Secrets of the St. Lawrence-1,000 Islands ON

Departure Points:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 6:30am
Pet Smart Crossgates Commons - 7:00am
Amsterdam, Exit 27 Park & Ride* - 7:35am

*Please be advised that this is a drop off /pick up zone ONLY. Parking is not permitted. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, however we must adhere to the policies set forth by the NYS Thruway authority.

Saturday, May 16

With great anticipation we board the coach this morning and travel West and North to Alexandria Bay and the magnificent Thousand Islands. Upon arrival we will enjoy a Backyard Barbeque Buffet lunch (included) served in the Windows on the Bay Restaurant at the Riveredge Resort. The menu includes iced tea or lemonade, fountain soda, garden salad w/Italian dressing, red bliss potato salad, creamy coleslaw, macaroni & cheese, hamburgers, vegetarian Beyond Burgers (upon request), grilled sausage & peppers & onions, marinated grilled chicken, assorted rolls, and chef’s choice of dessert. Next we’ll head door to Uncle Sam Boat tours where we’ll catch the ferry shuttle to Heart Island where we will have ample time to visit Boldt Castle. We’ll then travel to the hotel and there will be time to relax and freshen up after check-in. The 1,000 Islands Harbor Hotel (315-686-1100) sits right on the banks of the beautiful St. Lawrence River, and offers an indoor heated pool; a fitness room and a jacuzzi (so don't forget your bathing suit!). Dinner will be on your own tonight at the hotel’s Seaway Grille (we suggest making reservations in advance of the trip) or O’Brien’s Restaurant & Bar across from the hotel. There are also more restaurants within walking distance. The rest of your night is free to relax and enjoy the hotel amenities and to explore the Clayton area on your own.

Sunday, May 17

A buffet breakfast is included at the resort this morning.Then we’ll board a tour boat and cruise to Dark Island, where we will enjoy a guided tour of Singer Castle. At the castle, trained guides will greet us and provide a one-hour walking tour. ATTENTION: Singer Castle is NOT handicap accessible and requires a lot of stairs/walking. Learn about the mysterious history and possible haunting of Singer Castle on this unique cruise to Dark Island. It was built at the turn of the century by Commodore Bourne, president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, as a hunting lodge. It remained in his family for half a century until it was bought by Reverend Martin in the 60s and established as a religious retreat. Including a labyrinth of secret passageways, turret rooms, and even a dungeon, this castle designed by Ernest Flagg is truly an architectural marvel. The cruise covers an 11-mile section of the St. Lawrence River that is not offered in any other Uncle Sam tours. Experienced tour guides provide a lively narrative during the downriver trip to the castle and the return trip back to Alexandria Bay, directing attention to points of interest and sharing historic, environmental, and seaway facts.. A boxed lunch is also included, and your sandwich choices are 1) Turkey 2) Ham or 3) Roast Beef. Each comes with a beverage, sandwich, chips, pickle, fruit, & a cookie. Before we leave for home, we will enjoy a tasting at Thousand Islands Winery, the largest farm winery in Northern New York State. We will depart for home at 3pm with an approximate arrival in the Capital District at 8pm. One stop each way.

LU=Lunch, BB=Buffet Breakfast