26022 Wandering the Waters of the Finger Lakes
Windstar Travel invites you to slow down and savor summer as we explore charming lakeside towns, celebrated vineyards, and iconic American stories. From the laughter-filled legacy of Lucille Ball to scenic cruises on Chautauqua and Seneca Lakes, every day blends culture, comfort, and carefree moments
View Dates & BookAugust 15-22, 2026
Discover the scenic beauty and relaxed elegance of the Finger Lakes, where sparkling lakes, charming towns, and rolling vineyards create a perfect backdrop for exploration. This thoughtfully curated tour blends picturesque scenery, guided sightseeing, and time to savor local flavors at a comfortable pace. From lakeside views and cultural attractions to welcoming small towns and peaceful moments, the Finger Lakes offer a refreshing escape filled with natural beauty and memorable experiences.
Tour Includes:
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Deluxe Roundtrip Motorcoach Transportation
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On-Board Friendly Host
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7 Nights Hotel Accommodations Including First Class Resort Lodging - Sandusky, OH, Harbor Hotel, Chautauqua Lake, Celoron, NY, Blue Gate Inn, Shipshewana, IN
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Baggage Handling Included at All Hotels
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13 Meals (7B/2L/7D)
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Guided "Lucy Town" Tour
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Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
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National Comedy Center
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Chautauqua Belle Cocktail Cruise
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Guided Tour of Dunkirk Lighthouse
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Wine Tasting & Vineyard Visit at Liberty Winery
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Guided Tour of Corning Museum of Glass
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Guided Tour of The Rockwell Museum
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Captain Bill’s Cruise on Seneca Lake
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Admission to Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion
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Wine Tasting at Finger Lakes Welcome Center
Click HERE For a Tour Brochure
Tour Pricing:
$3200 per person Double
$3900 Single
Non-Members Please Add $30
Day 1
Day 1 – Saturday, August 15, 2026
Welcome Aboard & Sandusky, Ohio
Your adventure begins as we set off together, trading everyday routines for open roads and anticipation. By late afternoon, we arrive in Sandusky, Ohio, where first-class resort accommodations await. After checking in and getting comfortable, we gather for a festive Icebreaker Dinner, the perfect way to meet fellow travelers, share stories, and toast the week ahead.
Day 2
Day 2 – Sunday, August 16, 2026
Chautauqua Lake & Lakeside Leisure
Today we officially arrive in the heart of New York’s Chautauqua region, traveling east to the peaceful shores of Chautauqua Lake. Our home for the next two nights is the beautiful Chautauqua Harbor Hotel in Celoron, set on nine scenic lakeside acres.
Elegant rooms, serene water views, cozy fire-pit patios, and inviting indoor and outdoor pools make this an ideal place to unwind. The property’s relaxed charm is matched by thoughtful amenities, creating a welcoming retreat after a day of travel.
This evening, the Finger Lakes spirit comes alive with a summer picnic dinner in the lakeside pavilion. Enjoy live local music, lakeside breezes, and your favorite beverage from the nearby bar as the sun dips low over the water. It’s an easygoing, joyful introduction to the rhythm of this region.
Day 3
Day 3 – Monday, August 17, 2026
Lucy, Laughter & a Steamboat Cruise
After breakfast, we step into the world of America’s favorite comedienne during a guided “Lucy Town” tour of Jamestown, New York. With a knowledgeable local guide, discover the places that shaped Lucille Ball’s life, from her birthplace to her final resting place, along with iconic landmarks and the famous mural featuring Lucy, Desi, Fred, and Ethel.
We continue our tribute to comedy at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, home to rare costumes, original props, and fascinating memorabilia from I Love Lucy and beyond.
Lunch is enjoyed together in a private dining area overlooking the Jamestown Ice Arena before we head to the show-stopping National Comedy Center. This interactive, award-winning museum celebrates comedy as an art form, featuring immersive exhibits, legendary artifacts, holograms, and personalized experiences that reflect your own sense of humor. It’s clever, engaging, and delightfully fun.
Later this afternoon, we cruise the waters of Chautauqua Lake aboard the historic Chautauqua Belle, one of the few remaining authentic steamboats in North America. Sip a cocktail, listen to narrated stories, and enjoy lake views from open-air decks as history gently glides by.
Dinner this evening is at Stella: A Kitchen & Bar, where creative cuisine and a stylish, eclectic atmosphere round out a day filled with smiles and memories. Return to the Harbor Hotel for a restful overnight.
Day 4
Day 4 – Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Lake Erie History & Finger Lakes Arrival
This morning we travel along Lake Erie to visit the historic Dunkirk Lighthouse, one of the region’s oldest maritime sentinels. Explore the museum and grounds, and for those feeling adventurous, climb the tower for sweeping lake views that stretch to the horizon.
From there, we head to Liberty Winery, a sixth-generation, family-owned vineyard where tradition and hospitality flow freely. Enjoy a delicious lunch paired with a wine tasting, learning about the region’s viticulture while savoring the flavors.
By late afternoon, we arrive in Geneva, New York, nestled at the northern tip of Seneca Lake, and check in at the comfortable Fairfield by Marriott, our home for the next three nights.
This evening, dinner is served at the breathtaking Belhurst Castle, a Romanesque Revival estate built in the late 1800s. Once a private mansion and later a Prohibition-era hotspot, this lakeside landmark offers fine dining in an atmosphere steeped in history and romance.
Day 5
Day 5 – Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Glass, Art & Seneca Lake Cruising
After breakfast, we journey to the world-renowned Corning Museum of Glass for a guided tour of its extraordinary collection, showcasing over 50,000 pieces that span centuries of artistry and innovation. Following the tour, enjoy free time and lunch on your own at the museum café.
Our afternoon continues at The Rockwell Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate celebrating American art and storytelling. From sweeping Western landscapes to contemporary Native American works, each gallery offers a deeper look at the American experience.
Later, relax aboard Captain Bill’s Cruise for a scenic sail on Seneca Lake, where vineyard-dotted hillsides and tranquil waters provide a perfect backdrop.
Dinner tonight is at Seneca Harbor Station, known for its waterfront views and inviting atmosphere. Return to the hotel for a peaceful evening.
Day 6
Day 6 – Thursday, August 20, 2026
Gardens, Wine & Vineyard Dining
This morning brings us to the enchanting Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park. Wander through nine beautifully designed gardens and tour the elegant Queen Anne–style mansion, once home to a prominent Gilded Age family. The estate’s peaceful paths and colorful blooms offer a moment of quiet beauty.
Lunch is on your own before we stop at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, where a wine tasting introduces you to the region’s celebrated varietals.
After time to relax back at the hotel, we head out for a memorable evening at Ventosa Vineyards. Inspired by Tuscany, this estate winery overlooks Seneca Lake and offers stunning sunset views. Dinner and tastings here create a fitting finale to our Finger Lakes stay.
Day 7
Day 7 – Friday, August 21, 2026
Shipshewana & Amish Country Hospitality
We begin our journey westward today, making our way toward Shipshewana, Indiana, with scenic stops along the way. Tonight’s destination is the welcoming Blue Gate Inn, where comfort and tradition go hand in hand.
Enjoy a hearty Amish-style dinner at the Blue Gate Restaurant, featuring beloved classics like fried chicken, pot roast, Amish noodles, and homemade pies. After dinner, settle into cozy accommodations and enjoy the relaxed charm of this friendly community.
Day 8
Day 8 – Saturday, August 22, 2026
Homeward Bound
After breakfast, we begin our final leg home, carrying with us laughter, friendships, and stories from a week filled with lakeside beauty, cultural treasures, and unforgettable experiences. We return home refreshed, inspired, and already reminiscing about the journey.
Activity Level 3: MODERATE
Expectations: Expect a moderate amount of walking. There will be time to rest on the coach and between attractions. To enjoy this tour, you should be prepared to walk slightly longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions. The daily pace and timing can fluctuate significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. There may be some changes in altitude or temperatures. Please be aware that on tours with flights and cruises you will be required to handle your own luggage and walk longer distances in airports and cruise terminals. In addition, you may need to handle your own luggage at hotels where luggage handling is not available.
Appropriate for: Most travelers beginning with those who are moderately fit, lead semi-activ lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities and expect some physical exertion.
Deposit & Final Payment: A $300 deposit per person is required within one week of reservation. Must be paid in full by June 12, 2026.
No refunds will be issued after 5:00pm on June 12, 2026.
Payment Methods:
Cash, checks, credit/debit cards and money orders are accepted. Make checks payable to Windstar and mail to 3211 Division Street, Burlington, IA 52601. There is a $30 fee for insufficient funds or returned checks. Credit/debit card payments (Visa, Mastercard and Discover) are subject to a 3% processing fee.
Travel Protection:
We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Please call to inquire about travel protection options.
A final departure letter packet will be sent approximately 10 to 14 days prior to the departure date. This will contain the scheduled departure times and locations, as well as other important information in regards to your upcoming tour. If the tour involves overnight accommodations, luggage tags will be provided as well.
Windstar Travel, parking lot owners and shopping center management assume and accept no responsibility for the safety of your vehicle or its contents at the place of departure. If you choose to park and leave your vehicle there, you do so willingly and at your own risk. If you choose to leave your vehicle, please park only in the areas designated in your final tour information packet. Vehicles not parked in the indicated areas may be subject to towing and all expenses incurred are the responsibility of the owner.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Davenport, IA | 8735 Northwest Blvd. | BTW Building 1st Right past Blain's Farm & Fleet; on the left |
| Ft. Madison, IA | Lee County Historical Society 814 10th St. |
| Mediapolis, IA | Mepo Foods 111 N. Wapello Rd. |
| Muscatine, IA | Wal-Mart 3003 US-61 |
| Wapello, IA | Family Dollar | Dollar Tree 503 US 61 |
| West Burlington, IA | BTW Depot 906 Broadway |
| From Price | Book Now | Call Back | Telephone | Favorites | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 15 2026 | $3,200.00 | | | |  |
| Show/Hide Pricing | |||||
