Ithaca, NY: Waterfalls, Women, and Wine

Ithaca, NY: Waterfalls, Women, and Wine

Trip Duration: 4 Days

 

 

Trip Inclusions:

• Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner

• Tour Director

• Overnight accommodations

• Deluxe motorcoach transportation

• Baggage handling and related gratuities

• Taxes

 

 

Highlights Include:

 

Cornell Botanic Gardens

Cornell Botanic Gardens is alive with plants, purpose, and a presence that truly distinguishes the university among its peers. This expansive site encompasses a mature botanical garden, arboretum, and a network of nature preserves, distinguishing Cornell as one of the most picturesque campuses worldwide. Guided walking tours through the 25-acre botanical garden highlight features including herbs, ornamental flowers, tropical containers, a winter garden, rhododendron collections, and extensive ground cover displays. Please note that floral displays may vary by season. Your expert guide will introduce the themes of each specialty garden and highlight key plantings.

Benches are available along the way for resting. The walking tour lasts approximately 1 hour.

 

Deer Haven Park (Seneca Army Depot)

Explore the intersection of wildlife and military history at Deer Haven Park. Discover the diverse wildlife that inhabits Deer Haven Park. You’ll have a chance to catch a glimpse of the resident American Bald Eagles and the Majestic Seneca white deer. Delve into the rich military history of the Seneca Army Depot on a guided bus tour. Uncover the mysteries of this former high-security munition storage base, closed for over 20 years, and gain insights into its significant role in military operations.

 

Knapp Vineyards

Experience the allure of Finger Lakes wine country, consistently ranked among the top ten most stunning wine regions worldwide! Located on the picturesque west side of Cayuga Lake, Knapp Winery is nestled in a serene valley, just a stone's throw from the shore. Their estate boasts forty acres of vineyards featuring premium vinifera grapes like Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, and Lemberger, complemented by native and hybrid varieties.

Enjoy a tasting of six exquisite wines and receive a $5 voucher towards the purchase of a bottle of wine. Must be 21 years of age or older to participate in tastings.

 

Cayuga Lake Boat Cruise

Explore the beauty of Cayuga Lake aboard the M/V Teal! This 90-minute cruise offers a relaxing journey guided by their friendly crew, who share insights into the ecology, culture, and natural history of the Finger Lakes region. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a serene experience on the water, there's something here for everyone to learn and enjoy.

 

Taughannock Falls

Taughannock Falls State Park boasts one of the Northeast's most remarkable natural wonders: Taughannock Falls. Cascading 215 feet over cliffs towering nearly 400 feet above the gorge, it surpasses Niagara Falls by three stories in height. The Overlook offers breathtaking views of the waterfall from above. Access to the Overlook involves several stairs, but you can still enjoy a view of the falls without ascending them.

 

Lively Run Goat Dairy

Enjoy a visit to Lively Run Goat Dairy, a pioneer in commercial goat dairies nationwide. Learn all about goat cheese production, taste a variety of goat cheeses made on site, and visit the goat barn.

 

National Women's Hall of Fame

The National Women's Hall of Fame, established in 1969 in Seneca Falls, NY, commemorates the legacy of women who have significantly shaped American history. Located at the site of the 1848 Women's Rights Convention, its mission is to honor American women whose contributions to arts, athletics, business, education, government, humanities, philanthropy, and science have profoundly influenced the nation's development.

 

Women's Rights National Historical Park

Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls, NY, commemorates the historic 1848 Women's Rights Convention, a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights, human rights, and equality. This site honors the efforts of women's rights leaders, abolitionists, and other 19th-century reformers who championed the cause of equal rights. The park's "The First Wave" statue exhibit celebrates the planners of the convention, highlighting their enduring commitment to equality and justice for all.

 

Buttermilk Falls

Buttermilk Falls State Park derives its name from the foaming cascade formed by Buttermilk Creek as it flows down the steep valley towards Cayuga Lake. The park offers picturesque hiking trails that wind through lush woodlands, alongside the creek, and provide stunning views of the waterfall and surrounding scenery. This natural wonder invites visitors to enjoy a scenic walk to fully appreciate its beauty.

 

Susquehanna Brewing Company

Experience a guided tour through Susquehanna Brewing Company, where you'll sample their latest beer offerings, tour the production facility featuring some of the world's most unique and modern brewing equipment, and learn about the brewery's six-generation history in the beer industry. It's a journey through tradition and innovation in every sip.

 

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on Day One is included at a local restaurant. Menu is TBA

 

Lunch on Day Two is included at Knapp Winery. Choices are: TBA

 

Lunch on Day Three is included at Ciccino's Pizzeria & Restaurant

Lunch will be served buffet style and features a house salad, assorted dinner rolls with butter, sauteed vegetable medley, grilled balsamic chicken breast, and baked stuffed shells. Also included are assorted cookies for dessert along with soft drinks, coffee, & tea.

 

Lunch on Day Four is included at Cooper's Seafood. Choices are:

• Broiled Haddock: broiled to perfection. Served with a light herb butter.

• Cavatelli Primavera: Homemade cavatelli and fresh vegetables tossed with a creamy Alfredo sauce.

• Chicken Franchise: chicken tenders dipped in egg and sautéed. Covered in a hollandaise sauce.

All entrees are served with a Garden Salad, appropriate potatoes and vegetables, and Chocolate Mousse for dessert. Also included are fresh baked rolls, coffee, tea, soda, iced tea, and lemonade.

 

Menus are subject to change

 

 

Need to Know:

Cayuga Boat Cruise: Weather on the lake can be cooler than expexted and varible. We recommend dressing in layers and comfortable footwear.

Knapp Vineyard Winery Tasting: must be 21 years of age

Lively Run Goat Dairy - There are no restrooms available.

 

 

Accessibility:

Cornell Botanic Gardens: Although three of the specialty gardens are wheelchair accessible, the majority of the tour is over non-wheelchair accessible terrain.There are benches to sit during the tour if anyone needs to rest. The walking tour lasts approx 1 hour.

 

Taughannock Falls: There are several stairs leading to the Overlook; however, you do not need to traverse them in order to see the falls.

 

Buttermilk Falls: Walking is Required

 

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.

Canopy by Hilton Downtown, Ithaca, NY

The hotel features a fitness center. Guestrooms include mini-refrigerator, iron/board, coffee maker and hairdryer.