Wine-Waterways Package

Wine Making, Waterways

& Wondrous Estates of the Finger Lakes

  Regional Itinerary

Day 1- Syracuse, NY

The Erie Canal built during the 1800s largely by European immigrants became the gateway to the western world.  Of it's day, it was considered to be the greatest engineering marvel in the world.  Begin your journey in Syracuse, NY where you will visit the Erie Canal Museum to hear the fascinating story of  the canal construction.  Overnight in Syracuse.

Today you will make your way to the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.  These magnificent lakes were carved during the ice age leaving the impression of a hand, which is said to be one of the most picturesque regions in all of the USA.  Besides the incredible gorges and waterfalls, the region produces some of the best wines in the country.   It is clear to see why this region became a popular playground for the rich and famous during the turn of the century.  Your first stop will be Auburn, NY and The Seward House, home of William Seward, Secretary of State under Abraham Lincoln.  17 rooms contain original furnishings in this 1850s mansion.  A short drive will take you to Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes. You will soon reach MacKenzie-Childs Ltd.  Tour their production studio where world famous hand painted tableware and home furnishings are produced. Stop in Aurora for a leisurely lunch in a town café.

Continue on your lakeside drive to Long Point Winery for a sampling of their award winning dry red wines.  Just up the road you will come to King Ferry Winery famous for their light and fruity white wines.  Soon you will arrive in Ithaca, NY for an overnight stay at an enchanting B & B.  Nearly 150 waterfalls & gorges dot the landscape of this charming college town.  Browse the shops and restaurants in the Ithaca Downtown Commons.

Day 3 - Elmira/ Corning/ Watkins Glen/ Seneca Lake/ Geneva

Begin your day at the National Soaring Museum in Elmira, NY visiting exhibits on 100 years of motorless flight.  Next arrive in Corning to visit the world famous Corning Museum of Glass.  Explore the most comprehensive collection of glass in the world.  This museum is "...as much a work of art as the glass it talks about...".  Time for a lunch stop in the museum café.  Just a short hop over to the Rockwell Museum of Western Art offering one of the finest collections of American western and Native American art in the eastern United States.  Now depart for Seneca Lake, the deepest of the Finger Lakes.  On route, stop to visit Watkin's Glen, home of the US Grand Prix.  The deep rock-walled canyon of the Glen is a natural walkway to 19 waterfalls & grottos.  This evening arrive at Bristol Harbour Resort.   Check in for a night of rustic elegance and relaxation in this lovely setting noted for it's panoramic view of Canadaiqua Lake.

Day 4 - Canadaigua/ Rochester

Following breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Sonnenberg Gardens, historic Victorian garden estate and mansion.  This 40-room stone mansion was built in 1887 and has 9 theme gardens on the grounds.  Finger Lakes Wine Center is located directly on the estate representing over 22 wineries.

Continue along to Rochester where you will visit the George Eastman House and International Museum of Film and Photography.  George Eastman is the inventor and founder of Eastman Kodak Company.  The mansion and gardens inspire discovery, creativity, and learning.   This restored colonial revival-style mansion features Mr. Eastman's original furnishings.  Lunch in the museum cafe.

Time to check in to your hotel.  Prepare for your afternoon cruise along the Erie Canal.  The Colonial Belle or the Sam Patch will take you along the path of history.  Now you must visit Wegman's Food Market in Pittsford Plaza.  Foods from around the world make Wegman's one of the crown jewels of Rochester.  Wegman's offers all the charm of a European open-air market & visitors come from far and wide to sample their award winning delicacies.   Stay awhile and shop at the Pittsford Plaza where many of America's most famous brands are featured.

Return to your hotel for R & R before treating yourself to a fine dinner and one of Rochester's acclaimed restaurants.  Time for a little nightlife.  Visit Rochester's East End, Rochester's entertainment district or catch a show at one of the many live theatre performance venues in the theatre district.

If you prefer, stay awhile in Rochester and enjoy more of our world class museums. Visit our orchards along Lake Ontario and try your talents at apple or berry picking.  Rochester is a great place to shop.  You will find many unusual treasures in our quaint craft stores or upscale shopping malls.  There is great discount shopping to enjoy here as well.  Rochester is just 70 miles east of Niagara Falls.

For information contact:  Paula Savage, VisitRochester 1-800-677-7282