Finger Lakes West

Embark on an unforgettable six-day adventure through the enchanting New York Finger Lakes West region, perfect for groups seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique experiences. Highlights include exploring the expansive Medina Railroad Museum, delving into the quirky history at the Jell-O Gallery Museum, and marveling at the breathtaking vistas of Letchworth State Park, often dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Your group will also visit the serene Abbey of the Genesee, the historic Belhurst Castle, and the fascinating Corning Museum of Glass. Enjoy wine tastings at the renowned Glenora Winery and a picturesque cruise on Seneca Lake, making this tour a delightful mix of scenic views, historical insights, and culinary delights.

Finger Lakes West Tour Highlights

Day 1

Fly to Buffalo, NY – meet your luxury coach. On your way to the Finger Lakes region, stop in the lovely, rejuvenated village of Medina. 

Medina Railroad Museum – Marvel at the largest HO scale model train layout in the eastern U.S., along with other great exhibits. Wonderful for train enthusiasts and anyone who enjoyed model trains as a kid. (In the fall, you can enjoy a leisurely 34-mile, round-trip, 2-hr ride through the Erie Canal Heritage Corridor.)

Zambistro Restaurant – Boasting seasonal flavors and bold ingredients, the chef creates his own spin on upscale comfort food.

Hotel at Batavia Downs – This beautiful, modern four-star hotel is connected to a casino and harness racing track.  The serenity of a wonderful hotel, excellent dining options, and the excitement of gaming and racing, all in one destination.

(D) – Overnight Batavia Downs

Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet your local guide for a wonderful day of touring.

Oliver’s Candies – Established in 1932 by Joseph Boyd Oliver, this has become a stop for all visitors to the area. When you purchase a box of Oliver’s Chocolates, you will always get the best-tasting, most mouthwatering chocolate you have ever eaten.

Jell-O Gallery Museum – Jell-O was invented in LeRoy, NY, in 1897, and now there is a museum dedicated to this wiggly-jiggly treat. Here’s your chance to walk on the “Jell-O Brick Road.”

Glen Iris Inn – Inside Letchworth State Park sits the wonderful Glen Iris Inn, built in 1859 as the estate of William P. Letchworth, because of its magnificent setting.  You will enjoy a delicious lunch here.

Letchworth State Park – Renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in New York State. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls. Voted the #1 State Park in the USA in 2015 and the #1 Attraction in New York State in 2017. Your tour and walking will be paired with your abilities, and everyone will be “wowed.”

Dinner on your own at Batavia Downs – and “free play” at the casino.

(B,L) –  Overnight Batavia Downs

Day 3

Breakfast at your hotel. Checkout.  Today, you head Eastward, deeper into the region.

Abbey of the Genesee – A Roman Catholic Community of Trappist Monks who support themselves by making and selling Monk’s Bread and other specialty baked goods in their on-site store.  The Abbey welcomes groups for a talk on monastic life and a short video tour of the monastery. And you will have time to shop for some tasty goods.

Canandaigua – This lovely village atop Canandaigua Lake is a delightful, thriving, and welcoming Lake community. There are tons of restaurants and cafes along Main Street – very walkable – and a perfect stop for lunch on your own.

Sonnenberg Gardens – Just a mile from the Main Street shops, Sonnenberg is one of the nation’s most extensively preserved country estates from the Victorian era. This 50-acre site features beautiful formal and informal gardens, a historic mansion, and beautiful views of Canandaigua Lake. Sonnenberg’s magnificent Queen Anne-style mansion was built in 1887.

Fairfield Inn Geneva – In addition to being conveniently located right at the top of the Finger Lakes, you can get a workout in at the fitness center or take a dip in the indoor pool.

Belhurst Castle – A castle on the lake with a winery.  “Named a World’s Best Wine Hotel” by Wine Enthusiast, voted number three in USA TODAY’S Top 10 Wine Country Hotels, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and voted one of the Most Romantic Places in New York State. This is an ideal dinner and wine tasting location.

(B,D) Fairfield Inn Geneva

Day 4

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your local guide for a full day of touring.

Corning Museum of Glass – Known as the “Crystal City,” this world-renowned museum hosts the finest collection of ancient, modern, and contemporary glass.  Discover the science and technology of glass in the Innovations Center and see how the invention of Pyrex, Corelle, and Optical Fiber changed our world.  Watch breathtaking live, narrated flameworking and glass blowing demonstrations in a state-of-the-art Amphitheater, the world’s largest Hot Shop.  The Studio offers visitors an opportunity to try glassmaking themselves at Make Your Own Glass workshops (included in your touring). From hot glass working to fusing, to sandblasting—you can do just about anything with glass with the help of experienced glassworkers. 

Watkins Glen – This delightful village with a big history is located on the southern shore of Seneca Lake.  Stroll Franklin Street with its many cafes and pubs, and enjoy lunch at your leisure. See if you can hear the echoes of the past where “American Road Racing” was born. (
Depending on the group size, you may be able to take a coach ride on the track at The Glen, the international speedway, and one of the very best NASCAR tracks in the US. Or come for one of the races and let your more active guests trek down through the Watkins Glen State Park Gorge to view its 19 waterfalls -spectacular all year around.)

Captain Bill’s – Cruise past wineries, pastoral landscapes, and quaint lakeside villages on a narrated sightseeing cruise along Seneca Lake.

Glenora Winery – Opening in 1977 as the first winery on Seneca Lake, Glenora has consistently produced award-winning wines. This afternoon you will enjoy a tour and tasting while also enjoying the scenery of the stunning lakeside location.

Veraisons Restaurant – This beautiful restaurant at Glenora is a from-scratch kitchen, one in which the details matter. 

(B,D) Fairfield Inn Geneva

Day 5

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a full day of touring.

It’s a Wonderful Life Museum – The small village of Seneca Falls was Frank Capra’s inspiration for Bedford Falls in the movie It’s a Wonderful Life.  A small museum is dedicated to everything about the movie.  And folks always stop at the It’s a Wonderful Life bridge for photos.

Women’s Hall of Fame – The Seneca Falls Convention was the first women’s rights convention in the United States. Held in July 1848 in Seneca Falls, the meeting launched the women’s suffrage movement. It is only fitting that the Women’s Hall of Fame is located here.

Willard Memorial Chapel – In Auburn, atop Lake Owasco, sits the only complete Tiffany Chapel in the world.  Come tour the stunning Tiffany glass as well as hear a private organ recital.

Equal Rights Heritage Center – A permanent exhibition celebrating Auburn’s and New York State’s progressive history of promoting social and equal rights. Exhibition content focuses on abolition, the Underground Railroad, women’s suffrage, and LGBTQ rights, with a goal of acquainting visitors with the many attractions connected to equal rights throughout the State.

Oak & Vine Restaurant – This modern gastropub is just a stone’s throw from Owasco Lake and a delightful dinner location.

The Rev Theatre Co. – This award-winning regional theater company offers Broadway shows in a converted Merry Go Round building. Enjoy a fantastic show tonight.

(B, D) Fairfield Inn Geneva

Day 6

Breakfast at your hotel. Depart for Buffalo or Syracuse.

(B)

Customized Group Tours
Whatever your reason for traveling, we create group tours that set each program apart from the ordinary.
Let our experience and passion work for you. twintravelconcepts.com | nick@twintravelconcepts.com