Gorgeous scenes and fascinating sights ring the shores of beautiful Lake Ontario. Join us on this around the lake adventure as you cruise the enchanting 1000 Islands, travel through picturesque forest, visit romantic castles, experience the majestic Niagara Falls, and more. This tour even features four nights at luxury hotel properties, making it a relaxing vacation you’ll never forget!
DAY 1—WELCOME TO BUFFALO
Arrive in New York for our welcome dinner to meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. D
DAY 2—WINE ESTATE/GEORGE EASTMAN MUSEUM
Come along for the ride as we tour the Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum where Jim Sandoro houses his extensive collection of vintage cars and memorabilia. Jim will tell you all about his collection and the stories behind the impressive vehicles. Next, we will make our way north to Victorianbourg Wine Estate. Here Dan and Victoria made their dream a reality by growing classic European wine grapes of Germany and Northern France to make fine wines on the shores of Lake Ontario. We will have a guided tour with a wine expert followed by a delicious tasting. After lunch we will visit the George Eastman Museum in Rochester, NY. George Eastman, the Pioneer of popular photography and motion picture film is showcased here. Not only will we browse the amazing photography collections we’ll also walk through George Eastman’s estate and garden. Tonight, we overnight in Rochester, NY. B, L
DAY 3—MARITIME MUSEUM/SACKETS HARBOR
This morning we learn all about the maritime history that took place on Lake Ontario. We will have a guided tour of a steam boat and see the Oswego Harbor Lighthouse. This afternoon you will have time to explore Sackets Harbor, New York and have lunch on your own in the inviting downtown area. Then we will enjoy a guided tour of this historic town overlooking Lake Ontario. Tonight, settle into our hotel near 1000 Islands where you will be able to enjoy the sunset on the St. Lawrence River. B
DAY 4—ANTIQUE BOATS/1000 ISLANDS CRUISE/ BOLDT CASTLE
After breakfast we tour the beautifully decorated La Duchesse, a 1903 house boat built by George Bolt. Following our tour, we’ll explore the Antique Boat Museum filled with a collection of over 300 antique boats and artifacts. This afternoon we will have a tasty lunch cruise between the U.S. and Canada as we pass through “The Thousand Islands” and learn about the homes and people that inhabit these private land masses. We’ll end the day at the historic Boldt Castle where you can explore all levels, walk the gardens, and see the Yacht House. B, L
DAY 5—KINGSTON/ALPACAS/SCULPTURES
This morning, we’ll tour the restored British stronghold of Fort Henry where hosts in 19th century dress will tell us all about the fort’s intriguing history. This afternoon you will meet some friendly alpacas at Old Mill Alpacas. Pet, feed, and take pictures with the friendly alpacas plus enjoy a tour of the farm and time to shop for handmade souvenirs. Before heading to our hotel, we will head to Primitive Designs. This unique store has large sculptures made of recycled materials and handmade crafts from around the world. B, L, D
DAY 6—CASA LOMA/WINTER GARDEN THEATRE
Today, we head to the big city of Toronto to our first stop of Casa Loma. This enchanting castle is straight out of a fairy tale! Explore three floors, the stable, gardens, secret passage ways and even climb up to the top of the many soaring towers if you choose. We will enjoy a tasty lunch before heading to CN Tower for 360-degree views from 1,815 feet above the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario coastline. This afternoon we tour the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre. These theatres are the last surviving Edwardian stacked theatre in the world. The winter garden feels like you stepped right into a fairytale. Tonight, you will have free time to explore Toronto, visit a museum, or relax at our beautiful historic hotel the Fairmont Royal York. B, L
DAY 7—WELLAND CANAL/NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA
After a tasty breakfast at the Fairmont Royal York we head to the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Center. This afternoon we will visit an unforgettable sight – the Magnificent Niagara Falls. Enjoy a 3-course lunch with an incredible view of the horseshoe falls right from your table. Next, journey behind the falls as we descend 125 feet below ground to walk through a series of tunnels to enjoy views of the thundering water and step out on an observation deck for a thrilling up close view of the falls. Tonight, enjoy a unique sound and light show inside the Niagara Power Station. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that reawakens the iconic power plant machinery through imagery, color, lights, sound, and a breathtaking musical score. B, L
DAY 8—NIAGARA FALLS, USA/HOME
This morning head back into the U.S. and get a new perspective of Niagara Falls from the American side. Take the renowned Maid of the Mist excursion boat cruise to the base of the Falls, followed by a visit to Goat Island State Park to get one last view before heading back to Buffalo. We’ll say goodbye to new friends and head home with lots of new memories of our time traveling around Lake Ontario. B
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Airport, NY
* Night 1 for the Sep 11-18, 2024 tour starts at the Courtyard Buffalo-Airport, NY
Night 2: Courtyard Rochester Downtown, NY
Nights 3-4: 1000 Island Harbor Hotel, Clayton, NY
Night 5: Hampton Inn Port Hope, Ontario
Nights 5-6: Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, Ontario
Night 7: Marriott on the Falls, Niagara Falls, Ontario
Dates:
Jul 10-17, 2024 Sold Out
Sep 11-18, 2024 New Date
Sep 25-Oct 2, 2024 Sold Out
Price Per Person:
Double $2,997
Single $3,845
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$228/night
Depart/Return:
Buffalo, NY
Inclusions:
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Airport will start at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
* The Sep 11-18, 2024 tour: Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel, Courtyard Buffalo-Airport will start at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart the Buffalo Niagara International Airport any time after 2:00 p.m. on Day 8.
*The July 10-17, 2024 tour: Schedule your flight home to depart the Buffalo Niagara International Airport any time after 5:00 p.m. on Day 8.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
High of 70°, low of 55°
Time Zone
Eastern
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, ironing boards, and a coffee maker.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
