Botanica
Mansions of the Gilded Age, New York & Hudson River Cruise During Fall
Washington to New York
Trip Highlights
Cruise the USA’s Hudson River
Join a voyage along the Hudson River aboard the small ship, American Star.
Fall Splendour Across the USA
Take pleasure in the resplendent foliage on display across North America during fall.
Status Symbols of the Gilded Age
Visit grand homes and gardens including, The Mount, Springwood, the Vanderbilt Mansion, and Kykuit.
Trip Inclusions
- Escorted by an expert Botanical Guide and Cruise Director
- Seven-night cruise aboard the American Star for up to 25 Botanica guests, and four nights’ accommodation in centrally located four-star hotels
- Return private transfers from door to door, tipping and porterage, port taxes, plus 28 meals and select beverages
- All sightseeing, shore excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Travel through the Brandywine Valley, visiting the stunning gardens of Longwood, Chanticleer and Winterthur
- Explore the sights of Washington, including Mount Vernon and Hillwood Estate; and in New York, explore the Botanical Garden and The High Line
- Sail along the Hudson River during fall to see the incredible autumn display
- Visit grand homes and gardens including, The Mount, Springwood, the Vanderbilt Mansion and Kykuit
Map & Itinerary
Trip Notes
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Fitness Rating: Medium
- Group Size: Up to 25 Botanica guests aboard the American Star, which has a capacity of 90 passengers. Cruise is in partnership with American Cruise Lines. To view deck plans, visit www.botanica.travel/cruise-fleet
- Our experience of gardens, their flora, and other aspects of nature, is subject to weather conditions and seasonality, which may vary
Washington
Arrive in Washington and be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening to meet your fellow travellers.
Stay: Two Nights: Washington, InterContinental the Willard Washington DC, or similar
Daily :Washington Sightseeing, Mount Vernon and Hillwood Estate
See the sights of Washington, including the White House. Visit Mount Vernon, the former home of America's first 'gardening president', George Washington, as well as Hillwood Estate, former estate-turned-museum of the late Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress of General Foods. It features a wonderful collection of artworks and treasures, including Fabergé eggs.
Daily :Nemours Estate, Chanticleer Garden and Wilmington
Depart Washington for Chanticleer Garden, one of the great gardens of the region and previously featured by Monty Don. Afterwards, visit Nemours Mansion, owned by the Du Pont family. During a special guided tour, discover rare French antique furniture, artworks and tapestries throughout the mansion’s more-than 100 rooms. Arrive in Wilmington this afternoon to the opulent and historic Hotel Du Pont.
Stay: Two Nights: Wilmington, Hotel Du Pont or similar
Daily :Brandywine Valley, Longwood Gardens and Winterthur
Spend the morning at Longwood Gardens, featured on the series Monty Don’s American Gardens. With 20 outdoor display gardens, as well as lakes, meadows and forest walks, there is plenty to explore. This afternoon, visit Winterthur Garden, the former home of collector and horticulturalist, Henry Francis du Pont. Winterthur's 60-acre naturalistic garden is among America's best, with magnificent specimen plantings and massed displays of colour.
Daily :New York Botanical Garden and Embark American Star
Depart Wilmington to New York to discover the incredible plants at the New York Botanical Garden before boarding your ship. Enjoy a delightful afternoon cruising from this bustling metropolitan area to the idyllic Hudson River region.
Stay: Seven Nights: American Star
Daily :The Catskills, The Mount and Thomas Cole House and Studio
The scenic beauty of the Catskills has long been an inspiration to artists, writers and naturalists who have drawn inspiration from its tranquil forests and expansive mountain landscapes. Here we visit the home of American author Edith Wharton, The Mount. Wharton designed the house and its grounds and considered it her first real home. Next, visit the Thomas Cole National Historic Site to learn more about the founder of the Hudson River School of Art. Tour the 1815 Federal-style yellow-brick house and studio where Cole created many of his major works. Enjoy an exploration of the formal gardens, which include a variety of flowers, including hollyhocks, larkspur, poppies, roses, china asters, dahlia, and valerian. Admire the wide variety of fruit trees, including a honey locust that grows close to the front porch of the house.
Daily :Albany Sightseeing Including the Institute of History and Art
The city of Albany was discovered by Henry Hudson in 1609 during a failed attempt to find an expedited passage to China for the Dutch East India Company. Today, the capital city of New York welcomes visitors with its majestic architecture and grand views of the beautiful Hudson River Valley. Discover Albany and see what has enticed visitors for more than 400 years. Albany is one of the oldest surviving settlements from the original thirteen colonies, and the longest continuously chartered city in the United States. Enjoy a narrated exploration of the city, with stops at the New York State Capitol, Albany Visitors Center, and Albany Institute of History and Art.
Daily :Hyde Park – Mansions of Springwood and the Vanderbilt Mansion
Today, set off for Hyde Park, where we visit Springwood, the estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt, America’s only four-term president. See the secret walled garden designed by Beatrix Farrand and visit Eleanor Roosevelt’s house on the estate. Next, visit the Vanderbilt Mansion, which is a National Historic Site. You are sure to enjoy its 211 acres of park land, which boasts centuries-old tree plantings and stunning Hudson River and Catskill Mountain views.
Daily :West Point Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point offers visitors the opportunity to walk on the hallowed grounds once traversed by some of the nation's greatest generals. Founded in 1802, when President Thomas Jefferson signed the legislation that led to its establishment, the United States Military Academy has long been of significant military importance to America. This guided exploration of these historic grounds includes Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point, and other significant areas of the campus. Along the way, enjoy magnificent views of the Hudson Valley.
Daily :Kykuit, Sleepy Hollow and Sunnyside
Visit Kykuit, home to four generations of the Rockefeller family. Kykuit displays magnificent, expansive garden terraces, garden ornaments and many fountains, as well as spectacular views of the Hudson Valley. We also see its private art collection. After lunch in Sleepy Hollow, we arrive at Sunnyside, the home of US historical figure and famous author, Washington Irving.
Daily :New York, The High Line Garden and Little Island
As we approach New York City, admire its famous skyline with buildings that disappear into the clouds. Our ship docks in Manhattan and we set off on a walking botanical discovery of The High Line and Little Island with our Botanical Guide. Then enjoy free time to discover more of what the city has to offer.
Daily :Disembark American Star, New York
Disembark the ship after breakfast and be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
Daily :Price & Availability
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September 2025 - September 2025
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Deck Plan
Everything was wonderful. There were great sightseeing trips and the guides were very knowledgeable.
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