Hudson Valley Group Itineraries

AN EXPLORATION OF ALBANY, NEW YORK AND THE CAPITAL REGION

Suggested Itinerary -  A Three Day Tour
DAY 1

9:00 AM   Arrive at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center at Quackenbush Square for an orientation of the history of New York’s capital city.  Tour the exhibit gallery, and the USS Albany Display; view a 15 minute orientation film, “Albany: A Cultural Crossroads”, and take time to explore the shop for Distinctive Albany items and unique gift ideas.

10:00 AM Take an Albany Aqua DUCKS tour on an amphibious vehicle on land and water or board your bus with a step-on guide for a tour of historic downtown Albany. 

11:30 AM Have lunch at Quackenbush Square. See how the Albany Pump Station makes their award-winning micro brewed beer while enjoying a hearty lunch or dine at one of our other group friendly restaurants.  Full listing available.

1:00 PM  Arrive at the Capitol Building for a guided tour of this fascinating, hand-carved pinnacle of state government and then take
the elevator to the Observation Deck on the 42nd floor of the Corning Tower where on a clear day you can see three states.

3:00 PM  Arrive at the New York State Museum.  Stroll through turn of the century Manhattan and experience the Adirondack Wilderness then visit the permanent September 11th exhibit entitled: The World Trade Center: Rescue Recovery Response.    

4:30 PM   Hotel for check-in and relax for the evening at your Albany County hotel.

5:30 PM     Enjoy a dinner cruise aboard the Captain JP or the Dutch Apple on the Hudson River or a unique Albany restaurant.

8:00 PM Enjoy an evening show at Times Union Center (Entertainment & Sports Arena) Proctor’s Theatre, Cohoes Music Hall, The Egg (Empire State Performing Arts Center, Capital Repertory Theatre, NYS Theatre Institute, Troy Music Hall or the Palace Performing Arts Center.

10:30 PM Return to hotel for overnight.

DAY 2   

9:00 AM    Breakfast at hotel.

10:00 AM Begin the day by touring historic Cherry Hill, Schuyler Mansion or Ten Broeck Mansion.  Learn about the people and families that founded Albany as you tour these lovely historic homes and gardens.

12:30 PM Take a sight-seeing lunch cruise on the Dutch Apple, the Captain JP or have lunch at one of our downtown eateries.

2:30 PM    Guided tour of the USS Slater DE 766 for a tour of this WWII Destroyer Escort (DE) or the Albany Institute of  History & Art to view the collections that highlight more than four centuries of art and culture of the Upper Hudson Valley Region.  Traveling exhibitions visit often so call the ACCVB for upcoming shows.
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4:30 PM Return to the hotel.

5:30 PM Group dinner at your hotel or dine prior to your evening’s entertainment at a lovely group friendly restaurant.

7:00 PM    Enjoy nightlife in the Capital-Saratoga region!  Take a trip to the Saratoga Gaming Raceway or plan night out on the town  at one of our great nightlife venues or one of our creative gathering spots (museums, shops or art galleries).

10:00 PM Return to hotel for overnight.

DAY 3   
9:00 AM    Check out of hotel and enjoy breakfast.

10:00 AM Before departing from the Albany area shop at one of our diverse malls or unique shops plus stop at the only Christmas Tree Shop in the region.

On the way home choose from a wide variety of regional attractions to explore in region from Saratoga, Schenectady, Troy, Cooperstown/Schoharie County and Lake George and throughout the Hudson Valley.

Albany Tulip Festival Tour

Two Day * One Night * Suggested Itinerary

Voted Top 100 ABA Event for Groups in 2008!

TULIP FESTIVAL IS AN ANNUAL EVENT THAT TAKES PLACE ON MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND EACH YEAR

DAY 1:

1:00 PM Group arrives at hotel for welcome reception.

2:00 PM Depart for Albany Heritage Area Visitor Center located in Quackenbush Square in downtown Albany. Tour the exhibit gallery and the USS Albany Display, view a 15 minute orientation film, “Albany: A Cultural Crossroads,” and take time to

explore the shop for Distinctive Albany items and unique gift ideas.

3:00 PM Board the Albany Aqua DUCK Tour – History and highlights tour complete with a fun splash down in the Hudson River and DUCK whistles!

4:45 PM Return to the hotel or go directly to dinner.

5:45 PM Dine at a group friendly Albany County restaurant.

7:30 PM Depart from restaurant and return to hotel for a restful evening or take in a concert, musical or play at one of our eight performing arts centers.

10:30 PM After evening festivities return to your hotel for the rest of the evening.

DAY 2:

8:00 AM Breakfast at hotel.

9:30 AM Meet your Albany step-on-guide in the lobby of your hotel for a special tour highlighting the tulips of the city en route to the Tulip Festival.

10:00 AM Arrive at Albany’s Tulip Festival in Washington Park motorcoach drop-off point. Learn about Albany’s Dutch heritage, the Tulip Festival and see the colorful array of tulips in the park.

10:30 AM Coronation of the Tulip Queen at the Washington Park Lake House begins at noon and includes choral performances culminating with the crowning of the new Tulip Queen.

12:30 PM Have a bite to eat at one of the 100 international food vendors. Afterwards visit the juried art vendors at the festival and purchase a gift for yourself or for some else!

2:00 PM Many choices in the afternoon and here are just a few activities to choose from: visit the New York State Museum, one of our historic Dutch homes and gardens, First Church of Albany (Dutch), the Albany Institute of History and Art or take a cruise on the Hudson River aboard the Dutch Apple or the Captain J.P. For a listing of attractions visit: www.albany.org

Before leaving, stop for a light dinner at one of our friendly group restaurants or at one of our three shopping malls for a bite to eat at the food court. Do some shopping and bring home some treasures from Albany!

The Captain J.P. II is by far the largest and most lavish cruise vessel in the Capital Region of upstate New York. It is a four deck cruise ship, certified by the United States Coast Guard to accomadate 600 passengers and seat in excess of 500 people comfortably.

The Captain J.P. II has three completely enclosed decks, equipped with central air and heat, along with full service bars and a dance floor on each deck.

Fully equipped to handle any occassion, from private parties, proms and weddings to quiet morning brunch cruises to trips to New York City, The Captain J.P. Cruise Line is your ticket to an entertaining morning, afternoon or evening.

Our summer dock is at the intersection of Front Street and State Street in downtown Troy. Contact (518) 270-1901 for ticket sales and additional information not found here.

TAKE A DUTCH APPLE CRUISE on the scenic and historic Hudson River, the ideal way to see the sights.

Our vessels offer you sunshine and breezes or the protection of fully enclosed and heated/ac decks. Features of all tours include ample free parking, U.S.Coast Guard inspected vessels, comfortable seating, clean restrooms, full cash bar and light refreshments.

We sail rain or shine; however, cruises may be cancelled if minimum (30) adult passenger requirement is not reached. With your safety in mind, we suggest low heeled or soft soled shoes.