New York's Lakes, Wines & Waterfalls

Spend three days in the Big Apple. As one of the world's great cities, New York needs little introduction. Perhaps contrast Times Square's neon bustle with the relaxed greenery of Central Park or spend some time in cutting-edge SoHo and trendy Brooklyn. Be sure to head to the top of the Rockefeller Center for the best views.

Stay: Sheraton New York

Drive towards the Finger Lakes for a stay on the crystal-clear lake shores of Skaneateles, home to a historic downtown dating back to 1796. En route, perhaps stop off at the lovely Hudson Valley. A world apart from the city you’ve left behind, its green pastures and farmland have inspired a whole school of art along with plenty of stately manors. One such is Kykuit, the palatial home to generations of the Rockefeller dynasty, which features sculptures by Henry Moore in the gardens. On arrival in the Finger Lakes, spend time exploring the region's wineries and vineyards on one of four wine trails surrounding the picturesque lakes of Canadaigua, Cayuga, Keuka and Seneca. If you time it right then the Finger Lakes Wine Festival at Watkins Glen in July is a great way to experience the region's produce with over 90 wineries, live musicians and artists in attendance. 

Stay: La Tourelle Hotel & Spa, Ithaca

Take the scenic route to Buffalo, your gateway to Niagara Falls, driving the Great Lakes Seaway Trail – a designated Scenic Byway. On your way, perhaps make a stop at Rochester. Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario it features a range of excellent museums along with serving as an excellent launchpad for the pretty gorges along the Genesee River and the region's famous wineries. On arrival in Buffalo, perhaps take the chance to explore the city's famed food scene – the wings are an obvious highlight. Then, the following day, drive out to the falls themselves, perhaps taking a jet boat tour or the more sedate Maid of the Mist, for a closer view. 

Stay: Hotel at The Lafayette, Buffalo

Heading back to New York, stop off for the night at Corning, a small city known for its glass making industry. Visit the fascinating Corning Museum of Glass, which contains some wonderful interactive exhibits and more than 4,000 objects, tracing the history of glassmaking over the last 3,500 years.

Stay: Radisson Corning

Return to the city that never sleeps for your return flight home, arriving back in the UK on day 9.