Autumn in New York: Hudson Valley & Adirondacks
October 5, 2027 thru October 12, 2027
Discover New York at its most colorful on an autumn journey through the historic Hudson Valley and spectacular Adirondack Mountains. Explore the legendary United States Military Academy at West Point, cruise the scenic Hudson River, and step into American history at the homes of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Vanderbilts. Enjoy a special evening at the Culinary Institute of America before traveling north to beautiful Lake George for a scenic cruise and a fascinating visit to Fort Ticonderoga.
Continue into the heart of the Adirondacks for three nights in Lake Placid, surrounded by mountain scenery and fall color. Travel the dramatic Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway, discover Lake Placid’s Olympic heritage, and soar above the landscape on the Cloudsplitter Gondola Skyride. Along the way, enjoy an autumn orchard experience, uncover stories of the Underground Railroad, stroll charming Saratoga Springs, and explore New York’s historic capital of Albany—a wonderful celebration of history, scenery, and fall in Upstate New York.
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Transportation
Roundtrip Economy Air Transportation
Transportation
Motorcoach
Transportation
Hudson River & Lake George Cruises
Trip Duration
8 Days, 7 Nights
Activity Level 3
Moderate
Meals
16 Meals (7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners) included
Availability
Available
Gratuities
Tour director, driver & local guide tips included
Tour Highlights
- United States Military Academy at West Point – Discover the history, traditions, and spectacular Hudson River setting of this legendary military academy.
- Hudson River Scenic Cruise – Cruise through the beautiful Hudson Valley surrounded by historic landscapes and brilliant autumn colors.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt & Vanderbilt Estates – Explore two of Hyde Park’s most fascinating historic sites, from FDR’s beloved home to an elegant Gilded Age mansion.
- Culinary Institute of America – Enjoy a guided CIA experience and a memorable dinner at one of America’s premier culinary institutions.
- Lake George Scenic Cruise – Take in sweeping Adirondack views and fall foliage while cruising the sparkling waters of Lake George.
- Historic Fort Ticonderoga – Step into early American history at this strategically important 18th-century fort overlooking Lake Champlain.
- Whiteface Mountain & Cloudsplitter Gondola – Experience two spectacular Adirondack viewpoints, including the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway and a scenic gondola ride.
- Olympic Lake Placid – Spend three nights in this famous mountain village, exploring its Olympic heritage, charming Main Street, and magnificent Adirondack surroundings.
Inclusions
- Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ
- Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
- 7 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
- Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
- 16 Meals (7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners)
- Admission to all listed attractions
- Your Professional SUN TOURS Tour Director
- All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)
Day 1 – Welcome to New York & the Hudson Valley
Your autumn journey through Upstate New York begins with flights to New York City. Upon arrival at LaGuardia Airport, meet your local motorcoach and leave the bustle of the city behind as you travel north toward the scenic Hudson Valley.
Arrive in Elmsford and check into the Hampton Inn White Plains/Tarrytown for your first night. The evening is yours to relax after your travels and enjoy dinner on your own before tomorrow’s adventures begin.
Overnight: Hampton Inn White Plains/Tarrytown, Elmsford
Day 2 – West Point, Rhinebeck & a Hudson River Cruise
After breakfast, travel along the Hudson River to the legendary United States Military Academy at West Point, dramatically situated above the river. During a guided tour, discover the academy’s rich history, military traditions, impressive architecture, and the stories of generations of cadets who have passed through its gates.
Continue north to Rhinebeck, one of the Hudson Valley’s most inviting small towns. Enjoy time for an independent lunch and a leisurely stroll through downtown, where historic buildings house locally owned shops, boutiques, and galleries.
This afternoon, make your way to Kingston and board a Hudson River sightseeing cruise. Relax on the water as you take in the river’s broad vistas, wooded hillsides, historic waterfronts, and colorful fall landscapes. It’s a wonderful introduction to the natural beauty that has inspired generations of artists and travelers.
Continue to Poughkeepsie and settle into your hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, travel to Hyde Park for a special experience at the renowned Culinary Institute of America. Enjoy a guided CIA experience followed by dinner prepared in the creative surroundings of one of America’s most celebrated culinary institutions.
Overnight: Homewood Suites Poughkeepsie
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – FDR, Vanderbilt & the Grand Estates of Hyde Park
Today brings you into the heart of historic Hyde Park, an area closely associated with some of America’s most influential families. Begin with a guided visit to the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site, where you’ll learn about the personal life, presidency, and extraordinary legacy of America’s 32nd president. Exploring Roosevelt’s longtime home provides a fascinating glimpse into the man behind some of the most consequential events of the 20th century.
After your visit, enjoy lunch at the nostalgic Eveready Diner, a Hudson Valley favorite, before continuing to another remarkable estate.
At the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, step back into the elegance of America’s Gilded Age. Tour the stately mansion and learn about the Vanderbilt family while admiring the estate’s architecture, furnishings, landscaped grounds, and beautiful setting overlooking the Hudson River. Later, travel to Highland and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Homewood Suites Poughkeepsie
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Lake George, Fort Ticonderoga & the Adirondacks
After breakfast, journey north as the scenery gradually changes from the rolling Hudson Valley to the mountains and forests of the Adirondacks. Your first destination is beautiful Lake George, often called the “Queen of American Lakes.”
Board a vessel operated by the Lake George Steamboat Company and cruise across the clear waters of this spectacular mountain lake. Sit back and enjoy views of forested shorelines, islands, mountain peaks, and—weather and timing permitting—the brilliant colors of autumn.
Following the cruise, enjoy lunch at The Boathouse Restaurant before continuing to Fort Ticonderoga. Strategically positioned between Lake George and Lake Champlain, this historic fort played important roles in both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. A guided tour brings its colorful past to life and reveals why this location was so important in the struggle to control early North America.
This afternoon, continue deeper into the Adirondack Mountains to Lake Placid, one of America’s most famous mountain villages. Settle into the Cambria Hotel for a comfortable three-night stay and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Cambria Hotel Lake Placid
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Whiteface Mountain & Olympic Lake Placid
Wake up in the heart of the Adirondacks for a day combining magnificent mountain scenery with the Olympic heritage of Lake Placid. Begin with a scenic drive along the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway, winding upward toward one of the highest peaks in New York State. Along the way, enjoy expansive views across the Adirondack wilderness and surrounding mountains.
Return to Lake Placid to visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum, celebrating the village’s remarkable distinction as host of both the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Relive memorable moments from Olympic history and discover how this small mountain community became one of the world’s best-known winter sports destinations.
Afterward, enjoy an independent lunch and time to browse the shops along charming Main Street, with beautiful Mirror Lake providing the perfect backdrop.
The mountain scenery continues this afternoon aboard the Cloudsplitter Gondola Skyride. Ascend Little Whiteface Mountain for sweeping views over the Adirondack High Peaks and surrounding wilderness. Return to Lake Placid and gather for dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Cambria Hotel Lake Placid
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 – North Country History, Fall Flavors & the Underground Railroad
Today, explore New York’s fascinating North Country, traveling through a landscape of mountains, forests, farms, and small communities near the Canadian border.
Begin in Plattsburgh with a visit to the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum, where exhibits and stories recall the area’s long connection to American military aviation and the former Strategic Air Command base.
Continue to Rulfs Orchard in Peru for a delightful taste of autumn in Upstate New York. Enjoy lunch along with some seasonal fall fun at this family orchard, surrounded by the sights, scents, and flavors of harvest time.
This afternoon brings a meaningful visit to the North Star Underground Railroad Museum near Ausable Chasm. Learn about courageous freedom seekers who traveled through northeastern New York on their journeys toward Canada and the local individuals who helped them along the way. The museum offers an illuminating look at an important chapter in both regional and American history.
Return through the Adirondacks to Lake Placid, where dinner is included this evening. Enjoy your final night in this picturesque mountain village.
Overnight: Cambria Hotel Lake Placid
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Saratoga Springs & New York's Capital
After breakfast, bid farewell to Lake Placid and travel south through the Adirondack landscape toward Saratoga Springs. Long celebrated for its natural mineral springs and horse racing traditions, Saratoga Springs combines historic elegance with a lively and walkable downtown.
Enjoy time at leisure for an independent lunch, shopping, and exploring the city’s boutiques and inviting streets before continuing to Albany, the capital of New York State.
Here, visit the impressive New York State Capitol, a grand 19th-century landmark that took more than three decades to complete. Your tour introduces you to the building’s history, distinctive architecture, and its continuing role at the center of New York government.
Check into the Hampton Inn & Suites Albany Downtown for your final night. This evening, gather for dinner at a local restaurant and share favorite memories from your journey through the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks.
Overnight: Hampton Inn & Suites Albany Downtown
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – Albany & Journey Home
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out for one final look at New York. After an independent lunch, transfer to Albany International Airport for your flights home.
Your journey comes to an end with memories of West Point and the Hudson River, presidential estates and Gilded Age mansions, Lake George and Fort Ticonderoga, the Adirondack Mountains, Olympic Lake Placid, and the colorful landscapes of autumn in Upstate New York.
Meals: Breakfast
Itinerary subject to change.
Fun Facts
Lake Placid
Hosted the Winter Olympics twice—in 1932 and 1980, including the famous “Miracle on Ice” hockey game.
The Hudson River
Inspired an entire school of American art. The 19th-century Hudson River School painters became famous for their dramatic landscapes celebrating the region’s natural beauty.
Fort Ticonderoga
Changed hands several times during the French and Indian War and American Revolution because of its strategic location between Lake George and Lake Champlain.
Hotel Information
Hampton Inn
White Plains/Tarrytown, Elmsford, NY
Homewood Suites
Poughkeepsie, NY
Cambria Hotel
Lake Placid, NY
Hampton Inn & Suites Albany Downtown
Albany, NY
Package Pricing
$5,625 per person
Double Occupancy
Deposit: $200
$6,545 per person
Single Occupancy
Deposit: $200
Final Payment Due:
July 1, 2027
Deposit: N/A
Price Includes
Roundtrip economy air transportation from ABQ
Transportation by deluxe motorcoach
7 nights’ lodging at excellent hotels
Baggage handling at hotels (for one piece)
16 Meals (7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners)
Admission to all listed attractions
Your Professional SUN TOURS Tour Director
All taxes and tips for included items (except hotel housekeeping)
Booking Policy
CANCELLATION FEES:
- None – through July 1, 2027
- $200 – July 2 – July 28, 2027
- 60%* – July 29 – August 25, 2027
- 100%* – after August 25, 2027
*Fee as percentage of total package price.
We pride ourselves on great service and an enjoyable experience for all and will go over our booking policies after you make your request for booking. If you’d like to learn more about our booking policies before your trip, give us a call at (505) 889-8888, or visit our Booking Policies page.
Travel Insurance
In today’s changing travel environment, it’s important to help protect your travel investment so you can relax and enjoy your trip. Unforeseen events such as flight delays, baggage loss or even a sudden sickness or injhttps://www.pleasurebenttours.com/book-your-tour/travel-insurance/ury could impact your travel plans. For your convenience, we offer a Travelex Insurance Services protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. TRAVEL PROTECTION STARTS AT $714. Please click here for more information.
ACTIVITY LEVEL RATING
Level 3: Moderate
Expectations: Expect a moderate amount of walking, 2-3 hours of walking each day. There will be time to rest on the coach and between attractions. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions. The daily pace and timing can fluctuate significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. There may be some changes in altitude or temperatures.
Appropriate for: Most travelers beginning with those who are moderately fit, lead semi-active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities and expect some physical exertion without the use of a cane or walker mobility aid.
AIRLINE TICKETS
You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Albuquerque International Airport. If you have a frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation.
If you are joining the tour from locations other than Albuquerque, we can make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.
BAGGAGE
We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carry on baggage and contents due to enhanced security.
CHECKED BAGGAGE FEES
On our scheduled airline for this tour, passengers are assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.
ITINERARY
For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.
The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.
GRATUITIES/ITEMS INCLUDED IN PRICE
The traditional end-of-tour gratuity to your tour director is included on this tour. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach drivers. Hotel housekeeping tips are not included.
LODGING REQUESTS
If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.
Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.
TRAVEL REQUESTS
We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.
RESPONSIBILITY
SUN TOURS acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING/MISC. SUGGESTIONS
October is a beautiful time to explore Upstate New York, with crisp fall days, cool evenings, and spectacular autumn colors. Expect daytime temperatures generally in the 50s to low 60s, with mornings and evenings ranging from the mid-30s to low 40s. The Adirondacks and Lake Placid will be cooler, especially at higher elevations. Guests should bring layers, a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and rain protection for changing fall conditions.
Call 505.889.8888 to Book Today!
If you aren't ready to inquire by email or would rather call and speak to a team member, we look forward to hearing from you.
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