Flavours of New York State
Rail Tour
New York City – Hudson Valley – Finger Lakes – Buffalo - Niagara Falls
Discover the diverse landscapes and culinary delights of New York State on this flavour-filled journey through one of America’s most exciting regions. From the iconic energy of New York City to the vineyards of the Finger Lakes and the dramatic beauty of Niagara Falls, this itinerary blends scenic exploration with unforgettable food and wine experiences. Along the way, savour regional specialities, visit charming towns, and uncover the culture, history and natural beauty that make the Empire State so unique.
Your Itinerary
Day 1 : UK - New York City
Arrive in New York and transfer independently to your downtown hotel for a 2-night stay.
Day 2 : New York City
Spend a day tasting your way through New York City’s legendary food scene. Begin with a classic bagel and coffee from a neighbourhood deli before exploring the vibrant food halls of Chelsea Market, where global flavours fill the historic market halls. You may wish to take a food and history tour of the area to learn about the local history and flavours of the neighbourhood. In the afternoon, browse bakeries and speciality shops in Little Italy and end the day with dinner at a cosy Manhattan restaurant.
Day 3 : Hudson Valley
Leave the city behind as you secure a left side window on Amtrak at Penn Station to head to Poughkeepsie to enjoy 3 nights sampling the culinary delights of the Hudson Valley coupled with scenic beauty, historic charm and plenty of farm-to-table fare. Collect a car hire on arrival and head to your hotel.
Day 4-5 : Hudson Valley
Over the next two days, explore some of New York State’s finest culinary experiences. Foodies will love The Culinary Institute of America, a leading cooking school that also has many restaurants to enjoy. Sample some of the region’s wines to go alongside your foodie adventures, at Brotherhood, America’s oldest winery. Learn about the history of winemaking in the United States, as you spend two delicious days discovering the farm-to-table traditions of the region. Charming towns such as Rhinebeck and Beacon are perfect for browsing artisanal bakeries, sweet shops, cafés, restaurants and boutiques showcasing produce grown in the surrounding countryside.
Day 6 : Finger Lakes
Drive to the Finger Lakes Region today, travelling through Albany and Syracuse. You may wish to stop in Syracuse to eat at Salt City Market, showcasing foods from around the world. Discover some of the Finger Lakes’ stunning waterfalls and scenery as you arrive for a 3-night stay. Experience communal tasting menus, farm to table meals and wine paring discoveries and the nationally acclaimed southern BBQ ‘Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’ which was founded in Syracuse.
Day 7-8 : Finger Lakes
One of New York’s premier culinary and wine destinations, the Finger Lakes is the perfect place to explore local farmers markets, sample fresh produce and spend the afternoon touring vineyards famed for their Rieslings and other local wines. Visit Ithaca and Geneva for cafés, craft breweries and lakeside restaurants for a true taste of upstate New York. Enhance your experience with a stop at New York Kitchen in Canandaigua, where you can enjoy hands-on cooking classes, tastings and exhibits celebrating the state’s rich agricultural heritage. Wine lovers can also follow the scenic Canandaigua Wine Trail, a collection of boutique wineries around Canandaigua Lake offering intimate tastings and stunning vineyard views.
Day 9 : Buffalo
As you arrive in Buffalo today, one of your first stops should be to try the city’s famous Buffalo Wing Trail. After checking into your hotel, explore the waterfront district of Canalside.
Day 10 : Buffalo/Niagara Falls
Venture to the Niagara Wine Trail, sampling award-winning wines and ciders from regional vineyards, and also stop at Platter’s Chocolate Factory who have been crafting handmade treats since 1938. Make sure to admire the falls as well and finish your day with a meal at the Red Coach Inn – a AAA Three Diamond Restaurant with an extensive menu and panoramic view of the Niagara Rapids.
Day 11 : Departure
Return your car at Buffalo airport ahead of your departing flight.