Your Next Adventure
Your Next Adventure
NY Finger Lakes Bike Tour - Winery Stay
DURATION
6 Day(s)
DAILY BIKING
15 to 62 miles
TRIP DIFFICULTY
3-Intermediate
STARTING FROM
$2495
SINGLES ADD FROM
$700
Trip Overview
Our new tour of the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York takes you along the two largest of the lovely Finger Lakes, Cayuga and Seneca — and one of the most scenic, Keuka. You start and finish in the beautiful and vibrant college town of Ithaca, known for its river gorges. And you explore several of the area’s iconic small towns, including Hammondsport, Watkins Glen, Seneca Falls and Ovid. Listen for the osprey and kingfisher birds calling as you enjoy the combination of stunning lake views and classic farm country.
Each day offers a range of riding from about 25 to 50 miles, allowing you to skip sections if you want — including some of the more challenging hills. Most people choose road bikes for this tour, but e-bikes are another great way to enjoy this glacier-carved lake country, where much of the climbing is to traverse the ridges between the lake valleys. You are treated to views of several of the famous local waterfalls and have the opportunity to visit outstanding wineries, breweries and ice cream makers. You also visit historic Seneca Falls, where the U.S. women’s suffrage movement was focused at a convention in 1848 … an important step leading to voting rights for women 100 years ago.
This “Winery Stay” version of our Finger Lakes tour includes two nights at Glenora Winery, enjoying lake-view rooms from the inn, an on-site restaurant and two tastings. The routes for this version also enable you to ride the entire tour without using the van.
(On our other Finger Lakes tour dates, instead of the winery stay you instead spend two nights at a lakeside lodging.)
View Finger Lakes additional dates with Lakeside Stay
DAY 1 - Cayuga Lake & Aurora
Arrival Day | Distance: 25 to 50 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | The Gould Hotel, Seneca Falls
Meet in Ithaca at La Tourelle Hotel and Spa at 9 a.m., where you can leave your car, then shuttle to near Cornell University for a quiet roll out of town onto the highlands above Cayuga Lake. Lunch is in the town of Aurora, home to Wells College. The afternoon’s ride continues along the lake, ending in the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. From there, it’s a short shuttle to Seneca Falls, where the refurbished Gould Hotel sits in the middle of town. Dinner is with the group.
Meet in Ithaca at La Tourelle Hotel and Spa at 9 a.m., where you can leave your car, then shuttle to near Cornell University for a quiet roll out of town onto the highlands above Cayuga Lake. Lunch is in the town of Aurora, home to Wells College. The afternoon’s ride continues along the lake, ending in the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. From there, it’s a short shuttle to Seneca Falls, where the refurbished Gould Hotel sits in the middle of town. Dinner is with the group.
DAY 2 - Ovid & Geneva
Distance: 25 to 60 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | The Gould Hotel, Seneca Falls
Today’s ride starts right from the hotel and is mostly downhill to the shores of Cayuga Lake, where you pass through Cayuga State Park and roll along and above the shores for 15 miles. You turn west and climb up onto the plateau between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes and are rewarded by expansive views of Cayuga Lake from the farm lanes there. Remember, you can use the van to skip the climbing! Then you roll into Ovid for lunch and an after-lunch coffee on the town square. Next you roll downhill to Seneca Lake and enter Sampson State Park via a bike-only trail along the lake. You can shuttle the 15 miles from here back to the hotel or opt to do the full ride back. Walk in the footsteps of Elizabeth Cady Stanton when you visit the site of the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1948. Dinner is with the group.
Today’s ride starts right from the hotel and is mostly downhill to the shores of Cayuga Lake, where you pass through Cayuga State Park and roll along and above the shores for 15 miles. You turn west and climb up onto the plateau between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes and are rewarded by expansive views of Cayuga Lake from the farm lanes there. Remember, you can use the van to skip the climbing! Then you roll into Ovid for lunch and an after-lunch coffee on the town square. Next you roll downhill to Seneca Lake and enter Sampson State Park via a bike-only trail along the lake. You can shuttle the 15 miles from here back to the hotel or opt to do the full ride back. Walk in the footsteps of Elizabeth Cady Stanton when you visit the site of the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1948. Dinner is with the group.
DAY 3 - Geneva, Penn Yan & Glenora Winery
Distance: 35 to 47 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | Inn at Glenora Winery, Dundee
The main route today starts just south of Geneva after a 15-mile drive and a coffee stop in Geneva. Following quiet farm roads, the ride crosses over from Seneca Lake to the edge of Keuka Lake and the town of Penn Yan. One option for lunch and ice cream in Penn Yan is the iconic Seneca Farms stand. After lunch, you wind your way along the ridge above Seneca Lake, watching for the buggies of the local Amish and passing beautiful farms. You roll into Glenora Winery in time to clean up, enjoy the pool and meet for a wine tasting before dinner. The longer option includes riding from the hotel in Seneca Falls along the canal and through Geneva for an extra 12 miles.
The main route today starts just south of Geneva after a 15-mile drive and a coffee stop in Geneva. Following quiet farm roads, the ride crosses over from Seneca Lake to the edge of Keuka Lake and the town of Penn Yan. One option for lunch and ice cream in Penn Yan is the iconic Seneca Farms stand. After lunch, you wind your way along the ridge above Seneca Lake, watching for the buggies of the local Amish and passing beautiful farms. You roll into Glenora Winery in time to clean up, enjoy the pool and meet for a wine tasting before dinner. The longer option includes riding from the hotel in Seneca Falls along the canal and through Geneva for an extra 12 miles.
DAY 4 - Keuka Lake & Metric Century Option
Distance: 27 to 62 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | Inn at Glenora Winery, Dundee
Today’s ride goes past one of the smallest Finger Lakes (Waneta Lake) and back through Amish country — with a chance to see some horse-drawn buggies. Lunch and a tasting is at one of the area’s premier wineries (Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery). Then you roll along the ridgetops above the beautiful Y-shaped Keuka Lake. If you like history, there’s an option to visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum with fascinating details of his contributions to the advancement and design of bicycles, aircraft and more. The primary ride starts at Waneta Lake and finishes at Keuka Lake State Park for a swim on the beach. The long option for the day starts and ends at Glenora, featuring the full 62-mile (100 km) loop around Keuka. Tonight’s dinner is on your own, either in Watkins Glen or at the Glenora Winery.
Today’s ride goes past one of the smallest Finger Lakes (Waneta Lake) and back through Amish country — with a chance to see some horse-drawn buggies. Lunch and a tasting is at one of the area’s premier wineries (Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery). Then you roll along the ridgetops above the beautiful Y-shaped Keuka Lake. If you like history, there’s an option to visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum with fascinating details of his contributions to the advancement and design of bicycles, aircraft and more. The primary ride starts at Waneta Lake and finishes at Keuka Lake State Park for a swim on the beach. The long option for the day starts and ends at Glenora, featuring the full 62-mile (100 km) loop around Keuka. Tonight’s dinner is on your own, either in Watkins Glen or at the Glenora Winery.
DAY 5 - Taughannock Falls & Ithaca
Distance: 32 to 52 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | La Tourelle Inn, Ithaca
The longer version of today’s ride starts at Glenora and rolls along Seneca Lake down into Watkins Glen. Or you can skip the climb and start high above the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Enjoy this route along miles of wineries on the hills above the lake, with plenty of opportunities for tastings. Turning inland, you briefly cross paths with the Day 2 route and then head south to the highest waterfall in the area — Taughannock Falls. A slightly downhill bike trail runs for 8 miles from there into Ithaca for a very relaxing end of the day’s ride. Weather permitting, the final night’s dinner is at Ithaca Beer Company, where the outside socially distanced dining includes some tables set into the edges of the corn field.
The longer version of today’s ride starts at Glenora and rolls along Seneca Lake down into Watkins Glen. Or you can skip the climb and start high above the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Enjoy this route along miles of wineries on the hills above the lake, with plenty of opportunities for tastings. Turning inland, you briefly cross paths with the Day 2 route and then head south to the highest waterfall in the area — Taughannock Falls. A slightly downhill bike trail runs for 8 miles from there into Ithaca for a very relaxing end of the day’s ride. Weather permitting, the final night’s dinner is at Ithaca Beer Company, where the outside socially distanced dining includes some tables set into the edges of the corn field.
DAY 6 - Ithaca and Cornell’s extended campus
Departure Day | Distance: 15 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate
You enjoy a short morning ride around the north side of Ithaca, with stops at Cornell’s famous Laboratory of Ornithology and Sapsucker Woods … and a scenic roll through the arboretum, wildflower and botanic gardens. You return to the hotel for a quick shower and say farewell by noon.
You enjoy a short morning ride around the north side of Ithaca, with stops at Cornell’s famous Laboratory of Ornithology and Sapsucker Woods … and a scenic roll through the arboretum, wildflower and botanic gardens. You return to the hotel for a quick shower and say farewell by noon.
DAY 1 - Cayuga Lake & Auburn
Arrival Day | Distance: 25 to 50 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | The Gould Hotel, Seneca Falls
Meet in Ithaca at La Tourelle Hotel and Spa at 9 a.m., where you can leave your car, then shuttle to near Cornell University for a quiet roll out of town onto the highlands above Cayuga Lake. Lunch is in the town of Auburn, home to Wells College. The afternoon’s ride continues along the lake, ending in the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. From there, it’s a short shuttle to Seneca Falls, where the refurbished Gould Hotel sits in the middle of town. Dinner is with the group.
Meet in Ithaca at La Tourelle Hotel and Spa at 9 a.m., where you can leave your car, then shuttle to near Cornell University for a quiet roll out of town onto the highlands above Cayuga Lake. Lunch is in the town of Auburn, home to Wells College. The afternoon’s ride continues along the lake, ending in the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. From there, it’s a short shuttle to Seneca Falls, where the refurbished Gould Hotel sits in the middle of town. Dinner is with the group.
DAY 2 - Ovid & Geneva
Distance: 25 to 60 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | The Gould Hotel, Seneca Falls
Today’s ride starts right from the hotel and is mostly downhill to the shores of Cayuga Lake, where you pass through Cayuga State Park and roll along and above the shores for 15 miles. You turn west and climb up onto the plateau between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes and are rewarded by expansive views of Cayuga Lake from the farm lanes there. Remember, you can use the van to skip the climbing! Then you roll into Ovid for lunch and an after-lunch coffee on the town square. Next you roll downhill to Seneca Lake and enter Sampson State Park via a bike-only trail along the lake. You can shuttle the 15 miles from here back to the hotel or opt to do the full ride back. Walk in the footsteps of Elizabeth Cady Stanton when you visit the site of the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1948. Dinner is with the group.
Today’s ride starts right from the hotel and is mostly downhill to the shores of Cayuga Lake, where you pass through Cayuga State Park and roll along and above the shores for 15 miles. You turn west and climb up onto the plateau between Cayuga and Seneca Lakes and are rewarded by expansive views of Cayuga Lake from the farm lanes there. Remember, you can use the van to skip the climbing! Then you roll into Ovid for lunch and an after-lunch coffee on the town square. Next you roll downhill to Seneca Lake and enter Sampson State Park via a bike-only trail along the lake. You can shuttle the 15 miles from here back to the hotel or opt to do the full ride back. Walk in the footsteps of Elizabeth Cady Stanton when you visit the site of the first Women’s Rights Convention in 1948. Dinner is with the group.
DAY 3 - Geneva, Penn Yan & Glenora Winery
Distance: 35 to 47 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | Inn at Glenora Winery, Seneca Lake
The main route today starts just south of Geneva after a 15-mile drive and a coffee stop in Geneva. Following quiet farm roads, the ride crosses over from Seneca Lake to the edge of Keuka Lake and the town of Penn Yan. One option for lunch and ice cream in Penn Yan is the iconic Seneca Farms stand. After lunch, you wind your way along the ridge above Seneca Lake, watching for the buggies of the local Amish and passing beautiful farms. You roll into Glenora Winery in time to clean up, enjoy the pool and meet for a wine tasting before dinner. The longer option includes riding from the hotel in Seneca Falls along the canal and through Geneva for an extra 12 miles.
The main route today starts just south of Geneva after a 15-mile drive and a coffee stop in Geneva. Following quiet farm roads, the ride crosses over from Seneca Lake to the edge of Keuka Lake and the town of Penn Yan. One option for lunch and ice cream in Penn Yan is the iconic Seneca Farms stand. After lunch, you wind your way along the ridge above Seneca Lake, watching for the buggies of the local Amish and passing beautiful farms. You roll into Glenora Winery in time to clean up, enjoy the pool and meet for a wine tasting before dinner. The longer option includes riding from the hotel in Seneca Falls along the canal and through Geneva for an extra 12 miles.
DAY 4 - Keuka Lake & Metric Century Option
Distance: 27 to 62 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | Inn at Glenora Winery, Seneca Lake
Today’s ride goes past one of the smallest Finger Lakes (Waneta Lake) and back through Amish country — with a chance to see some horse-drawn buggies. Lunch and a tasting is at one of the area’s premier wineries (Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery). Then you roll along the ridgetops above the beautiful Y-shaped Keuka Lake. If you like history, there’s an option to visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum with fascinating details of his contributions to the advancement and design of bicycles, aircraft and more. The primary ride starts at Waneta Lake and finishes at Keuka Lake State Park for a swim on the beach. The long option for the day starts and ends at Glenora, featuring the full 62-mile (100 km) loop around Keuka. Tonight’s dinner is on your own, either in Watkins Glen or at the Glenora Winery.
Today’s ride goes past one of the smallest Finger Lakes (Waneta Lake) and back through Amish country — with a chance to see some horse-drawn buggies. Lunch and a tasting is at one of the area’s premier wineries (Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery). Then you roll along the ridgetops above the beautiful Y-shaped Keuka Lake. If you like history, there’s an option to visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum with fascinating details of his contributions to the advancement and design of bicycles, aircraft and more. The primary ride starts at Waneta Lake and finishes at Keuka Lake State Park for a swim on the beach. The long option for the day starts and ends at Glenora, featuring the full 62-mile (100 km) loop around Keuka. Tonight’s dinner is on your own, either in Watkins Glen or at the Glenora Winery.
DAY 5 - Taughannock Falls & Ithaca
Distance: 32 to 52 miles | Terrain: Intermediate | La Tourelle Inn, Ithaca
The longer version of today’s ride starts at Glenora and rolls along Seneca Lake down into Watkins Glen. Or you can skip the climb and start high above the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Enjoy this route along miles of wineries on the hills above the lake, with plenty of opportunities for tastings. Turning inland, you briefly cross paths with the Day 2 route and then head south to the highest waterfall in the area — Taughannock Falls. A slightly downhill bike trail runs for 8 miles from there into Ithaca for a very relaxing end of the day’s ride. Weather permitting, the final night’s dinner is at Ithaca Beer Company, where the outside socially distanced dining includes some tables set into the edges of the corn field.
The longer version of today’s ride starts at Glenora and rolls along Seneca Lake down into Watkins Glen. Or you can skip the climb and start high above the eastern shore of Seneca Lake. Enjoy this route along miles of wineries on the hills above the lake, with plenty of opportunities for tastings. Turning inland, you briefly cross paths with the Day 2 route and then head south to the highest waterfall in the area — Taughannock Falls. A slightly downhill bike trail runs for 8 miles from there into Ithaca for a very relaxing end of the day’s ride. Weather permitting, the final night’s dinner is at Ithaca Beer Company, where the outside socially distanced dining includes some tables set into the edges of the corn field.
DAY 6 - Ithaca and Cornell’s extended campus
Departure Day | Distance: 15 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate
You enjoy a short morning ride around north side of Ithaca, with stops at Cornell’s famous Laboratory of Ornithology and Sapsucker Woods … and a scenic roll through the arboretum, wildflower and botanic gardens. You return to the hotel for a quick shower and say farewell by noon.
You enjoy a short morning ride around north side of Ithaca, with stops at Cornell’s famous Laboratory of Ornithology and Sapsucker Woods … and a scenic roll through the arboretum, wildflower and botanic gardens. You return to the hotel for a quick shower and say farewell by noon.
Map
Dates & Pricing
Prices are based on double occupancy. Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
5 nights’ lodging, 5 breakfasts, 4 dinners (on your own for 1 dinner in Watkins Glen or at Glenora Winery), 2 wine tastings, expert leaders, van support, detailed maps and itineraries, use of a bicycle and helmet. Lunches and alcohol — other than included tastings — are on your own. Airfare is not included.
Dates & Pricing
Prices are based on double occupancy. Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
5 nights’ lodging, 5 breakfasts, 4 dinners (on your own for 1 dinner in Watkins Glen or at Glenora Winery), 2 wine tastings, expert leaders, van support, detailed maps and itineraries, use of a bicycle and helmet. Lunches and alcohol — other than included tastings — are on your own. Airfare is not included.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
The Gould Hotel
In the heart of America’s Best Wine Region and adjacent to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, the Gould Hotel in Seneca Falls builds upon the building’s rich history of social importance in the Finger Lakes Region with a unique and fresh feel. This modern boutique hotel has again become a vibrant social center and premier destination for guests in the quaint village of Seneca Falls. The Gould Hotel features revitalized architecture and all the modern amenities one would expect from a four star hotel.
Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars
Every room at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars overlooks spectacular vineyards and Seneca Lake and features a private patio or balcony. Enjoy a tasting room, cellar tours and an on-site store and restaurant. The rooms are beautifully designed with Stickley furniture.
La Tourelle Hotel & Spa
From the moment you step into the lobby at La Tourelle, you will be greeted by a blazing fireplace, free Wi-Fi, a 24/7 coffee and tea station, and freshly baked cookies in the afternoon. Their beds are comfy, the grounds are beautiful, and the hike to Buttermilk Falls right out back is simply inspiring. Nestled on 70 acres just outside the town of Ithaca, this hotel is run by the Wiggins family who will welcome you and help you enjoy all the area has to offer.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
The Gould Hotel
In the heart of America’s Best Wine Region and adjacent to the Women’s Rights National Historical Park, the Gould Hotel in Seneca Falls builds upon the building’s rich history of social importance in the Finger Lakes Region with a unique and fresh feel. This modern boutique hotel has again become a vibrant social center and premier destination for guests in the quaint village of Seneca Falls. The Gould Hotel features revitalized architecture and all the modern amenities one would expect from a four star hotel.
Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars
Every room at the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars overlooks spectacular vineyards and Seneca Lake and features a private patio or balcony. Enjoy a tasting room, cellar tours and an on-site store and restaurant. The rooms are beautifully designed with Stickley furniture.
La Tourelle Hotel & Spa
From the moment you step into the lobby at La Tourelle, you will be greeted by a blazing fireplace, free Wi-Fi, a 24/7 coffee and tea station, and freshly baked cookies in the afternoon. Their beds are comfy, the grounds are beautiful, and the hike to Buttermilk Falls right out back is simply inspiring. Nestled on 70 acres just outside the town of Ithaca, this hotel is run by the Wiggins family who will welcome you and help you enjoy all the area has to offer.
Gallery
Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.
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