New York City is a small part of a much bigger state that has a huge amount on offer. Did you know that upstate New York has over 200 national parks, state parks and historic sites? Did you know that Adirondack State Park is larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier and the Grand Canyon combined? Did you know that the Finger Lakes were created over a hundred-thousand years ago when massive glaciers carved deep trenches in the earth? Nowadays their deep waters combined with the steep slopes of their hillsides, create a “micro-climate” ideal for wine production, plus endless opportunities to enjoy watersports and hiking and biking. And of course there is one of the natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls, across the border with Canada.
The city is a great place to start, as there’s always something for everyone to enjoy, and you can take advantage of the great number of reasonably-priced and relatively-quick direct flights from the UK and Ireland. American Sky have created some wonderful itineraries to explore this beautiful part of America, either by car or by train, that will be tailormade to suit your timings, budget and wish-list. Autumn is a fantastic time to visit New York State, when the famous colours of the trees are resplendent. Combining a wider state visit with a trip to the city itself is great way of easily expanding your holiday from a city break.
The Maple Leaf New York to Toronto by Rail
We’ll actually start with a “dual nation vacation” which starts in NYC travels through gorgeous parts of New York State and finishes just over the Canadian border in Toronto. This scenic 10-night rail journey from Manhattan to Toronto, features iconic NYC views, Upstate New York’s natural splendour, Finger Lakes wine tastings, Syracuse’s Armory Square, Hudson Valley’s vistas, and Niagara Falls exploration. Ideal for sustainable travel enthusiasts, rail holidays are becoming more and more popular as holidaymakers start to opt for more sustainable travelling options, and this is the perfect introduction.
Self-Drive Upstate New York Explorer
Or if you’d rather have the flexibility of your own car, check out this 10-night self-drive tour through Upstate New York. Choose however many nights you want to spend in NYC then pick up your hire car to explore upstage. Journey through the Hudson Valley, discover Beacon’s art scene, experience Syracuse’s cultural richness, and marvel at the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls. Conclude with Ithaca’s natural beauty and the tranquil Catskills, discover charming towns and majestic waterfalls on this fabulous adventure.
New York City and The Hamptons
If you’re looking for a short trip of big contrasts, then we’d recommend this week-long multi-centre. Three exhilarating nights in Manhattan, exploring Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, followed by four nights of tranquillity in the Hamptons. Enjoy pristine beaches, gourmet seafood, charming villages, and local wineries. Merge city excitement with coastal serenity in one unforgettable trip.