Mansions of the Gilded Age, New York & Hudson River Cruise During Fall

Arrive in Washington and be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening to meet your fellow travellers.

See the sights of Washington, including the White House. Visit Mount Vernon, the former home of America's first 'gardening president', George Washington, as well as Hillwood Estate, former estate-turned-museum of the late Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress of General Foods. It features a wonderful collection of artworks and treasures, including Fabergé eggs.

Depart Washington for Chanticleer Garden, one of the great gardens of the region and previously featured by Monty Don. Afterwards, visit Nemours Mansion, owned by the Du Pont family. During a special guided tour, discover rare French antique furniture, artworks and tapestries throughout the mansion’s more-than 100 rooms. Arrive in Wilmington this afternoon to the opulent and historic Hotel Du Pont.

Spend the morning at Longwood Gardens, featured on the series Monty Don’s American Gardens. With 20 outdoor display gardens, as well as lakes, meadows and forest walks, there is plenty to explore. This afternoon, visit Winterthur Garden, the former home of collector and horticulturalist, Henry Francis du Pont. Winterthur's 60-acre naturalistic garden is among America's best, with magnificent specimen plantings and massed displays of colour.

Depart Wilmington to New York to discover the incredible plants at the New York Botanical Garden before boarding your ship. Enjoy a delightful afternoon cruising from this bustling metropolitan area to the idyllic Hudson River region.

The scenic beauty of the Catskills has long been an inspiration to artists, writers and naturalists who have drawn inspiration from its tranquil forests and expansive mountain landscapes. Here we visit the home of American author Edith Wharton, The Mount. Wharton designed the house and its grounds and considered it her first real home. Next, visit the Thomas Cole National Historic Site to learn more about the founder of the Hudson River School of Art. Tour the 1815 Federal-style yellow-brick house and studio where Cole created many of his major works. Enjoy an exploration of the formal gardens, which include a variety of flowers, including hollyhocks, larkspur, poppies, roses, china asters, dahlia, and valerian. Admire the wide variety of fruit trees, including a honey locust that grows close to the front porch of the house.

The city of Albany was discovered by Henry Hudson in 1609 during a failed attempt to find an expedited passage to China for the Dutch East India Company. Today, the capital city of New York welcomes visitors with its majestic architecture and grand views of the beautiful Hudson River Valley. Discover Albany and see what has enticed visitors for more than 400 years. Albany is one of the oldest surviving settlements from the original thirteen colonies, and the longest continuously chartered city in the United States. Enjoy a narrated exploration of the city, with stops at the New York State Capitol, Albany Visitors Center, and Albany Institute of History and Art.

Today, set off for Hyde Park, where we visit Springwood, the estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, America’s only four-term president. See the secret walled garden designed by Beatrix Farrand and visit Eleanor Roosevelt’s house on the estate. Next, visit the Vanderbilt Mansion, which is a National Historic Site. You are sure to enjoy its 211 acres of park land, which boasts centuries-old tree plantings and stunning Hudson River and Catskill Mountain views.

The United States Military Academy at West Point offers visitors the opportunity to walk on the hallowed grounds once traversed by some of the nation's greatest generals. Founded in 1802, when President Thomas Jefferson signed the legislation that led to its establishment, the United States Military Academy has long been of significant military importance to America. This guided exploration of these historic grounds includes Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point, and other significant areas of the campus. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of the Hudson Valley.

Visit Kykuit, home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. Kykuit displays magnificent, expansive garden terraces, garden ornaments and many fountains, as well as spectacular views of the Hudson Valley. We also see its private art collection. After lunch in Sleepy Hollow, we arrive at Sunnyside, the home of US historical figure and famous author, Washington Irving.

As we approach New York City, admire its famous skyline with buildings that disappear into the clouds. Our ship docks in Manhattan and we set off on a walking botanical discovery of The High Line and Little Island with our Botanical Guide. Then enjoy free time to discover more of what the city has to offer.

Disembark the ship after breakfast and be transferred to the airport for your flight home.