Arrive into Buffalo/Niagara airport this afternoon and transfer independently to your hotel in Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls straddles the border between the United States and Canada, with both the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls in the USA.

Check-in to your pre-booked hotel, and then spend the remainder of your day, getting your bearings and viewing the falls for the first time.

Wyndham Garden Inn, Niagara Falls or similar

Start your morning at Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the U.S. Here, you’ll find some of the best viewpoints for American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and a partial view of Horseshoe Falls (mostly from the Canadian side). Head to Prospect Point for panoramic views and immerse yourself in the roar and mist of the cascading water.

One of the most iconic experiences is the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Don your rain poncho and board the boat for an exhilarating ride right into the mist, offering a close-up view of the thundering falls. Prepare to get wet! After your adventure, enjoy lunch at the Top of the Falls Restaurant, which provides stunning views of the falls and serves a variety of delicious American dishes, perfect for refueling after a busy morning.

Next, make your way to the Cave of the Winds, one of the park’s most thrilling attractions. After descending to the base of Bridal Veil Falls via an elevator, follow the wooden walkways that take you incredibly close to the falls. The highlight is the Hurricane Deck, where the rushing water is just feet away—another exhilarating experience that’s sure to leave you drenched! For even more breathtaking views, ascend the Niagara Falls Observation Tower, which juts out over the gorge, offering spectacular vistas of all three waterfalls.

As evening falls, don’t miss the illumination of the falls, where the cascading waters are bathed in vibrant colours. During summer months and select weekends, you can also enjoy a fireworks display, adding a magical touch to the evening atmosphere.

Wyndham Garden Inn, Niagara Falls or similar

This morning make your way to Niagara Falls Train Station in time to board Amtrak’s Empire Service to Rochester.

Disembark in downtown Rochester, check-in to your downtown hotel and begin exploring this Upstate New York town.

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, it’s known for the George Eastman Museum, celebrating the birthplace of photography and the Kodak company.

The Strong National Museum of Play, featuring the Toy Hall of Fame, is a must-visit for the young at heart.

Rochester’s parks, including the picturesque Highland Park, famous for its annual Lilac Festival, provide scenic relaxation.

The city also boasts a vibrant arts scene, with theatres, galleries, and live music venues. With its unique attractions, Rochester is a hidden gem in upstate New York.

Hilton Garden Inn Rochester Downtown or similar

This morning return to Rochester station to make the short train journey to the town of Syracuse in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York. Depart the train in Syracuse and check-in at your downtown hotel.

Known for its prestigious University, Syracuse boasts a lively arts and sports scene. You can explore Armory Square for trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutique shopping, or visit the Everson Museum of Art, renowned for its American art collection.

Nature lovers can enjoy Onondaga Lake Park and nearby Green Lakes State Park, known for its stunning glacial lakes. Syracuse’s central location in New York State makes it a great base for exploring the Finger Lakes region if you wish to stay longer.

Best Western Syracuse Downtown, or similar

This morning reboard the train in Syracuse for your journey through the heart of New York State, to Albany.

The train follows the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal for much of the route, providing scenic river views. Between each of the towns, there is plenty of rural farmland, forests, and gentle rolling hills that capture the essence of upstate New York.

On arrival in Albany, transfer to your downtown hotel, ready to explore the New York State Capital, tomorrow.

Hilton Albany, or similar

From your hotel in Albany you will have a chance to explore the New York Capital on foot.

Begin your exploration at the grand 19th-century Capitol Building, a striking piece of architecture. Join a guided tour to uncover its fascinating history and marvel at features like the impressive Million Dollar Staircase.

Just steps away, visit the Empire State Plaza, where you can explore the New York State Museum with its exhibits on art, history, and culture. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely walk through Washington Park, Albany’s very own version of Central Park, perfect for a relaxing afternoon in the heart of the city.

As evening falls, make your way to Lark Street, Albany’s vibrant arts and dining district. Here, you’ll find a variety of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. For a local experience, stop by the Albany Pump Station to sample craft beers and enjoy a hearty meal.

Hilton Albany, or similar

Today you begin your luxury Hudson River cruise, boarding your riverboat in Albany.

Once you have settled into your private cabin and the glimpses of Albany’s skyline fade into the distance, you will be welcomed onboard by the ships crew at a welcome reception. Here you will be able to meet your fellow guests for this part of your journey and learn more about the places you will discover along the way.

Welcome Reception

Explore Catskill, where the tranquil flow of the Hudson River carves through the landscape, with the towering Catskill Mountains dominating the horizon. Take a leisurely stroll down Main Street, where historic buildings now host antique shops and cosy cafés, reflecting the town’s rich heritage. Be sure to visit the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, where the home and studio of the Hudson River School’s founder provide a fascinating glimpse into the origins of American landscape painting.

Optional Excursion: Traverse the Hudson River Skywalk, providing panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains, then join a tour to the Kaaterskill Falls to view the highest two-tiered waterfall in New York.

Optional Excursion: Tour the Olana State Historic Site, the former home of landscape artist Frederic Church, then hike the ‘Upper Carriage Road Loop’ to gain panoramic views that stretch as far as Vermont and Massachusetts.

Breakfast & Dinner

Further down the banks of the Hudson River, Kingston, once New York’s first state capital, still showcases architecture that reflects its colonial heritage. The town’s Historic Stockade District transports visitors back in time with its well-preserved 17th-century stone houses and the Senate House, where the state’s first constitution was drafted.

A short drive from Kingston, Hyde Park invites history buffs to explore the grand estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, America’s longest-serving president. Nearby, the opulent Vanderbilt Mansion offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyles of the Gilded Age.

Optional Excursion: Wander around the exhibits of the Hudson River Maritime Museum, which celebrates the industries and communities that have relied on the Hudson River.

Optional Excursion: Spend the day in Hyde Park, joining expert guided tours of both Vanderbilt Mansion, Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site and the FDR Library and Museum.

Breakfast & Dinner

Take in the serene landscapes from the comfort of your private balcony, or the rooftop view deck. where you can unwind and soak in the beauty of nature.

Join fellow travellers for a delightful lunch and engage in afternoon enrichment programs led by the onboard experts.

Don’t miss out on the nightly happy hour and settle in for a night of onboard entertainment.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Perched dramatically on high bluffs overlooking the Hudson River, West Point offers not only stunning natural beauty but also a rich tapestry of military history.

Established in 1802, the United States Military Academy at West Point is America’s oldest continuously occupied military post, having shaped some of the nation’s most distinguished leaders.

The Academy’s Gothic Revival architecture commands the landscape, with the iconic Cadet Chapel and imposing statues of Thayer and Eisenhower standing watch over the historic grounds.

Optional Excursion: Join a guided tour of the historic grounds of West Point, including the impressive Cadet Chapel and Trophy Point. Along the way you will also be able to enjoy elevated views of the Hudson Valley below.

Breakfast & Dinner

Along the enigmatic Tappan Zee stretch of the Hudson River lies a village straight out of folklore. In Sleepy Hollow, the legend of Washington Irving’s Headless Horseman is more than just a tale—it’s woven into the town’s fabric.

A stroll past the Old Dutch Church and through Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Irving himself rests, may send a shiver down your spine.

But it’s not all eerie—Sleepy Hollow’s inviting riverfront parks and charming downtown boutiques provide plenty of lighter, more relaxing attractions.

Optional Excursion: Join a guided tour of the gothic Lyndhurst Mansion, a remarkable example of the Hudson River’s grand and historic estates.

Breakfast & Dinner

Probably the best way to approach New York City and particularly the imposing skyline of Manhattan is by boat along the Hudson River. You can view from your private cabin or from the viewing deck on top of the boat as the skyscrapers loom large.

Once docked in New York you will have the option to explore on your own, or join a guided bus tour of Midtown, including a visit to St. Patrick’s, the Rockefeller Centre, and Grand Central Station, who’s celestial ceiling features a stunning mural of the zodiac.

Return to your boat for one last night onboard.

Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast you will disembark your riverboat and be transferred to your chosen New York Hotel.

You may like to start in Midtown Manhattan, where you can take in the views from the Empire State Building, browse the shops along Fifth Avenue and see Times Square.

Wander to the Upper West Side, where you can visit the American Museum of Natural History and the Lincoln Center, before strolling through Central Park.

Continue through Central Park to the Upper East Side to visit the Guggenheim and the The Met.

Downtown Manhattan is where you will find Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial. You can also catch the ferry from Battery Park to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Staten Island.

Greenwich and West Village are more relaxed neighbourhoods where you can enjoy the cafés around Washington Square Park and walk the High Line.

For food you should look no further than Little Italy and Chinatown, and then explore Soho for trendy art galleries and cobbled streets.

The New Yorker, or similar

From the port adjacent to Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan, you can catch the Staten Island Ferry across the harbour. Not only is the ferry free of charge, but it will give you some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island as you pass by.

Just off the ferry on Staten Island you can get some retail therapy at Empire Outlets, or visit the National Lighthouse Museum which is only metres away. Alternatively you can jump on the bus to Snug Harbor, to explore the historic buildings, museums and botanic gardens. When you are ready, the ferry runs every 25 minutes, to take you back to Manhattan.

Alternatively you can catch the ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty and climb this iconic monument for incredible city views. You may also like to take a tour of Ellis Island to learn the many stories of the early migrants to the USA.

You could take stoll across to the Brooklyn Bridge, that links Manhattan to Long Island. You can walk or cycle across the bridge to get to the Dumbo area, a trendy residential area with cobblestone streets, riverside parks and great views back across the river.

The New Yorker, or similar

You may have some time this morning for some last minute souvenir shopping before heading back to the airport. You could head to the famous Macy’s department store or some of the fashionable boutiques along Fifth Avenue.

When you are ready, transfer independently to your chosen airport, in time to check-in for your return flight.