TRAVEL - 2026

2026 CASTLES OF NEW YORK & THOUSAND ISLANDS

The Western Zone Travel Committee invites you to explore and discover the beauty and intrigue of the Thousand Islands. Our trip to the CASTLES OF NEW YORK & THOUSAND ISLANDS is planned for July 13-16, 2026. Enjoy comfortable bus travel and four days of carefully curated sightseeing at top destinations.

A boat ride along the St Lawrence River will take you to DarkvIsland to enjoy a guided tour of the Singer Castle which was built by the Bourne Family in 1905. Later the boat will take you to Heart Island for a self-guided tour of Boldt Castle, erected for $2.5 million in the early 1900’s, and currently generates over $46 million annually in regional economic activity. Learn the many joys and hidden sorrows of these Castles!

Singer Castle

The trip will also include Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse, Antique Boat Museum, visit to Alexandria

Bay, tasting at Thousand Islands Winery, Thousand Islands Museum – on National Registry of Historic

Places, Fort Stanwix National Monument, and other points of interest. There will be group activities 

and free time to explore.

The cost for this all-inclusive trip is only $1,224 for single occupancy, $915 for double and $900 for triple. This includes lodging at a resort along the St. Lawrence River, three breakfasts, one boxed lunch, three dinners, admission to ALL events, souvenir gift, baggage handling, bus driver tip, and all standard gratuities.

Reservations are taken in the order received, as is the bus assignment. If the trip fills, you will be added to the waiting list. Sign up early, to guarantee a spot. For reservation information and forms, or for any questions, contact Anne Flansburg at anneflanswz@aol.com or 716-863-3631 OR contact LaVonne Walker at 716-434-7120.

SIGHTS & SOUNDS OF LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA

4 Days - 3 Nights

The sample itinerary described below is approximately like the itinerary your group will be following during your stay with WHITE STAR TOURS. However, the exact times, days, and destinations may vary for your group.

Day 1 Depart from the Buffalo area of New York and travel to the Amish Lands of Pennsylvania, stopping for rest and lunch on your own along the way. Check into your lodging for the next three nights in the Lancaster, PA area. This evening you will depart for the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre for a delicious meal and performance of Pretty Woman -- The Musical. If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical! This modern Cinderella tale follows a business man who hires an escort to spend the weekend with him. As the weekend unfolds, the two embark on an unexpected journey of selfdiscovery and find true love along the way.

Day 2 After breakfast at the hotel, depart to meet your local guide for a tour of the Underground Railroad which will include several sites in the Lancaster County area. By the 18308, Lancaster County became an important area for those individuals on their journey to freedom. The county’s location along the Mason-Dixon line, some of its residents’ devotion to freedom (supported by religious convictions), and Lancaster’s transportation connections to other free northern states made it ideal as a pathway to freedom. Regardless the route, their destination was often Christiana and eventually, Philadelphia, New England, or Canada. However, many stayed in Lancaster and established families, some of which exist today. Thaddeus Stevens (1792-1868) was a key political figure in the efforts to enact the Reconstruction Amendments of the US Constitution: the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery in 1865; the 14th Amendment of 1868, which provides for equal protection under law and recognizes citizenship rights; and he laid the groundwork for the 15th Amendment granting voting rights to all male citizens, which was enacted in 1870, shortly after his death. He and his confidant and property manager, Lydia Hamilton Smith (1815-1884) also played a role on the Underground Railroad in Lancaster, providing shelter and protections for freedom seekers at their property in downtown Lancaster. After the tour, arrive at the Green Dragon Farmers Market for the opportunity to have lunch on your and shop for unique items. In mid-afternoon you will arrive at the Sight & Sound Theatre to see an original, brand-new, live performance of JOSHUA. From the banks of the Jordan River to the towering walls of Jericho, JOSHUA is a miraculous adventure. Journey alongside the people of Israel as they navigate their new-found freedom in an unforgiving wilderness. When Joshua is called to replace Moses as their faithful leader, tensions mount in the midst of dwindling supplies and approaching armies. With one last fortified city standing between the Israelites and the Promised Land, unexpected help emerges from behind enemy lines and Joshua’s trust in God’s plan is put to the ultimate test. Experience one of the most redemptive stories of the Bible as it comes to life for the very first time. Dinner awaits you at Shady Maple Smorga$bord after the show.

Day 3 Enjoy breakfast, then travel to Lititz, PA and the Barnyard Art Studio of Elva Hurst. Renown local artist Elva Hurst takes you on a fascinating journey with a Chalk Talk where a blank canvas is transformed into a finished picture with music, story and artistic talent. After your visit, you will stop at the Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market for lunch on your own and opportunity to shop for produce and unique items. Later in the afternoon you will arrive in the Town of Intercourse to visit Barry’s Car Barn, for a trip down memory lane with Barry’s collection of American muscle cars from the 5(3s, 605, and 705 (along with a few others). Return to Lancaster for a family-style dinner at an Amish homestead.

Day 4 Following breakfast, check out and depart for home with fond memories of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. A stop will be made in Eldred, PA to visit the Eldred World War II Museum and have lunch on your own.

TRIP CANCELLATION PROTECTION

Cancellation protection is encouraged for medical emergencies that may occur. The Enhaneed option must be paid within 14 days from the day the first deposit for the trip is paid to the organization and/or group leader. There is an additional Enhanced upgrade - Cancel for Any Reason. Cancellation must be made no later than 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure, conditions, limitations, and exclusions do apply. These plans are only valid for trips booked through White Star Tours. To purchase the protection, please contact NTA/AON Insurance via their website at https://nta.aontravelprotect.com and provide the Tour Operator Location #386097.