Day 1 - Arrive in New York, pick up your car and drive to Long Island, approx. 15 miles.

The north shore is known as the Gold Coast from the early 20th century when magnificent estates were built for the Chryslers and Roosevelt’s. Continuing farther east is the North Fork, known for fishing and quaint villages, farms and wineries.

Enjoy some of Long Island’s beaches and visit Westbury Gardens in one of the many historic Gold Coast mansions. Oheka Castle, which inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald to write the Great Gatsby, is now a luxury hotel and a great stop for lunch. Do not forget the Cradle of Aviation Museum, home to many of the first aircraft ever flown.

The South Shore of Long Island is home to the Hamptons, a well known playground for the rich and famous. Long Island has many lighthouses along its shores and one of the most famous is Montauk Lighthouse on the eastern tip. Montauk is a fishing village that is becoming a hip spot to visit – locals will greet you and you might catch a glimpse of a movie star as well! Fire Island National Seashore is accessible by bridge and ferry. There are over 30 wineries just waiting to be explored and savoured.

Stay four nights in Long Beach.

Day 5 - Long Island to Poughkeepsie, approx. 105 miles.

It’s a bit surreal; the number of mansions of every shape and size perched along the banks of the Hudson River. In some places, dramatic palisades drop 1,000 feet straight to the water. In other locations, lush landscapes gently roll to the waters’ edge. Industrial magnates, such as the Rockefellers, the Goulds, and the Vanderbilts built their magnificent homes here and they are now open to the public. 

Don’t miss a visit to Hyde Park to tour the Roosevelt-Vanderbilt National Historic Sites. The Springwood estate is the family home of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, together with the FDR Presidential Library & Museum. The National Park Service has retained 300 acres of the original expansive farm which are now open for strolling and there is a great visitor centre which details the lives and work of both Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. 

Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the area’s fishing, mountain biking, kayaking and hiking across the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge, Walkway Over the Hudson. The ultimate experience is a biplane ride and airshow at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.

For those interested in military history there is the United States Military Academy at West Point, the oldest military academy in the country. Walk the paths of Generals and presidents as you trace the footsteps of America’s great leaders. Guided tours leave daily from the West Point Visitor Center, and the museum shows cadet life as it has been lived over the past 200 years. 

Stay three nights in either Rhinebeck or Fishkill.

Day 8 - Poughkeepsie to Albany, approx. 95 miles.

Albany is the New York state capital and one of the most European looking cities in the United States. Much of the massive, robust 19th and early 20th century architecture is well preserved, giving the city a very walkable, detailed and interesting pedestrian landscape. Visit New Paltz where original stone houses flank the oldest street in America.

Stay one night in Albany.

Day 9 - Albany to Utica, approx. 105 miles.

On your way stop at Howes Cave and enjoy a trip into the caverns before continuing to Rome and Utica. Explore the legendary Erie Canal aboard the Little Diamond III for a narrated historic cruise and lock tour, or dinner cruise with Erie Canal Cruises from the Herkimer Marina. Take a tour of the FX Matt Brewing Company, and sample pints of their award-winning Saranac beers in the 1888 Tavern. Stroll down the block to the Adirondack Distilling Company for a sample of their ADK Vodka.

Explore the majestic Adirondack Mountains with a scenic train ride aboard the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. Take the Wine & Beer Train or a Fall foliage excursion (September/October) with a stopover in Old Forge for shopping! Connoisseurs of art will revel in the collections housed at Munson-Williams-Proctor Museum of Art and Fountain Elms, an 1850 Italianate mansion which has been restored as a showcase for the finest in Victorian-era decorative arts. Walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes and Native American Indians at Fort Stanwix National Monument in the heart of downtown Rome. Just a short drive from Rome you will find two miles of sandy beaches along the eastern shore of Oneida Lake, an authentic Coney Island-style amusement park, locally-owned restaurants, and a laid back beachfront atmosphere.

Stay three nights in Utica.

Day 12 - Utica to the Catskills, approx. 120 miles. 

Stop en-route in Cooperstown, small town Americana at its very best. Driving through the Catskills provides wonderful photo opportunities – beautiful mountain scenery, wildlife, bright blue waters and country farms. Enjoy the numerous outdoor activities – some of the world’s best fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking and hiking or just relax in the fresh air.

Stay two nights in Beaverkill.

Day 14 - The Catskills to New York, approx. 200 miles.

Drop off your car in time for your flight to the UK.