Chicago, Niagara & New York

1. Tag: Chicago

Welcome to Chicago, aka ‘The Windy City’, aka ‘Chi-Town’. It’s laidback, lakeside and has a famously friendly local vibe. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until your welcome meeting at 6pm. Please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details, food kitty and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. As there's no time spent in Chicago on this trip, we recommend you arrive a few days earlier to see the sights.

This is one of the country’s most walkable cities, and days can be spent wandering the lakefront paths, checking out the soaring buildings, dropping into the top-notch museums, or cruising down the river. In the evening after the welcome meeting, maybe head out with the group for a slice of the city's legendary deep-dish pizza and some blues music.

Special Information Notes: If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend the welcome meeting. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Optional Activities:
Chicago - Adler Planetarium - USD12
Chicago - Art Institute of Chicago - USD23
Chicago - Field Museum - USD15
Chicago - History Museum - USD14
Chicago - Museum of Contemporary Art - USD12
Chicago - Museum of Science and Industry - USD27
Chicago - Navy Pier - USD16
Chicago - Willis Tower Skydeck - USD18
Chicago - Bobby's bike hike - USD35
Chicago - Baseball game (in season) - USD40

2. Tag: Detroit

Leave the state of Illinois and head east into Michigan and Detroit (approximately 4.5 hours). The city is gritty and urban, but it also has an undeniable energy that its recent bankruptcy hasn't been able to dim. More recently, Detroit has been reinvented with young artists and entrepreneurs moving in, as well as the opening of quirky bars, urban farms, and street art installations like the Heidelberg Project. You could also pay a visit to the Detroit Institute of Arts for a look at one of America's most significant art collections. Alternatively, head to the Motown Museum and Ford Museum for an insight into two of the city's famous exports. The balmy evenings in the city are also perfect for strolling riverside paths and sitting on brew pub decks.

Optional Activities:
Detroit - Eastern Market - Free
Detroit - Heidelberg Project - Free
Detroit - Institute of Arts - USD8
Detroit - Ford Museum - USD20
Detroit - Motown Museum - USD15

Accommodation: Camping (with facilities)

3. Tag: Sandusky

Skirt the edge of Lake Erie and cross the Midwest into Ohio, with Sandusky as your destination (approximately two hours). Make your way to Cedar Point Amusement Park, the so-called ‘Roller Coaster Capital of the World’. Cedar Point also features the Millennium Force, which has been voted the greatest roller coaster in the world, making it the place to be if you love an adrenaline hit. If the thrill of the ride gets too much for you, head to the nearby beach and simply stretch out on the sandy shoreline. In the late afternoon, set up camp near Lake Erie and wander down to the lakeshore for a memorable sunset.

Special Information: Depending on the day of the week Cedar Point may be closed in the shoulder season (September departures). A suitable activity will be substituted should this occur. Typically this might be going to a baseball game or visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Enthaltene Aktivitäten:
Sandusky - Cedar Point Amusement Park

4. Tag: Niagara Falls

Visit one of the country's greatest natural attractions – Niagara Falls. Follow the edge of Lake Erie all the way up to this famous sight, which sits sandwiched between the borders of the United States and Canada (approximately 4.5 hours). There are numerous viewpoints from which you can appreciate the power of this amazing set of falls, but there's no better way than to approach them from the water. Don a blue poncho and experience the full force of the falls with an optional Maid of the Mist cruise. A word of warning though, prepare to get a little wet. For the ultimate show, head to the falls at night and see them lit up in all of their glory.

Optional Activities:
Niagara Falls - Maid of the Mist boat tour - USD16

5. Tag: Finger Lakes

Cross into upstate New York and drive to the town of Seneca Falls on the Finger Lakes (approximately three hours). This area is named for its 11 finger-like lakes that stretch north to south between Lake Ontario and the state boarder. As New York’s largest wine producing region, the Finger Lakes region has over 100 wineries to discover (just don’t try and visit them all today!) Perhaps indulge in a wine tasting session or head out on a hike to a nearby waterfall. Taughannock Falls State Park is home to a 215-foot waterfall, 33 feet higher than Niagara Falls itself! The park's walks are dotted with little waterfalls along the way and the surroundings are just beautiful. Set up camp for the night in the state park.

Optional Activities:
Finger Lakes - Wine Tasting - USD15
Finger Lakes - Waterfall hikes - Free

6. Tag: New York (Newark)

Leave the natural setting of the Finger Lakes and head to the urban jungle. This journey usually takes around five hours, but as the traffic can be really busy, please be prepared for delays. This adventure comes to an end on arrival in Newark, just across the river from New York City. There is no accommodation included tonight. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, the possibilities are truly endless in the global city of New York, so why not stay a few days longer. We’ll be happy to help you book additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Special Information: The arrival time depends on each group, but you should expect a mid-afternoon arrival into Newark. If you decide to fly out this day please don't book a flight before 8 pm, which will give you enough time to travel from the hotel to the airport and be there two hours before departure.