2026 Finger Lake Tour
August 13 – August 20th, 2026
NATIONAL TRAVEL STUDY SEMINAR
2026 National Travel Study Seminar – Finger Lakes, NY
Farms, Falls and Finger Lakes, New York
DaY ONE
Thursday, Aug. 13th – Fly into Syracuse NY, Syracuse to Ithaca
Fly from Omaha to Syracuse NY
Fly into Syracuse and begin your journey into the heart of New York’s fertile Finger Lakes. The afternoon brings a savory stop at the Muranda Cheese Company - famous for its artisanal cheeses and welcoming farmstead atmosphere. Enjoy a tasting and Finger Lakes wine, cider or soda. Next, enjoy a guided visit to Taughannock Falls State Park, Home to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Rockies. Take in breathtaking views and hear the natural and cultural history of this scenic wonder. End the day with a delightful visit to Shepherd’s Creek Alpacas, where you’ll meet these gentle animals and learn about their fiber production. Settle in for the night with an overnight stay in Ithaca, the gateway to Cayuga Lake.
Day 2 – Friday, Aug. 14th – Ithaca to Pen Yann (B, D)
After breakfast in Ithaca, you begin the day at Hawk Meadow Mushroom Farm where you’ll discover the fascinating world of forest-grown fungi and sustainable cultivation. This is an outdoor activity- dress accordingly. Next, step onto the storied campus of Cornell University. Enjoy a guided campus tour, followed by a locally inspired lunch on campus, highlighting the agricultural traditions that make Cornell a leader in food and sustainability research. In the afternoon, stroll through the Cornell Botanic Gardens —a living showcase of native plants, themed gardens, and natural beauty. Then, take a short walk through Cascadilla Gorge, where stone trails wind alongside rushing waterfalls and steep cliffs.
Your day concludes at the dramatic Watkins Glen State Park, where a guided walk reveals 19 waterfalls cascading through a stunning shale and sandstone gorge. After soaking in the natural splendor, we continue on to Penn Yan, nestled along the shores of Keuka Lake, for our overnight stay. Have an included dinner before checking into your Penn Yan hotel.
Day 3 – Saturday, August 15, 2026- Penn Yan to Rochester (B, D)
This morning begins in Penn Yan at Birkett Mills, home to over 200 years of buckwheat tradition. Learn about this unique crop and its place in the Finger Lakes agricultural story. Next, enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure with the Finger Lakes Rail Riders. Pedal specially designed rail bikes along scenic, historic tracks—an unforgettable way to experience the countryside. Afterward, spend time exploring the lively Windmill Farm & Craft Market, filled with fresh produce, artisan goods, and local crafts. It’s the perfect spot to browse, shop, and soak up the atmosphere of this regional favorite. In the afternoon, you stop at Hollerhorn Distilling, where tradition meets innovation in small-batch spirits. Learn about the distilling process, sip a handcrafted sample, and enjoy the relaxed Finger Lakes setting.
Dinner tonight will be an interactive Detective Mystery. See if you can team up to solve the crime! You finish the day in Rochester, where you spend the night in preparation for more Finger Lakes discoveries.
Day 4 – Sunday, August 16, 2026- Rochester to Batavia (B, L, D)
Depart Rochester this morning and step aboard the Sam Patch Erie Canal Tour. Glide along this historic waterway while learning about engineering marvels, commerce, and culture that shaped upstate New York. The scenic cruise offers a unique perspective on life along the canal.
After the tour, visit the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford. This living history museum immerses you in 19th-century life, with restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades. Wander the grounds and experience the heritage of the Finger Lakes region up close. Lunch is included while there. In the late afternoon, continue to Batavia for your overnight stay, resting up for the next day’s adventures. Dinner in Batavia is included.
Day 5 – Monday, August 17, 2026- Batavia to Niagara Falls (B, L, D)
This morning begins with a visit to Lamb Dairy Farms where you’ll see sustainable dairy practices in action and sample fresh, locally produced cheeses and dairy delights. After an included lunch, head toward Niagara Falls, New York. The first stop is the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Museum for a guided tour. Enjoy some shopping time in downtown Niagara Falls before your included dinner and then check into your hotel for the next 3 nights.
Day 6 – Tuesday, August 18, 2026-Niagara Falls (B, L)
Start your day with a guided tour of Niagara Falls, taking in its most iconic sights. Highlights include the Soldiers Monument, Prospect Point, Goat Island, and the majestic Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Falls.
Experience the falls up close with two unforgettable attractions:
Maid of the Mist boat tour, for a classic, misty adventure at the base of the falls.
Cave of the Winds, where you’ll descend to the base of Bridal Veil Falls and feel the power of the cascading waters from wooden walkways and viewing platforms.
For the adventurous, there’s an optional Fallsview Balloon Ride, offering a breathtaking aerial perspective of this natural wonder. -cost $60- takes about 15 minutes
Evening is free for dinner on your own, with an optional shuttle to Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino for entertainment, dining, or a night of excitement.
Day 7 – Wednesday, August 19, 2026- Niagara Falls (B, L, D)
Begin your day with a visit to the Aquarium of Niagara. Explore interactive exhibits and marvel at the vibrant ecosystem. Next, journey to Lockport Locks where you’ll explore the engineering marvels of the Erie Canal with a guided tour, followed by lunch on-site.
In the afternoon, visit the Niagara Power Vista - an interactive energy education center highlighting the region’s hydroelectric power and innovation. Conclude your day with dinner at the iconic Silo Restaurant -a Finger Lakes landmark celebrated for its fresh, local cuisine and charming farm-to-table atmosphere. Return to your Niagara Falls hotel for the evening
Day 8 – Thursday, August 20, 2026- Heading Home (B)
Rise and shine very early for a 6:10 AM flight out of Buffalo- will request breakfast to go bags
Your journey concludes filled with memories of rolling vineyards, farm-to-table flavors, breathtaking waterfalls, and the warm hospitality of upstate New York.
2026 Farms, Falls & Finger Lakes Tour Pricing
$3,609.00 per person, double occupancy
$4,549.00 per person, single occupancy
$3,310.00 per person, triple occupancy
Tour Includes: RT Air from Omaha, ground transportation throughout itinerary via motorcoach, 11 Meals as outlined in itinerary, admissions to attractions and tours as outlined in itinerary including tips to local guides, seven nights hotel accommodations including taxes and baggage fees (where available), and services of Allied Tour Director.
Tour does not include:
Airline baggage fees, any items of a personal nature, meals not listed in itinerary, tours/attractions during any free time, optional trip insurance, or possible fuel surcharges, or changes in taxes (as determined by government entities), or tip to motorcoach driver and tour director.
Minimum Travelers – 30
Maximum Travelers – 50
Payment/Confirmation Schedule:
INDIVIDUAL DEPOSIT: $500 per person with a registration form.
FINAL: Final payment is due June 9, 2026
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations 61 days or more prior to departure. . . full refund
Cancellations 60-46 days prior to departure. . . deposit non-refundable
Cancellations 45-31 days prior to departure. . . 50% cancel fee
Cancellations 30 days or less prior to departure. . . non-refundable
Travel Protection:
Optional trip cancellation/interruption insurance is suggested and available at additional cost.