelchair accessible.

• West Point Tour: is wheelchair accessible.

• Brotherhood Winery: the tasting/sales room is wheelchair accessible, however, the cellars 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.

Best Western Plus Kingston HOtel and Conference Center (Kingston, NY)

 

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