Island in the Streams

Day 1

It's departure day, time to meet your coach and tour en-route to the beautiful 1000 Islands. Today, stop for lunch on your own before your first overnight stay on the way to Mississauga, Ontario. Dinner is on us tonight at a fabulous local restaurant, before your rest for the evening.

Day 2

After an included breakfast, we continue the drive to Mississauga, Ontario. This tour does travel into Canadian territory, so a passport is required. Enter Canada today and check into your hotel for the evening. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Day 3

See Toronto during the daylight hours from the CN Tower observation deck. After your photo opportunities, spend your afternoon with some free time at Eaton Center for lunch and shopping. A great way to see Toronto before you head off to the Capt. Thomson's Resort for 2 nights.

Located in Alexandra Bay, Capt. Thomson's Resort is on the waterfront. Thousand Islands Bridge and 1000 Islands Tower are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Thousand Islands National Park and Heart Island. You will be at this fantastic accommodation for 2 whole evenings to truly sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Dinner tonight is at the hotel or area restaurant tonight.

Day 4

Today, we board Uncle Sam's boat for a cruise along the St. Lawrence River and a chance to explore the famous 1000 Islands. A boxed lunch will be served today on board your cruise, so you won't be left hungry as you feast your eyes on the sights and your stomach.

Keep your camera handy, because included with your cruise is a tour of Singer Castle on the Dark Island. Singer Castle was built at the turn of the century by Commodore Bourne, president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, as hunting lodge. It remained in his family for half a century until it was bought by Reverend Martin in the 60's and established as a religious retreat. Learn about the mysterious history and possible haunting of Singer Castle on this unique cruise to Dark Island.

At the end of your cruise, your vessel stops at Heart Island, where you can tour the world-famous Boldt Castle. This six-story castle is a testament to love and loss, left uncompleted and deserted in 1904 by its owner, George Boldt, after the death of his wife. Now owned by the Thousand Islands Transit Authority, the castle has been restored and improved upon, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Thousand Island Region in all of Upstate NY.

Enjoy a self-guided tour of the castle and its grounds then reboard your vessel and return to Alexandria Bay. Dinner tonight at a local restaurant will leave you feeling as posh as the castles.

Day 5

This morning, stop in Clayton, NY for a guided tour of the Antique Boat Museum. Discover the largest collection of Antique and Classic boats on display in North America. Stop by the boat shop to see a restoration in progress. The museum collection promotes the importance of boating to the cultural history of North America and the St. Lawrence River in particular.

Arriving in Albany, NY this afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of the New York State Capitol Building. Sitting atop Albany's State Street hill, the New York State Capitol has survived as the seat of government for New York since the 1880's. The building is a marvel of late 19th century architectural grandeur, built by hand of solid masonry over a period of 32 years. Highlights of the 45-minute tours can include the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governor's Reception Room, Hall of New York, historic staircases and carvings.

Check into your home tonight in Albany, New York and enjoy a lovely dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Day 6

Stop this morning in Millbrook, NY for a tour of Wing's Castle. This unique stone castle was built by hand by the owners using 80% recycled materials. There is no other place like this in the entire world!

Next, visit the nearby Millbrook Vineyards & Winery for a tour and tasting. Enjoy high-quality Hudson Valley wines with views of the vineyard and Catskill Mountains.
Check-in to your home for the night in Erie, PA at the Hilton Garden Inn. Dinner tonight with your tour group, perhaps a time to discuss your favorite castle or how you would create your own.

Day 7

Today, we start to head back to the Midwest following your breakfast, of course making stretch breaks and meal along the way to keep you moving.

Tonight, we rest our heads one last time before our final travel day home.

Day 8

Say goodbye for now to new friends as you reminisce your time well-enjoyed on this fairytale-like tour on your final destination back home.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner