Highlights

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Jamestown, NY – Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum – Dinner in Tropicana Room

Arrive today in Jamestown, NY, the hometown of Lucille Ball.  Enjoy a tour of the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum.  Get a behind-the-scenes look into the creation and production of the show, experience exact re-creations of the iconic sets, props and costumes from the set, as well as an intimate look into the personal lives and careers of Lucy and Desi.

Your group will experience dinner in the Tropicana Room, a recreation of Ricky Ricardo’s famous Manhattan nightclub. In the Tropicana Room, enjoy a deliciously themed meal while watching your favorite episodes of I Love Lucy. Even enjoy some entertainment featuring the best up-and-coming comedians!

Following dinner, check into the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel for an overnight stay.  The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is a nine-acre resort on the shores of beautiful Chautauqua Lake.  The hotel was designed to evoke the spirit of the grand hotels of yesteryear while offering modern amenities for today’s traveler. (D)

Day 2 – LucyTown Tour – National Comedy Center – Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff – Buffalo, NY

After breakfast this morning, meet your local guide for a LucyTown Tour.  See Jamestown, New York through the eyes of Lucy. You will see places of significance to Lucille Ball – the house where she was born, the house where she grew up, the cemetery where she and her family are at rest, town murals and much more, including the infamous Lucy statues.

Next, visit the National Comedy Center, inspired by Lucille Ball’s vision for her hometown to become a destination for the celebration of comedy. The National Comedy Center features over 50 immersive exhibits that take you on a laugh-filled, interactive journey through the world of comedy, as you explore stand-up performances, movies, TV and radio shows, cartoons, comic strips and the internet to discover the great works and iconic performers who have elevated comedy to an art form. Throughout your personalized experience, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for comedy icons and innovators, as well as for the tremendous influence of humor on how we think, live and laugh.

Depart Jamestown this afternoon and stop in Derby, NY for a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Graycliff.  Perched on a cliff high above Lake Erie on the outskirts of Buffalo, NY, Graycliff is one of the most ambitious summer estates Wright ever designed, and has been aptly called “the Jewel on the Lake.” Graycliff was designed in 1926 for Isabelle R. Martin, wife of Darwin, a Buffalo businessman who was one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s greatest patrons. The home is defined by its band of clear glass windows allowing views of the lake through the home.

End the day in Buffalo, NY for a two-night stay at a local hotel.  Dinner is included this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3 – Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site – Free Time at Canalside – Harbor Cruise – Buffalo Double Decker Bus Tour – Evening of Theater

Start the day with visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site. Experience TR’s unusual 1901 inauguration like never before. With a combination of historically restored rooms and interactive exhibits, you’ll feel as if you are part of the events of that fateful September, while gaining a new perspective on the issues Roosevelt faced during his presidency.

It’s one of the most amazing and improbable moments in American history. It’s the story of a man thrust into national prominence following great tragedy. He went on to become one of the most influential U.S. Presidents of all time. Experience it yourself, at the house where Theodore Roosevelt was sworn into office, where the modern presidency began, and where a legend was introduced to the world.

Next, enjoy some free time at Canalside for lunch on own.  Canalside is at the heart of downtown Buffalo’s waterfront revitalization. Located at the 1825 terminus of the Erie Canal, the site’s storied history is just as exciting as its future!  Here you will find plenty of dining options. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a delicious, relaxing meal with a beautiful view, the restaurants on the Waterfront have just what you’re craving.  There are plenty of this to explore at the Canalside including the newly opened Buffalo Heritage Carousel located on the Boardwalk!

Then enjoy an afternoon harbor cruise.  Your tour begins on the Buffalo River across from the original lighthouse, built in 1833, and continues on through Lake Erie and the Black Rock canal. You will take in the history of the Peace Bridge, one of the busiest border crossings in the world, pass by one of the oldest Yacht Clubs in the country and a boat house designed by one of the most world recognized architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. (A lunch cruises may be available, depending on dates)

Then enjoy a guided “Best of Buffalo” tour on a Double Decker Bus.  Your guide is Officer O’Connor, an Irish cop from the 1800s who brings to life all the hidden stories of the Queen City.  This Buffalo tour begins with a walking tour of the Naval and Military Park.  Hear the stories of the women, men and machines that have safeguarded freedom.  Once aboard the bus, explore how Buffalo got its name, Millionaire’s Row, the secrets of downtown architecture and more much more.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by an evening of live theater or entertainment. The diversity and abundance of performances, put on by nearly 25 professional theaters, makes it easy to find something to see in and around Buffalo. (B,D)

Day 4 – Our Lady of Victory Basilica & National Shrine – Made in America Store – Depart for Home

After breakfast, visit the Our Lady of Victory Basilica & National Shrine. One of Western New York’s most exquisite landmarks, Our Lady of Victory National Shrine and Basilica attracts visitors worldwide. Rivaling the great churches of Europe, the Basilica was built in 1926 as a gift of thanks to the Blessed Mother from Venerable Nelson Baker, a current candidate for sainthood whose final resting place is located within the church. Prominent features of the shrine include breathtaking painting and marble sculpture, as well as the Father Baker Museum and OLV Gift Shop located in the lower level.

Next, visit a Made in America Store and explore the largest store in the US selling 100% American made products – 10,000 items and counting!

Depart for home following your visit. (B)

Tour Map