Tour Itinerary
4 days / 3 nights – Festival typically falls on the third weekend in September
Day One – Welcome to the Annual Adirondack Balloon Festival!
This weekend, experience the magic as dozens of hot air balloons take flight over the Adirondack Mountains at the Adirondack Balloon Festival! For over 40 years, balloonists from across the United States and worldwide have gathered in the Lake George area to float high above the stunning Adirondacks for a truly unforgettable experience. The festival showcases a wide variety of hot air balloons, from the classic round, colorful ones to uniquely shaped balloons you’d never expect. Come watch as these vibrant balloons fill the sky with an array of colors and designs. We’ll check into the Lake George area hotel this afternoon for a fun-filled three-night stay. Upon arrival, enjoy a warm greeting and a refreshing welcome reception. Take some time to relax and freshen up before joining the group for a planned dinner.
Included Meals: Dinner
Day Two – Lake Placid Tour, Olympic Center & Olympic Jumping Complex
After breakfast, meet our local step-on guide for a tour of Lake Placid, nestled in the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains and home to the 1980 Winter Olympics! We’ll explore the highlights of Lake Placid before making our way to the Olympic Center, which holds some of the most memorable moments in winter sports history, including the iconic “Miracle on Ice” hockey game. This world-class facility continues to host major international competitions. Next, we’ll visit the Olympic Jumping Complex, where you’ll see the ramp that ski jumpers use to launch into the air. Take the glass-enclosed elevator to the observation deck of the K-120 meter jump for panoramic views of the Adirondack High Peaks. Stroll through the ski jumpers’ preparation room and get a bird’s-eye view of what they see as they speed toward the ramp’s edge. Later, we’ll return to the Lake George area. In the early evening, we’ll head to the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport for our first Balloon Launch, where we’ll witness up to 80 hot air balloons taking flight (weather and wind conditions permitting). Afterward, we’ll enjoy a planned dinner at one of the area’s fantastic restaurants.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day Three – Lake George Touring, Luncheon Cruise & Adirondack Balloon Festival
After breakfast, meet your local step on guide for a tour of the historic Lake George area. Enjoy a scenic 5.5-mile drive to the summit of Prospect Mountain for a bird’s-eye view of the lake and the magnificent mountains beyond. As we travel along “Millionaire’s Row,” our guide will share stories of the early rich and famous settlers and showcase the beautiful homes lining the shoreline. We’ll visit Cooper’s Cave Overlook, the fictional hiding place of Hawkeye and his companions in James Fenimore Cooper’s novel The Last of the Mohicans and take in the stunning views of the Hudson River from the platform. Midday, we’ll board the Lac du Saint Sacrement for a scenic luncheon cruise on Lake George. We’ll return to the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport this afternoon to partake in the Adirondack Balloon Festival! Enjoy the craft fair, live entertainment, food vendors, and the early evening hot air balloon launch to witness up to 100 balloons taking flight (weather and wind conditions permitting). Tonight, we’ll gather for another delicious dinner.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Cruise, Dinner
Day Four – Visit to Nettle Meadow Farm & Depart for home
After breakfast, check out and depart for Nettle Meadow Farm, a 50-acre goat and sheep farm and award-winning cheese company. Home to over 300 goats and several dozen sheep, the farm is committed to natural ingredients, happy and healthy animals, and handcrafted artisan cheeses. Enjoy a tour of the farm and a visit to the cheese shop. Later, we’ll depart for home with wonderful memories of our Adirondack Balloon Festival adventure!
Included Meals: Breakfast
Tour Inclusions:
- Three night’s accommodations
- Three breakfasts
- Luncheon Cruise
- Three dinners
- Guided tour of Lake Placid
- Admission to the Olympic Center & Jumping Complex
- Guided tour of Lake George area
- Admission to Adirondack Balloon Festival (two-day entrance)
- Visit Nettle Meadow Farm
- Hotel taxes and included meal taxes, and gratuities
- Luggage handling (one piece per person)
- One complimentary single package with 20 or more paid passengers
- Special Driver rate