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Lake Placid to Cooperstown
"Adirondack Park in New York." by Pat Bianculli (Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-ND 2.0 Deed) / Photo may appear cropped
Overview
Fall Colors with a 1980s Olympics and Baseball Hall of Fame twist
Details
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Fly to Albany via Chicago, departing at 7am, arriving at 5:30pm (current schedule). Enjoy dinner before retiring for the evening. Hampton Inn Downtown (D)
Day 2
It's roughly a 3-hour drive north to Lake Placid. Along the way is Lake George, home of historic Fort William Henry. A morning tour fills you in on the story of events that happened 250 years ago. Originally built in 1755, this legendary British for was featured in "The Last of the Mohicans."
They say there is no better way to see the autumn leaves than from the lake. All aboard the Saint Sacrement Steamboat for the scenic luncheon cruise. After a short break in town after your cruise, it's on to Lake Placid, arriving late afternoon. Your accommodations are the finest, at the Grand Adirondack Hotel. A welcome reception is scheduled and a buffet dinner is included this evening.
Arrive at your accommodations in Lake Placid in mid-afternoon. A private reception welcomes you, outdoors with a view if the weather permits. You will be joined by a former Olympic athlete, who will lead a Q & A session and perhaps have a medal or two to show off. A visit to the dining room for dinner is a true experience at the Grand. Please join us tonight for a beautiful buffet dinner. Grand Adirondack Hotel - 3 nights (ECB, L, D)
Day 3
An included buffet breakfast starts the day right. Your guide takes you to the summit of Whiteface Mountain where skiing events were held during the 1980 Olympics. You will experience breathtaking views from the top.
From Whiteface Mountain, head to the Ski Jumping Complex, where today's Olympic hopefuls train year-round in hopes of going for the gold. Ride up the SkyRide Gondola to the base of the ski jumps, then take the glass elevator to the observation deck to experience more jaw-dropping views of the Adirondacks and town.
Finally for the day, head to the Olympic Center where the Miracle on Ice occurred in 1980 (as well as Eric Heiden's record breaking (5) gold medals on the speed skating track). We just might have something planned which could bring some extra goosebumps to the memories of the night in February, 1980 when the Miracle of Ice occurred.
The rest of the afternoon/evening is at your leisure. Many restaurants are within a short walk of your hotel, or you can dine in. (FB)
Day 4
Come with us to The Wild Center, about 45 minutes away at Tupper Lake. Celebrating and showing us how to protect the Adirondacks rare ecosystem is their mission. From Wild Walk to the river otters to the aquariums filled with native New York fish, there is always something to see and explore.
Back in Lake Placid, there's time this afternoon to explore the many shops, take a walk along the lake or just relax. We gather together for dinner this evening. (FB, D)
Day 5
Once again, off through the magnificent Adirondacks, on the way to Cooperstown. Our featured stop today is Great Camp Sagamore, built in 1897. Once owned by Alfred Vanderbilt, was a getaway for the country's richest families. Your visit offers a historic tour of the buildings and grounds, on the shore of a remote lake. Lunch is included, post tour.
Continue on to Cooperstown, arriving about 4:30pm. Your home is the Otesaga for two nights, another classic lakeside accommodation.
Day 6
There are two "tracks" today. For those who wish to honor America's Pastime, you want to head to the Hall of Fame. In addition to browsing the museum, we offer a private program where you will see and learn about artifacts not on display. The amount of time you spend here is flexible.
For those not as interested in baseball, the Fenimore Art Museum is world-class, featuring landscape paintings, Native American artifacts, folk art & more in a 1930s neo-Georgian mansion. Nearby is the carousel, which features 25 meticulously hand-carved animals and iconic symbols, which is represent the state's agricultural and natural resources. (A hybrid itinerary is also possible, with a short visit to The HoF, then on to the other museums.)
Your hotel is right on the lake, so you might like to "reserve" part of the afternoon for the hotel's back porch. (FB, D)
Day 7
Fly home this afternoon from Albany at 4:30pm, with an 8:45pm arrival in Sacramento. In Albany, there's time to visit the New York State Museum and the Capital. It features a variety of exhibits about the history and culture of the state. (FB, L)
| CB | Continental Breakfast |
|---|---|
| B | Generally a limited buffet or menu |
| FB | Full buffet or choice of menu |
| BR | Brunch, often buffet-style |
| L | Lunch, often several menu options |
| HT or AT | High or Afternoon Tea |
| D | Dinner, often several menu options |
Photo Attributions
September-Adirondacks-0685 by Pat Bianculli September-Adirondacks-0685 | Adirondack Park in New York. | Flickr Deed - Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic - Creative Commons
Departures
Monday, September 22, 2025 to Sunday, September 28, 2025
7 Days, 14 Meals
2 expanded continental breakfasts, 4 full breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
$4660 | p.p./dbl.occ. |
$5375 | single |
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Have a question or would rather book over the phone? Call us!
| Local | (916) 361 - 2051 |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free | (800) 951 - 5556 |
