Day 1 – Empire State of Mind (L, D)
Our gateway to the Adirondacks, begin your escape in Albany, the second oldest capital city in the country. With your expert guide, tour the city’s historic sections, the Empire State Plaza and of course, the soaring New York State Capitol Building. After seeing your tax dollars at work, get a taste of Albany at the Pump Room, a city landmark.
Next, head to Glens Falls, for our first foray to the 46th Annual Adirondack Balloon Festival! Get an up close look at 10 different hot air balloons. Walk inside them, talk to the balloon pilots and learn about the art of ballooning! It’s a balloon-lovers celebration with music, food and mountain views! If weather permits, we’ll even witness a twilight balloon lift-off!
Finish the day with a welcome dinner at The Log Jam Restaurant before turning in at the Queensbury Hotel, your home for the next three nights.
Day 2 – Go For The Gold (B, D)
Be champion for the day on a guided tour of Lake Placid’s Olympic Park! Go 120 meters up, to the top of the Ski Jump, learn about training programs for future Olympians and tour the inside the 1980 Olympic Arena, the historic site of USA’s Miracle on Ice!
Enjoy the quaint town, famous for patriotic charm and great shopping, with time for lunch on your own.
Return to Glens Falls in time for the Balloon Festival Lift Off! Witness more than 100 balloons fill the air. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, don’t miss this spectacular aerial event, with the balloons flying overhead en masse! This is usually the perfect time of year for balloon activity, but Mother Nature must cooperate. All balloon lift offs are dependent on weather.
Dinner is a sweet and savory event at Sweet Basil’s, a local favorite.
Day 3 – Breathtaking Daybreak (B, L)
100 balloons ascending together in the early dawn light – a spectacular sight many only dream about! More than 100 balloons will take to the sky, coordinated with the sunrise! Don’t worry, if the weather doesn’t look promising, we’ll sleep in.
After the daybreak lift off, head back to the hotel for breakfast and time to relax before heading to Lake George. Board the Lac du Saint Sacrement, a classic lake cruiser featuring expert narration, open air decks and climate controlled lounges. Enjoy lunch and entertainment in the elegant dining room where every seat has a view of the lake!
Spend the afternoon exploring the charming town of Lake George. This evening, watch the final balloon lift off of the festival and enjoy the festival’s attractions, including the famous Craft Fair.
Day 4 – Atop Prospect (B)
This morning, it will seem like you’re flying when you reach the summit of Prospect Mountain. With 100 mile, unobstructed views, see as far as four states, overlooking the Adirondacks and sparkling Lake George far below.
On a guided tour, explore the beautiful village of Saratoga Springs, known for history, health and horses. For health, visit the Saratoga Spa State Park and taste the healthful mineral waters. For history, tour two historic neighborhoods while hearing stories of the rich and famous. For horses, learn about one of the most famous race tracks in the world. Explore the town with plenty of time for lunch and shopping on your own before heading home.