Hudson River Valley & the Hamptons | May 30-June 5

May 30 – Empire State | Hudson River Valley!

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to NYC. Welcome to New York! You will be met by your Universal Travel representative and will board your luxury motor coach. You quickly leave the big city behind and enter into the Hudson River Valley of New York for an exciting seven-day vacation! Later this afternoon, check into your hotel for the next three nights. After some time to freshen up, enjoy a wine & cheese reception followed by a welcome dinner. Overnight: Poughkeepsie, Hudson River Valley        (D)

May 31 – Vanderbilt Mansion | CIA Luncheon  | Walkway over the Hudson | Chocolate/Wine Pairing

Enjoy breakfast before setting out for another day exploring the Hudson River Valley. Begin with a visit to the Vanderbilt Mansion, the oldest of the Hudson River Estates, it is a superb example of wealth during the Gilded Age and a Masterpiece of American Design! Built between 1896 and 1899, the 54-room mansion was designed by the preeminent architectural firm McKim, Mead, & White.  Supported by both concrete and steel, with electric lighting, the Vanderbilt mansion was considered modern for its time. Midday, arrive at the Culinary Institute of America for a guided tour followed by a delicious lunch created by their aspiring Chefs. This afternoon stretch your legs at the Walkway over the Hudson. Enjoy a guided tour of this historic railroad bridge hearing stories about the past, present, and future of the Walkway. This afternoon, enjoy a special and lively Chocolate and Wine pairing with the world-renowned Chocolatier, Oliver Kita at a local winery. Tonight’s dinner is on your own in the historic village of Rhinebeck.  Overnight: Poughkeepsie, Hudson River Valley     (B,L)

June 1 – FDR Presidential Library | Hudson River Cruise  After breakfast set off with your local guide to explore the many treasures the area has to offer. Begin with a private tour of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum. Next, enjoy free time for shopping and lunch on your own in Kingston before embarking on a 2-hour scenic afternoon cruise on the Hudson River. Take in breathtaking views of the Hudson River lighthouses, waterfront mansions, and other remarkable sites. Return to the hotel for some leisure time before enjoying a delicious dinner while admiring beautiful views of the Hudson River. Overnight: Poughkeepsie, Hudson River Valley    (B,D)

June 2 – Long Island | Old Westbury Gardens & High Tea

This morning enjoy breakfast before departing for Long Island. With its history and culture, home to the rich & famous and often referred to as ‘Hollywood East’, this beautiful destination is bursting with castles, historic lighthouses, world-renowned beaches, quaint coastal villages, culinary delights, award-winning wineries, and so much more! Your first stop is Old Westbury Gardens, one of the magnificent mansions, for a tour of the home. Next, explore the gardens at leisure and delight in exquisite high tea. This afternoon you arrive at your Long Island hotel for a relaxing three-night stay. After some time to freshen up, enjoy an included dinner at one of the town’s great restaurants. Overnight: Long Island   (B, High Tea, D)

June 3 – Long Island/ The North Fork: Sag Harbor | Whaling Museum | Wine Country  

Enjoy breakfast before embarking with your local guide for a wonderful day of touring and tasting! Begin with a historic tour arriving at the village of Sag Harbor once a bustling port town where whalers of all nationalities converged. Visit Sag Harbor Whaling Museum and learn about local history as you walk through exhibits housed in a 19th-century mansion. Enjoy time to stroll up Main Street and visit its old-time storefronts, and antique shops, and enjoy lunch on your own. This afternoon take the ferry and cross over to the ‘North Fork’, named one of the ‘Top Ten Wine Regions in the World’ by Wine Enthusiast magazine. Here you’ll visit one of Long Island’s award-winning vineyards for a private tasting. The evening is yours to dine at one of the many wonderful restaurants in the area.  Overnight: Long Island           (B)

June 4 – Long Island/ The South Fork: The Hamptons | Montauk Point Lighthouse  

After breakfast, meet your local guide for another delightful day of sightseeing. Enjoy some time in Southampton to visit the charming shops and eateries. Next, tour through The Hamptons, the summer playground of the rich and famous consisting of chic seaside communities where today’s most well-known celebrities own summer homes. On your drive along ‘billionaire lane’ get the latest “inside scoop” from your local guide and learn what Wall Street Exec’s, CEO’s, and celebrities, live in these multimillion-dollar mansions. Visit one of America’s “top 10” beaches, before you continue to Montauk Point State Park for a visit to Montauk Point Lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington in 1792.  Tonight, enjoy a glamourous Gatsby-themed grand finale dinner together! Overnight: Long Island         (B,D)

June 5 – Gatsby Era Gold Coast Mansion Tour

Enjoy breakfast this morning before departing with your Long Island Tour Guide for touring along the “Gold Coast”. From the turn of the century through the 1930s, the North Shore was a virtual Who’s Who of High Society. From the Astor’s to the Vanderbilt’s, this was THE place to be for some of the most notable Americans.  Also, F Scott Fitzgerald’s famous historical novel, The Great Gatsby, was inspired by one or more of Long Island Gold Coast Mansion’s. Midday, enjoy a guided tour to one of these opulent Mansions, followed by lunch. Early this afternoon return to the airport taking your magical memories of the Hudson River Valley & Long Island home with you!            (B)