6-day Finger Lakes at Leisure -- Wine, Waterfalls, & Scenic Wonders: October 13-18, 2027 - COMING SOON!































6-day Finger Lakes at Leisure -- Wine, Waterfalls, & Scenic Wonders: October 13-18, 2027 - COMING SOON!
Departure: October 13-18, 2027
PRICE: TBA. BOOKINGS available soon! Stay tuned!
Discover the Finger Lakes – A Relaxed Autumn Lakeside Escape
Welcome to the Finger Lakes, a region of sparkling waters, rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and charming small towns that invites you to slow down, explore, and truly live local. On this 6-day journey, enjoy a five-night hub-and-spoke stay in lovely Ithaca, a picturesque lakeside city at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake. Here, you can unpack once and settle in, savoring the feeling of being at home in this vibrant lake community.
Start each day with a hearty breakfast included at your hotel and let your itinerary unfold at a gentle pace. Over the course of your stay, you’ll visit four of the eleven Finger Lakes, experience a scenic lake cruise, and explore charming villages and towns sprinkled throughout the region. Delight in two included dinners at local eateries, each highlighting the fresh, farm-to-table ingredients that make the Finger Lakes a culinary destination.
Sip the flavors of the region with wine tastings at two local wineries, chase waterfalls along nature trails and state parks, and enjoy leisurely strolls through quaint streets and scenic lakesides. This tour is designed as a relaxed escape, where the beauty of the lakes, the warmth of the communities, and the rhythm of lake living come together amid brilliant fall foliage to create a truly memorable experience.
**NOTE** An initial deposit of $200.00 is due at time of booking. Total Cost of Tour (land-based only) is TBA based on double occupancy per person. Payments will be paid in two installments, with the final balance due 60 prior to tour departure.
Single supplement: add $800.00 to the tour cost of double occupancy rate. This fee ensures your own room in our downtown Ithaca hotel, so you can truly relax, unpack once, and enjoy the Finger Lakes at your leisure.
*Airfare is sold separately. Some guests may prefer to book independently, or airfare can be booked through The Day We Travel. There is a 10% service charge on top of the total cost of airfare. If interested, please note this in your tour registration.
DEPOSIT POLICY: A $200.00 per person deposit is required to secure a reservation for your tour, which is not considered firm until the deposit is received. The deposit, however, is fully refundable if you cancel within 72 hours of booking the tour. All cancellations will only be accepted in writing. Email your cancellation to dewi@thedaywetravel.com. After 72 hours, the deposit becomes non-refundable and standard cancellation fees apply. See cancellation fee schedule below.
*Note* - If the booking is made 60 days or less prior to departure, full payment is due at the time of booking.
CANCELLATION FEE SCHEDULE
• 91+ Days Prior to Tour Departure: All monies refunded minus initial $200.00 deposit
• 90-61 Days Prior: 75% of tour cost refunded
• 60-46 Days Prior: 60% of tour cost refunded
• 45-31 Days Prior: 35% of tour cost refunded
• 30-8 Days Prior: 15% of tour cost refunded
• 7 Days Prior or less: 0% of tour cost refunded
DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY | Hub-and-spoke hotel: Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons or similar
DAY 1 – Welcome to the Finger Lakes!
Board your flight to Syracuse, NY (SYR) and begin your marvelous journey through the breathtaking Finger Lakes. Upon arrival, meet your friendly Travel Host and make your way to the sparkling shores of Lake Skaneateles, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and timeless beauty. Enjoy a leisurely scatter lunch in the village’s quaint, storybook downtown, where historic buildings, charming boutiques, and lakeside cafés invite exploration. Afterwards, continue to your hotel in Ithaca, your home for the next 5 nights, a vibrant lakeside city at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake and the cultural heart of the Finger Lakes. Relax, take in the views, and let the magic of this stunning region begin to unfold.
DAY 2 – Waterfalls, Wine, & Wonder
Begin the day with a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel. Then feel the mist of Taughannock Falls as it tumbles dramatically into the gorge, followed by a relaxed scenic lunch in the charming village of Trumansburg. Toast the day with your first Finger Lakes wine tasting, savoring local flavors against a backdrop of rolling hills and sparkling waters. Cap the evening with a joyful Welcome Dinner, where laughter, new friends, and local flavors set the tone for an unforgettable journey. Meal – (B, D)
DAY 3 – Cascades, Charm, and Connections
Start your morning at Buttermilk Falls State Park, where you can enjoy an unhurried stroll along gentle trails or simply sit and soak in the serene gorge and cascading waters. Then, savor a delightful lunch in the lovely town of Geneva, with its quaint streets and lakeside charm. Afterward, journey to Keuka Lake for a wine tasting at an enchanting family-owned vineyard where generations of passion and care are poured into every bottle. Return to Ithaca for a relaxed evening, choosing either dinner on your own or some gentle browsing at the walkable Commons. A perfect day of nature, flavor, and small-town delight! Meal – (B)
DAY 4 – Nature, Nibbles, and Nautical Views
Kick off the day with the gentle beauty of Ithaca Falls, enjoying a short, easy trail walk or simply pausing to take in the cascading waters. Then meander through the vibrant Ithaca Farmers Market, where fresh local produce, artisanal treats, and lovely stalls offer a delightful opportunity for a light snack. In the late morning or early afternoon, set sail on a scenic sightseeing cruise along sparkling Seneca Lake, taking in rolling hills, vineyards, and panoramic lake views. Have a relaxed scatter lunch in Watkins Glen, where idyllic streets and lakeside beauty provide the perfect pause before concluding the day with a visit to the small, peaceful town of Corning. No stop in this riverside town would be complete without a visit to the renowned Corning Museum of Glass, which showcases more than 3,500 years of glass artistry and innovation, featuring dazzling collections from around the world and captivating live glassblowing demonstrations that bring this timeless craft to life. Return to Ithaca later this afternoon. Meal – (B)
DAY 5 – Freedom, Falls, and Farewell (**Optional Excursion to Watkins Glen State Park + Lunch**)
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace, whether you choose to relax at the hotel, browse the shops at the Commons, or simply soak in the stunning Finger Lakes scenery. For those who wish, there is an optional tour to Watkins Glen State Park, where you can wander the gorge along cascading waterfalls—a memorable way to connect with nature. Enjoy another scatter lunch in Watkins Glen before returning to the hotel with plenty of time to rest, refresh, or take one last stroll through Ithaca’s inviting streets. In the evening, rejoin the group for a celebratory Farewell Dinner, sharing laughter, memories, and a final taste of the Finger Lakes experience. Meal – (B, D)
Optional Excursion – Watkins Glen State Park: For those seeking a bit of adventure, take a guided hike through the dramatic Watkins Glen Gorge, where cascading waterfalls tumble over rugged cliffs and rocky paths. This moderately challenging trail rewards you with spectacular views and memorable photo opportunities. After the hike, relax and enjoy a group lunch in Watkins Glen, featuring fresh, locally inspired cuisine. This optional experience is available for $XX per person, combining scenic adventure, delightful flavors, and time with fellow travelers. Stay tuned for more details.
DAY 6 – Heartfelt Goodbyes & Safe Travels!
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and take a final moment to soak in the beauty of the Finger Lakes. Then, transfer back to Syracuse Airport, carrying with you wonderful memories, scenic views, and new friendships formed along the way. A group transfer is available for flights departing after 1 PM, ensuring a relaxed and stress-free farewell to this memorable adventure. Meal – (B)
Trip Highlights
4 Finger Lakes: Skaneateles Lake, Cayuga Lake, Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Taughannock Falls State Park
Ithaca Falls
Corning Glass Museum
Optional tour to Watkins Glen State Park + group lunch (included)
Seneca Lake Sightseeing Cruise
Ithaca Farmers Market
Group dinners at local spots using fresh, local ingredients
What’s Included?
Round-trip transfers to/from the Syracuse Airport (SYR) — please see timing on this, and transportation per itinerary
Hotel Accommodations - 5 nights based on double occupancy
Meals - 7 in total (5 breakfasts and 2 dinners)
All wine tastings per itinerary
Baggage handling to and from your hotel room
*Each person is entitled to 1 checked piece of luggage for porterage
A professional Travel Host will accompany you throughout the tour to provide a wealth of information and to ensure your comfort and enjoyment is at an all-time high
All sightseeing/entrance costs per itinerary & applicable taxes and resort fees
What’s NOT Included?
Airfare - if you book independently, please arrive in SYR (Syracuse Hancock International Airport) between 2:00 to 3:00 PM EST. Return flights from SYR (Syracuse) should be scheduled after 1:00 PM. If you need to fly out earlier, please arrange transfer through the front desk or consider a Rideshare such as Lyft/Uber. Airfare may be arranged through The Day We Travel. A service fee of 10% of the airfare cost applies for personalized assistance with flight booking. If you prefer to book on your own, *once you have purchased your airfare, please e-mail The Day We Travel at dewi@thedaywetravel.com your flight information (airline, flight #, & departure time).
Meals and/or alcoholic beverages not listed on the itinerary
Personal expenses (shopping, etc.)
Gratuities for local guides, housekeeping, your driver, and Travel Host
Travel Insurance - Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you purchase Travel Protection that helps provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Interruption, Baggage Loss or Delay, Medical Expenses and more. The Day We Travel currently does NOT offer travel insurance. However, some of the more popular insurance companies are Allianz Travel, Travel Guard, World Nomads, Travelex, Axa Travel, etc. Please look into these to see what policy coverage and rates suit you best.