Just as New York City is the gateway to the country, so the Hudson River is the gateway up the valley to the northeast sector of New York State. When first discovered by Henry Hudson in 1609 it was thought that this river might be the way to China but when that turned out to be a false hope, the river turned into a strategic means for the movement of supplies and armies. The consequences of this were twofold: New York City became the foremost trading port of the nation and the Hudson Valley became a vital part of the Industrial Revolution. One of the loveliest itineraries in New York State follows this river north from the city of New York or from any of the airports that serve the greater New York metropolis. Wherever you start from, the pace and the frenzy of New York City quickly evaporates as you begin to feel the tranquility of the countryside, see the green trees, and visit the bed-room communities where the com-muting executives of the great city sleep between their mega-transactions. The attractions along both banks of the Hudson reflect many of the significant events and people in America’s history—visiting them will give you insight into their lives and their many accomplishments as leading statesmen. Many of the more interesting historical places to pause at along the way are south of Albany, the state capital, while much of the state’s natural beauty is found in its mountainous regions—the Catskills and the Adirondacks.

The purchase of this itinerary also includes the itineraries for New York, New York and The Water's Edge.