At a glance
- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Start/End:
- Syracuse, NY to Buffalo, NY, or reverse
- From:
- $8,675
- Time of Year:
- May-June, August
Set sail on a 9-day Great Lakes & Thousand Islands Cruise designed for those who enjoy history, culture, and leisurely exploration.
Glide through the picturesque Thousand Islands to charming Clayton, where the Antique Boat Museum and stately island mansions recall the elegance of the Gilded Age. In Rochester, stroll the serene gardens of the George Eastman Museum, celebrating the dawn of modern photography. Experience the awe of the Welland Canal, a triumph of engineering that connects Lakes Ontario and Erie.
Dock in Buffalo to tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, the Darwin Martin House, or enjoy the city’s beautifully revitalized waterfront. Your journey concludes in Cleveland, with options to relive music legends at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame or savor authentic Italian cuisine in Little Italy’s warm trattorias.
Conclude your adventure in Buffalo, where you can admire the shores of Lake Erie, explore the revitalized Canalside waterfront, and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Niagara Falls.
Great Lakes & Thousand Islands Cruise Details
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Syracuse, NY
Arrive in Syracuse for your hotel stay. Once a major hub of the Erie Canal, the city’s history is etched into landmarks like Clinton Square, framed by 19th-century buildings. Visit the Erie Canal Museum to learn about the region’s role in shaping America’s growth or enjoy a relaxed evening sampling the city’s farm-to-table dining before your cruise begins.
Day 2: Day of Cruising
Board in nearby Oswego and settle into your stateroom. As you sail into Lake Ontario, enjoy time exploring your ship. Take in the crisp lake air from the sun deck, listen to enrichment talks about the St. Lawrence River’s maritime legacy, or simply relax with fellow travelers as your journey gets underway.
Day 3: Clayton, NY
Cruise into the scenic Thousand Islands, where castles and Gilded Age mansions crown wooded isles. In Clayton, explore the Antique Boat Museum, where varnished mahogany shines under museum lights, or tour Boldt Castle, a romantic stone estate built on Heart Island. Every view here seems to sparkle with water, pine, and history.
Day 4: Day of Cruising
Sail west across Lake Ontario. Spend the day enjoying onboard amenities, attend a lecture on canal engineering, sample regional wines, or watch lighthouses and fishing boats drift past.
Day 5: Ogdensburg, NY
Enjoy this scenic and peaceful gateway to the St. Lawrence River and the heart of the Thousand Islands region. As one of the northernmost ports in New York State, Ogdensburg sits directly on the U.S.-Canada border, offering stunning views of the river and easy access to the natural beauty of upstate New York.
Explore a variety of cultural and historic attractions that highlight the area’s rich heritage. The Frederic Remington Art Museum, dedicated to the iconic American Western artist, is a must-see, featuring a remarkable collection of his sculptures, paintings, and personal artifacts. Outdoor enthusiasts can stroll along the riverfront, visit local parks, or take short excursions to the nearby Thousand Islands for sightseeing and boating.
Day 6: Rochester, NY
Dock in Rochester, birthplace of Kodak and the modern camera. Tour the George Eastman Museum, where landscaped gardens surround the grand mansion of the photography pioneer, or hear the roar of High Falls, a 96-foot cascade that once powered the city’s flour mills. Rochester’s legacy of invention and artistry is evident on every street.
Day 7: Day of Cruising the Welland Canal
Transit the Welland Canal, one of North America’s greatest engineering achievements. As your ship is raised and lowered nearly 100 feet between Lakes Ontario and Erie, watch the lock gates close and feel the vessel slowly climb, step by step. Guides on board share the canal’s history, from early construction to modern freight traffic.
Day 8: Buffalo, NY
Arrive in Buffalo, where historic architecture meets modern revival. Visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin House, an Arts and Crafts masterpiece, or stroll the redeveloped Canalside district, where former grain silos now house breweries and art installations.
Day 9: Buffalo, NY
After breakfast on board the ship, take in the final views from the deck. As you disembark, carry with you the new friendship and the experiences that made your trip truly special.
