Majestic Thousand Islands & Castles 25

Day 1

Welcome Aboard! Travel in comfort aboard our deluxe motor coach to the border between northern New York State and southeastern Ontario, Canada, and the majestic Thousand Islands. Discover a freshwater paradise with hundreds of miles of picturesque coastline and sparkling lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and magnificent state parks. After checking into Captain Thomson's Resort for the next three nights, we are treated to a delicious dinner at Riley's by the River, a great place to meet and dine with friends in an upbeat casual atmosphere. Captain Thomson's Resort is located in downtown Alexandria Bay, New York, directly across from Boldt Castle on Heart Island and it is situated adjacent to the main shipping channel of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Day 2

After breakfast, have those PASSPORTS ready, as we cross the border into Canada. Once across the border we continue onto Ottawa, the capital of Canada. Upon our arrival at Commissioners Park, we will view over two million tulips in a stunning floral showcase alongside the Rideau Canal's picturesque Dows Lake. Next, lunch is on your own at the Byward Market, one of Canada's oldest and largest public markets. Following lunch, we will meet our step-on guide, and depart for a tour of Ottawa. We will learn about Canada's Capitol city, its culture, its government, and view the Parliament building. Before we say goodbye to Canada, we are treated to a delicious dinner at a restaurant located in downtown Ottawa. Following dinner have your PASSPORTS ready, and once we re-enter the U.S.A., we travel back to our resort in Alexandria Bay, New York for a good night's sleep.

Day 3

After breakfast we embark on a narrated sightseeing cruise of the Thousand Islands. Relax and enjoy the cruise, which includes a colorful historical tapestry of the river, the islands, and the magnificent homes that you will view on this special cruise. As you travel along the narrow island passages, surrounded by the natural beauty of the islands, you will marvel at the majesty, diversity, and originality of the island homes. This cruise will include a stop at Singer Castle on Dark Island, a turn of the century architectural masterpiece tucked away between the American and Canadian shorelines. Millionaire entrepreneur, Frederick Bourne, President of the Singer Sewing Machine Company built the castle in 1905. Enjoy a guided tour of the castle which harkens back to a period of wealth, prosperity, and royalty. Entering the Great Hall, you are reminded of medieval times by suits of armor and antique weaponry. The historical tour allows you to personally experience the natural beauty of the original furnishings, and much more! A box lunch is included on our boat cruise to historic Boldt Castle on Heart Island where you can enjoy a self-guided tour of the castle and its grounds. George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a full-size Rhineland castle in Alexandria Bay, on picturesque Heart Island. This grand structure was to be a display of his love for his wife, Louise. Tragedy struck when Louise died suddenly in 1904. Broken hearted, Boldt halted all construction, and he never returned to the island, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love. Later we return to Alexandria Bay where you can enjoy the rest of the day exploring downtown Alexandria Bay browsing, shopping, and enjoying dinner on your own at a local restaurant.

Day 4

After breakfast we depart for home taking with us wonderful memories of the Thousand Islands, the natural beauty of pristine waterways with inspirational views, storybook castles, and Ottawa, the beautiful capital city of Canada.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D =Dinner