6-day Finger Lakes at Leisure -- Wine, Waterfalls, & Scenic Wonders: October 13-18, 2027 - $3,395

6-day Finger Lakes at Leisure -- Wine, Waterfalls, & Scenic Wonders: October 13-18, 2027 - $3,395

$200.00

Departure: October 13-18, 2027

NOTE: This is a small group tour of 8-16 travelers.

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, feeling right at home in this vibrant lake community.

Start each day with a hearty breakfast included at your hotel, then let your itinerary unfold at a gentle, relaxed 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. Two included dinners at local eateries highlight the fresh, farm-to-table ingredients that make the Finger Lakes a culinary destination.

Savor the region’s flavors 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. While the tour thoughtfully includes meals, excursions, and all the little details that make travel effortless, it also offers flexibility to explore, dine, and experience the region on your own terms.

This tour is designed as a truly 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 lasting memories.

What’s Included:

  • 5 nights at the Ithaca Marriott Downtown (or similar), steps from restaurants, bars, shops

  • Daily breakfast and 2 dinners featuring local flavors

  • Comfortable motorcoach transportation throughout the tour

  • Airport pick-up & drop-off if arriving on Day 1 and departing on Day 6 within specific flight times (TBA)

  • All sightseeing fees and taxes

  • Porterage to/from your hotel room

  • Expert tour leader included

What’s Not Included:

  • Additional meals on your own (not listed on the itinerary)

  • Souvenirs, tips, and personal expenses (i.e. airfare, travel insurance, etc.)

  • An optional tour excursion to Watkins Glen State Park with lunch included — price TBA

Highlights:

  • A fully narrated cruise on Seneca Lake

  • Wine tastings at local wineries along the lakes

  • A welcome dinner and a farewell dinner at local restaurants that showcase the region’s cuisine

  • Corning Museum of Glass

  • Charming, peaceful lake towns

  • Relaxed pace with flexibility for independent exploration

Pricing:

  • Double Occupancy: $3,395 per person

  • Single Supplement: $900 (for private accommodations)

  • Group Size: 8–16 guests

  • Deposit: $200 per person due at the time of booking to secure your spot

  • Payment Schedule

    • First installment: Half of the remaining balance (after deposit) due April 12, 2027

    • Final balance: Remaining balance due August 13, 2027

    Email reminders will be sent before each payment is due.

This is a high-value, small-group experience — curated for comfort, exploration, and relaxation.

📩 Reserve your spot today — space is limited and these small-group tours fill quickly.

*Airfare is sold separately. You can book independently, or book it through The Day We Travel. Please note there is a flat service charge of $150 for all airfare booked with The Day We Travel.

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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

We understand that plans can change, so we’ve created a clear and fair cancellation schedule:

  • 91+ days before departure (on or before July 14, 2027)

    • Full refund minus $250 deposit and any non-refundable supplier costs.

    60–90 days before departure (between July 15 – August 12, 2027)

    • 50% of the total tour cost refunded

    30–59 days before departure (between August 13 – September 12, 2027)

    • 25% of the total tour cost refunded

    0–29 days before departure (on or after September 13, 2027)

    • No refund

    This schedule ensures fairness while allowing us to secure accommodations, transportation, and experiences for all guests.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • We recommend purchasing travel protection/insurance to cover unforeseen cancellations beyond this policy.

  • Your deposit and payments secure your spot and help us confirm hotels, transportation, and private guided tours for the group

DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY | Hub-and-spoke hotel: Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons or similar

DAY 1Welcome 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 2Waterfalls, 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 3Cascades, 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 4Nature, 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 5Freedom, 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 6Heartfelt 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, and Keuka Lake

  • Buttermilk Falls State Park

  • Taughannock Falls State Park

  • Ithaca Falls

  • Corning Museum of Glass

  • Optional tour to Watkins Glen State Park + group lunch (included)

  • Seneca Lake Sightseeing Cruise

  • Ithaca Farmers Market

  • Group dinners at local spots showcasing fresh, local ingredients

What’s Included?

  • Round-trip transfers to/from the Syracuse Airport (SYR) — please see timing below, 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 and a carry-on

  • 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 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. The distance between Ithaca and Syracuse is 61 miles or 1 hour 10 minutes without traffic. 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 flat service fee of $150 applies for personalized assistance with flight bookings. 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, spa treatments, room service, 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.