The Great New York Rail Journey
Rail Tour
New York City – Hudson Valley – Albany – Syracuse – Buffalo – Niagara Falls
Experience the energy of the New York City and beyond on a journey that blends iconic sightseeing with the comfort of rail travel. The Great New York Rail Journey offers the perfect balance of vibrant city exploration and scenic train travel, allowing you to discover some of the USA’s most exciting destinations at a relaxed pace. From world-famous landmarks and buzzing neighbourhoods to the charm of historic East Coast cities, this itinerary showcases the highlights of the region while travelling comfortably by rail.
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7-8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
Day 1 : UK - New York City
Arrive in New York and take a private transfer to your hotel where you will check-in for 2 nights. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city.
Day 2 : New York City
Today is free for you to enjoy the city. You may wish to visit Chelsea Market to sample artisanal foods, stroll the High Line for cityscape views and to marvel at the architecture, or lose yourself in any number of art galleries or museums.
Tick off some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the bright lights of Times Square, the world-famous Statue of Liberty, and the moving 9/11 Memorial & Museum. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for unforgettable views, or visit the towering Empire State Building for a classic New York perspective.
Day 3 : Poughkeepsie – Hudson Valley
Secure a left side window on Amtrak at Penn Station this morning as your journey takes you to Poughkeepsie. Follow the Hudson River, giving you dramatic cliff views passing classic Hudson Valley towns. The scenery becomes more rural as you arrive into Poughkeepsie, with the station sitting right beside the river. Make your own way to your hotel in downtown Poughkeepsie for the next 2-nights to enjoy a taste of upstate New York charm.
Day 4 : Poughkeepsie – Hudson Valley
The highlight of any brief visit to this area is the spectacular walkway over the Hudson, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge with panoramic Hudson Valley views, distant hills and passing boats below. Back in the town of Poughkeepsie, stroll the streets for historic architecture and waterfront spaces. You may wish to also explore vineyards, historic estates and hike picturesque trails of the region on your free day here.
Day 5 : Albany
Make your way back to the station today for your journey to Albany. One of the most scenic stretches of the Hudson Valley rail corridor, expect views of wooded hills, historic river towns and distant mountains. On arrival in Albany, the rest of the day is free – explore the capital of New York State including the New York State Museum, New York State Capitol and Albany Institute of History & Art.
Day 6 : Syracuse
After your three hour journey by train today you arrive in Syracuse – home to Syracuse University and the Erie Canal Museum. Check in to your hotel for a 3-night stay as you begin to explore the city – a major educational and cultural hub.
Day 7-8 : Syracuse
The next two days in Syracuse offer a lively blend of history, culture and local flavour in the heart of New York State. Explore the historic district of Armory Square, with 19th century buildings housing cafés, boutiques and galleries. Head to Salt City Market – a modern food hall celebrating the city’s diversity with vendors serving dishes from around the world. Starting at the Jerry Rescue Site in Clinton Square, explore the African American Heritage Tour, which includes historic sites that highlight the city’s critical role in the abolitionist movement, the Underground Railroad, and African American history between 1830 and 1860. Make sure to spend time outdoors with a leisurely walk along the scenic paths of Onondaga Lake Park, with sweeping lake views and open green spaces, and also pay a visit to the nearby Erie Canal Museum to discover the story of the famous canal that helped shape the city’s future.
Day 9 : Buffalo
Today your train journey crosses the farmland of New York while sections of the historic Erie Canal appear beside the tracks. Continue through orchards and open countryside as you arrive in the city of Buffalo for a 2-night stay. Discover the revitalised waterfront and architectural heritage. Begin at lively Canalside for its riverside promenade, and admire the Art Deco masterpiece of Buffalo City Hall with sweeping Lake Erie views from the observation deck. Finish the day sampling Buffalo’s famous chicken wings in one of the city’s restaurants and experience Buffalo’s varied live music offerings.
Art lovers should also visit the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary works set within striking architecture.
Day 10 : Niagara Falls
Make your own way to Niagara Falls today by local taxi where a tour of the falls is included. Explore the falls by foot and sail around the Niagara Gorge to get as close as possible to this natural wonder. Return to Buffalo this evening.
Day 11 : Departure
Your tour comes to an end as you make your own way to Buffalo airport.
