From Rockwell to Rockefeller – Art, Food and History

Day 1 – Arrive to a New York area airport. Your coach will greet you and take you to the lush Hudson Valley.
Kykuit –  The wonderful  Rockefeller Estate along the Hudson River, Kykuit is a preeminent Hudson Valley landmark for architecture, remarkable gardens, art and  history. US Military Academy at West Point – An inside view on to the life of cadets and an exciting 90-minute tour, with great scenery on the Hudson River
Rhinecliff  – An elegant dinner overlooking the Hudson River – and a special chocolate tasting from Oliver Kita, Master Chocolatier Delamater Inn, Rhinebeck, NY – (D)

Day 2 – Exploring more of the Hudson Valley
FDR Presidential Library and Home (Springwood)  “All that is within me cries out to go back to my home on the Hudson River” FDR. This quote captures FDR’s connection to Springwood, the estate that he loved & the place he considered home.
Vanderbilt Mansion – in terms of architecture, interiors, mechanical systems, road systems and landscape,   Vanderbilt is a remarkably complete example of a gilded-age country place.
2 hour Hudson River Cruise – Relax and enjoy the scenery that continues to inspire
Culinary Institute of America (CIA)  America’s premiere cooking school. Enjoy a tour of the campus and a dinner prepared by, and serve by, the great American chefs of tomorrow. Delamater Inn, Rhinebeck, NY – (B,D)

Day 3 – Hudson Valley to Berkshire Mountains
Walkway Over the Hudson – This is a steel cantilevered bridge turned urban park spanning the Hudson River creating fantastic views!
Norman Rockwell Home and Museum – The world’s largest collection of Rockwell’s art. You will enjoy an excellent in-depth tour of the famous Saturday Evening Post illustrator’s studio and museum in the quintessential Berkshire village Stockbridge
Dinner at Bascom Lodge – Rustic 1903’s arts & craft lodge with sweeping Mt. Greylock vistas Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, MA (B,D)

Day 4 – Exploring the Berkshires
The Mount – Famous author Edith Wharton designed and built The Mount in 1902. This classical revival house represents Wharton’s architectural vision and a home of unparalleled beauty.
Chesterwood – Country home, studio and gardens of America’s foremost sculptor of public monuments, Daniel Chester French – creator of the Lincoln Memorial.
Hancock Shaker Village –  20 authentic Shaker buildings, interpreters and a fascinating tour.
Farm to Table dinner presentation at Red Lion Inn – Presentations from local farmers and purveyors, and a delicious meal in a classic dining room. Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, MA (B,D)

Day 5 – One more for the road
Naumkeag – A rare Berkshire “Cottage” with stunning gardens.
Afterwards you are on your way back home! (B)