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  Activity Level:
     95% Easy;
     5% Moderate
    

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Travelers will make their own air reservations and are requested to arrive and depart as follows:

Arrival Airport:  Albany, NY (ALB)

Arrive: Monday, September 22nd no later than 4:30pm

 Depart: Sunday, September 28th at your convenience.

 Early Arrival:  If you wish to arrive a day early WTT can make your hotel reservation for you in Albany. The room cost will be:

     $95 dbl / $180 sgl

Monday, September 22:  Arrive Albany, New York;  Group Dinner

Arrive Albany no later than 4:30pm.  The tour begins at the hotel at 6:00pm. If you arrive earlier in the day the WTT tour leader will have suggestions for things to do. We will meet as a group at 6:00pm.  After introductions, we will go to dinner and talk about the upcoming week’s activities. (D)

Tuesday, September 23:  Vanderbilt Mansion and Hudson River Cruise

We begin today with a drive from Albany to Hyde Park, enjoying the wonders of autumn along the way.  Our first stop is the house and gardens of the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historical Site in Hyde Park.   The era of grand scale homes and their way of life ended early in the last century.  Frederick Vanderbilt's mansion can transport us briefly to an elegant world long past.

We then continue to Kingston to board the sightseeing boat Rip Van Winkle for a relaxing 2 hour tour along the Hudson River.  A cruise on the Rip Van Winkle takes you straight into history -- to the world of Sleepy Hollow and Revolutionary War heroes and stately turn-of-the-century mansions.

After our cruise, we will have free time to explore the Kingston waterfront.  This area has undergone a period of revitalization and its waterfront park is now lined with restaurants, bars, boutiques and galleries.  We will spend the evening in Poughkeepsie. (B)

Wednesday, September 24:  Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site, Dinner the Culinary Institute of America.

Our day starts with a visit to Springwood, the lifelong home of America's only 4-term President.  The Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site also contains the Presidential Library and Museum.  Enjoy touring FDR's home, take a self-guided tour of the Museum and stroll the grounds, gardens, and trails that boast centuries old tree plantings, stunning Hudson River and Catskill Mountain views and Italian Gardens.

We then depart for the Culinary Institute of America.  Founded in 1946, it remains the nation's first and foremost culinary school.  We will have a tour of the school and a gourmet dinner prepared by students at the American Bounty Restaurant.  A recipient of the prestigious Ivy Award, the Bounty features regional specialties prepared with ingredients harvested from the riches of the Hudson River Valley.  The night is spent in Poughkeepsie.  (B,D)

Thursday, September 25:  United States Military Academy at West Point, Brotherhood Winery

West Point's role in our nation's history dates back to the Revolutionary War and is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America.  The tour makes stops at the Main Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point, Battle Monument and the Plain.

Our next stop is Highland Falls, a quaint and charming village, for lunch and some free time.  Highland Falls has beautiful churches steeped in architectural history, unique shops and places to eat.  Take a walking tour of the local historic Main Street area as an easy way to see the entire village.

Wine tasting and a tour of the Brotherhood Winery, the oldest winery in the United States, concludes our day.  The tour includes a stroll through the museum, featuring memorabilia from over 160 years of preparing America's favorite wines and champagnes. We will see the oldest and largest underground cellars in America where barrel aging continues in the traditional manner.  And don't forget everyone's favorite part of the tour - the wine tasting!  We will overnight in Tarrytown NY. (B)

Friday, September 26:  Lyndhurst Estate, New York City

Our tour continues today with the Lyndhurst Estate, one of America's finest Gothic Revival mansions.   The architectural brilliance of the residence, designed in 1838 by Alexander Jackson Davis, is complemented by a park-like landscape and a collection of original decorative arts.  The grounds at Lyndhurst survive as an outstanding example of 19th century landscape design. Elements include sweeping lawns accented with shrubs and specimen trees, the curving entrance drive revealing "surprise" views, the angular repetition of the Gothic roofline in the evergreens, and the nation's first steel-framed conservatory.

We will depart after lunch on our way to New York City.  The evening is free to enjoy everything New York has to offer. (B,L)

Saturday, September 27:  City tour, Farewell Lunch at Tavern on the Green

A morning city tour is planned today giving us an opportunity to see the highlights of the city.

Then it’s off to have a farewell lunch at Tavern on the Green.  A grand café overlooking Central Park, Tavern on the Green is one of New York's most dazzling dining experiences overflowing with crystal chandeliers, hand-carved mirrors, and stained glass.  The evening is yours to enjoy and there is certainly no shortage of things to see, places to go and places to eat.  This is your opportunity to do something special.   (B,L)

Sunday, September 28:  Return Home

Make you return flight arrangements at your convenience.  The WTT tour leader will help coordinate airport transfers to maximize cab-sharing. (B)