Activity Level:
     90% Easy;
     10% Moderate
    

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

Airport: Newark NJ (EWR)

Arrive: Saturday, September 18 no later than 5:00pm

 Depart: Friday, September 24 at your convenience.

Saturday, September 18 :  Arrive Newark, New Jersey;  Wine Reception and Dinner.

Arrive Newark Airport no later than 5:00pm.  The tour begins at 6:00pm at the Courtyard Marriot conveniently located close to the airport.  We will meet as a group for introductions, a wine reception and have a light dinner at the hotel to get acquainted and talk about the upcoming week’s activities. (Wine Reception, Light Dinner)

Sunday, September 19 :  Vanderbilt Mansion and the beautiful Innisfree Gardens

We begin this morning with a drive to Hyde Park. 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 the incredible Innisfree Gardens located about 20 minutes from the Vanderbilt mansion.  These gardens were designed using the Chinese "cup" gardening principle that create "picture-perfect" views no matter where you look.  Stroll around the open spaces, walk along the pond, relax in chairs around the property, and in general soak up the beauty.  We will stop on our way to the gardens and pick up sandwiches and drinks so that we can enjoy a picnic lunch at the gardens. We will conclude our day in Poughkeepsie and spend 2 nights at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel. (B, Picnic Lunch)

Monday, September 20 :  Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site, Dinner at 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.  Later we will visit the home of Eleanor Roosevelt located just a few minutes away.

After a lunch stop, we will take a tour of the Culinary Institute of America. Founded in 1946, it remains the nation's first and foremost culinary school. See chefs in training, watch them as they prepare food to serve the students, and see the pastry class rooms (yum!).

This evening we will have dinner at the Culinary Institute and enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by students. A recipient of the prestigious Ivy Award, the restaurant features seasonal local ingredients.  The night is spent in Poughkeepsie.  (B,D)

Tuesday, September 21 :  West Point and Lyndhurst Estate

We will begin today with a tour of the West Point Military Academy.

The tour makes stops at the Main Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point, Battle Monument and the Plain.

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.  Leaving Lyndhurst we will make our way to New York City and spend the next 3 nights in heart of the city. The rest of the evening is at leisure.  (B)

Wednesday, September 22: New York City Tour, Visit the Empire State Building

Our day begins with a morning public city tour, giving us an opportunity to see the highlights of New York City. The bus we will use is a hop-on/hop-off bus that you will be able to use for transportation around the city for the next two days. Today we will also visit the Empire State Building and ride to the top where we will enjoy panoramic views of the city. 

The remainder of the day is free to further explore NYC, however, for those who wish to accompany the WTT Tour Leader, she will be visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of  Liberty! 

This evening would be a good opportunity to see  Broadway Show. WTT will assist travelers in coordinating their interests so that tickets can be purchased in advance. (Broadway show tickets not included in the cost of the tour.)    (B)

Thursday, September 23: New York City

For those who want to get up early, the WTT Tour Leader will escort anyone interested in seeing the taping of "Good Morning America" in Times Square.  The WTT tour Leader will be back at the hotel at 9:00am to assist everyone with their plans for the day.  Anyone wishing to join the Tour Leader for the day, her tentative agenda will be (in no particular order and subject to change) a visit to Central Park, a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a visit to the Rockefeller Center Complex, and a visit to Grand Central Station. Note: Admissions to any building or other expenses associated with the Tour Leader led outing are not included in the cost of the tour. We will meet back at the hotel at 6:00pm and have dinner together to celebrate a wonderful trip and new friends.  (B, D)

Friday, September 24 :  Return Home at your Convenience

Make you return flight arrangements at your convenience.  The WTT tour leader will help coordinate airport transfers to maximize ride-sharing. Taking the train back to Newark Airport is also an easy, and cost effective option. (B)