2014 - APT Canada & Alaska

19 Day US Mansions & Gardens of the Hudson River & Canadian Lakes in Fall 4 Night Land Journey & 14 Night River Cruise with Botanica Washington DC | Philadelphia | New York City | St Lawrence River | Québec City | Montréal Cruise the Hudson River and Erie Canal, going where others can't on this purpose-built ship EXPERT BOTANICAL GUIDE Joining you as an expert Botanical Guide for the September departure of this superb cruise, Judy Horton is the editor of Yates Garden Guide, the best-selling gardening book in Australia and New Zealand. Judy is also Yates' Communications Manager, responsible for its newsletters and gardening calendar. She is a regular radio gardening commentator and has had over a decade of experience in retail nurseries as a garden adviser as well as seven years with the NSW National Trust as a bush regenerator. The author of two gardening books and many articles for gardening magazines, Judy is able to provide wonderful insight into the plants, horticulture, and gardening techniques of each destination you'll visit. Day 1. Arrive Washington DC. You'll be met at the airport on arrival before joining your fellow travellers for dinner at 6.30pm. Two Night Stay: Washington DC, Marriott Wardman Hotel or similar. D Day 2. Washington, Mt Vernon. See the sights of Washington including the White House. Visit Mt Vernon, the former home of America's first 'gardening President', George Washington, as well as Arlington Cemetery. BD Day 3. Virginia, Philadelphia. Travel through southern Pennsylvania and explore an Amish farm house. Visit Meadowbrook Farm. Two Night Stay: Philadelphia, Sofitel Philadelphia or similar. BD Day 4. Brandywine Valley. Visit Winterthur Garden. Spend the afternoon at Longwood Gardens, with 20 outdoor display gardens, as well as lakes, meadows and forest walks. BD Day 5. Philadelphia, New York City. Today you will tour the city of Philadelphia and visit Bartram's Gardens. Then continue to New York City where you will board your ship. 15 Day guests (BTUS15) join the tour this evening in time for dinner at 6.30pm. Fourteen Night Cruise: RV Grand Mariner.BD Day 6. New York City, Bear Mountain. Today begins with a visit to the New York Botanical Gardens, a National Historic Landmark. Its 100 hectares include stunning natural terrain, including rock outcroppings, rolling hills, waterfalls 160 and ponds. It also houses the nation's largest Victorian-era glasshouse. Later today, visit Kykuit, a Hudson Valley landmark and home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. Take in the garden terraces, ornaments, and fountains as well as views of the valley. Your day ends with a cocktail party on the deck of your ship. Enjoy the unparalleled views of the harbour, the illuminated Statue of Liberty and the iconic city skyline. BLD Day 7. Roosevelt Estate, Gardens, Poughkeepsie. Cruise from Bear Mountain to West Point, New York, set in the heart of the Hudson River Valley. Visit the West Point Military Academy campus, including its Gothic Revival-style chapel, then cruise north on the Hudson River to Poughkeepsie. Tour Hyde Park, including a visit to Springwood, the estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Next, visit the Vanderbilt Mansion, a National Historic Site. You are sure to enjoy its 85 hectares of parkland that boast centuries-old tree plantings as well as Hudson BLD River and Catskill Mountain views. Day 8. The Mount, Naumkeag Mansion & Gardens. Today arrive in Troy, known for its Victorian architecture and abundant Tiffany windows. Here, watch the pilot house lower as your ship prepares to travel under the bridges of the Erie Canal. Visit The Mount, a turn-of-thecentury home designed by Edith Wharton, an established author. Later, head for the Naumkeag Mansion & Gardens and experience a quintessential country estate of the Gilded Age. Enjoy time to admire this rare Berkshire 'Cottage', as well as its gardens and panoramic views.BLD

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